I CHING HEXAGRAM

Hexagram 14: Possession in Great Measure

Ta Yu · 大有

Possession on a grand scale, with clarity and modesty in command. Wealth that illuminates instead of corrupting.

  • abundance
  • possession
  • clarity
  • responsibility
Upper trigram
Fire 離 · Clarity
Lower trigram
Heaven 乾 · Creative Force

The Judgment

POSSESSION IN GREAT MEASURE: sublime success.

The Image

Fire high in heaven. Thus the superior man curbs evil and furthers good, obeying the benevolent will of heaven.

Meaning

The hexagram 'Possession in Great Measure' carries the energy of Fire (Clarity) acting upon Heaven (Creative Force). This moment asks for balance between clinging outwardly and leading inwardly.

In love

In relationships, the interplay suggests warmth and dependence combined with bold initiative. Check that communication is clear.

In work and business

At work, the energy favors intelligence and vision grounded in expansion and leadership. Consolidate your base.

Symbolism

The image of Fire above Heaven suggests a natural dynamic of clarity over creative force.

The six lines

Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.

  1. Nine in the 1st place

    First position: the force is still hidden and unripe. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Heaven (Creative Force) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.

    The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Possession in Great Measure — the matter is abundance: that is the theme this line is changing.

    The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Possession in Great Measure — the matter is abundance: that is the theme this line is changing.

  2. Nine in the 2nd place

    Second position: centered strength, recognized from afar. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Heaven (Creative Force) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.

    The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Possession in Great Measure — the matter is abundance: that is the theme this line is changing.

    The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Possession in Great Measure — the matter is abundance: that is the theme this line is changing.

  3. Nine in the 3rd place

    Third position: the dangerous threshold between low and high. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Heaven (Creative Force) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.

    End of the lower trigram — a critical transition. Excess enthusiasm here breeds mistakes. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Possession in Great Measure — the matter is abundance: that is the theme this line is changing.

    End of the lower trigram — a critical transition. Excess enthusiasm here breeds mistakes. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Possession in Great Measure — the matter is abundance: that is the theme this line is changing.

  4. Nine in the 4th place

    Fourth position: the minister at the ruler’s side. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.

    Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Possession in Great Measure — the matter is abundance: that is the theme this line is changing.

    Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Possession in Great Measure — the matter is abundance: that is the theme this line is changing.

  5. Six in the 5th place

    Fifth position: ruling through moderation. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.

    Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Possession in Great Measure — the matter is abundance: that is the theme this line is changing.

    Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Possession in Great Measure — the matter is abundance: that is the theme this line is changing.

  6. Nine in the 6th place

    Sixth position: beyond the summit, the excess. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.

    The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Possession in Great Measure — the matter is abundance: that is the theme this line is changing.

    The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Possession in Great Measure — the matter is abundance: that is the theme this line is changing.

Frequently asked questions

What does hexagram 14 mean?

Possession in Great Measure (Ta Yu): The hexagram 'Possession in Great Measure' carries the energy of Fire (Clarity) acting upon Heaven (Creative Force). This moment asks for balance between clinging outwardly and leading inwardly.

What does hexagram 14 say about love?

In relationships, the interplay suggests warmth and dependence combined with bold initiative. Check that communication is clear.

What does hexagram 14 say about work?

At work, the energy favors intelligence and vision grounded in expansion and leadership. Consolidate your base.