What this change means
Thunder and lightning meet as the four upper lines move, and the figure becomes a bite that cuts through what's in the way. The reading rests on the still lines of 21 Biting. Its first line says that once you see you're on the wrong track, own it and turn around fast. Its second line says that faced with unjust behavior, firm limits are better than looking away. The hexagram calls for firm action to overcome obstacles, with energy and clear limits. After a time of success, problems can creep in unnoticed. This movement asks you to face them, starting with your own. Correct your course without delay, then set firm limits where others are crossing lines. Decisiveness now prevents a bigger disorder later.
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 2 of 21 Biting, which stays still
When you see someone acting unjustly or wrongly, it's better to be uncompromising in setting limits than to do nothing.
Biting tender flesh, the nose sinks out of sight. No fault.
- The judgment of 63 After the End
You're in a situation where you'll have a passing success: everything seems to be in your favor, and at the end comes a period of stagnation. If you prepare for it ahead of time, you'll be able to soften its effects.
Success in small things. Constancy is favorable. At first, good fortune; in the end, disorder.
- Line 3 of 63 After the End
If you want to expand right now, you'll have to use extreme measures to clear the obstacles in the way.
The High Ancestor attacks the land of Guifang; in three years he conquers it. Do not employ the petty person.
- Line 4 of 63 After the End
If you get careless during times of expansion, old unresolved matters may come to light. Stay alert so you can put them right.
There are rags for the leaks in the boat; on guard all day long.
- Line 5 of 63 After the End
If your actions come from the heart and are genuine, a small action can bring great results.
The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox; it is not worth the simple offering of the western neighbor, who truly receives the blessing.
- Line 6 of 63 After the End
This is a period of advance: retreating or stopping will bring you trouble.
Wets its head. Danger.
- 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 → 63 After the Endlines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of After the End
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 32What Lastslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 16Passionlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 12Declinelines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 23The Falllines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.