What this change means
Thunder and lightning together: four lines change, and thrift becomes 21 Biting. The still first and third lines carry the reading. The first says that if you realize you're doing the wrong thing, take responsibility and change course quickly. The third says old grudges come to light; you'll react, and others may criticize you without knowing why. So this is a time for firm, decisive action, and some of it may be aimed at yourself. If a limit you set, or ignored, has led somewhere wrong, own it and correct it now. Be ready for old resentments to surface as things shift. When you respond, keep your reaction proportionate. Measure still matters in how hard you bite: enough to get through the obstacle, not so much that you create a new one.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 21 Biting, which stays still
If you realize you're doing the wrong thing, take responsibility for your actions and change course quickly.
Feet in the stocks, the toes lost from sight. No fault.
- 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.
- The judgment of 60 Thrift
It's a time to conserve your time, energy and resources so you're ready for what lies ahead. If you do, when challenges arrive you'll be prepared and will overcome them easily.
Success. Bitter measure cannot be kept up with constancy.
- Line 2 of 60 Thrift
When it's time to move forward, hurry: hesitating without acting will bring trouble.
Does not leave the courtyard inside the gate. Misfortune.
- Line 4 of 60 Thrift
For good results right now, the limits you set yourself shouldn't be excessive, and you should find a way to enjoy them, to see their kinder side.
Calm measure. Success.
- Line 5 of 60 Thrift
Accept the restrictions of the moment for yourself too, not only for others; this will lead you to success.
Sweet measure. Good fortune. Going earns esteem.
- Line 6 of 60 Thrift
There are times when restrictions that seem extreme are called for. This is an exceptional time and it needs that kind of behavior, but don't keep it up too long.
Bitter measure. Even with constancy, misfortune. Regret vanishes.
- 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 → 60 Thriftlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Thrift
- 31Attractionlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 16Passionlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 32What Lastslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 12Declinelines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 23The Falllines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 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.