I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 28: Preponderance of the Great
Ta Kuo · 大過
Excessive load upon the structure; an extraordinary time demanding extraordinary action, swift and without fanfare.
- excess
- pressure
- transition
- courage
- Upper trigram
- Lake 兌 · Joy
- Lower trigram
- Wind 巽 · Gentleness
The Judgment
PREPONDERANCE OF THE GREAT. The ridgepole sags to the breaking point. It furthers one to have somewhere to go. Success.
The Image
The lake rises above the trees. Thus the superior man, when he stands alone, is unconcerned; and if he must renounce the world, he is undaunted.
Meaning
The hexagram 'Preponderance of the Great' carries the energy of Lake (Joy) acting upon Wind (Gentleness). This moment asks for balance between communicating outwardly and penetrating inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests pleasure and exchange combined with subtle influence. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors sales and partnerships grounded in gradual growth. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Lake above Wind suggests a natural dynamic of joy over gentleness.
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.
Six in the 1st place
First position: fragility in the first steps. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Wind (Gentleness) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
Early, subtle signs of change. Watch the small details before they grow. 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 Preponderance of the Great — the matter is excess: that is the theme this line is changing.
Early, subtle signs of change. Watch the small details before they grow. 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 Preponderance of the Great — the matter is excess: 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, Wind (Gentleness) — 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 Preponderance of the Great — the matter is excess: 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 Preponderance of the Great — the matter is excess: 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, Wind (Gentleness) — 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 Preponderance of the Great — the matter is excess: 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 Preponderance of the Great — the matter is excess: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 4th place
Fourth position: the minister at the ruler’s side. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Lake (Joy) — 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 Preponderance of the Great — the matter is excess: 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 Preponderance of the Great — the matter is excess: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 5th place
Fifth position: the place of the ruler. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Preponderance of the Great — the matter is excess: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Preponderance of the Great — the matter is excess: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 6th place
Sixth position: the ending that asks for release. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. 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 Preponderance of the Great — the matter is excess: that is the theme this line is changing.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. 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 Preponderance of the Great — the matter is excess: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 28 mean?
Preponderance of the Great (Ta Kuo): The hexagram 'Preponderance of the Great' carries the energy of Lake (Joy) acting upon Wind (Gentleness). This moment asks for balance between communicating outwardly and penetrating inwardly.
What does hexagram 28 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests pleasure and exchange combined with subtle influence. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 28 say about work?
At work, the energy favors sales and partnerships grounded in gradual growth. Consolidate your base.