Hexagram 21

Biting Through (Shì Kè)

Above: Fire · Below: Thunder

What's stuck in the middle must be bitten through

Hexagram 21 · Biting Through (Shì Kè)

The judgment

Bite through what is stuck in the middle and the way opens. A good time to make right and wrong clear and to set rules.

The Image: Thunder and lightning: biting through. So the ancient kings made penalties clear and laws firm.

Crunching through hard bone, with a firm stance. Many obstacles — work actively to get through.

Qilin and phoenix come when government is good and auspicious. Yin and yang in harmony, the land is free of disaster.

When the government is clean and clear, the qilin and phoenix come with good news. Yin and yang in harmony, the country is spared disaster.

On fortune: good luck is just starting to stir — there is dignity, there is radiance, and your name travels far.
On business: buyers and sellers gather all at once; goods sell briskly. Good fortune.

Good luck stirs; your name spreads

Pent-up heat; cool down and let it out

Buyers gather; goods sell well

Clear rules at home; take care with fire

A knot in between; talk it out and you'll be close

The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.

The six lines

Nine at the beginning: Feet locked in the stocks, toes hidden. No blame.
Six in the second place: Biting into tender meat, the nose disappears into it. No blame.
Six in the third place: Biting into dried meat, one meets something poisonous. Slight humiliation, but no blame.
Nine in the fourth place: Biting into dried meat on the bone, one finds a bronze arrowhead. It is favorable to be steadfast in hardship. Good fortune.
Six in the fifth place: Biting into dried meat, one finds yellow gold. Steadfast in danger, no blame.
Nine at the top: Neck locked in the cangue, ears hidden. Misfortune.

Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.