I Ching · No.21 · Shih Ho / Biting Through

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Shih Ho indicates successful progress (in the condition of things which it supposes). It will be advantageous to use legal constraints.

Translation

Shi He (Biting Through). Success. Favorable for legal proceedings. The Image says: The lower trigram is Zhen, representing thunder; the upper trigram is Li, representing lightning. Thunder and lightning uniting is the image of Biting Through. The ancient kings, observing this image, took guidance from the awe-inspiring thunder and the illuminating lightning, resolved to govern with strict clarity, thereby clarifying punishments and refining the laws.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Biting through hard bones, a firm attitude; many difficulties and obstacles, yet actively striving. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, matters do not go as desired, disputes are inevitable, and all things are obstructed. It is advisable to adhere to routine, not be enticed by gain, so that peace and safety can be preserved.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune begins to stir; reputation and fame soar straight up.
• Wealth 财运: Both buying and selling succeed; goods sell rapidly.
• Household 家宅: Beware of fire; a harmonious union of a hundred years.
• Health 身体: Must guard against internal heat; lost items cannot be recovered.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, good fortune is stirring. There is dignity and brilliance, an image of fame spreading far and wide to those above. Auspicious.
• Business 营商: Buyers and sellers gather all at once; an image of brisk sales of goods. Auspicious.
• Household 家宅: Both the celestial and terrestrial plates are in motion. Guard against fire; one must be careful and cautious to avoid disaster.
• Illness 疾病: An illness of internal heat. It should be guided to clear and vent out, or extreme heat leading to delirium. Caution is required.
• Litigation 讼事: The judgment is clear and fair.
• Weather 天时: An image of sudden thunder and rain, clearing up immediately after.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Yin and Yang are of one breath; there will surely be a lifelong harmonious union. Auspicious.
• Travelers 行人: Returning soon.
• Lost Items 失物: Feared to have been pocketed by someone.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the stacking of different trigrams (Zhen below, Li above). Li is a yin trigram; Zhen is a yang trigram. Yin and Yang intersect, biting through hard objects, symbolizing the simultaneous application of benevolence and authority, combining leniency with severity, and tempering hardness with softness. Shi He represents the biting together of the upper and lower jaws, chewing.

• Overall Image 大象: There is something between the upper and lower lips. It must be bitten through before they can close. This indicates that all matters are obstructed; the obstruction must be removed for success to be achieved.
• Fortune 运势: All matters are obstructed, and disputes are inevitable. It is advisable to adhere to routine and not be enticed by gain; then the problems can be resolved.
• Career 事业: Difficulties and resistance are very great. One should use strong will, decisive action, and an impartial, selfless attitude to overcome various misfortunes and strive to turn the situation around. To resolve the danger as soon as possible, firm measures can be taken when necessary, or even resorting to legal action.
• Business 经商: When in an unfavorable situation, keep a cool head, observe the circumstances clearly, seek opportunities, and do not be enticed by minor immediate gains, nor seek improper wealth. Listen carefully to advice, abide by laws and discipline, handle matters impartially without showing personal favoritism, and remain highly vigilant not to violate criminal law.
• Seeking Fame 求名: One's efforts are not yet recognized by others. Do not rush for success. Setbacks should be viewed as tests of character; perseverance will surely lead to success.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Unsuccessful at first, but with a persistent spirit, a satisfactory result can be achieved. Personal emotions must not be allowed to dictate family affairs.
• Decision 决策: Life will not be smooth; one will encounter setbacks and hardships, but these should be viewed as personal tests. One should carefully reflect on lessons learned, carry on with a stronger will, remain unyielding, and keep moving forward. Through these trials, great progress will be made in all aspects, eventually leading to a realm of light and achieving major success.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows one with his feet in the stocks and deprived of his toes. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Dragging the stocks and wearing away the toes, but there is no major disaster. The Image says: Dragging the stocks and wearing away the toes; a small punishment serves as a warning against greater wrongdoing, preventing the repetition of offenses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to act with caution to avoid bringing about disaster. Officials will face demotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Must guard against minor disasters, and be cautious to avoid major calamities.
• Wealth 财运: Conduct transactions cautiously; avoid the timber industry.
• Household 家宅: Renovations and remodeling are favored; marriage is unfavorable.
• Health 身体: Foot ailment is just starting; early medical treatment is recommended.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, guard against minor disasters; fortunately there is no major calamity. Caution is advised.
• Business 营商: Timber trade is most unfavorable; other merchants should also be cautious.
• Household 家宅: Intention to renovate or remodel the house; no blame.
• Illness 疾病: Sore on the feet or beriberi. The symptoms are just appearing, so treatment is easy.
• Warfare 战征: Beware of ambushes; caution is advised.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Unfavorable.
• Travelers 行人: Not yet returned.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy. Feared that the child may have foot ailments.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Ȝin we see a prince who secures the tranquillity (of the people) presented on that account with numerous horses (by the king), and three times in a day received at interviews.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Chin (Progress). Marquis Kang used the fine horses bestowed by King Cheng to breed horses, mating them multiple times in a single day. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: 'The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing the sun; the lower trigram is Kun, representing the earth. The sun shines upon the earth, and all things are bathed in its glory'—this is the image of Chin. In accordance with this, the superior man brightens his own bright virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun rises above the earth, and all things progress; rewards are generous, and all plans succeed. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is like the rising sun, with booming fortune, abundant income, successful undertakings, and everything going as desired.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below and Li above). Li is the sun, representing brightness; Kun is the earth. The sun hangs high, illuminating the earth; the earth is humble and receptive, and all things grow. It is open, honest, gentle in its advance, and moving upward, symbolizing a flourishing and progressing career.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows one biting through the soft flesh, and (going on to) bite off the nose. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: Eating tender meat and suffering the punishment of nose-cutting, but there is no major disaster. The Image says: Eating tender meat and suffering the punishment of nose-cutting, because the Six in the second place rests upon a yang line, symbolizing someone enjoying undeserved blessings.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, advance and retreat are difficult, disputes are constant, or hidden illness arises, and family members are harmed. Officials will not find things smooth and will face complications.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Capability is still shallow; one must borrow help from others.
• Wealth 财运: Store them temporarily; wait for the right price to sell.
• Household 家宅: The ancestral home is unfavorable; marriage will bring prosperity to the household.
• Health 身体: Skin disease; beware of it penetrating deeper.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present mediocre; due to shallow capability, it is advisable to rely on those of great strength to act.
• Business 营商: Current goods show an image of converging together. It is fine to store them away to wait for the right price and sell when the time is right. Auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: 'Fu' means great; 'Bi' means beginning. Starting from now, great achievements can be made. Auspicious.
• Household 家宅: 'Bi' represents ancestors; 'Mie bi' (destruction of the nose) means destruction of ancestors. The ancestral home is unfavorable.
• Illness 疾病: Currently the evil qi is in the skin and flesh; there is fear of it penetrating deeper to cause trouble.
• Travelers 行人: Returning with companions.
• Marriage 婚嫁: It is bound to be a prosperous family; can succeed.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khwei indicates that, (notwithstanding the condition of things which it denotes), in small matters there will (still) be good success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

K'uei (Opposition) Hexagram. Divining this hexagram indicates good fortune in small matters. The 'Image' says: The upper trigram is Li, which represents fire; the lower trigram is Dui, which represents marsh. Fire above and marsh below, diverging from each other—this is the image of Opposition. The superior man, observing this image, synthesizes the commonalities of all things and analyzes their differences.

Shao Yong's Commentary

People's hearts are directed outward, running counter to the Dao; it is difficult to achieve success, and it is not advisable to take major actions. Ominous: Those who obtain this hexagram have poor fortune; like water and fire being incompatible, they contradict each other, and all matters are difficult to succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Dui below, Li above). Li is Fire; Dui is Marsh. Fire above and marsh below, opposing and not aiding each other. Overcoming generates life, cycles without emptiness. All things have differences, there must be deviations, contradicting each other. K'uei (Opposition) means contradiction.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows one gnawing dried flesh, and meeting with what is disagreeable. There will be occasion for some small regret, but no (great) error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: Eating dried meat and encountering poison. Meeting with trouble, but not very severe. The Image says: Encountering poison, because the Six in the third place is a yin line occupying a yang position, symbolizing a person who does not fit their position.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, it is not easy to accomplish things, luck is unfavorable, or internal illness arises, or there are perils. Officials have insufficient capability and will suffer loss.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is poor; instead of thanks, one receives resentment.
• Wealth 财运: Improper handling, resulting instead in losses.
• Household 家宅: Slightly unsettled.
• Health 身体: The medicine does not match the illness; fortunately there is no major harm.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, fortune is unbalanced. Amidst success, there is often frustration, or one is resented by others despite treating them well. Fortunately, there is no major harm.
• Business 营商: An industry that could clearly yield profit instead incurs minor losses, mostly due to improper handling.
• Warfare 战征: Encamping in an unfavorable location; beware of a minor defeat. Adhere to strict defense.
• Household 家宅: The house deities are unsettled; fear of minor disasters. Prayer is advised.
• Illness 疾病: The medicine is not suitable for the illness; fortunately, it is a minor illness and there is no harm.
• Travelers 行人: Delayed by business, not yet returned.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lî indicates that, (in regard to what it denotes), it will be advantageous to be firm and correct, and that thus there will be free course and success. Let (its subject) also nourish (a docility like that of) the cow, and there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Li Hexagram. Auspicious divination, smooth and prosperous. Raising a cow brings good fortune. The Image says: The sun rises today, and the sun rises tomorrow, continuing without pause; this is the image of Li. Observing this image, the nobility and princes illuminate the four quarters with an endless flow of light.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Clinging to light, being humble and advancing slowly; just and gentle, conforming and keeping to one's course brings good fortune. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should be humble and cautious, and progress steadily, then the future will be bright. Those who advance hastily or act on impulse will surely suffer losses.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Li below and Li above). Li means beauty and clinging (attachment); a single Yin line clings to the two Yang lines above and below. The hexagram symbolizes fire, hollow inside and bright outside. Li represents fire and brightness; the sun rises and sets repeatedly, running endlessly, with gentleness and compliance at heart.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows one gnawing the flesh dried on the bone, and getting the pledges of money and arrows. It will be advantageous to him to realise the difficulty of his task and be firm,--in which case there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: Gnawing on boney meat and finding a metal arrow. Divining on difficult matters yields an auspicious result. The Image says: Divining on difficult matters yields an auspicious result, but currently one is still in the midst of difficulties and has not yet entered the realm of light.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, doing business will surely yield profit. Officials will be promoted, and scholars will win fame.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Discarding the old to promote the new; all things are auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Small capital, big profit; naturally pleasing.
• Household 家宅: There is a proper way to preserve the family; marriage of diligence and thrift.
• Health 身体: A difficult disease to cure; more recuperation is needed.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, changing the old to follow the new; right in the midst of prime fortune, all things are auspicious.
• Business 营商: Like eating meat and finding gold, an image of profit exceeding the capital. Greatly auspicious.
• Household 家宅: Family estate has always been abundant. Being mindful of danger in times of peace, and never forgetting change, is the key way to preserve the family. Auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Able to capture the enemy's provisions and obtain the enemy's bows and arrows. Nothing is invincible, and everything is favorable. But in victory, caution is even more advisable. Auspicious.
• Marriage 婚嫁: With a family of diligence and thrift. Auspicious.
• Childbirth 产生: This medical condition is not easy to cure; careful recuperation is required. Auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.
• Travelers 行人: Gaining profit abroad, not yet returned.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Î indicates that with firm correctness there will be good fortune (in what is denoted by it). We must look at what we are seeking to nourish, and by the exercise of our thoughts seek for the proper aliment.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Yi Hexagram. Divination brings good fortune. The study of the way of nourishment lies in being self-reliant. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen as Mountain, and the lower trigram is Zhen as Thunder. Thunder issues from the mountain, and all things sprout and grow; this is the image of the Yi Hexagram. The superior person, observing this image, contemplates the difficulty of sustaining life and growth, thereby being cautious in speech to avoid disaster, and temperate in eating and drinking to cultivate character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Nurturing correctness and providing nourishment, being cautious in speech and temperate in food; observing practical matters, and knowing self-scrutiny and prudence. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram must be cautious regarding speech and diet. One should adhere to the correct path and be prudent in word and deed; those harboring conspiracies will invite disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (Zhen below and Gen above). Zhen is Thunder and Gen is Mountain. Mountain is above and Thunder is below; solid on the outside and hollow on the inside. The warmth of spring nurtures all things, nourishing the worthy and educating the people in accordance with the seasons. Yang is solid and Yin is empty; the solid nourishes others, while the empty is nourished by others. Be self-reliant.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows one gnawing at dried flesh, and finding the yellow gold. Let him be firm and correct, realising the peril (of his position). There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: Eating dried meat and finding a metal arrow. Divining yields a sign of danger, but in the end there is no disaster. The Image says: Divining yields a sign of danger but in the end there is no disaster, because the Six in the fifth place occupies the central position of the upper trigram, the position is appropriate, and danger can be turned into safety.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, they enjoy good fortune: the sick will recover, the wronged will be vindicated, scholars will progress to achieve fame, and officials will eliminate petty people.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Right in the midst of good fortune, nothing is not as desired.
• Wealth 财运: High-grade goods, profit is naturally gained.
• Household 家宅: The direction is suitable.
• Health 身体: Avoid eating meat; recuperate with care.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is at its peak; whatever is sought or planned goes as desired. Auspicious.
• Business 营商: The goods transported and traded are all high-grade, clean, and perfect, yielding great profits. Not just temporary, this business can be sustained long-term. Auspicious.
• Household 家宅: The direction is appropriate; great benefit.
• Warfare 战征: Indicates the enemy's city is weak and easy to attack. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Meat should be avoided; if prolonged, it could be dangerous. Careful conditioning and diet are required.
• Travelers 行人: Returning now with profits.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.
• Lost Items 失物: Found immediately.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Wû Wang indicates great progress and success, while there will be advantage in being firm and correct. If (its subject and his action) be not correct, he will fall into errors, and it will not be advantageous for him to move in any direction.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Wu Wang (Innocence) Hexagram. Great progress and success, divination yields an auspicious omen. If behavior is improper, there will be disaster, and it will be unfavorable to go anywhere. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian (Heaven) and the lower trigram is Zhen (Thunder). Under heaven, spring thunder rolls, and all things sprout, grow, and multiply; this is the image of Wu Wang. The ancient kings, observing this image, made diligent efforts, complied with the seasons, and nourished all things.

Shao Yong's Commentary

No deceit and no delusion, true and utmost sincerity; in harmony with nature, blessings and wealth are deep and vast. Minor Auspiciousness: For those who get this hexagram, follow nature; those who maintain the correct path will find everything suitable. But those who behave improperly will surely invite disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Zhen below and Qian above). Qian is Heaven, firm and strong; Zhen is Thunder, firm and active. Active and strong, with abundant Yang, people's hearts are inspired, and there will surely be gains. However, one must follow the pure and correct path and not act recklessly. Innocence brings gains and surely leads to blessings.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, undivided, shows one wearing the cangue, and deprived of his cars. There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: Carrying a heavy yoke on the shoulders, wearing away the ears. Misfortune.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, guard against disputes and lawsuits. The wicked will have impaired hearing and vision, obstructed qi and blood, or face danger to life. Officials must guard against the slander of petty people leading to demotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Handle the world with gentleness to ensure freedom from anxiety.
• Wealth 财运: Stop as soon as profit is gained; thus there will be no great loss.
• Household 家宅: Beware of accidents.
• Health 身体: Ailments of the eyes and ears; take care of the head.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, the great fortune has ended. If one can handle the world with gentleness, one can remain free of anxiety. If one acts with headstrong force, misfortune is unavoidable.
• Business 营商: Stop as soon as profit is gained; do not be overly greedy, and there will be no major loss.
• Household 家宅: Guard against unexpected disasters or misfortunes.
• Warfare 战征: Never advance; advancing will surely bring misfortune.
• Illness 疾病: Either tinnitus and deafness, or toxic sores on the neck. Misfortune.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy; guard against the child having hearing impairment or deafness.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kăn gives the intimation of ease and development. When (the time of) movement (which it indicates) comes, (the subject of the hexagram) will be found looking out with apprehension, and yet smiling and talking cheerfully. When the movement (like a crash of thunder) terrifies all within a hundred lî, he will be (like the sincere worshipper) who is not (startled into) letting go his ladle and (cup of) sacrificial spirits.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Zhen Hexagram. When the sacrifice is approached, the sound of thunder arrives, making some people tremble with fear; yet shortly afterward, they talk and laugh as usual. A sudden clap of thunder shocks a hundred li, yet some remain calm and composed, holding the sacrificial ladle without spilling a single drop of wine. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Symbols) says: The upper and lower trigrams of this hexagram are both Zhen, and Zhen is thunder. Thus, successive claps of thunder form the image of the Zhen Hexagram. The gentleman, in accordance with this, stands in awe and dread, examining and cultivating his character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Successive thunderclaps resound; one should exert oneself and strive for progress. First difficult, then easy; first bitter, then sweet. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should rise up and strive, for much can be achieved; however, while the surface appears prosperous, there may be hidden difficulties within. One should be cautious in speech and behavior to avoid losses.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Zhen below, Zhen above). Zhen is thunder. The doubling of Zhen creates a resounding echo, which clears away stagnant air, leading to smooth progress and prosperity. In daily life, one should prepare for danger in times of peace, harboring a sense of reverence and fear without daring to slacken, so that even in the face of sudden emergencies, one remains calm, talking and laughing as usual.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.