What this change means
Thunder rises beneath the fire as the two lowest lines move, and the patient waiting of the start gathers into a decisive bite. The second line leads: hold back the wheels, wait for the right moment, and use the wait to get ready. The first line names the danger it guards against: rushing for results, like the fox that wets its tail, sends you off course. The resulting hexagram, 21 Biting, calls for firm, energetic action to overcome obstacles, setting clear limits, and even taking legal steps if needed. The sequence matters. First comes preparation, then decisive action, never haste in place of either. Use the delay to understand exactly what stands in the way. When you're ready, act on it with firmness and without fear, but don't jump before then.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 64 Transition
Patience, and waiting to act at the right moment, matter, but while you wait, get ready.
Drags back on its wheels. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 1 of 64 Transition
If you rush for results instead of doing things step by step, you'll lose your way.
Wets its tail. Distress.
- The judgment of 64 Transition
Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.
Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.
- 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 → 64 Transitionlines 1 and 2
Other transformations of Transition
- 14Wealthlines 1 and 3
- 56The Travelerlines 2 and 3
- 41Decreaselines 1 and 4
- 23The Falllines 2 and 4
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 3 and 4
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1 and 5
- 12Declinelines 2 and 5
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 3 and 5
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 4 and 5
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1 and 6
- 16Passionlines 2 and 6
- 32What Lastslines 3 and 6
- 7The Armylines 4 and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.