Biting Through

Upper trigram: Fire (illuminating, clinging) · Lower trigram: Thunder (arousing, stirring)

Judgment

Fire above thunder: lightning and brightness, like biting through an obstacle in the mouth. This hexagram speaks of dealing resolutely with an obstacle that blocks progress. An intervention made with a just and open stance can clear the blockage. When firmness and clarity come together, order can be reestablished.

Image

Thunder and lightning. The ancient kings made penalties clear and laws plain, strengthening justice.

Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)

1. 1Line 1 (from the bottom)Feet fastened in the stocks, toes lost. A small penalty that comes early can prevent a larger error.
2. 2Line 2 (from the bottom)Biting through soft meat: an easy task, yet even the nose is lost. Even in what seems easy, keeping measure is needed.
3. 3Line 3 (from the bottom)Biting through old dried meat: poisonous; a small trouble arises but no great error. Courage to face a hard situation is needed.
4. 4Line 4 (from the bottom)Biting through dried bone: hard but worthwhile. Facing difficulty with patience and endurance can in the end bring a golden reward.
5. 5Line 5 (from the bottom)Finding yellow gold in dried meat. A perilous yet blameless stance: moving ahead with honesty and care is needed.
6. 6Line 6 (from the bottom)A wooden collar about the neck, ears lost. Insisting on not hearing warnings can make the consequences heavier.