I Ching · No.34 · Ta Chuang / The Power of the Great

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

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

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.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Achieving fame is not difficult, but one must not be proud.
• Wealth 财运: Sell when a good price is offered, do not be overly greedy.
• Household 家宅: Be careful of fire; respect each other like guests.
• Health 身体: Take care of the feet.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The army's strength is robust, with the speed of a sudden clap of thunder that leaves no time to cover the ears; but an arrogant army is bound to be defeated, which should be deeply guarded against.
• Business 营商: Thunder in the heavens is the sign of high prices. Sell when a good price is met, and do not overdo it.
• Fame & Career 功名: The thunder resounds far and wide, fame will surely be achieved.
• Household 家宅: Guard against fire disasters; it is advisable to pray.
• Illness 疾病: Zhen is thunder and also represents the feet; guard against foot ailments that prevent walking.
• Marriage 婚姻: Zhen is the eldest son of Qian, Xun is the eldest daughter of Kun; it is a match made in heaven, auspicious.
• Lost Items 失物: Once the thunder passes, it leaves no trace; it is feared that this item cannot be recovered.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

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.

• Overall Image 大象: The thunder is loud and the sky is bright, representing a sign of uprightness and brightness, as well as a sign of strong earthquake; it is one of the six-conflict (Liu Chong) hexagrams.
• Fortune 运势: Although the fortune is strong, it has reached its peak. It is advisable to remain calm and peaceful; otherwise, it will lead to failure. Remember that when things reach their extreme, they must reverse.
• Career 事业: Conduct yourself through wisdom rather than brute force. Have courage but even more strategy. Avoid reckless action; failing to defend when one should will bring misfortune upon oneself. Do not show off strength, otherwise you will invite danger. Guard against petty people, especially do not ignore their deceitfulness. Go forward courageously in your career, but avoid reckless advancement.
• Business 经商: In a rising phase, the situation is very good. However, you must never show off your strength, let alone act rashly. Actively enhance cooperation with others. Raise your vigilance, understand the principle that things reverse when they reach their extreme, and prepare for a potential decline in business.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Be sure to apply your strength properly. Do not advance rashly by relying on your own firmness and strength. Above all, do not be conceited. Exercise your talents appropriately, and with the help of external forces, you will surely achieve something.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Never be arrogant because of your own favorable conditions. Do not miss a good marriage.
• Decision 决策: Firmness and strength should be moderate; do not excessively deplete your strength. When your career is going smoothly, you must not act rashly. Pay closer attention, as you may already be in a dilemma. You must protect yourself, wait for the right opportunity, and make preparations early.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject manifesting his strength in his toes. But advance will lead to evil,--most certainly.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Injury to the toes. If this line is met during divination, setting out on a campaign brings misfortune, though there are still gains. The Image says: Relying on military strength to invade other countries may bring gains, but credibility is completely lost.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, there will be disputes and lawsuits. Action brings misfortune. Guard against foot ailments. Officials must guard against being humiliated by the slander of petty people.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Courage without strategy; fame will surely be low.
• Wealth 财运: Failing to think carefully will surely lead to losses.
• Household 家宅: Do not move; guard against foot ailments in women.
• Health 身体: Choose a good doctor carefully.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: 'Power in the toes, setting out brings misfortune.' This is a warning for those who penetrate deep alone. Courage without strategy leads to misfortune.
• Business 营商: The transport and sale of goods has the wonder of spreading far and wide without legs or wings; however, if one goes forward rashly without assessing the market demand, how can profit be made? Thus, misfortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: The beginning is at the bottom, called 'toes,' so movement is also at the bottom, and fame will surely be low.
• Household 家宅: 'Toe' means to stop. This residence should remain stable and quiet, and it is not suitable to move; moving brings misfortune.
• Marriage 婚姻: Guard against the woman having foot ailments. 'Setting out brings misfortune, even with sincerity,' means that though there is an engagement, 'the sincerity is exhausted.'
• Lost Items 失物: This item has been stepped on by feet and ruined.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hăng indicates successful progress and no error (in what it denotes). But the advantage will come from being firm and correct; and movement in any direction whatever will be advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Heng Hexagram. Success, without error, favorable divination. It is advantageous to have a destination. The Image Commentary says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, which represents thunder; the lower trigram is Xun, which represents wind. Wind and thunder cleanse and renew, keeping the universe ever fresh; this is the image of Heng (Duration). The noble man observes this image to establish himself in the correct path and hold firm without changing.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Constancy and permanence, long-lasting without change; the noble man acts with benefit, not changing his direction. Minor Good Fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram must ground themselves in the correct path, hold firm without changing, and make persistent efforts; then they will surely achieve success. Those who lack perseverance and are fickle will not succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below, Zhen above). Zhen represents the male and thunder; Xun represents the female and wind. The firm Zhen is above, and the yielding Xun is below. With the firm above and the yielding below, the creation follows constant laws, promoting each other's growth. The yin and yang correspond to each other in accordance with normal principles, hence it is called Heng (Duration).

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows that with firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: Divination brings an auspicious omen. The Image says: The line statement of Nine in the second place speaks of uprightness and good fortune because the line occupies the central position of the lower trigram, like a person maintaining the path of the golden mean and correctness.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, planning and schemes will succeed. Officials who act according to the golden mean will have a clear conscience.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Conducting oneself according to the golden mean receives recognition.
• Wealth 财运: The price of goods is appropriate, so profits are naturally made.
• Household 家宅: The location is moderate; marriage is auspicious.
• Health 身体: Nourishment is appropriate.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Because the central camp is capable, victory is achieved. Auspicious.
• Business 营商: Because the price is appropriate and matches the timely mean, profits can be made.
• Fame & Career 功名: Succeeding exactly in the examination. Auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: Being chosen as the son-in-law (Que Ping Zhong Xuan). Auspicious.
• Household 家宅: This residence faces east with its back to the west, in a moderate position. Great good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: The disease is in the middle burner. It is advisable to use formulas that submerge Yang and nourish Yin; recovery will be natural. Auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: Mediated by a neutral party, it will quickly cease.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.
• Travelers 行人: Already on the way, returning soon.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Făng intimates progress and development. When a king has reached the point (which the name denotes) there is no occasion to be anxious (through fear of a change). Let him be as the sun at noon.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Feng (Abundance). Holding a sacrifice, the king will personally attend the ancestral temple. Do not worry, the best time is at midday. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder; the lower trigram is Li, Li is lightning. Lightning and thunder together show a major celestial phenomenon revealed by heaven, which is also the image of the hexagram Feng. In observing this image, the superior man, inspired by the brilliance and majesty of lightning and thunder, decides lawsuits and administers punishments.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Grandeur and fullness, acquiring wealth and gaining profit; plans and hopes will be fulfilled, and there will surely be celebrations. Minor luck: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is strong, undertakings can succeed, and both fame and fortune can be gained. However, one should not be overly greedy, but rather find contentment in what one has, and guard against sorrow arising from extreme joy, loss of wealth, or even fire hazards.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Li below, Zhen above). Lightning flashes and thunder rolls, leading to great achievements, symbolizing reaching the summit like the midday sun. Warning: One must pay close attention to things moving in the opposite direction; prosperity and decline are inconstant, and one must remain vigilant.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows, in the case of a small man, one using all his strength; and in the case of a superior man, one whose rule is not to do so. Even with firm correctness the position would be perilous. (The exercise of strength in it might be compared to the case of) a ram butting against a fence, and getting his horns entangled.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: The petty man catches beasts relying on brute force, the gentleman catches beasts using nets. Divination brings a dangerous omen. A ram butts a hedge and gets its horns entangled. The Image says: The petty man catches beasts relying on brute force, the gentleman catches beasts using nets.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, there may be lawsuits, or a death in the family; both people and wealth are disadvantaged. Officials will face many disasters, finding it hard to rest in either advancing or retreating.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Approach matters with apprehension; modesty and retreat will bring benefit.
• Wealth 财运: Do not monopolize, otherwise there will be great consumption.
• Household 家宅: Too high and prone to shaking; husband and wife fall out.
• Health 身体: Blood and Qi are too strong; guard against unexpected accidents.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Those skilled in war assess opportunities and observe the enemy, not daring to act rashly; those relying on bravery show off their strength in battle, advancing deep alone, resulting in being trapped in a dangerous place from which they cannot escape. Thus, misfortune.
• Business 营商: Relying on the abundance of one's wealth to arbitrarily monopolize, once goods are damaged and there is nowhere to sell them, great losses will surely be suffered. A good merchant should have no such worries.
• Fame & Career 功名: The reckless will surely fail; the modest and retreating will achieve fame.
• Household 家宅: Since the location of this residence is high, the building should be low; a high house is feared to suffer the disaster of collapse.
• Illness 疾病: The illness is caused by excessively strong blood and Qi; the medicine should regulate blood and direct Qi downward.
• Litigation 讼事: It is advisable to endure anger, accept grievance, and end the lawsuit. If one is litigious without stopping, the lawsuit will 'ultimately bring misfortune.'
• Marriage 婚姻: The two families are either one poor and one rich. If the rich family relies on wealth to oppress the poor, resulting in husband and wife falling out, it is unfortunate.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwei Mei indicates that (under the conditions which it denotes) action will be evil, and in no wise advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Marrying Maiden. Divining this hexagram, setting forth on an expedition is dangerous. Nothing is advantageous. The Image says: The hexagram of the Marrying Maiden: the lower trigram is Dui, which represents the marsh; the upper trigram is Zhen, which represents thunder. Thus, thunder rolls over the marsh, and the thunder moves the water, which metaphorically represents the mutual attraction of man and woman falling in love and forming a union. This is the image of the Marrying Maiden hexagram. In observing this image, the superior man perceives the success and failure of marriage in the long course of married life.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Violating the natural order, one's path will come to an end; examine the principles of things clearly, and bring an end to wild delusions. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, in times of difficulty, acting contrary to the natural order will bring continuous disasters. It is advisable to clearly examine principles, cultivate the mind and character, and eliminate wild delusions.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (lower Dui and upper Zhen). Zhen is movement and the eldest son; Dui is joy and the youngest daughter. With the youngest daughter following the eldest son, feelings of affection arise, initiating the movement toward marriage and the image of marrying off a daughter, hence it is called the Marrying Maiden (Kuei Mei).

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows (a case in which) firm correctness leads to good fortune, and occasion for repentance disappears. (We see) the fence opened without the horns being entangled. The strength is like that in the wheel-spokes of a large waggon.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: Divination brings an auspicious omen, no regret. Because the ram breaks through the hedge and is no longer entangled, but is injured by the carriage wheel, and can no longer ram around rashly. The Image says: Breaking through the hedge and getting out of entanglement, yet it is feared that it may ram elsewhere.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, ordinary people receive blessings. Those who have been quiet for a long time will surely move, and movement brings good fortune. Idle officials will be reinstated, and progress will be as desired.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The road ahead is unobstructed; fame will also be prominent.
• Wealth 财运: Return fully loaded; why not do it gladly?
• Household 家宅: Repair quickly; not a good match.
• Health 身体: Fears of unexpected accidents.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The city walls ahead are already broken; carriages speed and horses chase, the long campaign can proceed without obstacles.
• Fame & Career 功名: Nine in the fourth place interlocks with Qian, the earthly branch is Xu, corresponding to the Kui and Bi constellations. Bi dominates Wenchang, which exalts literary virtue, so fame will surely be prominent. The five stars of Wangliang are north of Bi, governing carriages and horses, the image of a large carriage; the six stars of thunder and lightning are also close, governing the rising of thunder, which is the image of Zhen thunder.
• Business 营商: One can expect to return fully loaded. Auspicious.
• Household 家宅: This residence is situated where carriages and horses pass frequently; the hedge in front of the house is broken and dilapidated, and should be repaired urgently.
• Illness 疾病: A person takes the skin and hair as hedges, and the mind and spirit as carriages and horses. With skin and hair torn, and the mind and spirit shaken, the illness will not last long.
• Marriage 婚姻: 'The carriage loses its axle-strap, husband and wife fall out,' not a good match. Inauspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Nine in the fourth place is the beginning of Zhen. Zhen is the first pursuit that gets a male, so it indicates the eldest son.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Thâi (we see) the little gone and the great come. (It indicates that) there will be good fortune, with progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

T'ai Hexagram. From the small to the great, from the minute to the prosperous; auspicious and successful. The Image says: Heaven and Earth interact; this is the image of T'ai. The superior man, observing this image, regulates the laws of Heaven and Earth, assists in the transforming work of Heaven and Earth, and thereby governs the myriad people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The small departs and the great arrives; smooth, peaceful, and auspicious. When peace reaches its peak, it turns into obstruction; it is advisable to maintain and guard one's position. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, extreme adversity yields to peace, great fortune is at hand, and all things go smoothly, but one must guard against sorrow arising from extreme joy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Ch'ien below and K'un above). Ch'ien is Heaven and Yang; K'un is Earth and Yin. Yin and Yang interact, the upper and lower communicate, Heaven and Earth commune, and all things flourish. The reverse is ominous. All things in the universe undergo opposition and transformation; the peak of prosperity leads to decline, and decline turns back into prosperity. Therefore, those who adapt to the times achieve peace.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows one who loses his ram(-like strength) in the ease of his position. (But) there will be no occasion for repentance.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: Losing sheep in Di. If this line is met in divination, there will be no great disaster. The Image says: Losing sheep in Di is because Six in the fifth place is a Yin line occupying a Yang position, which is inappropriate, just like a person whose environment is inappropriate and will suffer losses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, they are at their wits' end and cannot gain profit; the sick have signs of losing their lives. Officials will neglect government affairs.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Mending the fold after the sheep are lost; there is hope in one's later years.
• Wealth 财运: There may be small losses, but no major problem.
• Household 家宅: Not suitable for animal husbandry; the wedding cannot be accomplished.
• Health 身体: An inauspicious sign.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The third line says 'a ram butts a hedge,' which is an image of attack; 'losing the sheep' means there is no butting, and the war can be settled.
• Business 营商: 'Yi' (ease/borderland): Zheng Xuan interprets it as trade, which has the meaning of commerce. 'Sang' (losing) means loss. There is a fear of minor loss, but no great regret.
• Fame & Career 功名: Gaining is auspicious, losing is unfortunate. It is not too late to mend the fold after the sheep are lost. There is hope in one's later years.
• Household 家宅: This residence is in an open area in the suburbs, which is unfavorable for animal husbandry.
• Illness 疾病: 'Sang' (loss/death) is a malevolent image, inauspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: Leading sheep and carrying wine are the wedding rituals; without the sheep, the wedding cannot be accomplished.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwâi requires (in him who would fulfil its meaning) the exhibition (of the culprit's guilt) in the royal court, and a sincere and earnest appeal (for sympathy and support), with a consciousness of the peril (involved in cutting off the criminal). He should (also) make announcement in his own city, and show that it will not be well to have recourse at once to arms. (In this way) there will be advantage in whatever he shall go forward to.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kuai Hexagram. In the royal court, music is played and dances are performed. Someone cries out: 'An enemy is invading.' An order comes from the town: 'It is unfavorable to launch an attack; we must stand ready in strict defense.' Encountering this hexagram in divination, it is auspicious to travel abroad. The Image says: The upper trigram is Dui, which is the Marsh; the lower trigram is Qian, which is Heaven. This shows the waters of the marsh rising up to heaven, watering the earth; this is the image of the Kuai Hexagram. Seeing this image, the gentleman bestows benefits upon those below, not daring to claim credit or be arrogant, and takes this as a warning.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Dispel and decide, one must be resolute and firm; auspicious at first but ominous at last, be cautious and self-respecting. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, their great fortune is passing, and difficulties are approaching. They should heighten vigilance and be prudent in words and deeds.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below, Dui above). Qian is Heaven and Strength; Dui is Marsh and Joy. The moisture of the marsh rises, bursting forth as rain, falling upon the earth to nourish all things. Five yang lines displace one yin line; displacement is not difficult, resoluteness (the meaning of displacement/breakthrough) is enough. Therefore, it is named Kuai, which means decision/breakthrough.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, divided, shows (one who may be compared to) the ram butting against the fence, and unable either to retreat, or to advance as he would fain do. There will not be advantage in any respect; but if he realise the difficulty (of his position), there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: The ram's horns are stuck in the hedge; it can neither retreat nor advance, an unfavorable situation. However, although currently in difficulty, it can ultimately be resolved to meet with good fortune. The Image says: Unable to retreat, unable to advance, trapped in a dilemma, this is encountering misfortune. Although trapped in difficulty, it can ultimately be resolved to meet with good fortune, meaning the disaster will not last long.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mediocre. For those who obtain this line, they are in a dilemma, with many disputes and lawsuits; it is advisable to keep to the routine. Officials should retreat rather than advance, fearing the danger of demotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Retire early to avoid regrets.
• Wealth 财运: Originally hoping to make a fortune, it is difficult even to preserve the capital.
• Household 家宅: Defend oneself during difficulties; hardship first, happiness later.
• Health 身体: In a dilemma.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The top line is at the extremity of the hexagram, like chasing a cornered enemy. Relying on victory to penetrate deep, only to be trapped by the defeated army with no way to advance or retreat, is a path of misfortune.
• Business 营商: It is like stubbornly hoarding goods and refusing to sell, until the time passes and prices drop. Even if one only wants to break even, it is not possible; the distress is extreme.
• Fame & Career 功名: Being at the top line represents a high and dangerous position. If one is reluctant to retreat, once disaster strikes, wanting to retreat but being unable to, regret will be too late.
• Household 家宅: The top line resides at the extreme of Zhen. Zhen is sound, so there must be noises in the residence. Zhen is also wood, and the movement of wood overcomes earth, fearing the appearance of an earth spirit, which is a sheep. The residence is unfavorable, so one should guard oneself through difficulties. The resulting hexagram is Jin (Progress); Jin says 'bestowed with horses in great numbers,' which can turn misfortune into good fortune.
• Marriage 婚姻: Before investigating in detail, the matter was settled in a moment; now, wishing to repent and change is surely impossible. For now, one must endure the hardship and hold on, and it will surely be good in the long run.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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

Changing Hexagram (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.

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.

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.