I Ching · No.09 · Hsiao Ch'u / The Taming Power of the Small

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Hsiâo Khû indicates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and success. (We see) dense clouds, but no rain coming from our borders in the west.

Translation

Hsiao Ch'u (The Taming Power of the Small) hexagram. Auspicious. Dense clouds gather in the western outskirts, but no rain falls. The Image says: The upper trigram is Sun, representing wind; the lower trigram is Ch'ien, representing heaven. The gentle wind blows across the earth, the grass and trees bend and rise, growing vigorously. This is the image of Hsiao Ch'u. The gentleman, observing this image, emulates the gentle wind that stimulates all things, cultivating his own virtue and character, and promoting moral teachings.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Weak in strength, progress is blocked; hide one's talents and bide one's time, advance with patience. Slightly inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their strength is weak, and their fortune fluctuates. It is advisable to build up strength and quietly wait for the right opportunity. Rushing forward brings danger, and everything must be advanced with patience.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Mediocre and unremarkable, constrained by others.
• Wealth 财运: Good appearance on the outside, but much depletion on the inside.
• Household 家宅: Moderately well-off, must guard against disputes; marrying a virtuous woman.
• Health 身体: Wind-fire syndrome; auspicious for children, inauspicious for adults.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently mediocre, with the worry of one's actions being hindered by others.
• Business 营商: An image of external perfection but internal loss and depletion.
• Travel 出行: Indicates the danger of wind and waves.
• Household 家宅: Indicates a moderately well-off family, guard against the misfortune of disputes.
• Warfare 战征: Although there is a momentum as swift as thunder and wind, the benevolence and trust are not widespread; only minor victories can be achieved, while a major victory is difficult to obtain.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter, and guard against miscarriage.
• Travelers 行人: Fear that the boat journey is blocked by wind; will return after some delay. No blame.
• Marriage 婚姻: Indicates marrying a virtuous and beautiful woman, auspicious.
• Harvest 年成: Indicates much wind and little rain, harvest is mediocre.
• Illness 疾病: Indicates wind-fire syndrome. Auspicious for children, inauspicious for adults.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Ch'ien below, Sun above): Ch'ien is heaven, Sun is wind. It symbolizes favorable weather and growing crops, hence the hexagram name Hsiao Ch'u (Lesser Nourishment / Small Taming). Strength is limited, and one must wait until developing to a certain stage before major achievements can be made.

• Overall Image 大象: The capacity for accumulation is limited, and one's strength falls short of one's wishes. Therefore, it is advisable to endure, build up strength, and quietly wait for the right opportunity.
• Fortune 运势: Fortune fluctuates, with verbal disputes that are difficult to resolve in the short term. One must endure and quietly wait for the right opportunity.
• Career 事业: The time is not yet ripe. One should patiently and actively accumulate strength, and must not take risky actions. Do not lose heart when encountering setbacks; gather courage to overcome difficulties, adhere to principles, strengthen unity and cooperation, and make preparations in advance, and success will be achieved.
• Business 经商: There is already a certain foundation, but there is a risk of losing it. One must be especially cautious, strive to cooperate sincerely with others for mutual benefit, never be greedy, stop at the right moment, and yet not be content with the status quo and fail to make progress.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Set lofty goals, make the greatest effort to strive for them, humbly seek advice from others to obtain sincere help, realize one's ideals, and guard against disruption by petty people.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Both parties must be extremely loyal; the intrusion of a third party is highly likely to occur.
• Decision 决策: Not very smooth; unexpected difficulties will be encountered on the way forward. However, due to a strong character and the will to overcome unfavorable conditions, one can realize one's ideals. Yet, there is a high probability of being harmed by petty people, so sincere help from like-minded people is necessary to remove obstacles. One should be content with what is obtained, stop at the right moment, and never pursue excessively, lest fullness invite loss.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject returning and pursuing his own course. What mistake should he fall into? There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Returning from the original path, what calamity could there be? Auspicious. The Image says: Returning from the original path, its meaning is auspicious.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mediocre. For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to keep to the old business and not innovate. Those planning matters must guard against the misfortune of suspicion and doubt. Officials will be reinstated from idle posts.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Retreat and protect oneself, free from disasters and difficulties.
• Wealth 财运: Keep to old business steadily, not advisable to innovate.
• Household 家宅: Not seeking from the outside, the family way naturally prospers.
• Health 身体: Rest quietly and recuperate, recovery is possible.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently ordinary, advisable to retreat and protect oneself, no blame.
• Business 营商: Should steadily keep to old business, not advisable to establish new foundations.
• Household 家宅: As the saying goes, 'Scholars feed on old virtue, farmers work ancestral fields.' Turning back to seek within oneself and not desiring external things, the family way naturally prospers.
• Illness 疾病: Advisable to quiet the mind and nurture oneself, recovery will come naturally.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.
• Travelers 行人: Returning soon.
• Harvest 年成: Good.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sun intimates that (under the conditions which it denotes) there will be some little attainment and progress. There will be advantage in movement onward in whatever direction. It will be advantageous (also) to see the great man.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sun Hexagram. Small success. It is beneficial to have a destination, and beneficial to see great men. The Image says: This hexagram is formed by doubling the Sun trigram; Sun represents wind, thus the continuous wind follows, blowing incessantly. This is the image of Sun. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the incessantly blowing wind, thereby repeatedly clarifying teachings, repeatedly issuing government decrees, and instilling the great principles of social order.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Submissive and accommodating, acting with humility; gaining help from noble people, benefits lie in distant places. Small good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram experience fluctuating fortune; it is advisable to adapt to circumstances and act with humility, which will bring unexpected gains.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Sun below, Sun above). Sun is wind; two winds are superimposed, the continuous wind never ends, penetrating everywhere. Sun means submission. A humble attitude and behavior will lead to success in all endeavors.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject, by the attraction (of the former line), returning (to the proper course). There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: Being led to return, auspicious. The Image says: Being led to return, auspicious, because the line of Nine in the second place is in the middle of the lower trigram, like a person acting with uprightness and centrality, naturally free from errors.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, there is assistance from others, and planning goes as desired. Officials have opportunities for promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Succeeding through others, gaining profit, very auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Both starting a business and maintaining success are appropriate.
• Household 家宅: Harmony among brothers, family way prospers.
• Health 身体: Old illness recurs, nurture and care for it carefully.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Succeeding through others, naturally gaining profit. Very auspicious.
• Business 营商: Advisable to establish joint ventures, or revitalize old business, both will obtain good fortune.
• Household 家宅: Indicates harmony among brothers and restoring ancestral business, which will surely lead to a prosperous family way, an image of great good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: Surely indicates the recurrence of an old illness; with careful treatment and care, it will be fine.
• Travelers 行人: Returning on the same day with companions.
• Warfare 战征: Indicates victory for consecutive days.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.
• Harvest 年成: Abundant harvest.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

For (the realisation of what is taught in) Kiâ Zăn, (or for the regulation of the family), what is most advantageous is that the wife be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Chia Jên (Family) hexagram. Divination regarding the affairs of women is auspicious. The Image says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Sun, and Sun represents wind; the inner trigram is Li, and Li represents fire. Fire within and wind without: wind assists the fire's force, and fire assists the wind's power, complementing each other, which is the image of the Family. The gentleman observes this image, thereby realizing that his words must have substance so as not to be empty, and his conduct must be persistent to be abundant.

Shao Yong's Commentary

People's hearts turn inward, and the family way flourishes; strict, upright, and constant, their minds cannot be swayed. Slightly auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, collaborating and working with others will be beneficial, and there are many signs of happy events. Those with harmonious families can work together with one heart to develop their careers.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (Li below and Sun above). Li represents fire; Sun represents wind. Fire makes hot air rise, becoming wind. All things should be based on the internal, and then extend to the external. What originates within takes shape without. It metaphorically implies governing the family first, and then governing the world. When the family way is correct, the world will be at peace and happy.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, suggests the idea of a carriage, the strap beneath which has been removed, or of a husband and wife looking on each other with averted eyes.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: The carriage spokes are removed. Husband and wife glare at each other in discord. The Image says: Husband and wife glare at each other, showing that they cannot govern the household.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, honor is followed by humiliation, and advancement by retreat. There may be ailments of the feet or eyes, or discord between husband and wife, or alienation between ruler and minister, or disputes among friends, or injury to blood and vital energy.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Yin flourishes while Yang declines; unrest inside and outside.
• Wealth 财运: Operating against the trend can yield profit.
• Household 家宅: Family discord, unfavorable marriage.
• Health 身体: Failing to examine Yin and Yang; choose a good physician carefully.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Yin flourishes while Yang declines; unrest inside and outside. It is most advisable to guard with caution.
• Business 营商: With accumulated goods, sell them immediately. What everyone scrambles to sell, do not sell; what others do not sell, rush to buy and sell. This is called acting contrary to the usual path, yielding profit.
• Household 家宅: Yin and Yang are reversed; household in discord.
• Illness 疾病: Guard against the physician's failure to examine properly, mistaking cold for heat, and deficiency for excess, resulting in inappropriate medication, which is a reversal of Yin and Yang. One should immediately consult another good physician, and the illness will surely be cured, auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Discord in the army's morale; guard against the worry of chaotic tracks, fallen flags, and turning weapons against one's own side.
• Travelers 行人: Returning on the same day.
• Travel 出行: Fear of danger midway.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy; indicates eye ailments.
• Harvest 年成: Not good.
• Marriage 婚姻: Unfavorable.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kung Fû (moves even) pigs and fish, and leads to good fortune. There will be advantage in crossing the great stream. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Chung Fu hexagram. Offering pigs and fish; though the offering is modest, the heart is sincere—auspicious. It is also beneficial to cross the great river. This is an auspicious divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Dui, Dui is marsh. Wind over the marsh, wind rising and waves surging—this is the image of Chung Fu. In observing this hexagram, the noble person, inspired by the transformation of the state through moral influence, prioritizes moral education first, and thus carefully deliberates legal trials and does not lightly impose severe punishments.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Trustworthy and substantial, sincere and faithful; assisted by close friends, plans and hopes can be fulfilled. Small good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, the upright and sincere will find good fortune, receiving help from friends and succeeding in their endeavors; those with evil intentions will face misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below, Xun above). The original meaning of Fu is to hatch; the hatching date of an egg is highly precise, carrying the meaning of trust or faithfulness. The shape of the hexagram is solid on the outside and empty on the inside, symbolizing sincerity and truth in the heart, hence it is called the Chung Fu (Inner Truth) hexagram. This is the foundation of establishing oneself and conducting oneself in society.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject possessed of sincerity. The danger of bloodshed is thereby averted, and his (ground for) apprehension dismissed. There will be no mistake.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: Captives are captured, the danger of war is temporarily eliminated, but one must still remain vigilant to avoid disaster. The Image says: Captives are captured and vigilance is maintained, showing that the will can still be unified.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mediocre. For those who obtain this line, if they are sincere, human relations will be harmonious, and planning will be quite successful. Officials will be promoted by their superiors, and those long in office can change their luck.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Avoid conflict at all costs, go far away to avoid trouble; promotion relies on superiors' recommendation.
• Wealth 财运: Favorable in the Northwest, unfavorable in the Southeast; neighbors help each other.
• Household 家宅: Managed properly, otherwise one will be burdened.
• Health 身体: Treat by soothing and relaxing; harsh and drying medicine is not suitable.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently inevitable to have worries; avoid fighting with others at all costs, and guard against injuries. It is advisable to go far away to avoid trouble, then there will be no blame.
• Officialdom 仕途: Will surely align with superiors and obtain promotion, very auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Favorable for launching an attack; victory can be achieved.
• Household 家宅: Concubines and servants should be managed properly; otherwise, guard against being controlled by them.
• Business 营商: Favorable in the Northwest, unfavorable in the Southeast.
• Illness 疾病: It is a syndrome of cold on the outside and heat on the inside; treat it by soothing and relaxing, harsh and drying medicine is not suitable.
• Plans 谋事: Possesses the strength of help from neighbors.
• Travelers 行人: Fear of danger midway; advisable to travel in disguise and secret, enduring to avoid disaster.
• Pregnancy 六甲: This pregnancy will give birth to a daughter. The following pregnancies can produce five consecutive boys.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Supreme good fortune and smooth progress, a favorable divination. The Image says: Heaven's movement is strong and vigorous, running without cease. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on heaven and strengthens himself ceaselessly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Strong, vigorous, and flourishing, the work of growth and development; everything goes smoothly, but guard against being too strong. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, heaven's movement is strong and vigorous, and one makes oneself strong ceaselessly. It is an image of achieving both fame and wealth; one should seize opportunities and strive for results. If a woman obtains this hexagram, there is a suspicion of being overly rigid and upright.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Ch'ien below, Ch'ien above). It symbolizes heaven, represents the dragon (a superior man of virtue and talent), and also symbolizes pure Yang and vigor, indicating prosperity and strength. The Ch'ien hexagram is based on the principle of the adaptation and transformation of all things. With 'sublimity, success, furtherance, perseverance' (Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen) as the hexagram statement, it indicates good fortune and smooth progress, teaching people to abide by the virtue of the Way of Heaven.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject possessed of sincerity, and drawing others to unite with him. Rich in resources, he employs his neighbours (in the same cause with himself).

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: Captives are captured and bound together, sharing these riches with neighbors. The Image says: Captives are captured and bound together, sharing riches with neighbors, not possessing them alone.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, they can get help from others, and all plans will go as desired. Officials will receive appreciation from superiors and support from subordinates, enjoying high prestige.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Temporarily prosperous, successful in everything.
• Wealth 财运: All kinds of goods accumulate, naturally leading to great profit.
• Household 家宅: Both wealthy and noble, benefiting the neighborhood.
• Health 身体: Symptoms of numbness in the limbs.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Business 营商: An image of all goods converging and merchants joyfully submitting, great profit.
• Fortune 时运: Lifetime fortune is prosperous and smooth, successful in everything.
• Officialdom 仕途: Indicates consecutive promotions, complete with both official salary and rank.
• Household 家宅: Indicates generations of honesty and kindness, benefiting neighbors, not only wealthy but also noble and prominent.
• Warfare 战征: Indicates soldiers are of one mind, an image of the national border expanding daily.
• Pregnancy 六甲: An image of twins.
• Illness 疾病: Indicates numbness and insensitivity, and spasm of the limbs.
• Lost Items 失物: Advisable to search in the neighborhood, will naturally find it.
• Travel 出行: Advisable to travel in a group, not to go alone.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Under the conditions of Tâ Khû it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. (If its subject do not seek to) enjoy his revenues in his own family (without taking service at court), there will be good fortune. It will be advantageous for him to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram of Ta Ch'u (Great Accumulation / The Taming Power of the Great). A favorable omen of perseverance. Not eating at home, but eating at the court brings good fortune. Divining this hexagram is beneficial for crossing great rivers. The Image says: The inner trigram is Qian (Heaven) and the outer trigram is Gen (Mountain); the sun shines within the mountain, and all things absorb the sunlight, rain, and dew, each fulfilling its life. This is the image of Ta Ch'u. In accordance with this, the gentleman briefs himself on the words and deeds of the ancients to nourish his virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Using Yang to accumulate Yin, restraining the desire to advance; firmly maintaining the correct path, misfortune at first followed by good fortune. A minor fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should firmly maintain the correct path, keep their feet on the ground, and act practically so as to achieve great things. Do not be proud and self-satisfied, or look down on everything.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Gen above). Qian is Heaven, strong and vigorous; Gen is Mountain, solid and sincere. 'Chu' means accumulation, so 'Ta Ch'u' means great accumulation. For this reason, one does not fear severe difficulties and dangers, striving to cultivate oneself to enrich one's moral deeds.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, undivided, shows how the rain has fallen, and the (onward progress) is stayed;--(so) must we value the full accumulation of the virtue (represented by the upper trigram). But a wife (exercising restraint), however firm and correct she may be, is in a position of peril, (and like) the moon approaching to the full. If the superior man prosecute his measures (in such circumstances), there will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: The long rain has just stopped, and there is still time to plant crops. For women, obtaining this line is dangerous. If a gentleman sets out on a journey on the fourteenth day of the lunar month, there is also danger. The Image says: The long rain has just stopped, not missing the farming season, which should bring a bumper and full load. It is dangerous for a gentleman to travel because he lacks understanding of the journey filled with danger.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mediocre. For those who obtain this line, they will be harassed by petty people. It is advisable to cultivate virtue and nurture oneself; those who do not advance rashly can avoid disaster. For women, obtaining this line is inauspicious; it is dangerous for a gentleman to travel.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Long-held dreams can finally be realized.
• Wealth 财运: Stop when profit is made, avoid being overly greedy.
• Household 家宅: Difficulties first, prosperity later.
• Health 身体: Must guard against excessive nutrition.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Indicates that former hopes were not fulfilled, but now they are realized as desired.
• Household 家宅: An image of difficulties first and prosperity later.
• Business 营商: Advisable to stop when profit is made. If one is insatiably greedy, fullness will ultimately lead to misfortune.
• Warfare 战征: Once victory is achieved, the army should immediately withdraw. If attacking again, it is unfavorable for the commander.
• Harvest 年成: Drought, but not causing disaster.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Live birth of a daughter.
• Travelers 行人: Returning soon.
• Travel 出行: Unfavorable.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsü intimates that, with the sincerity which is declared in it, there will be brilliant success. With firmness there will be good fortune; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsü (Waiting) Hexagram. Captives are taken. Great good fortune, a favorable divination. It is beneficial to cross the great river. The Image says: The upper trigram of Hsü is Kan, representing clouds; the lower trigram is Qian, representing heaven. Clouds gather in the sky, waiting to bring rain, which is the image of the Waiting hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, eats and drinks, making merry, and waits for the right time to act.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The pit of Kan is ahead, obstructed and unable to advance; great vessels mature late, and the harvest comes afterwards. Minor misfortune: For those who get this hexagram, the timing is not yet ripe; patience is required to wait, as rushing forward will instead bring misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Kan above). The lower trigram is Qian, meaning strength and vigor; the upper trigram is Kan, meaning danger and pitfall. Meeting danger with strength, one should be stable and prudent, avoiding reckless action, observing the timing and waiting for changes; then where one goes will surely bring success.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.