I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 21 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 5, 6 to Hexagram 47
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 21.1.2.5.6 -> 47
21. Biting Through (噬嗑 Shì Kè)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire) — 火 · Radiance
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder) — 雷 · Arousing
The Symbolism of Hexagram 21
Hexagram 噬嗑 (Shì Kè) describes removing what obstructs by forceful resolution. It involves judgment, enforcement, and the imposition of consequences to restore order.
Hexagram 21 Judgment
噬嗑，亨。利用狱。
(Shì kè, hēng. Lì yòng yù.)
"Biting through. Origin and smooth progress. It is favorable to apply formal judgment."
An obstruction is present that cannot be negotiated away. It must be broken through.
This requires the use of formal judgment and consequence. When enforcement is applied correctly, resolution is achieved.
Hexagram 21 Image
雷電噬嗑。先王以明罰勑法。
(Léi diàn shì kè. Xiān wáng yǐ míng fá chì fǎ.)
"Thunder and lightning meet: biting through. The superior person clarifies penalties and establishes order."
Thunder initiates, lightning illuminates. Together they represent action combined with clarity.
Punishment is not arbitrary—it must be visible, defined, and consistently applied in order to restore structure.
Line 1 Changing
屦校滅趾，无咎。
(Jù xiào miè zhǐ, wú jiù.)
"The foot is constrained, injuring the toes. No error."
This is a minor corrective measure. The restriction is limited and proportional.
Though uncomfortable, it prevents greater error and therefore carries no blame.
Line 2 Changing
噬膚滅鼻，无咎。
(Shì fū miè bí, wú jiù.)
"Biting into flesh, injuring the nose. No error."
The correction becomes more severe. Action cuts deeper, affecting reputation or standing.
Despite its harshness, it remains justified and therefore without fault.
Line 5 Changing
噬乾肉，得黄金，貞厲，无咎。
(Shì gān ròu, dé huáng jīn, zhēn lì, wú jiù.)
"Biting dried meat, obtaining gold. It is favorable to remain correctly aligned. Risk present. No error."
Resolution yields something valuable, but not without danger.
Even when the action is correct, it carries weight and consequence. Awareness prevents error.
Line 6 Changing
何校滅耳，凶。
(Hé xiào miè ěr, xiōng.)
"The neck is constrained, injuring the ears. Unfavorable outcome."
Punishment becomes excessive. The corrective force is no longer proportionate.
When enforcement goes too far, it produces harm and leads to misfortune.
Changing to:
47. Constraint (困 Kùn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Duì (Lake) — 澤 · Open
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water) — 水 · Depth
The Symbolism of Hexagram 47
Hexagram 困 (Kùn) describes constraint—pressure that limits movement and expression. Resources are restricted, and external conditions do not support expansion.
Water beneath the lake shows depletion. What should nourish is trapped below, leaving the surface without support. Constraint arises when flow is blocked.
Hexagram 47 Judgment
困，亨，貞大人吉，无咎，有言不信。
(Kùn, hēng, zhēn dà rén jí, wú jiù, yǒu yán bù xìn.)
"Constraint. Smooth progress. For a person of great capacity, correct alignment leads to a favorable outcome. No error. Words are not trusted."
This hexagram describes a condition where external constraint limits action, yet inner alignment remains intact. Success is not outward—it is maintained through internal stability.
Communication loses effectiveness under constraint. Words do not carry weight, so progress depends on endurance and integrity rather than persuasion.
Hexagram 47 Image
澤無水，困。君子以致命遂志。
(Zé wú shuǐ, kùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhì mìng suì zhì.)
"The lake is without water: constraint. The superior person fulfills the will even at the cost of life."
The outer structure appears intact, but the essential resource is missing. This creates pressure without release.
Under these conditions, one does not expand outward, but instead completes what must be carried through internally.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team