I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 21: Biting Through
Shih Ho · 噬嗑
An interposed obstacle demands energetic, decisive removal. Union returns only when the impediment is bitten through.
- justice
- decision
- obstacle
- energy
- Upper trigram
- Fire 離 · Clarity
- Lower trigram
- Thunder 震 · Movement
The Judgment
BITING THROUGH has success. It is favorable to administer justice.
The Image
Thunder and lightning. Thus the kings of old consolidated the laws through clearly established penalties.
Meaning
The hexagram 'Biting Through' carries the energy of Fire (Clarity) acting upon Thunder (Movement). This moment asks for balance between clinging outwardly and initiating inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests warmth and dependence combined with sudden passion. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors intelligence and vision grounded in new ventures. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Fire above Thunder suggests a natural dynamic of clarity over movement.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.
Nine in the 1st place
First position: the force is still hidden and unripe. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Biting Through — the matter is justice: that is the theme this line is changing.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Biting Through — the matter is justice: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 2nd place
Second position: receptivity in its proper place. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
Natural balance. Act with correctness and simplicity, without artifice. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Biting Through — the matter is justice: that is the theme this line is changing.
Natural balance. Act with correctness and simplicity, without artifice. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Biting Through — the matter is justice: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 3rd place
Third position: weakness at a point that demands strength. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Biting Through — the matter is justice: that is the theme this line is changing.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Biting Through — the matter is justice: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 4th place
Fourth position: the minister at the ruler’s side. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Biting Through — the matter is justice: that is the theme this line is changing.
Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Biting Through — the matter is justice: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 5th place
Fifth position: ruling through moderation. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Biting Through — the matter is justice: that is the theme this line is changing.
Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Biting Through — the matter is justice: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 6th place
Sixth position: beyond the summit, the excess. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Biting Through — the matter is justice: that is the theme this line is changing.
The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Biting Through — the matter is justice: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 21 mean?
Biting Through (Shih Ho): The hexagram 'Biting Through' carries the energy of Fire (Clarity) acting upon Thunder (Movement). This moment asks for balance between clinging outwardly and initiating inwardly.
What does hexagram 21 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests warmth and dependence combined with sudden passion. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 21 say about work?
At work, the energy favors intelligence and vision grounded in new ventures. Consolidate your base.