Hexagram 21
Biting Through
噬嗑 (Shì Kè)
Fire over Thunder
The image is of lightning (Fire) and thunder, a powerful natural display that cuts through the darkness and silence. This hexagram symbolizes a decisive, forceful act needed to remove an obstacle that is blocking union. The structure is like an open mouth with something stuck in it (line 4); it must be bitten through to close the mouth and restore order. It represents enforcing justice and overcoming problems through firm action.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The hexagram promises success through decisive action. When something is obstructing progress or justice, it must be dealt with forcefully. This is not a time for gentle persuasion. The mention of "legal proceedings" emphasizes that this forceful action must be based on fairness, due process, and clear laws. It is about applying necessary force in a structured and just manner to achieve resolution.
The Image (象传)
Thunder and lightning are powerful and unambiguous. They bring clarity and command respect. Wise rulers emulate this natural power. They established firm laws and made the consequences for breaking them clear to everyone. This creates a society where justice is not arbitrary, but a clear and formidable force that maintains order and protects the community.
Interpretation & Guidance
When you receive Hexagram 21, you are being called upon to take decisive action. A problem exists that will not go away on its own. It is an obstacle, an injustice, or a wrongdoing that is blocking progress. You must confront it directly and forcefully, like biting through a piece of tough meat. Hesitation or a half-hearted approach will fail.
However, this force must be applied with justice and clarity. Before you act, be sure of your facts. Understand the issue completely. Your actions should be fair and aimed at restoring order, not at personal revenge. Whether it's a legal dispute, a difficult negotiation, or confronting a personal issue, the path to success lies in a powerful, well-aimed, and just intervention.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"His feet are in the stocks, so that his toes disappear. No blame."
This represents a minor, first-time offense. A small, swift punishment is applied to prevent a greater wrong from developing. This early, corrective action is appropriate and blameless.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"Bites through soft flesh, so that his nose disappears. No blame."
The transgression is deeper than it first appeared. A stronger, more incisive action is required. Though the punishment is severe ("losing the nose"), it is just, given the offense. The action is necessary and therefore blameless.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"Bites on old dried meat and hits on something poisonous. Slight humiliation. No blame."
You are dealing with an old, difficult problem that has been long neglected. In tackling it, you may encounter unexpected difficulties or resistance, leading to some unpleasantness. However, because you are doing what is necessary, you are ultimately without blame.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"Bites on dried gristly meat. Receives metal arrows. It furthers one to be mindful of difficulties and to be persevering. Good fortune."
This is the central obstacle. It is a very difficult and powerful problem to solve, and it will require great effort and resources ("metal arrows"). You must be persistent and aware of the challenges, but success in this difficult task brings great good fortune.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Bites on dried lean meat. Receives yellow gold. Perseveringly aware of danger. No blame."
You are in a position to judge a case. Although the issue is not overly difficult, you must remain impartial and just ("yellow gold" signifies neutrality). By being constantly mindful of the responsibility and potential danger of misjudgment, you remain blameless.
Nine at the Top (上九)
Top line - Yang
"His neck is in the wooden collar, so that his ears disappear. Misfortune."
This represents an incorrigible wrongdoer who is deaf to all warnings. The time for correction has passed, and now only severe punishment remains. This deafness to reason and justice leads to profound misfortune.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In a romantic relationship, this hexagram indicates that a serious issue is being ignored or tolerated, poisoning the connection. It is time to "bite through" the problem with a decisive, honest conversation. This will be difficult and may feel like a confrontation, but it is necessary to remove the obstacle and restore harmony. Avoiding the issue will only let it fester.
Career & Business (事业)
This points to a need to resolve a difficult problem at work—a legal dispute, a breach of contract, or a serious performance issue with an employee. A firm, decisive approach based on clear rules and evidence is required. This is a time for enforcing policies and making tough decisions to get things back on track.
Health & Wellness (健康)
This hexagram can indicate the need for a decisive medical intervention to solve a health problem. This could mean surgery, an aggressive course of treatment, or a radical lifestyle change. It is about "biting through" the illness to remove it. Delay or half-measures are not advised.
Financial Matters (财运)
You need to take firm action to resolve a financial problem. This could involve pursuing legal action to recover a debt, cutting off a financial drain, or confronting a difficult financial reality. The situation requires a clear, forceful approach to restore financial order.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
Growth comes from confronting a major personal flaw or a destructive habit that is holding you back. You must "bite through" this internal obstacle with willpower and discipline. It requires an honest look at yourself and the determination to enforce a new "law" on your own behavior. This is the path to breaking free from old patterns.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time for decisive action is now. Do not procrastinate. Identify the obstacle clearly, gather your facts, and act with force and fairness to remove it. This is a moment for resolution, not for patience or tolerance. Be the thunder and lightning that brings clarity and restores order.
