Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 5
Release from Obstacles becomes Biting
What this change means
Four lines change and thunder meets lightning: the result is 21 Biting, a time for firm, decisive action. Because so much moves, the guidance comes from the third and top lines, the ones left unchanged. The third says old grudges come to light; you'll react, and people may criticize you without knowing why. The top line warns that insisting on the wrong path and ignoring advice leads to failure. So the scattering you started from doesn't simply dissolve. Something gets bitten through, and in the process old resentments can surface. Be ready for that. If you have to respond, do it cleanly, and consider explaining yourself so the reaction isn't misread. Above all, listen. When warnings come, don't dig in. Decisive action works here only when it stays open to correction.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 21 Biting, which stays still
Old grudges come to light. You'll respond, and people may criticize you for it, since they don't know why you reacted.
Biting old dried meat, meeting poison. A little distress; no fault.
- Line 6 of 21 Biting, which stays still
Insisting on staying on the wrong path and refusing to hear advice or warnings will lead you to failure.
A wooden collar on the neck, the ears lost from sight. Misfortune.
- The judgment of 59 Release from Obstacles
You can free yourself from the obstacles that hold you back if you're able to act sincerely and bring opposites together around shared goals. The tension has arisen because selfishness rules. To move forward, be humble and let the current carry you rather than going against it.
Success. The king goes to his temple. It is favorable to cross the great river. Constancy is favorable.
- Line 1 of 59 Release from Obstacles
Before the separation begins, you can use your resources to prevent it by joining forces.
Rescue comes with a strong horse. Good fortune.
- Line 2 of 59 Release from Obstacles
Recognizing that you've isolated yourself and pulled away from shared purposes will help you get past the obstacles.
In the scattering, it runs to its support. Regret vanishes.
- Line 4 of 59 Release from Obstacles
Free yourself from personal loyalties and focus on what you want to achieve; this will lead you to success.
Scatters its band: great good fortune. The scattering forms a hill: not what ordinary people imagine.
- Line 5 of 59 Release from Obstacles
In times of deep division and widespread selfishness, make unity your aim, even if it means yielding more than you think you should.
Scatters its great proclamation like sweat. Scatters the dwelling of the king. No fault.
- The judgment of 21 Biting
It's a time for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, even legal action if needed. Success is within reach if you act with energy and set limits. Don't be afraid: act.
Success. It is favorable to bring things to judgment.
The trigrams
The way back
21 Biting → 59 Release from Obstacleslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Release from Obstacles
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 14Wealthlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 63After the Endlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 16Passionlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.