I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 21 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 5 to Hexagram 20

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 21.1.4.5 -> 20

Young Yang Old Yin Old Yang Young Yin Young Yin Old Yang

21. Biting Through

Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin Yin

20. Contemplation

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

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"噬嗑，亨。利用狱。"
(Shì kè, hēng. Lì yòng yù.)
English Translation:
“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

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷電噬嗑。先王以明罰勑法。"
(Léi diàn shì kè. Xiān wáng yǐ míng fá chì fǎ.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"屦校滅趾，无咎。"
(Jù xiào miè zhǐ, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“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 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"噬干胏，得金矢，利艱貞，吉。"
(Shì gān zī, dé jīn shǐ, lì jiān zhēn, jí.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"噬乾肉，得黄金，貞厲，无咎。"
(Shì gān ròu, dé huáng jīn, zhēn lì, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“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:

20. Contemplation (觀 Guān)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 20

Hexagram 觀 (Guān) symbolizes contemplation and observation. This hexagram represents a time to pause and reflect, gaining insight through careful observation rather than immediate action.

Hexagram 20 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"觀，盥而不薦，有孚顒若。"
(Guān, guàn ér bù jiàn, yǒu fú yǒng ruò.)
English Translation:
“Contemplation. Washing the hands, but not making an offering. With sincerity and awareness, clarity comes.”

This hexagram speaks of taking time to reflect before making decisions or taking action. By cultivating sincerity and careful observation, clarity and insight are gained. It advises patience and deep contemplation.

Hexagram 20 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風行地上，觀。先王以省方，觀民設教。"
(Fēng xíng dì shàng, guān. Xiān wáng yǐ xǐng fāng, guān mín shè jiào.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows over the earth: The image of Contemplation. The ancient kings made tours of inspection to observe the people and teach them.”

The wind blowing over the earth symbolizes the power of observation. The superior person uses this time to observe, learn, and understand, much like the ancient kings who traveled to see the state of their people and teach them accordingly.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team