✦ HEXAGRAM 21
Shì Hé —
Biting Through.
Fire above, Thunder below.
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.
INTERPRETATION
Something stands between the teeth — an obstacle that must be bitten through decisively. This hexagram speaks of obstacles that require direct, forceful action to overcome.
Do not negotiate with what blocks you. Be clear, be decisive, apply appropriate force. Justice here means dealing with the situation honestly and proportionally — no more, no less than what is needed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What does Hexagram 21 mean?
- It signals an obstacle that requires decisive action. Don't negotiate or wait — bite through it with clarity and appropriate force.
- Is Hexagram 21 about legal matters?
- It can relate to legal or justice situations, but more broadly it means any obstacle requiring clear, firm, decisive action to resolve.