噬嗑
Shì HéUpper: Fire · 离 · Lower: Thunder · 震
Judgment亨。利用狱。
In plain wordsSuccess, and it favors the use of justice. There is an obstacle on the path, to be bitten through and cleared decisively, while staying fair and clear about right and wrong.
The imageFire above, thunder below: lightning and thunder strike together, with severity and clear sight; it also looks like something in the mouth that must be bitten through before the jaws can close.
A hint for youSmall problems left alone become large obstacles. Say plainly what needs saying and decide what needs deciding, but handle it with measure and address the matter, not the person.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初九屦校灭趾，无咎。The first line, undivided, shows one with his feet in the stocks and deprived of his toes. There will be no error.
- 六二噬肤灭鼻，无咎。The second line, divided, shows one biting through the soft flesh, and (going on to) bite off the nose. There will be no error.
- 六三噬昔肉，遇毒；小吝，无咎。The third line, divided, shows one gnawing dried flesh, and meeting with what is disagreeable. There will be occasion for some small regret, but no (great) error.
- 九四噬干胏，得金矢，利艰贞，吉。The fourth line, undivided, shows 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,—in which case there will be good fortune.
- 六五噬干肉，得黄金，贞厉，无咎。The fifth line, divided, shows 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.
- 上九何校灭耳，凶。The sixth line, undivided, shows one wearing the cangue, and deprived of his ears. There will be evil.
Bite through; deal with the obstacle
For entertainment and self-reflection only