I Ching Hexagram 21 · Shi Ke Hexagram

Hexagram Information

• Hexagram Sequence: Hexagram 21
• Hexagram Name: Biting Through
• Hexagram Form: Li over Zhen (Thunder and Lightning Striking Together)
• Binary Representation: 101001
• Hexagram Quality: a moderately favorable hexagram, symbolizing decisiveness, the use of law and punishment, and the removal of obstacles; it calls for balancing firmness with flexibility, and for applying clear penalties with caution

• Primary Hexagram: Biting Through (Hexagram 21)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Obstruction (Hexagram 39)
• Complementary Hexagram: The Well (Hexagram 48)
• Paired Hexagram: Grace (Hexagram 22)

Biting Through symbolizes clearing away obstacles through decisive means. Like the upper and lower jaws closing together, one must first break through what blocks the way before progress can be made. This hexagram emphasizes law, discipline, and the power to carry things out; in all matters, indulgence and laxity are unwise.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Biting Through. Success. It is favorable to administer justice.

Biting Through symbolizes resolving problems through decisiveness and rules, allowing affairs to move forward. It is well suited to handling disputes, lawsuits, and matters of enforcement, but fairness and strict impartiality are essential.

The Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: Thunder and lightning: Biting Through. The ancient kings used this to make punishments clear and to enforce the laws.

Zhen below is thunder, Li above is lightning; thunder and lightning strike together, combining awe-inspiring force with illuminating clarity. A noble person should follow this image by maintaining order through clear institutions and definite penalties.

• Symbolism: cutting away obstacles, making punishments clear and applying the law, balancing firmness and flexibility
• Structure: Li above for clear discernment, Zhen below for action
• Keywords: decisiveness, law, execution, justice

Biting Through reveals this truth: order must be sustained by rules, and free passage requires obstacles to be cleared first. When obstacles arise on the path of life, they should be cut away with justice and wisdom; only by balancing leniency and severity can lasting stability be achieved.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. Initial Nine: His feet are fastened in the stocks, so that his toes disappear. No blame.

   A small punishment serves as a warning and prevents trouble at the outset. Philosophical meaning: early restraint can prevent later harm.

2. Six in the Second Place: Biting through soft flesh, so that the nose disappears. No blame.

   The action is somewhat excessive, but it still remains basically correct. Philosophical meaning: the means used must be kept within proper measure.

3. Six in the Third Place: Biting on dried meat and encountering poison; slight humiliation, no blame.

   Improper conduct brings backlash. Philosophical meaning: overstepping one's proper role easily breeds resentment and bitterness.

4. Nine in the Fourth Place: Biting on dried gristly meat, one obtains metal arrows; it is favorable to persevere through hardship, and there is good fortune.

   By holding fast to the right way amid difficulty, one ultimately gains results. Philosophical meaning: those who tackle the hard bones to chew will surely be rewarded.

5. Six in the Fifth Place: Biting on dried meat, one obtains yellow gold; perseverance in danger brings no blame.

   Holding the center and remaining upright, one achieves results through self-restraint. Philosophical meaning: the higher one's position, the more self-discipline is required.

6. Top Nine: Wearing the cangue so that the ears disappear. Misfortune.

   Stubborn refusal to change leads at last to severe punishment. Philosophical meaning: one who refuses to heed advice will surely come to great misfortune.

Guidance for Real Life

Keywords and overall guidance:

Your fortunes may be obstructed, but the situation can be resolved. Disputes should be handled with a decisive attitude and must not be allowed to drag on.

Career and finances:

You may face difficulties and resistance. Act according to rules and law, and when necessary take firm measures; only then can you break through the impasse.

Do not chase profit recklessly. Operate lawfully and be careful to avoid financial loss caused by violations or misconduct.

Relationships and social ties:

The early stage is likely to bring setbacks. Communicate rationally, and avoid emotional reactions and hard confrontations.

Physical and mental state:

Be mindful of pent-up internal heat, excessive heart fire, and accidental injury. Practice moderation in eating and maintain balance in both body and mind.

The above content is provided only as a reference for everyday self-care. If physical or emotional discomfort persists or worsens, please give priority to consulting a qualified medical or mental health professional.

One-Sentence Reminder

The way of Biting Through lies in cutting through obstacles with clear law and acting decisively with justice; only by using firmness and flexibility together can one move forward without trouble.