Hexagram 21 changing to 35: Biting Through to Progress

Where it starts: 21 Biting Through

An obstruction that must be bitten through: clear, firm, lawful action against what is in the way. Thunder below, fire above: lightning and thunder, clarity and force together. The image is of a mouth with something stuck in it that must be bitten through before the jaws can close. Biting Through describes an obstacle, often a person or a wrong, that cannot be talked around and must be dealt with decisively. The tradition's judgement is that it furthers to administer justice: to act with the clarity of lightning and the firmness of thunder, in proportion, under rule. The reading is favourable to firm action and it insists that the action be fair.

Where it goes: 35 Progress

The sun rising over the earth: rapid, easy progress, and a leader who is rewarded and received three times a day. Earth below, fire above: the sun climbing above the land, light spreading. Progress is the hexagram of advance that meets no serious resistance, of the capable person recognised by an enlightened superior. The tradition's judgement is of a powerful prince honoured with horses in large numbers and received in audience three times in a single day. The reading says the way is open and the advance is favoured, and the image adds the condition: the wise person brightens their own virtue. Progress of this kind is sustained by clarity of character, not by the momentum alone.

The lines that move

1. Line 1

   Feet in the stocks, toes hidden. No blame.

   A first, mild correction applied early to a small fault. It stops the person before the fault grows. The line approves: a light penalty at the start prevents a heavy one later. Correct the small fault now, lightly, before it becomes a large one.

What is changing. The situation of Biting Through is moving toward Progress. Identify the obstruction precisely and remove it with firm, fair, proportionate action. As the change completes: Advance while the road is open, and keep your conduct as clear as the light.

love and relationships

Now: Something is stuck between you and it will not clear on its own. Name it plainly and deal with it. Firmness here is kindness; the obstruction left in place poisons everything around it. Then: Things are moving forward easily and being met with warmth. Enjoy the advance and keep your conduct clear. The lines warn against pressing on when the advance is not being received, and against advancing in the wrong spirit.

career

Now: An obstacle, a wrong or a person who is blocking things, and the moment to act on it decisively. Be clear about the facts, proportionate in the response, and do not let it drag. Justice, not vengeance. Then: Rapid, recognised progress: the right superior, the open road, the rewards arriving. Advance confidently and keep your character bright; the reading ties the durability of the progress to the clarity of the person making it.

money

Now: A dispute, a debt or a bad arrangement that needs resolving by firm action. Get the facts straight, act through proper channels, and bite through rather than nibbling. Then: Gains come easily and are recognised. Advance, but do not chase; the reading supports progress that follows from real merit and warns against grasping for more than is being offered.

decisions

Now: Decide firmly and act. The reading supports the decisive option, and it conditions it on fairness and clarity: know exactly what the obstruction is before you bite. Then: Take the forward option. The conditions favour advance and the door is open. Make the decision in the spirit of someone whose conduct can bear being seen in full daylight.