Hexagram 21 · Shì Hé (噬嗑) · Biting Through
- Upper trigram
- 离 Fire
- Lower trigram
- 震 Thunder
The image is of something caught between the teeth that must be bitten through before the mouth can close. A specific obstacle needs to be dealt with decisively. Be clear about what is fair, act promptly and justly, and do not let the problem linger, because delay makes it harder.
Editorial summaryJudgment
噬嗑：亨。利用獄。
Shih Ho indicates successful progress (in the condition of things which it supposes). It will be advantageous to use legal constraints.
Line 1
初九：屨校滅趾，无咎。
The first line, undivided, shows one with his feet in the stocks and deprived of his toes. There will be no error.
Line 2
六二：噬膚滅鼻，无咎。
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 3
六三：噬腊肉，遇毒；小吝，无咎。
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 4
九四：噬乾胏，得金矢，利艱貞，吉。
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 5
六五：噬乾肉，得黃金，貞厲，无咎。
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 6
上九：何校滅耳，凶。
The sixth line, undivided, shows one wearing the cangue, and deprived of his ears. There will be evil.
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