Hexagram 21
噬嗑 Shì Kè
Biting Through
離
Li — Clinging
Fire · Middle Daughter
震
Zhen — Arousing
Thunder · Eldest Son
Biting Through has success. It is favorable to let justice be administered.
Thunder and lightning: the image of Biting Through. Thus the kings of former times made firm the laws through clearly defined penalties.
Their feet are fastened in the stocks, so that the toes disappear. No blame.
Bites through tender meat, so that the nose disappears. No blame.
Bites on old dried meat and strikes on something poisonous. Slight humiliation. No blame.
Bites on dried gristly meat. Receives metal arrows. It furthers one to be mindful of difficulties and to be persevering. Good fortune.
Bites on dried lean meat. Receives yellow gold. Perseveringly aware of danger. No blame.
Their neck is fastened in the wooden cangue, so that the ears disappear. Misfortune.