I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 21 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 5

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 21.2.3.4.5.6 -> 5

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

21. Biting Through

Yin Yang Yin Yang Yang Yang

5. Waiting (Nourishment)

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 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"噬膚滅鼻，无咎。"
(Shì fū miè bí, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Biting through the flesh of the nose. No blame.”

This line describes a more serious obstacle that requires firmness to overcome. By confronting the issue directly, one avoids blame. It advises strong but measured action.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"噬腊肉，遇毒。小吝，无咎。"
(Shì là ròu, yù dú. Xiǎo lìn, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“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

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.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"何校滅耳，凶。"
(Hé xiào miè ěr, xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Biting through the hardened skin of the ear. Misfortune.”

This line warns of a situation where trying to force a solution leads to harm. The ear symbolizes listening and communication, and by biting through too aggressively, one may cause misfortune. It advises caution and balance.

Changing to:

5. Waiting (Nourishment) (需 Xū)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 5

Hexagram 需 (Xū) represents waiting or nourishing. It reflects a time when patience and perseverance are necessary to allow circumstances to unfold naturally. The image is of rain held in the clouds, which will eventually fall, nourishing the earth. In human terms, it advises readiness without rushing, cultivating inner strength while waiting for the right moment to act.

Hexagram 5 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚，光亨，贞吉。利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, guāng hēng, zhēn jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great water.”

This Judgment emphasizes the importance of sincerity and clarity during times of waiting. Success will come through perseverance and maintaining one's integrity. The phrase 'cross the great water' suggests a major challenge or journey that can be successfully undertaken if approached with patience and readiness.

Hexagram 5 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云上于天，需。君子以饮食宴乐。"
(Yún shàng yú tiān, xū. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǐn shí yàn lè.)
English Translation:
“Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. The superior person eats and drinks, is joyful and at ease.”

The image of clouds rising up to heaven indicates that rain is not yet falling. This represents a period of waiting before action. The superior person takes this time to enjoy life's simple pleasures—food, drink, and joy—without anxiety. It is a call to cultivate patience and inner peace while waiting for the right moment.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team