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I Ching · No.43 · Kuai / Break-through (Resoluteness)

Kuai / Break-through (Resoluteness) (Hexagram 43): English translation of the I Ching judgment, line statements and changing-line readings.

Primary Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaKuai / Break-through (Resoluteness)
Sibling 兄弟Ding Wei 丁未▄▄           ▄▄
Offspring 子孙Ding You 丁酉▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Self 世
Wealth 妻财Ding Hai 丁亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Jia Chen 甲辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Jia Yin 甲寅▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Response 应
Wealth 妻财Jia Zi 甲子▄▄▄▄▄▄▄

Original Text (The Judgment)

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.

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.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Fortune is excessively prosperous; dispersing wealth brings good fortune.
  • Wealth 财运: Benefit oneself and others; when wealth is dispersed, people gather.
  • Household 家宅: Must guard against water damage; the marriage will not succeed.
  • Health 身体: Nurture and regulate the breath.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Present fortune is strong and prosperous; wealth should be dispersed, not accumulated. Accumulation will bring disaster.
  • Warfare 战征: Rewards must be clear, and punishments must be fair. Never exaggerate or boast of one's deeds, nor reduce military rations.
  • Business 营商: Profits are quite generous, but benefit oneself and others, and distribute wealth evenly. If one is stingy and does not give, it will surely cause public envy.
  • Fame & Career 功名: The lake rises up to heaven, symbolizing holding a high position; fullness leads to loss, which one should warn oneself against.
  • Household 家宅: 'The lake rises up to heaven'; guard against the danger of flooding.
  • Marriage 婚姻: Kuai has the meaning of breakthrough or severing, and the inverse of Kuai is Gou. Gou says, 'Do not marry the maiden.' This marriage will not succeed.
  • Litigation 讼事: Kuai means decision, representing resoluteness. Once decided, the lawsuit can be settled.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

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.

  • Overall Image 大象: The waters of the marsh are full and overflow to cause disaster, with an overwhelming momentum. Furthermore, the powerful momentum of the five yang lines will inevitably remove the single yin line, leaving the one yin isolated.
  • Fortune 运势: Although currently auspicious, difficulties and changes are brewing. One should heighten vigilance, avoid pride, and guard against gossip and disputes.
  • Career 事业: Currently in a prosperous stage, but widespread dangers are already brewing. Be sure to extend grace and benefits to others, do not claim credit or be arrogant, take the initiative to unite with others, and do not engage in risky ventures. Remain vigilant at all times to prevent disruption by petty people. However, do not act recklessly; use gentle means to deal with petty people, avoiding extremes.
  • Business 经商: The market is moving towards a state of decline; it is not advisable to engage in large-scale activities, and one must be ready to pivot at any time. When exploring new fields, strengthen cooperation with others. But pay full attention to treacherous, petty people with ulterior motives who might take the opportunity to cause trouble and disruption.
  • Seeking Fame 求名: Seek guidance with an open mind and build up your own strength. However, act according to your ability and avoid blind arrogance. More importantly, do not collude with petty people, chasing vain reputation while ruining your career.
  • Love & Marriage 婚恋: Guard against being deceived by the matchmaker, and pay attention to the other party's motives.
  • Decision 决策: A contradictory character, often strong on the outside but weak on the inside, which can ruin undertakings at critical moments. Openly listen to others' advice, do not be reckless, think deeply and plan carefully, and treat others and conduct oneself with a gentle attitude.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaKuai / Break-through (Resoluteness)Six RelativesNajiaTa Kuo / Preponderance of the Great
Sibling 兄弟Ding Wei 丁未▄▄           ▄▄Wealth 妻财Ding Wei 丁未▄▄           ▄▄
Offspring 子孙Ding You 丁酉▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Self 世Officer/Ghost 官鬼Ding You 丁酉▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Wealth 妻财Ding Hai 丁亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Parent 父母Ding Hai 丁亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Self 世
Sibling 兄弟Jia Chen 甲辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Xin You 辛酉▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Jia Yin 甲寅▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Response 应Parent 父母Xin Hai 辛亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Wealth 妻财Jia Zi 甲子▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  ○ →Wealth 妻财Xin Chou 辛丑▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject in (the pride of) strength advancing with his toes. He goes forward, but will not succeed. There will be ground for blame.

Line Text (Translation)

First Nine: Injured in the toes, yet still advancing. One will meet with disaster because one's feet cannot support the journey. The Image says: Advancing when the strength of the feet is insufficient will lead to disaster.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous. For those who obtain this line, there will be unexpected disaster, and they should remain quiet and guard. Officials who are restless and impetuous will suffer loss.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Hasty advancement brings defeat; every move invites blame.
  • Wealth 财运: Operating recklessly will harm wealth and self.
  • Household 家宅: The terrain is too low; the social status of the families does not match.
  • Health 身体: Watch out for foot ailments.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Too full of anger and pride, acting recklessly at will; every action will bring blame.
  • Warfare 战征: The general is minor and the position is humble; relying solely on bravery to charge ahead will surely lead to defeat, a blame of one's own making.
  • Business 营商: Without measuring one's position or assessing opportunities, shipping goods on impulse will not only lose money but may also cost lives. Be careful and take warning!
  • Fame & Career 功名: Hasty advancement brings defeat.
  • Marriage 婚姻: Social status does not match; it is unsuitable. Conjoining will bring blame.
  • Household 家宅: The terrain of this house is low; moving in is unfavorable.
  • Travelers 行人: Should return immediately to avoid blame.
  • Lost Items 失物: No need to go search; searching will instead bring further misfortune.
  • Litigation 讼事: Should stop the lawsuit immediately.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tâ Kwo suggests to us a beam that is weak. There will be advantage in moving (under its conditions) in any direction whatever; there will be success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram of Da Guo (Preponderance of the Great). The ridgepole sags under the weight. There is advantage in having a direction to go, and progress. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, representing a lake; the lower trigram is Xun, representing wood. With Dui above and Xun below, the lake waters submerge the wooden vessel; this is the image of Preponderance of the Great. The superior man, observing this image, takes warning that a heavy vessel will capsize; realizing that when encountering disaster and change, one should maintain integrity without yielding, remain securely in retirement without seeking office, and keep oneself quiet, detached, and content.

Shao Yong's Commentary

With abundant Yang and scarce Yin, the situation is on the verge of collapsing; both root and branch are weak, so one must act according to one's capability. Misfortune: Those who get this hexagram will experience restlessness of body and mind, things going against their wishes, yet they force their way forward, leading to times of great regret. Beware of legal disputes and water hazards.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Dui above). Dui represents the lake and joy; Xun represents wood and obedience. The waters of the lake submerge the boat, resulting in a great mistake. The Yin and Yang lines are unbalanced, with Yang being large and Yin being small. It indicates extraordinary action and a state of excess, strong within and gentle without.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaKuai / Break-through (Resoluteness)Six RelativesNajiaKo / Revolution (Molting)
Sibling 兄弟Ding Wei 丁未▄▄           ▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Ding Wei 丁未▄▄           ▄▄
Offspring 子孙Ding You 丁酉▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Self 世Parent 父母Ding You 丁酉▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Wealth 妻财Ding Hai 丁亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Sibling 兄弟Ding Hai 丁亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Self 世
Sibling 兄弟Jia Chen 甲辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Sibling 兄弟Ji Hai 己亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Jia Yin 甲寅▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Response 应 ○ →Officer/Ghost 官鬼Ji Chou 己丑▄▄           ▄▄
Wealth 妻财Jia Zi 甲子▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Offspring 子孙Ji Mao 己卯▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Response 应

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject full of apprehension and appealing (for sympathy and help). Late at night hostile measures may be (taken against him), but he need not be anxious about them.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Two: Crying out in alarm; at night there are arms, but there is no cause for concern. The Image says: Though there are arms, there is no cause for concern, because the Nine Two line occupies the central position of the lower trigram, like a person attaining the path of balance and correctness.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous. For those who obtain this line, there is much worry and danger. Guard against theft. Officials will mostly hold military power.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Cautious in all things, one can be free of worry.
  • Wealth 财运: Insuring the goods is the only way to be free of worry.
  • Household 家宅: Should guard against fire; marriage is auspicious.
  • Health 身体: Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat; it can be cured with proper recuperation.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Present fortune is balanced and correct. Be cautious in everything; even if unexpected events occur, one can remain calm and free of harm.
  • Warfare 战征: In military affairs, night raids are the greatest threat. Keeping constant guard will ensure no worry.
  • Business 营商: When transporting goods, one should always insure against theft, water, and fire to avoid worry.
  • Household 家宅: This house has excessive yang energy. The second line moves and changes to Li; guard against fire. Be even more careful in the dark of night.
  • Marriage 婚姻: The word for marriage (婚) consists of 'woman' (女) and 'dusk' (昏), hence it is called 'dusk ritual,' bearing the image of late night. The Book of Odes says 'shooting wild ducks and geese,' where shooting has a military image. 'Do not worry' means there is joy, so the marriage is auspicious.
  • Litigation 讼事: It can be settled quickly, leaving no worry.
  • Illness 疾病: Mild by day and severe by night; this is a symptom of Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat. Treat and recuperate with care to avoid harm.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(What takes place as indicated by) Ko is believed in only after it has been accomplished. There will be great progress and success. Advantage will come from being firm and correct. (In that case) occasion for repentance will disappear.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Ge (Revolution/Molting). On the day of sacrifice, captives are used as human offerings; supreme success, auspicious divination. There is no regret. The Image says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Dui, and Dui represents the marsh; the inner trigram is Li, and Li represents fire. Inside it steams and outside it presses, water dries up and grass withers, just like a great fire burning within a marsh; this is the image of the Revolution hexagram. The gentleman, observing this image, understands the cyclical changes of rising and falling marsh waters, and the withering and flourishing of grass and trees, and thus regulates the calendar and clarifies the seasons.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Many changes occur in affairs, stick to the correct path; follow Heaven and respond to humanity, implementing reforms. Moderately auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, all matters are in flux. It is advisable to discard the old and establish the new to correspond with the image of innovation, which will bring good fortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the stacking of different trigrams (Li below, Dui above). Li is fire, Dui is marsh, and there is water inside the marsh. Water is above and flows down, while fire is below and rises. When fire is strong, water dries up; when water is vast, fire is extinguished. The two generate and also overcome each other, inevitably leading to reform. Revolution (change) is the fundamental law of the universe.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaKuai / Break-through (Resoluteness)Six RelativesNajiaTui / The Joyous, Lake
Sibling 兄弟Ding Wei 丁未▄▄           ▄▄Parent 父母Ding Wei 丁未▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Offspring 子孙Ding You 丁酉▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Self 世Sibling 兄弟Ding You 丁酉▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Wealth 妻财Ding Hai 丁亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Offspring 子孙Ding Hai 丁亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Jia Chen 甲辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  ○ →Parent 父母Ding Chou 丁丑▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Jia Yin 甲寅▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Response 应Wealth 妻财Ding Mao 丁卯▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Wealth 妻财Jia Zi 甲子▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Ding Si 丁巳▄▄▄▄▄▄▄

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows its subject (about to advance) with strong (and determined) looks. There will be evil. (But) the superior man, bent on cutting off (the criminal), will walk alone and encounter the rain, (till he be hated by his proper associates) as if he were contaminated (by the others). (In the end) there will be no blame against him.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Three: Injured in the cheekbones, which is ominous. The gentleman, walking alone in great haste, is caught in the rain and gets soaked, which is very unpleasant, but there is no disaster. The Image says: The gentleman walks alone in great haste, but in the end, there is no disaster.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous. For those who obtain this line, there will be concern over litigation. Those of upright character will have no worry. Hardships at first, but peace and joy in the end. Officials who fail to eliminate the treacherous will instead be bitten back.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Acting alone at will, suspected and envied by others.
  • Wealth 财运: Operating alone takes more time.
  • Household 家宅: Renovate earlier; temporarily unsuccessful.
  • Health 身体: Dampness rising; it can be cured with treatment.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Present fortune is correct, but yang energy is excessive. Acting alone at will inevitably invites suspicion, yet fortunately there is no blame.
  • Warfare 战征: An isolated army entering alone; guard against being blocked by water midway, yet there will still be no blame.
  • Business 营商: A solitary traveler journeying alone, though without blame, may be blocked by rain, causing delay.
  • Fame & Career 功名: Appreciating oneself in isolation; feared to be envied by petty people.
  • Household 家宅: The facade of this house is grand, but the roof beam may leak, causing dampness. It should be repaired immediately to avoid blame.
  • Marriage 婚姻: The line text says 'alone'; a good partner cannot be found for the time being.
  • Illness 疾病: Swelling on the face must be caused by damp-heat rising; it will be fine with treatment.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tui intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Tui Hexagram. Prevalence. An auspicious divination. The Great Image says: This hexagram consists of two Tui trigrams stacked together, and Tui represents a lake; two lakes connected, their waters mingling and flowing together, is the image of Tui. Reflecting on this image, the superior man joins with friends for discussion and practice, and expands his knowledge.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The lake moistens all things, bringing double joy; harmony and happiness among peers, while firmly maintaining the correct path. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram will have many celebratory events and harmonious relationships, but they must firmly adhere to the correct path, otherwise disaster will strike.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking the same trigram (Lake below, Lake above). The lake represents water. Two lakes connected, two waters mingling, the upper and lower in harmony, united as one, with mutual help from friends, bringing joy and happiness. Tui means pleasure. Both sharing the virtue of strength and firmness inside, while presenting a gentle and yielding posture outside, firmly walking the correct path, and guiding the people upward.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaKuai / Break-through (Resoluteness)Six RelativesNajiaHsü / Waiting (Nourishment)
Sibling 兄弟Ding Wei 丁未▄▄           ▄▄Wealth 妻财Wu Zi 戊子▄▄           ▄▄
Offspring 子孙Ding You 丁酉▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Self 世Sibling 兄弟Wu Xu 戊戌▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Wealth 妻财Ding Hai 丁亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  ○ →Offspring 子孙Wu Shen 戊申▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Sibling 兄弟Jia Chen 甲辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Sibling 兄弟Jia Chen 甲辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Jia Yin 甲寅▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Response 应Officer/Ghost 官鬼Jia Yin 甲寅▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Wealth 妻财Jia Zi 甲子▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Wealth 妻财Jia Zi 甲子▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Response 应

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows one from whose buttocks the skin has been stripped, and who walks slowly and with difficulty. (If he could act) like. a sheep led (after its companions), occasion for repentance would disappear. But though he hear these words, he will not believe them.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Four: Skin flayed from the buttocks, walking with difficulty. Leading a sheep on the road, regrets of losing it disappear, yet this is because the warnings were not believed. The Image says: Walking with difficulty, because the yang line Nine Four occupies a yin position, like a person in an unfavorable situation. Not believing the warnings shows that although their hearing is good, they do not understand the principles of things.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous. For those who obtain this line, the mind is unsettled, and plans will not succeed. Officials have the will but lack the strength, making promotion difficult.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Mind is unsettled; plans are difficult to succeed.
  • Wealth 财运: Missed the opportunity; no profit to be made.
  • Household 家宅: The surroundings are narrow; it can succeed in the long run.
  • Health 身体: Skin disease; must guard against loss of hearing.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Present fortune is inappropriate. Actions are erratic and the spirit is unsettled; plans are difficult to succeed.
  • Business 营商: No opinions of one's own; thus when selling goods, opportunities are missed every time, making it very difficult to profit.
  • Fame & Career 功名: 'Faltering' indicates a state of not advancing; how could one achieve fame?
  • Warfare 战征: 'No skin on the buttocks' indicates injury; 'faltering in walk' indicates a desire to retreat; 'hearing words but not believing' indicates that orders are not executed. How can one win a victory when marching an army like this!
  • Illness 疾病: Disaster of flayed skin; could it be the suffering of scabies or leprosy? Guard against ulceration reaching the ears, causing deafness in both ears.
  • Household 家宅: There is no empty space behind this house, and the road in front is winding and narrow like a sheep's gut; yet the residents have no disaster or regret.
  • Marriage 婚姻: Hesitant at first, but in the long run, the wedding ritual is completed by leading a sheep.
  • Litigation 讼事: Guard against the punishment of caning.
  • Travelers 行人: Will not return for the time being.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

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.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaKuai / Break-through (Resoluteness)Six RelativesNajiaTa Chuang / The Power of the Great
Sibling 兄弟Ding Wei 丁未▄▄           ▄▄Sibling 兄弟Geng Xu 庚戌▄▄           ▄▄
Offspring 子孙Ding You 丁酉▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Self 世 ○ →Offspring 子孙Geng Shen 庚申▄▄           ▄▄
Wealth 妻财Ding Hai 丁亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Parent 父母Geng Wu 庚午▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Self 世
Sibling 兄弟Jia Chen 甲辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Sibling 兄弟Jia Chen 甲辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Jia Yin 甲寅▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Response 应Officer/Ghost 官鬼Jia Yin 甲寅▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Wealth 妻财Jia Zi 甲子▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Wealth 妻财Jia Zi 甲子▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Response 应

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows (the small men like) a bed of purslain, which ought to be uprooted with the utmost determination. (The subject of the line having such determination), his action, in harmony with his central position, will lead to no error or blame.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Five: A mountain goat bouncing and leaping in the middle of the road; encountering this line in divination, there is no disaster. The Image says: Walking the middle path is only called 'no disaster,' probably because the path of the golden mean has not been widely promoted and implemented.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair. For those who obtain this line, planning will go as desired, litigants will be vindicated, and the sick will recover. Officials must guard against harm by treacherous and evil people.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Associate closely with gentlemen; all things will be auspicious.
  • Wealth 财运: Sell as quickly as possible, otherwise there will be regret.
  • Household 家宅: Clean and tidy up; the marriage is suitable.
  • Health 身体: Regulate prosperous Qi.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Fortune is balanced and correct; all things are without blame.
  • Warfare 战征: The fifth line is the ruler of the hexagram, representing the chief commander leading all forces to advance together. 'Walking the middle path' means following the great road, hence obtaining no blame.
  • Business 营商: Kuai means to break through or sell off. The line is in the fifth position; the season is passing, and goods should be sold off quickly. In this way, there is no blame, otherwise there will be regret.
  • Fame & Career 功名: The fifth is the honored position; fame will surely be prominent. However, one should keep away from petty people and draw close to gentlemen, and then there will be no blame.
  • Household 家宅: Weeds grow wild in this house, almost causing it to be abandoned. They should be cleared away quickly, then living there will bring no blame.
  • Marriage 婚姻: The fifth line corresponds with the second. The fifth is in Dui, and the second is in Qian; yin and yang harmonize. 'Goat' (羊) draws its meaning from 'auspiciousness' (祥), which is a sign of good fortune, hence no blame.
  • Illness 疾病: The fifth is a yang line in a yang position; Qi is excessively strong. It should be regulated to achieve balance, then there is no blame.
  • Litigation 讼事: Using righteousness to eliminate evil, one must clear it completely so it does not rise again; then the lawsuit will be auspicious.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

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.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaKuai / Break-through (Resoluteness)Six RelativesNajiaCh'ien / The Creative
Sibling 兄弟Ding Wei 丁未▄▄           ▄▄  × →Parent 父母Ren Xu 壬戌▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Self 世
Offspring 子孙Ding You 丁酉▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Self 世Sibling 兄弟Ren Shen 壬申▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Wealth 妻财Ding Hai 丁亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Ren Wu 壬午▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Jia Chen 甲辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Parent 父母Jia Chen 甲辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Response 应
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Jia Yin 甲寅▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Response 应Wealth 妻财Jia Yin 甲寅▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Wealth 妻财Jia Zi 甲子▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Offspring 子孙Jia Zi 甲子▄▄▄▄▄▄▄

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, divided, shows its subject without any (helpers) on whom to call. His end will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Top Six: A dog crying out, foreboding that there will be misfortune in the end. The Image says: Without a cry or command, the situation is bound to meet with misfortune, indicating that the nation's fortune is in decline and cannot be preserved in the end.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous. For those who obtain this line, planning will not succeed, and they should adhere to the routine. For the unvirtuous, kin will clash, and disputes will entangle. Officials will find it difficult to remain in office for long; it is best to retire at the height of one's career.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Reputation is heavily damaged; stay vigilant to avoid disaster.
  • Wealth 财运: Establish a new contract, otherwise there is no profit.
  • Household 家宅: Quiet and uneasy; the matchmaker has not succeeded.
  • Health 身体: No voice to call out; already in a dangerous state.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Correct fortune has already retreated. One should be even more vigilant; in this way, misfortune can be avoided.
  • Warfare 战征: Military operations are about to end, but remnants still remain. Orders must be reiterated and guards kept strictly alert before things can be cleared. If one seeks ease and forgets preparedness, there will surely be misfortune in the end.
  • Business 营商: The top is the end of the hexagram, indicating that goods are almost sold out. One should reiterate subsequent agreements so business can continue. 'No cry' means there is no title or standing for the business, and its undertaking must be ominous.
  • Fame & Career 功名: 'No cry' represents the extinction of reputation, which is ominous.
  • Household 家宅: Within any house, whether it is the sound of reading, singing, laughter, or even chickens crowing and dogs barking, there are sounds. 'No cry' means silent and unheard; such a family must be ominous.
  • Illness 疾病: This is a disease of Yang ending and Yin ceasing, where pain and itch are unfelt and there is no voice to cry out; the illness is critical. Ominous.
  • Marriage 婚姻: No words from the matchmaker; it will not succeed.
  • Litigation 讼事: Grievances cannot be redressed, and justice cannot be obtained in the lawsuit. Ominous.
  • Travelers 行人: No news or communication. Ominous.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

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.


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.

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