I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 21 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 53
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 21.1.3.4.5 -> 53
21. Biting Through (噬嗑 Shì Kè)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 21
Hexagram 噬嗑 (Shì Kè) represents biting through or confronting obstacles. This hexagram speaks of a time when forceful action is needed to break through resistance or obstacles, but it advises using this force with justice and wisdom.
Hexagram 21 Judgment
"噬嗑，亨。利用狱。"
(Shì kè, hēng. Lì yòng yù.)
“Biting through. Success. It is favorable to use legal proceedings.”
This hexagram describes a time for taking decisive action to resolve problems, like biting through tough material. Success comes from being firm yet fair, using justice or legal means to resolve disputes.
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: The image of Biting Through. The ancient kings made laws clear and enforced punishments.”
The image of thunder and lightning represents swift and powerful force. The superior person uses this time to clarify laws and ensure that justice is served. It is a time for decisiveness in dealing with wrongdoing.
Line 1 Changing
"屦校滅趾，无咎。"
(Jù xiào miè zhǐ, wú jiù.)
“Biting through the skin of the foot. No blame.”
This line describes a minor obstacle that is easily overcome. Though the situation may cause discomfort, it does not lead to blame or serious harm.
Line 3 Changing
"噬腊肉，遇毒。小吝，无咎。"
(Shì là ròu, yù dú. Xiǎo lìn, wú jiù.)
“Biting into dried meat and meeting with poison. Small misfortune, but no blame.”
This line describes a situation where an obstacle contains hidden danger. While there may be some misfortune, careful handling ensures no lasting harm. It advises caution and vigilance.
Line 4 Changing
"噬干胏，得金矢，利艱貞，吉。"
(Shì gān zī, dé jīn shǐ, lì jiān zhēn, jí.)
“Biting through lean meat. Finding a metal arrowhead. Perseverance through difficulty brings good fortune.”
This line speaks of facing a difficult challenge and discovering a valuable lesson or tool in the process. Perseverance in the face of difficulty leads to success and good fortune.
Line 5 Changing
"噬乾肉，得黄金，貞厲，无咎。"
(Shì gān ròu, dé huáng jīn, zhēn lì, wú jiù.)
“Biting through dried meat. Finding yellow gold. Perseverance brings danger, but no blame.”
This line describes overcoming a difficult obstacle and discovering great value, symbolized by gold. While perseverance may involve some risk, there is no blame, and success is assured.
Changing to:
53. Development (漸 Jiàn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
- Below
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 53
Hexagram 漸 (Jiàn) represents gradual development or progress. This hexagram speaks of a time when slow, steady progress leads to success. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and a clear vision of long-term goals.
Hexagram 53 Judgment
"漸，女歸吉，利貞。"
(Jiàn, nǚ guī jí, lì zhēn.)
“Development. The woman’s marriage brings good fortune. Perseverance furthers.”
This hexagram advises gradual, steady progress in any endeavor. Just as a marriage requires time and effort to succeed, so too do all long-term goals. Perseverance and patience lead to good fortune and lasting success.
Hexagram 53 Image
"山上有木，漸。君子以居賢德善俗。"
(Shān shàng yǒu mù, jiàn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jū xián dé shàn sú.)
“Wood on the mountain: The image of Development. The superior person lives with virtue and improves customs.”
The image of wood slowly growing on a mountain symbolizes gradual progress. The superior person, like the wood, patiently builds virtue and improves the customs of society through steady effort and commitment to high ideals.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team