All hexagrams · ← 20 · 22 →
噬嗑 21 · Shì Kè · Biting Through
Fire over Thunder — upper Lí 離 (clinging, radiant, clarifying); lower Zhèn 震 (arousing, sudden movement)
Hexagram 21, Biting Through (Shì Kè, 噬嗑), is Fire over Thunder. Thunder and lightning. Something is caught between the jaws; justice must be firm.
The situation
Thunder and lightning. Something is caught between the jaws; justice must be firm.
The counsel
Decisive, fair resolution. Remove the obstacle cleanly; do not gnaw at it.
The six lines
Line 1 — Feet in the stocks. A small correction early prevents worse.
Line 2 — Biting through tender meat so the nose disappears. No blame.
Line 3 — Biting old dried meat and finding poison. Slight humiliation.
Line 4 — Biting gristly meat and finding metal arrows. Persist through hardness.
Line 5 — Biting dried lean meat, finding gold. Be aware of danger.
Line 6 — Wearing the cangue so the ears disappear. Not listening brings misfortune.