I Ching · No.26 · Ta Ch'u / The Taming Power of the Great

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

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.

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.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Remain quiet and patient for two years before your luck can unfold.
• Wealth 财运: Temporarily guard your position and stay put; a great opportunity is bound to arrive.
• Household 家宅: Family estate prospers day by day; marriage is highly auspicious.
• Health 身体: Healthy and strong.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to build up strength and bide one's time, acting when the moment is right. Naturally, no battle will be unwinnable, no attack will fail, and a grand victory will surely be achieved.
• Fortune 时运: At present, one's mind is overly ambitious, and it is not time to move. One must wait for two years when luck and blessings arrive, like a fine steed soaring through the air, bringing success in all endeavors.
• Business 营商: Temporarily advisable to stay put. As short as three months, or as long as three years, businesses will naturally expand gradually, renewing day by day, with inexhaustible sources of profit, bringing great celebration.
• Household 家宅: The residence should be near a mountain, either on a ridge or in a valley, indicating a wealthy family of unregistered nobility. Recently, reputation has become prominent and the family business prospers daily—an omen of great fortune.
• Officialdom 仕途: High-spirited in youth, but inevitably meeting with minor setbacks. After the age of thirty, one will rise to fame in a single bound, soaring to the clouds, serving both country and family with brilliant governance, truly a talent of great utility.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Will give birth to a boy, and he will be noble.
• Litigation 讼事: Suffering grievance or suppression at first, but later vindicated.
• Illness 疾病: Obtaining the first through fifth lines is auspicious. If it is the top line, there is concern that the source of longevity may be blocked.
• Marriage 婚姻: Very auspicious.

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.

• Overall Image 大象: The greatness of Heaven is contained within the mountain. The small restrains the large, Yin accumulates Yang. It signifies stopping and nourishing.
• Fortune 运势: In handling affairs, do not aim too high or seek far-off goals; be down-to-earth to achieve great things. Avoid looking down on everything.
• Career 事业: Be sure to rectify behavior and nourish virtue. Action should be bold and decisive, but must stop when appropriate; pay attention to rest and never rush in blindly. Pay attention to absorbing the experiences and lessons of predecessors, and hold back when there is reason for fear, otherwise harm will occur. After achieving success, stop where appropriate; do not covet immediate minor gains and end up going the opposite way.
• Business 经商: Based on the principle of gradual progress and maintaining proper business ethics, there will be major gains. At this time, avoid insatiable greed; instead, withdraw when appropriate, preserve the business, deliberate deeply, and then seek development. Blindly confident and reckless advancement is absolutely undesirable.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Focus on accumulating knowledge and improving virtue. Do not work in fits and starts; maintain perseverance, and serve the country with learning and knowledge, and your ambitions will eventually be realized.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Smooth. Built on the foundation of mutual diligence and frugality in managing the household, treating each other with sincerity, resulting in harmony and happiness.
• Decision 决策: A person of accumulating wealth, but one must never adopt a speculative mindset. You must rely on honest work, use your intellect, sincerely cooperate with others to create enterprises, and still hold to the correct path in times of difficulty. Above all, do not be careless, keeping in mind the truth that great achievements come with great resistance.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject in a position of peril. It will be advantageous for him to stop his advance.

Line Text (Translation)

First Nine: There will be danger; offering sacrifices to spirits can turn misfortune into good fortune. The Image says: 'There is danger at hand. It is beneficial to stop,' so one will not encounter disaster and calamity.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line should stick to the old ways, otherwise there will be unforeseen disasters. Officials should retire to idle posts or abdicate.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Take a defensive stance and wait for reinforcements.
• Wealth 财运: Wait for helpers before you can make a profit.
• Household 家宅: Residences should avoid being too high; if the husband complies, it is auspicious.
• Health 身体: There is illness but no cause for worry.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to defend rather than attack, which brings no harm. One must wait for the reinforcements of the fourth line to be effective before making a major advance and winning victory.
• Business 营商: At present, capital is still shallow. It is advisable to be cautious and guard oneself to avoid disaster. Later, with the help of assistants, one will naturally be able to make a profit.
• Household 家宅: It is a newly built house, pressed down by the mountain range in front. The house should not be too high, yet there is no blame.
• Officialdom 仕途: Although talent and learning are high, in seeking fame for the first time, it is not advisable to show it too early; one should restrain oneself. What is valued is a great vessel being late in completion.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Can predict giving birth to a boy on the first pregnancy.
• Litigation 讼事: It is not advisable to advance vigorously; doing so will bring disaster.
• Marriage 婚姻: The first Yang line is restrained by the fourth line, which means the husband will be controlled by the wife. If the husband can submit to this restraint, there will be no disaster.
• Travel 出行: It is advisable to temporarily stop for now, waiting for a change in fortune.
• Illness 疾病: Although there is illness at present, it can be assured that there is no danger.
• Lost Items 失物: Wait, and it will naturally be found later.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kû indicates great progress and success (to him who deals properly with the condition represented by it). There will be advantage in (efforts like that of) crossing the great stream. (He should weigh well, however, the events of) three days before the turning point, and those (to be done) three days after it.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Gu Hexagram. Supreme good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river, but one should set out three days before the Jia day (the Xin day) and three days after the Jia day (the Ding day). The Image says: The upper trigram is Gen, the mountain; the lower trigram is Xun, the wind. A worthy man, like a mountain dwelling above, proclaims moral teachings and applies them to those below. Thus, 'Wind at the foot of the mountain' is the image of Decay. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the wind that blows over all things, thereby rescuing the myriad people and implementing moral education.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Three worms in a vessel, things decay and go to ruin; diligent exhortation turns danger into safety. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a time of hardship and confusion, and nothing goes as wished. It is advisable to make bold innovations, strive for strength, and work hard, so as to turn danger into safety.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Gen above), and it is the inverse hexagram (Zong Gua) of the Sui Hexagram. The original meaning of Gu is affairs, extending to mean troublesome matters and chaos. Worms growing in a vessel left unused for a long time is called 'Gu', symbolizing that long-lasting peace in the world leads to routine and corruption. One must innovate and create, govern and reorganize, rescue the crisis, and revitalize the enterprise.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows a carriage with the strap under it removed.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Two: The cart loses its axle straps. The Image says: 'The cart loses its axle straps,' since the Nine Two line occupies the central position of the lower trigram, this indicates that after all there is no blame.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line should guard against disputes, or foot and waist ailments.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: To retreat in order to advance can ensure freedom from trouble.
• Wealth 财运: Sell off early to reduce losses.
• Household 家宅: Cautiously guard the family business; a noble son-in-law brings great fortune.
• Health 身体: Abdominal pain that is hard to cure, but of no great concern.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: If advancing impetuously, beware of the disaster of tangled tracks and drooping banners, leading to an irretrievable defeat. Only by retreating to advance will there be no blame.
• Business 营商: For any goods, it is advisable to sell them off early; though there are no great profits, there will be no losses either.
• Household 家宅: It must be a dilapidated old house. Only because they can humbly guard their position, the family business will naturally show signs of revival, hence no blame.
• Officialdom 仕途: It is advisable to wait for the right time and not make a hasty advance.
• Marriage 婚姻: In the third line of Xiao Chu, 'The carriage loses its axle straps, husband and wife look askance at each other,' which is inauspicious. This second line holds the central position and responds to the fifth line. Since the fifth line occupies the honorable position, it must be a noble son-in-law, which is very auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: It is surely an abdominal disease, difficult to cure for the moment, but there is no harm.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Will give birth to a boy; guard against foot ailments.
• Litigation 讼事: Defeated but reconciled again.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Pî indicates that there should be free course (in what it denotes). There will be little advantage (however) if it be allowed to advance (and take the lead).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Pi hexagram. Success. There is a slight advantage in having a destination. The 'Great Symbolism' says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen/Mountain, and the lower trigram is Li/Fire. There is fire under the mountain, fire burning the mountains; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The noble person observes this symbol, thinks of the fierce fire burning the mountain, jade and stone burned together, vegetation completely consumed, and takes this as a warning, thereby clearly examining various political affairs and not daring to judge legal cases with severity.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Adornment and brightness, outer solidity and inner emptiness; a time of hidden worries, act according to one's capability. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram have a grand appearance but are empty inside, with much vanity and little substance. One should enrich oneself, act with prudence, and act according to one's capability.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (lower Li, upper Gen). Li is fire and brightness; Gen is mountain and stopping. Cultured and restrained. The Pi hexagram discusses the relationship between ornament (Wen) and substance (Zhi), prioritizing substance and using ornament for moderation. Pi means adornment or decoration.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows its subject urging his way with good horses. It will be advantageous for him to realise the difficulty (of his course), and to be firm and correct, exercising himself daily in his charioteering and methods of defence; then there will be advantage in whatever direction he may advance.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Three: Good horses mating. Divining about difficult matters is auspicious. Practicing defensive chariot warfare daily. It is beneficial to have somewhere to go. The Image says: 'It is beneficial to have somewhere to go,' what one goes toward will surely be obtained, and it can still accord with one's wishes.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair. Those who obtain this line will be heavily relied upon by their elders or helped by intimate friends. The early luck is hardworking, but there will be gains later. Officials will hold real power.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Apprehensive when facing the task, yet achieving instant success.
• Wealth 财运: The buying and selling are appropriate; there is profit to be made.
• Household 家宅: Diligence and thrift build the home; man and woman share the same will.
• Health 身体: Carefully nurture your health to ensure no harm.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: There is the sign of instant success, yet one must first be apprehensive when facing the task; in this way, there is nowhere one goes that is not beneficial.
• Business 营商: The third line shares the same will with its responder, meaning buyer and seller are of one mind. It says 'good horses chasing,' meaning the movement is swift. It says 'beneficial in difficult perseverance,' meaning although meeting with danger, there is no worry. Very auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: There is the sign of finding a path to the clouds.
• Household 家宅: It must be a home built on diligence and thrift. At present, occupying the proper position, the family business progresses day by day, and one can still remember danger in times of safety, hence there is success in all endeavors.
• Marriage 婚姻: The third line responds to the top nine. The top nine is at the limit of accumulation, which is a sign of full prosperity. Obtaining this line in divining marriage indicates that the man and woman share the same will—an omen of great fortune.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable to carefully nurture health; no danger is assured.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Will give birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (what is denoted by) Sun, if there be sincerity (in him who employs it), there will be great good fortune:--freedom from error; firmness and correctness that can be maintained; and advantage in every movement that shall be made. In what shall this (sincerity in the exercise of Sun) be employed? (Even) in sacrifice two baskets of grain, (though there be nothing else), may be presented.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Sun (Decrease). If divination encounters this hexagram, there will be gains, supreme good fortune, no disaster, and it is a favorable inquiry. Moreover, proceeding will bring benefit. Someone will present two bowls of food, which may be enjoyed. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen, Gen represents mountain; the lower trigram is Dui, Dui represents lake. Thus, having a lake below the mountain is the image of the Decrease hexagram. The superior person, observing this image, takes warning from the lake water eroding the foot of the mountain, thereby restraining their anger and blocking their desires.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Decreasing the lower to increase the upper, decreasing the full to increase the empty; difficult at first and easy later, measuring expenditure by income. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram decrease themselves to benefit others. Although there will be some setbacks at the beginning, giving will always bring returns, representing a sign of blessing in disguise.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Dui below, Gen above). Gen is mountain; Dui is lake. With the mountain above and the lake below, the great lake erodes the base of the mountain. Decrease and increase alternate; there is gain in loss, and loss in gain. One must handle the relation between the two cautiously. Decreasing the lower to increase the upper: in governing a state, excess will damage the foundation of the country. Decrease where decrease is due, but it must be within one's capacity and moderate. Minimizing decrease and maximizing increase is the best.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth six, divided, shows the young bull, (and yet) having the piece of wood over his horns. There will be great good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Four: Putting a wooden board across the horns of a young bull. Divining this line brings supreme good fortune. The Image says: The supreme good fortune spoken of in the line of Six Four refers to an upcoming occasion of celebration.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will find their plans promising and wealth increasing. Officials will have the joy of promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Appreciated by others, one can be promoted.
• Wealth 财运: New goods have arrived; accumulation is profitable.
• Household 家宅: A path to a new residence; marriage between youth.
• Health 身体: Guard against pediatric illnesses.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: There is the sign of a powerful neighbor oppressing a small state. Fortunately, the fourth line responds and aligns in will with the top line, enabling preservation. There is celebration.
• Business 营商: The line says 'young bull' (tong niu), referring to the first Yang line, meaning to profit from newly released trade and seasonal goods. 'Gu' means a pen or board, meaning to profit from accumulation and secure storage, hence it says 'supreme good fortune'.
• Fame & Career 功名: Six Four's earthly branch is Chou (Ox), corresponding to the Dipper constellation above. Master Shi said, 'The Dipper is the position of generals, ministers, nobility, and emoluments.' Also, 'Chou belongs to earth, and its animal is the ox.' Confucius said, 'Though the calf of a brindled cow be red and horned, and people might not wish to use it, would the spirits of the mountains and rivers reject it?' A young bull is a bull for sacrificing to Heaven, so its advancement and usage are clear. Thus the Commentary says it is auspicious and brings celebration.
• Household 家宅: Qian is the gate; Gen is the courtyard, the hut, the residence, the house, all having the image of a home. The 'young bull' refers to the First Nine, and the one that restrains it is the Fourth line. The First Nine is the beginning of Yang, which must be a newly built residence restrained by the fourth line. The path in front of the gate must be blocked, preventing forward movement. However, it will eventually be prosperous, hence it says 'there is celebration'.
• Illness 疾病: Saying 'young bull' implies an old cow licking its calf; the disaster lies with the young child.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Will give birth to a boy.
• Marriage 婚嫁: The fourth line is at Chou, which corresponds to the Oxherd (Qianniu) star above; the fourth line responds to the First Nine, which is at Zi, corresponding to the Maid (Nü) star. Speaking of a young bull, it must be a marriage of youth, very auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: 'The board across the horns of a young bull (tong niu zhi gu).' The Shuowen Jiezi says: 'Gu means a pen for oxen and horses.' There is fear of the disaster of imprisonment. When reaching the Top Nine, it says 'prosperous on the highway of heaven,' which means deliverance and celebration.

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.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth six, divided, shows the teeth of a castrated hog. There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Five: Penning up a wild boar that runs wild, auspicious. The Image says: The good fortune of Six Five means there is celebration.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will find their plans fulfilled, with many celebratory events. Officials will be promoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Do not advance rashly; act only after being settled.
• Wealth 财运: Supported by others; buying and selling are profitable.
• Household 家宅: Good feng shui of the dwelling; the marriage is appropriate.
• Health 身体: Nourish and exercise self-control.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The pig belongs to Kan, and also to Hai, which must be in a dangerous, damp marsh of Kan. It is most advisable to restrain and prohibit, to prevent the enemy from charging like a boar. If one acts after planning, one will naturally obtain good fortune.
• Business 营商: Mutual exchange has the meaning of a mutual market, referring to wealth and goods exchanging to form a market, which corresponds to the modern phenomenon of commerce. 'Fen shi' refers to a small pig, metaphorically representing starting trade with still small capital; if it can accept restraint, it is auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: This must be a young person seeking fame, who inevitably advances rashly. It is advisable to know how to stop oneself, hence it says 'the tusks of a gelded boar, auspicious'.
• Household 家宅: Pigs belong to Hai, which is water. There must be two streams of water in front, flowing crosswise, which is why it is auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Six Five's earthly branch is Mao, which is wood in the East. Also, pigs belong to Hai, and Hai is water. This must be a symptom of excess wood and deficient water. It is advisable to self-regulate and nourish in accordance with the Hexagram of Restraint (Jie) so that there can be celebration.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Will give birth to a girl.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Six Five's earthly branch is Mao, which is the rabbit; the fifth line responds to the second, and Nine Two's earthly branch is Yin, which is the tiger. Yin and Mao combine. The line says 'Fen shi' (gelded boar). Pigs belong to Hai. Hai, Yin, and Mao represent wood and water generating each other and all being subdued, which is very auspicious.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (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.

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.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, undivided, shows its subject (as) in command of the firmament of heaven. There will be progress.

Line Text (Translation)

Top Nine: Receiving the blessings of heaven, grandly prosperous. The Image says: 'Receiving the blessings of heaven,' one's path is grandly open.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will have all things go as they wish, their desires fulfilled, and continuous good fortune. Officials will be promoted by their superiors or recommended for high advancement. Scholars will make progress and achieve fame.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Rising straight to the blue clouds; worthy of congratulations.
• Wealth 财运: Free of any obstacles; obtaining great profits.
• Household 家宅: An auspicious residence by the roadside; a match made in heaven.
• Health 身体: Healthy and safe.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Top Nine's earthly branch is Xu, corresponding to Kui, Lou, and Wei constellations above. Kui is the image of the White Tiger, governing troops; Lou star governs raising troops and gathering crowds; Wei star governs campaigns and executions—all related to military affairs. The line says 'bearing the highway of heaven,' meaning flags and banners fill the road, achieving success in a single battle. Thus the Image says: 'The way is grandly open.'
• Business 营商: The top line responds to the third line. The third line says 'beneficial in difficult perseverance,' showing that trading at that time was still full of hardships. Reaching the top is the limit of accumulation; the limit of accumulation leads to breakthrough, hence it says 'bearing the highway of heaven, prosperous,' which is what the third line refers to as 'beneficial to have somewhere to go.' The Image says 'the way is grandly open,' meaning one will surely reap great profits.
• Fame & Career 功名: The line says 'bearing the highway of heaven,' which is indeed the time when one finds a path to the blue clouds, very auspicious.
• Household 家宅: The line says 'bearing the highway of heaven.' 'Qu' means a highway, knowing that this residence must be by the side of a highway. 'He tian' means obtaining the protection of heaven. 'Heng' means prosperity; the house is bound to be auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Will give birth to a boy.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Presumably a match made in heaven, auspicious.

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.

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.