Shi He
Judgment
噬嗑 亨 利用獄
It will prosper, it will be good to go to prison.
Interpretation
The Xiehe (Taming the Power of the Great) Hexagram consists of the upper trigram Li (Fire) and the lower trigram Zhen (Thunder). Li represents fire, and Zhen represents thunder. The image of this hexagram is the simultaneous eruption of lightning (fire) and thunder.
When lightning and thunder arise together, it signifies a powerful force, similar to the strength of someone forcefully chewing food. In the hexagram, the fifth yin line is positioned between two yang lines, symbolizing an object between the upper and lower jaws. The meaning of Xiehe is to chew food in the mouth.
In the hexagram statement:
The dragon (long) is similar to the thunder and lightning.
The jade (yu) symbolizes imprisonment.
The Xiehe hexagram is favorable because it is more advantageous for a slave to be imprisoned than to be executed.
If someone receives this hexagram in divination, it indicates that they are currently overflowing with motivation and their fortunes are very strong.
With lightning and thunder uniting to erupt simultaneously, it represents an extremely powerful force, much like the coordinated action of the upper and lower teeth when chewing food.
Even if there are obstacles ahead, one should not give up. By using the energy of lightning and thunder, and with the momentum of chewing food into pieces, one should push forward strongly to achieve unexpected positive results.
As lightning and thunder arise together, this powerful energy could lead to fierce battles in society or at home, but just as chewing food and swallowing it brings resolution, conflicts will eventually end, and after the rain, the earth will be even firmer and relationships can become even closer.
By pushing forward with relentless effort and strength, like the simultaneous eruption of lightning and thunder or the chewing of food, success and prosperity will follow.
初九 屨校滅趾,无咎
Initial Nine: Shoes become worn, no blame.
'Gu' is interpreted as 'Lu,' which means to drag. 'Gyo' refers to shackles, which in this case refers to foot restraints. 'Myeol' means to sever, and 'Ji' means foot. A slave is dragging shackles and receiving a punishment where their foot is severed. This is a lesser punishment compared to death, but still a serious penalty. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation where they are undergoing great hardship and will have to endure physical pain. It is important not to repeat past mistakes. The matter inquired about in divination will be free of fault.
六二 噬膚滅鼻,无咎
Six Second: Bite the skin, the nose wears away, no blame.
The character "W" means chewing, and "ment" refers to meat. The situation described involves a slave stealing meat and getting punished. The punishment is severe but not fatal. The person drawing this hexagram is currently in a situation where they are facing a minor consequence for past mistakes. They should be mindful not to repeat past errors, and the work they are asking about will not be harmed.
六三 噬腊肉,遇毒,小吝,无咎
Six Third: Bite the dried meat, encounter poison, small regret, no blame.
The term "seo" refers to chewing something, and "seokyuk" means dried meat. The hexagram suggests that the person is facing unexpected challenges while progressing in a matter. These challenges are not life-threatening, though they are difficult. The person receiving this hexagram may face obstacles but will not suffer irreparable harm.
九四 噬乾胏,得金矢,利艱貞,吉
Nine Fourth: Bite the dry bone, gain a gold arrow, beneficial for perseverance, good fortune.
The term "Seo" refers to something difficult to chew, and "Ja" refers to meat with bones. The hexagram speaks of an unexpected difficulty that eventually leads to a favorable result. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation where they face a challenge, but they will overcome it and the outcome will be beneficial. The task will be successful despite an unexpected difficulty.
六五 噬乾肉,得黃金,貞厲,无咎
Six Fifth: Bite the dried meat, gain gold, persistence brings danger, no blame.
While eating dried meat, a slave discovers golden grains; swallowing them would be perilous, but finding them without doing so brings no harm. The task at hand will face unexpected danger, yet you can keep the gold and eat the meat, making it perilous but faultless.
上九 何校滅耳,凶
Top Nine: What is the use of wearing out the ears? Dangerous.
A slave, burdened with a yoke, loses an ear and heads to prison or execution, a dire fate. The task at hand will bring peril, so shun evil in sight, sound, word, and deed, lest accumulated sin leads to ruin and misfortune.