Hexagram 21 - Biting Through - SHIH HO

There may be obstacles hindering us from expressing the truth. Sometimes, the best approach is to withdraw into quietness and stillness, allowing the wisdom of the Sage to guide us towards moderation. In this state of calmness, we can truly see the situation for what it is and navigate through it with clarity and objectivity.

Summary

The central theme of Hexagram 21 is about decisive action and breaking through obstacles. The key takeaways from the Judgment and image are to be bold and persistent in overcoming challenges.

Interpretation

Emphasises the need for decisive action to break through obstacles and barriers in the way of progress. The image of the hexagram is of a mouth biting through a tough piece of meat, symbolising the need for a strong and resolute will to overcome difficulties.

The hexagram is often associated with military action and warfare, but its message is relevant to any situation where obstacles must be overcome. In particular, it is a call to action when you feel stuck or frustrated. It advises that you take bold and decisive steps to move forward and achieve your goals.

However, it's also essential to approach this action with clarity and mindfulness. The hexagram reminds us not to be swayed by doubt or hesitation but to act with a clear understanding of the situation and a firm resolve. It's crucial to avoid rash actions and to stay focused on the goal, even in the face of setbacks or obstacles.

Sage Advice

Be decisive and persistent in your actions. The hexagram symbolises the need to overcome obstacles and resistance to achieve your goals. This may require taking bold and assertive steps and having the determination and perseverance to see them through to completion. Trust in your abilities and inner strength, and have faith that you will ultimately successfully overcome any challenges that may arise. It is also essential to be mindful of your actions' consequences and act respectfully towards others.

Line 1

Symbolises the consequences of our actions and the restrictions that come from making mistakes. Receiving this line can be seen as a reminder to learn from our mistakes and not to repeat them, as doing so can compound the severity of the subsequent misfortune. The first mistake can be seen as a valuable lesson, providing an opportunity for growth and self-correction. It's essential to develop a correct perspective of the punishment that comes from making mistakes, recognising that it's not the cosmos punishing us but rather the natural consequences of our actions. By learning from our mistakes, we can move forward with greater awareness and understanding, avoiding the dead-ends that come from persisting in the wrong direction. In essence, it is a reminder to be mindful of our actions and to take responsibility for the consequences that come from them. It advises us to avoid repeating the same mistakes and to use each experience as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

Line 2

Indicates a situation where punishment has been carried too far, resulting in lamentable effects. While the punishment may have been just, avoiding excessive anger or negative emotions is essential. The imagery of biting through tender meat suggests the need for a balanced and measured approach to punishment. In a broader sense, this line can also indicate a departure from truth or a lack of integrity. While it may be easy to become angry or indignant in such situations, it is essential to remain humble and maintain a balanced perspective while the correction is carried out. Biting through obstacles blocking the path to truth may be necessary, but it is equally important to avoid excessive aggression or hostility.

Line 3

The image is of biting on old, dried meat. This represents a long-standing conflict or disagreement; any attempt to punish the other person will only lead to further hatred and resistance. In such cases, it is better to withdraw from the situation and let go of any reactive patterns or impulses. Trying to avenge oneself or punish the other person will only lead to a never-ending cycle of conflict and retaliation, harming both parties in the long run. Finding a peaceful resolution and avoiding excessive punishment or blame is essential. The key is to remain humble and balanced and to seek understanding and forgiveness rather than retribution.

Line 4

In this line, we see progress in our efforts to correct or withdraw from a situation, and the other person is beginning to respond positively. However, it's important to be mindful of the challenges that still lie ahead. It's easy to fall back into old habits and patterns, but we must resist this temptation and maintain a balanced and cautious approach. This means being neither soft nor too hard and remaining disciplined in our thoughts and actions. By doing so, we can overcome obstacles and establish a healthy and productive relationship. It's important to remember that our inner thoughts play a crucial role in creating or resolving difficulties, so we must maintain a positive mindset.

Line 5

Gnaws on jerky, receives golden coin. Vigilant of danger, no fault. It's important to remain impartial rather than simply accepting an alliance because someone else wants it, especially if they haven't committed to doing what's right. Both parties must be dedicated to the good for genuine unity to occur. The line also advises us not to shield people from the consequences of their negative actions or attitudes. Instead, we should only help those willing to help themselves and actively work to correct their mistakes. The fifth line cautions against engaging in magnificence or interfering with the natural process of the universe. The fifth line urges us to resist the temptation to be lenient and to remain watchful while the universe corrects the situation. We should avoid jumping back into a situation too soon or making rash decisions and instead be patient and allow events to unfold naturally. This approach will ultimately lead to the best outcome for everyone involved.

Line 6

He wears a cangue around his neck due to stubbornly insisting on doing things his way. This has led to shame and regret, and the only way to move forward is through gradual progress and a humble return to the correct path. If we had remembered that the universe knows how to turn negative situations into positive ones, we could have avoided this error without interfering. This line may also refer to someone trapped by using the wrong methods to pursue misguided goals. The sixth line warns against the dangers of stubbornness and insisting on doing things our way. Such behaviour can lead to humiliation and punishment. The only way out is to humbly return to the path of righteousness and gradually make progress. If we trust in the universe's natural order and allow it to guide us, we can avoid making mistakes and unnecessarily interfering in situations. This line also suggests that it's important to be mindful of our actions' consequences and avoid pursuing misguided goals using questionable methods.