Hexagram 21

噬嗑 Shì Kè

Biting Through

Also: Gnawing Bite, Biting and Chewing

☲ Fire over ☳ Thunder

The Judgment

Biting Through has success. It is favorable to let justice be administered.

The Image

Thunder and lightning: the image of Biting Through. Thus the kings of former times made firm the laws through clearly defined penalties.

The Lines

Line 1

One's feet are fastened in the stocks, so that the toes disappear. No blame.

Line 2

Bites through tender meat, so that the nose disappears. No blame.

Line 3

Bites on old dried meat and strikes on something poisonous. Slight humiliation. No blame.

Line 4

Bites on dried gristly meat. Receives metal arrows. It furthers one to be mindful of difficulties and to be persevering. Good fortune.

Line 5

Bites on dried lean meat. Receives yellow gold. Perseveringly aware of danger. No blame.

Line 6

One's neck is fastened in the wooden cangue, so that the ears disappear. Misfortune.

justicepunishmentlawobstaclesdetermination

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