First Nine (初九)
"One with his feet in the stocks and deprived of his toes. There will be no error."
Address small wrongs early and lightly, before they grow into grave harm. Swift, proportionate correction prevents escalation.
Hexagram 21
Shì Kè 噬嗑
Upper · Lí (Fire) | Lower · Zhèn (Thunder)
Decisive action · legal justice · removing obstacles · clear judgment · resolution · integrity
What does Hexagram 21 mean?
Hexagram 21, Shì Kè (噬嗑), is about decisive action, legal justice, and removing obstacles. This hexagram speaks to a time when obstacles block the path forward, much as something caught between the jaws must be bitten through to restore wholeness.
The Judgment
"Shih Ho indicates successful progress. It will be advantageous to use legal constraints."
This hexagram speaks to a time when obstacles block the path forward, much as something caught between the jaws must be bitten through to restore wholeness. Progress comes through clear-eyed judgment and decisive action. The wisdom here is to address what divides or obstructs—whether injustice, unresolved conflict, or lingering problems—with firmness and fairness, not hesitation.
The Lines
Second Six (六二)
"One biting through the soft flesh, and going on to bite off the nose. There will be no error."
Even when dealing with what seems simple, thoroughness and clarity matter. Do not shy from being direct; a firm approach to easy matters prevents confusion.
Third Six (六三)
"One gnawing dried flesh, and meeting with what is disagreeable. There will be occasion for some small regret, but no great error."
Old, hardened problems may resist and bring unexpected difficulty. Persist despite discomfort; the regret is small, and you will not go astray.
Fourth Nine (九四)
"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."
The hardest problems yield the greatest rewards when met with unwavering justice and clear principle. Acknowledge the weight of what you face, and hold your course.
Fifth Six (六五)
"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."
Success and recognition come, yet remain vigilant. Do not let achievement cloud your judgment or weaken your commitment to what is right.
Sixth Nine (上九)
"One wearing the cangue, and deprived of his ears. There will be evil."
Refusal to heed warning or correct course leads to severe consequence. Do not ignore the signs; stubbornness in error brings ruin.
Hexagram 21 FAQ
What does Hexagram 21 mean for career?
This is a moment to make the difficult decision you have been postponing. Stand firm on your principles and address unfair treatment directly. Set clear standards for yourself and your work; clarity and integrity will earn respect and open new paths forward.
What does Hexagram 21 mean for love and relationships?
If unresolved conflict lingers in your relationship, now is the time to speak honestly and openly. Avoiding hard truths only deepens the wound. Courage to share uncomfortable realities, grounded in care and fairness, strengthens the bond and clears the way for genuine closeness.
What does Hexagram 21 mean for study and personal growth?
Do not gloss over what you do not fully understand. Bite through to complete comprehension; chew the material until it is truly yours. When you stumble, investigate why—understanding your mistakes is how you truly learn and grow.
What does Hexagram 21 mean for business and money?
Address the problems you have been sidestepping in your business or finances. Now is the time to correct unfair practices or unclear agreements. Operating with clear rules and honest dealing builds trust and lasting value.
What should I be careful about with Hexagram 21?
Avoid letting emotion drive your judgment, and do not punish beyond what is fair. Maintain your commitment to principle even as you act decisively. Ignore the warning signs at your peril; stubbornness in error invites far greater trouble.
What if Hexagram 21 has changing lines?
Read the line statement for each changing line above. With two or more changing lines, Zhu Xi’s rules decide which text leads the reading.
Original English translation by James Legge, 1882 (Public Domain). Editorial adaptation © Yijing.