Hexagram 21 · 噬嗑 · Shì Kē
Biting Through
- Element:
- Fire over Thunder
- Key themes:
- resolution, conflict, determination, justice, obstacles
Image
Thunder and lightning, symbolizing the forceful resolution of obstacles and conflicts.
Overall message
Hexagram 21 represents the need to address and resolve obstacles and conflicts with determination and clarity. It emphasizes the importance of decisive action, justice, and integrity in overcoming challenges. Success comes from facing issues head-on and restoring harmony through fair and effective resolution.
Address obstacles and conflicts with determination and clarity. Use decisive action to resolve issues and restore harmony. Success comes from facing challenges head-on and acting with justice and integrity.
Classical text (Legge, 1882)
Judgment. Shih Ho indicates successful progress (in the condition of things which it supposes). It will be advantageous to use legal constraints.
Image. (The trigrams representing) thunder and lightning form Shih Ho. The ancient kings, in accordance with this, framed their penalties with intelligence, and promulgated their laws.
From James Legge's translation of the I Ching (Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI, 1882). Public domain.
The six lines
Line 6 · Completion of Resolution
The obstacle or conflict is resolved. Reflect on the lessons learned.
Reflect on the resolution process and the lessons learned. Ensure that the issue does not recur.
Line 5 · Forceful Action
Forceful action is needed to resolve the issue. Act with authority.
Take decisive and authoritative action. Ensure that your actions are effective and just.
Line 4 · Seeking Justice
Seek justice and fairness in resolving issues.
Ensure that your actions are just and fair. Seek a balanced resolution.
Line 3 · Conflict Resolution
Conflict arises, but it can be resolved with decisive action.
Address conflicts directly and fairly. Use decisive action to restore harmony.
Line 2 · Overcoming Resistance
Resistance is met, but it can be overcome with persistence.
Stay persistent and focused. Overcome resistance with determination.
Line 1 · Initial Obstacle
The first obstacle is encountered. Approach it with determination.
Face the obstacle with resolve. Do not shy away from the challenge.
Related hexagrams
Opposite: If every line of this hexagram were inverted (yang to yin and vice versa), you would have Hexagram 48 · 井 · Jǐng. This is the hexagram's structural counterpart — the situation it could become if every dynamic flipped.
Nuclear: The hexagram hidden inside this one, built from lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5, is Hexagram 39 · 蹇 · Jiǎn. The nuclear hexagram describes the inner pattern that produced this situation — what is going on underneath.
If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:
- Line 1 changing → Hexagram 35 · 晋 · Jìn
- Line 2 changing → Hexagram 38 · 睽 · Kuí
- Line 3 changing → Hexagram 30 · 离 · Lí
- Line 4 changing → Hexagram 27 · 颐 · Yí
- Line 5 changing → Hexagram 25 · 无妄 · Wú Wàng
- Line 6 changing → Hexagram 51 · 震 · Zhèn