I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 26: The Taming Power of the Great
Ta Ch'u · 大畜
Great energy held under control and stored daily. Creative strength fed by the study of what has been.
- accumulation
- creative restraint
- study
- tamed force
- Upper trigram
- Mountain 艮 · Stillness
- Lower trigram
- Heaven 乾 · Creative Force
The Judgment
THE TAMING POWER OF THE GREAT. Perseverance furthers. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water.
The Image
Heaven within the mountain. Thus the superior man acquaints himself with many sayings and deeds of the past, in order to strengthen his character thereby.
Meaning
The hexagram 'The Taming Power of the Great' carries the energy of Mountain (Stillness) acting upon Heaven (Creative Force). This moment asks for balance between pausing outwardly and leading inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests stability or blockage combined with bold initiative. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors consolidation grounded in expansion and leadership. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Mountain above Heaven suggests a natural dynamic of stillness 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.
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 The Taming Power of the Great — the matter is accumulation: 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 The Taming Power of the Great — the matter is accumulation: that is the theme this line is changing.
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 The Taming Power of the Great — the matter is accumulation: 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 The Taming Power of the Great — the matter is accumulation: that is the theme this line is changing.
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 The Taming Power of the Great — the matter is accumulation: 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 The Taming Power of the Great — the matter is accumulation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 4th place
Fourth position: prudent reserve beside power. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Mountain (Stillness) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. 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 The Taming Power of the Great — the matter is accumulation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. 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 The Taming Power of the Great — the matter is accumulation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 5th place
Fifth position: ruling through moderation. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Mountain (Stillness) — 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 The Taming Power of the Great — the matter is accumulation: 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 The Taming Power of the Great — the matter is accumulation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 6th place
Sixth position: beyond the summit, the excess. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Mountain (Stillness) — 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 The Taming Power of the Great — the matter is accumulation: 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 The Taming Power of the Great — the matter is accumulation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 26 mean?
The Taming Power of the Great (Ta Ch'u): The hexagram 'The Taming Power of the Great' carries the energy of Mountain (Stillness) acting upon Heaven (Creative Force). This moment asks for balance between pausing outwardly and leading inwardly.
What does hexagram 26 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests stability or blockage combined with bold initiative. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 26 say about work?
At work, the energy favors consolidation grounded in expansion and leadership. Consolidate your base.