I Ching · No.14 · Ta Yu / Possession in Great Measure

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Tâ Yû indicates that, (under the circumstances which it implies), there will be great progress and success.

Translation

The Hexagram of Ta Yu (Possession in Great Measure). Great prosperity and smooth success. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Qian, representing Heaven, and the upper trigram is Li, representing Fire. Fire is high in heaven, illuminating all directions; this is the image of Possession in Great Measure. In accordance with this image, the superior man, taking pattern from fire, discerns good and evil, suppresses evil and promotes good, thereby conforming to the heavenly decree and praying for good fortune.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun shines bright in the mid-heaven, illuminating all things; grand and wealthy, maintaining fullness and preserving peace. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram are in the midst of good fortune. Everything is auspicious, and great harvests are reaped, but one must guard against the extreme turning back, where peak prosperity turns to decline.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Incomparably smooth and successful, shining with great brilliance.
• Wealth 财运: Let go and act; wealth will come naturally.
• Household 家宅: A family that accumulates good deeds will preserve it for their descendants.
• Health 身体: Deficiency fire rising; diagnose and treat with care.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently smooth and successful, like the sun in the sky, with the image of light illuminating everywhere.
• Business 营商: You can act boldly; there is an image of wealth and daily renewal.
• Household 家宅: The ancestral foundation must be wealthy, a family that accumulates goodness. It is advisable to exhort and advise the younger generation to cultivate virtuous roots, so that the family business can be preserved forever.
• Warfare 战征: Indicating the general star shining brightly, rewards and punishments being appropriate, and the image of the entire army obeying orders.
• Travelers 行人: Will surely return fully loaded; great benefit.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.
• Illness 疾病: Unfavorable.
• Litigation 讼事: Indicating a fair and clear judgment by the official, otherwise it will surely be settled peacefully.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Li above). The upper trigram is Li, representing Fire; the lower trigram is Qian, representing Heaven. Fire is in heaven, illuminating all things. The multitude submits, conforming to heaven and acting in accordance with the season, leading to great achievements.

• Overall Image 大象: The sun is in heaven, illuminating the earth and all things. However, five yang lines contend for one yin line; one must know that fullness leads to emptiness.
• Fortune 运势: Obtaining the right time and fortune, prosperous and extremely auspicious, but guard against the extreme turning back, where peak prosperity turns to decline.
• Career 事业: The career has already achieved a certain level of success; what is most to be avoided is getting carried away and acting recklessly. One must suppress evil and promote good, firmly adhere to the correct middle path, associate with upright friends, be cautious and apprehensive, and work conscientiously, truly achieving greatness without being full, and abundance without overflowing, so that the career can be expected to scale new heights.
• Business 经商: Prosperous and thriving, having escaped difficult circumstances and entered a stage of prosperity and development. If one can restrain the mentality of greed, strictly uphold the principles of honesty and trustworthiness, treat people fairly, and be diligent and thrifty—especially paying attention to market trends at all times and shifting gears in a timely manner—success can be expected to endure.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Already slightly famous, do not be content with this and stall. In particular, do not fall into mundane circles. One should continue to strive and, with the help of true friends, climb to a higher level.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Conditions are excellent, and there are many choices available; caution is advised. Both sides should make every effort to maintain the household.
• Decision 决策: Possessing a strong character, courage to overcome difficulties, and striving upward. There are many difficulties and misfortunes along the way; only by taking them seriously can continuous success be achieved. If vigilance is relaxed and pride and self-satisfaction set in, it will bring disastrous defeat. Friends are many and social circles are wide, which is very helpful to the career, but among them are also petty people who undermine your efforts.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the first line, undivided, there is no approach to what is injurious, and there is no error. Let there be a realisation of the difficulty (and danger of the position), and there will be no error (to the end).

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Do not harm one another, and there will be no disaster. Even if in difficult circumstances, there will be no disaster. The Image says: The line statement of Nine at the beginning of Ta Yu means 'do not harm one another'.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: Those who obtain this line will have unsettled minds, be bullied by petty people, and face great hardship; elders may experience misfortune. Officials should retire at the height of their career and not covet glory and wealth.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Hard work and self-encouragement; wait for good fortune.
• Wealth 财运: The foundation is newly established; caution at the beginning brings no harm.
• Household 家宅: Newly wealthy and joyful, worthy of cherishing.
• Health 身体: No worry about health; litigation should be resolved.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently not yet entering the peak fortune. One must work hard and encourage oneself; when good fortune arrives, benefits will naturally follow.
• Business 营商: Presumably the business is newly established and various goods have not yet been handled; one must keep to the beginning, which will naturally be harmless and profitable.
• Warfare 战征: It must be the first mobilization and before any engagement. One must be cautious at the start, and there will naturally be no future trouble.
• Household 家宅: It must be a newly wealthy family, starting a business through hardship, which will naturally bring future blessings.
• Litigation 讼事: Not yet filed; it is still better to settle it peacefully.
• Travelers 行人: Has no intention of returning yet.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy; the due date is still far off.
• Lost Items 失物: Difficult to find immediately; it may be recovered after a long wait.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Ting gives the intimation of great progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Ting (Cauldron) hexagram. Supreme good fortune, success. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Xun, and Xun is wood; the upper trigram is Li, and Li is fire. Thus, there is fire over wood: the image of the Cauldron. The superior man, by observing this image, emulates the three-legged stability of the cauldron, standing upright without leaning, thereby holding correct and maintaining his position, being relied upon and trusted by the sovereign, and fulfilling his mission.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Achieving success through failure, accomplishing tasks through others; all affairs proceed smoothly, rising rapidly in the world. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is currently at its peak; they can receive help from friends and achieve great accomplishments. Partnering or cooperating with others is even better.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Li above). Burning wood to cook food, transforming raw to cooked, meaning weeding out the old and bringing forth the new. The Cauldron is a precious treasure and a grand vessel, symbolizing the stability of three legs. Cooking food metaphorically represents abundant food, with no more difficulties or distress. On this basis, it is suitable to make changes and develop one's career.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the second line, undivided, we have a large waggon with its load. In whatever direction advance is made, there will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second line: A large carriage to load things and carry people, having a clear destination, there is no blame. The Image says: Loading a large carriage; storing things in the carriage, they will not be lost.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will profit from their plans and gain abundant wealth, but it is unfavorable for the health of the elderly. Officials in idle posts will be heavily relied upon.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Just entering good fortune, smooth sailing all the way.
• Wealth 财运: Both domestically and internationally, profits will be made everywhere.
• Household 家宅: Can relocate.
• Health 身体: Seek medical treatment away from home; litigation will be won.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently entering good fortune, smooth sailing all the way, successful in every endeavor.
• Business 营商: Transporting goods and trading them, even trading overseas, profits are made in everything.
• Warfare 战征: Favorable for land warfare; leading the army directly forward, capturing and winning victories everywhere.
• Household 家宅: Safe and blameless; if planning to move to a higher position or relocate, it is even more auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable to go out of town for medical treatment; auspicious.
• Travelers 行人: Because of planning business outside with many benefits, they will not return for the time being.
• Litigation 讼事: Winning the lawsuit.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy; if past the due date, a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lî indicates that, (in regard to what it denotes), it will be advantageous to be firm and correct, and that thus there will be free course and success. Let (its subject) also nourish (a docility like that of) the cow, and there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Li Hexagram. Auspicious divination, smooth and prosperous. Raising a cow brings good fortune. The Image says: The sun rises today, and the sun rises tomorrow, continuing without pause; this is the image of Li. Observing this image, the nobility and princes illuminate the four quarters with an endless flow of light.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Clinging to light, being humble and advancing slowly; just and gentle, conforming and keeping to one's course brings good fortune. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should be humble and cautious, and progress steadily, then the future will be bright. Those who advance hastily or act on impulse will surely suffer losses.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Li below and Li above). Li means beauty and clinging (attachment); a single Yin line clings to the two Yang lines above and below. The hexagram symbolizes fire, hollow inside and bright outside. Li represents fire and brightness; the sun rises and sets repeatedly, running endlessly, with gentleness and compliance at heart.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows us a feudal prince presenting his offerings to the Son of Heaven. A small man would be unequal (to such a duty).

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third line: A prince presents an offering to the Son of Heaven. A petty man is not capable of this. The Image says: A prince presents an offering to the Son of Heaven; a petty man doing so would be a disaster for the state.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: Those who obtain this line will face disaster and find every step difficult; do not associate with petty people. Officials will be given heavy responsibilities, and scholars will achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: A time of honor and glory; taking bribes will surely lead to ruin.
• Wealth 财运: Both fame and profit arrive; stay away from petty people.
• Household 家宅: Celebrations and feasts; must guard against servants and maids.
• Health 身体: Be careful with diet; do not engage in litigation.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently at the height of honor and glory; beneficial for public matters, unfavorable for private gain.
• Officialdom 仕途: The image of receiving favor, trust, and rewards; taking bribes will surely lead to ruin, so caution is advised.
• Business 营商: Not only gaining profit, but also gaining fame.
• Warfare 战征: The image of rewarding the entire army and winning the battle, but there is a fear of 'Loss' among the soldiers.
• Household 家宅: The image of celebratory banquets and abundant food at home, but care must be taken with the servants.
• Litigation 讼事: If the dispute arose over food or drink, it will be difficult to obtain justice.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy. He will be noble, but in early childhood, guard against many illnesses.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khwei indicates that, (notwithstanding the condition of things which it denotes), in small matters there will (still) be good success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

K'uei (Opposition) Hexagram. Divining this hexagram indicates good fortune in small matters. The 'Image' says: The upper trigram is Li, which represents fire; the lower trigram is Dui, which represents marsh. Fire above and marsh below, diverging from each other—this is the image of Opposition. The superior man, observing this image, synthesizes the commonalities of all things and analyzes their differences.

Shao Yong's Commentary

People's hearts are directed outward, running counter to the Dao; it is difficult to achieve success, and it is not advisable to take major actions. Ominous: Those who obtain this hexagram have poor fortune; like water and fire being incompatible, they contradict each other, and all matters are difficult to succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Dui below, Li above). Li is Fire; Dui is Marsh. Fire above and marsh below, opposing and not aiding each other. Overcoming generates life, cycles without emptiness. All things have differences, there must be deviations, contradicting each other. K'uei (Opposition) means contradiction.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject keeping his great resources under restraint. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth line: Exposing the male shaman to the sun to pray for rain, the drought is severe, but there is no blame. The Image says: Opposing evil people and bad deeds brings no blame, because of clear investigation and analysis.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: Those who obtain this line should adhere to the ordinary, which will prevent harm; there might be eye-related ailments. Officials must be content with the status quo and not be aggressive, thereby avoiding disaster.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Maintain fullness and preserve peace; contentment prevents humiliation.
• Wealth 财运: Profits are already sufficient; do not covet more.
• Household 家宅: Glorious and beautiful to look at, but fullness invites loss.
• Health 身体: Abdominal bloating or swelling ailments.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fourth of the six lines indicates that the peak of prosperity has been reached; one should maintain fullness, preserve peace, and know when to stop to avoid disgrace.
• Business 营商: Profits have been made; do not be overly greedy, and there will be no harm.
• Household 家宅: It must be simple yet beautiful, like the residence of Prince Jing of Wei, which is good; otherwise, fullness will inevitably bring loss.
• Illness 疾病: Guard against bloating or swelling ailments.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.
• Litigation 讼事: Meeting a judge of clear decisiveness, the judgment will be fair.
• Lost Items 失物: Search for it inside a bamboo basket.

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.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows the sincerity of its subject reciprocated by that of all the others (represented in the hexagram). Let him display a proper majesty, and there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth line: The invading enemy is tightly bound and severely punished, auspicious. The Image says: The person is sincere and frank, because he shows his aspiration with sincerity. Inspiring awe to subdue the multitude is auspicious because when the multitude is in awe, there will be peace without exhaustion.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line must act according to the timing and must not be proud or self-conceited, so as to avoid bringing disaster upon themselves. Officials should retreat rather than advance.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The multitude is convinced; late fortune is smooth and successful.
• Wealth 财运: Harmony is precious; wealth is not difficult to achieve.
• Household 家宅: The family is harmonious; must guard against thieves.
• Health 身体: Maintain appearances.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: One must be trusted and respected throughout life and possess prestige; it is a time of smooth and excellent late fortune.
• Business 营商: For a time, all merchants trust and submit; goods flow freely, and wealth can be preserved forever.
• Warfare 战征: The troops are brave and active, and the awe-inspiring orders spread far; vigilance is especially advised to guard against the enemy.
• Household 家宅: Mainly indicating family harmony, but there is a fear of theft, so precautions should be taken.
• Lost Items 失物: The thief is a trusted person; pressure them with authority and they will return it, but there is a fear of losing it again after recovery.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.
• Litigation 讼事: The defendant will surely settle peacefully out of fear of authority.
• Travelers 行人: Will return on schedule.

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 at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, undivided, shows its subject with help accorded to him from Heaven. There will be good fortune, advantage in every respect.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: Blessed by Heaven, auspicious, nothing is unfavorable. The Image says: The great blessing of Ta Yu is due to being blessed by Heaven.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line receive the blessings of ancestors and enjoy good fortune all the way. Officials and scholars will be promoted and become famous.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune all the way; everything is auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: All goods flow smoothly; profits come naturally.
• Household 家宅: Blessings and celebrations fill the household.
• Health 身体: Blessed by the gods, or perhaps passing away.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently enjoying good fortune all the way; everything is auspicious.
• Business 营商: All goods will yield a profit.
• Household 家宅: Blessings and celebrations fill the family.
• Warfare 战征: With just this one battle, a great victory is achieved, and the troops can be withdrawn.
• Travelers 行人: Returning immediately.
• Illness 疾病: Silently receiving divine protection, auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.
• Lost Items 失物: Search in a high place, and it can be found.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tâ Kwang indicates that (under the conditions which it symbolises) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ta Chuang (The Power of the Great) Hexagram. A favorable divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder; the lower trigram is Qian, Qian is heaven. Thunder rolling in the heavens is the image of the Power of the Great. Looking at this image, the gentleman, seeing the fearsome sudden thunder and the strictness of ritual laws, stands in awe and knows fear, adhering strictly to propriety.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Just and honorable, strong and grand; tolerant and harmonious, avoid impulsiveness. Minor fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is excessively strong. They should remain calm and act with caution; otherwise, mistakes will surely occur.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below, Zhen above). Zhen is thunder; Qian is heaven. Qian is firm, Zhen is movement. Thunder rolls in the heavens, clouds and thunder rumble, the scale is grand, Yang energy is robust and strong, and all things grow. Being firm, strong, and powerful, it is called Zhuang. Great and strong, hence the name Ta Chuang (The Power of the Great). The four Yang lines are strong and flourishing, active and achieving. The upper is upright and the lower is upright; when the pole is straight, the shadow is straight.

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.