Hexagram 9 小畜 - XIǍO CHÙ / THE TAMING POWER OF THE SMALL

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Trigrams

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• Above: Xùn, The Gentle, Wind
• Below: Qián, The Creative, Heaven

The hexagram signifies the small, representing the power of the dark element that restrains, tames, or inhibits. A weak line occupies the fourth place, the position of the minister, holding all the remaining strong lines in check. Viewed as an image, it shows the wind blowing across the sky. It restrains the ascending breath of the Creative, causing the clouds to condense, though it is not yet strong enough to bring rain. The hexagram presents a configuration where the weak temporarily restrains the strong. This can only lead to success if it is achieved through gentleness.

The Judgment

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The Taming Power of the Small has success. Dense clouds, no rain from our western region.

This imagery arises from the historical circumstances in China during the reign of King Wen. ¹ The time for large-scale action had not yet arrived; he could only restrain the tyrant to some degree through gentle persuasion. This gives rise to the image of dense clouds gathering, promising moisture and blessings to the land, yet bringing no rain just yet. The situation is not unfavorable, and ultimate success is in sight, but obstacles still block the way. One can only carry out preparatory work and act through the modest means of gentle persuasion. While the time for sweeping, grand measures has not yet come, it is still possible to restrain and tame within a limited scope. Success requires inner determination paired with outward flexibility and adaptability.

The Image

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The wind drives across the heavens: The image of the Taming Power of the Small. Thus the superior man refines the outward expression of his being.

While the wind gathers the clouds in the sky, it produces no massive or lasting effects because it is merely air without a solid body. Similarly, during times when a grand outward impact is impossible, an individual can only refine the minor details and outward expressions of their character.

The Moving Lines

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Nine at the beginning means:

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Return to the way. How could this be a blame? Good fortune!

It is in the nature of a strong character to press forward. In doing so, however, one enters a sphere of restraint. Therefore, he returns to the path appropriate for his situation, where he remains free to advance or retreat. It is both wise and reasonable not to force anything by violence, which naturally brings good fortune.

Nine in the second place means:

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Allowing oneself to be drawn into returning. Good fortune!

One naturally wishes to advance. Yet, before moving further, the example of other like-minded individuals reveals that the path is blocked. In such a situation, a reasonable and resolute person does not wait to face a personal rebuff. Instead, they choose to retreat alongside their peers when pushing forward does not suit the times. This brings good fortune, as it prevents them from compromising themselves.

Nine in the third place means:

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The spokes burst from the wagon wheels. Husband and wife roll their eyes.

An attempt is made here to press forward by force, under the assumption that the restraining power is weak. However, since circumstances actually grant power to the weak element, this attempt at a surprise advance is bound to fail. External conditions stall progress, much like a wagon that cannot move when its spokes break. Yet, this hint from fate is ignored, leading to bitter arguments akin to disputes between a husband and wife. This is clearly an unfavorable state of affairs; even if the weaker party manages to hold their ground due to the situation, the friction involved prevents any positive outcome. Consequently, the strong character cannot properly exert their influence on their surroundings. Having suffered a rebuff where an easy victory was expected, they have compromised their own position.

Six in the fourth place means:

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If you are sincere, blood vanishes and anxiety gives way. No blame.

Occupying a difficult, highly responsible position, one must guide and restrain the ruler or powerful figure to ensure that justice is done. This carries a great danger, even raising the dread of bloodshed. However, the power of selfless truth outweighs these obstacles. It commands such respect that one’s efforts are brought to a successful conclusion, causing all danger of bloodshed and anxiety to dissipate.

Nine in the fifth place means:

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If you are sincere and loyally bound, you are rich in your neighbor.

Loyalty leads to a firm bond because it relies on mutual completion. For the weaker element, loyalty manifests as devotion; for the stronger, it shows as reliability. This reciprocal completion generates genuine wealth, which shines brightest when it is shared with one’s neighbor rather than kept to oneself. Shared joy is double joy.

Nine at the top means:

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The rain comes, rest is attained. This is due to the lasting effect of character. Perseverance brings danger to the woman. The moon is nearly full. If the superior man persists, misfortune comes.

Success has been achieved. The wind has finally gathered the rain, and a firm standpoint is reached. This outcome is the result of a gradual accumulation of small effects born out of respect for a superior character. However, a success built up piece by piece demands extreme caution. It would be dangerous to indulge in the illusion that one can exploit or boast about it. The feminine, weak element that has won this victory must never stubbornly presume upon it, as that would invite danger. The dark power of the moon is at its peak when it is nearly full. Once it faces the sun directly as a full moon, its decline becomes inevitable. Under these circumstances, one must remain content with what has been achieved. Advancing further before the proper time has arrived would bring misfortune.

Reference links

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• Hexagram look-up table
• Advanced hexagram correspondence table