Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 噬嗑 (Shì Kè) |
| English Name | Biting Through / Eradicating Obstacles |
| Trigrams | Fire over Thunder (离上震下) |
| Number | 21 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Biting Through has success. It is favorable to let justice be administered.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
Thunder and lightning: the image of Biting Through. Thus the kings of former times made firm the laws through clearly defined penalties.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初九 | Bottom | His feet are fastened in the stocks, so that his toes disappear. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 六二 | 2nd | Bites through tender meat, so that his nose disappears. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 六三 | 3rd | Bites on old dried meat and strikes on something poisonous. Slight humiliation. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 九四 | 4th | Bites on dried gristly meat. Receives metal arrows. It furthers to be mindful of difficulties. Good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 六五 | 5th | Bites on dried lean meat. Receives yellow gold. Perseveringly aware of danger. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 上九 | Top | His neck is fastened in the wooden cangue, so that his ears disappear. Misfortune. | Unfavorable; exercise caution and restraint |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Biting through obstacles; enforcing justice and removing barriers
- Upper trigram Fire (bright and clinging) over lower trigram Thunder (arousing and energizing)
- Embodies the qualities of justice, decisiveness, law and obstacles, clarity, resolution
Keywords
JusticeDecisivenessLawObstaclesClarityResolution
Divination & Prediction
★★★★☆Auspicious
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. Biting through obstacles; enforcing justice and removing barriers Channel the energy of justice and decisiveness for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on law to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels justice and decisiveness. The Fire trigram above suggests bright and clinging energy in your outer dealings, while the Thunder trigram below points to arousing and energizing foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on heart and eyes and liver and feet. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody justice and decisiveness. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes law and obstacles. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate justice in all your actions
- Practice decisiveness consistently
- Embrace law as your guiding principle
- Develop obstacles through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of clarity
- Abandon resolution under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 22. Bì (贲) | Grace — aesthetics vs substance |
| 35. Jìn (晋) | Progress — advancement after clearing obstacles |
| 38. Kuí (睽) | Opposition — differences that need resolution |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “There's a serious compliance issue in my company. How should I handle it?”
You received Hexagram 21, Biting Through. The judgment says: 'Biting Through has success. It is favorable to let justice be administered....' Biting through obstacles; enforcing justice and removing barriers This is a favorable sign. The energy of justice supports your intention. Move forward with law, but remain mindful of proper timing.