Tai

Judgment

泰小往大來吉亨

Little is lost, and great is earned, good and prosperous.

Interpretation

The Tai (Great Prosperity) Hexagram consists of the upper trigram Kun (Earth) and the lower trigram Qian (Heaven). Kun represents the earth, while Qian represents the sky. The energy of the earth rises upward, while the energy of the sky descends downward, allowing heaven and earth to unite. The image of this hexagram signifies the harmonious union of heaven and earth. When heaven and earth are in harmony, all things communicate and thrive. Tai means prosperity and smooth flow.

In the hexagram statement, "Losing little, gaining much" (小往大來, xiǎo wǎng dà lái) means that what is lost is small, while what is gained is great. The Shang Dynasty ruler, King Zhou (Di Xin), sent his daughters to marry King Wen of Zhou. Through this, the loss was minimal, but the gain was immense, resulting in prosperity and success in all things.

If a person casts divination and receives this hexagram, they should reflect on the hexagram's imagery and meaning. Just as heaven and earth achieve harmony, one must strive to build good relationships with others. Since heaven and earth are in union, if one maintains good harmony with people, everything will flow smoothly. This is a time when heaven and earth are in communication, meaning that losses will be small while gains will be great. Matters will settle in their proper place, bringing stability, satisfaction, and good fortune. Like a ship sailing forward with the wind at its back, all things will prosper greatly.

初九 拔茅茹以其彙,征吉

Initial Nine: Pulling the grass to its roots, progressing with good fortune.

'Mo' is a type of reed. 'Ye' is the root of the reed. 'Moye' refers to reed roots and is used as a metaphor for the daughter of Jie. 'I' means together with. 'Hwi' means of the same kind and refers to her younger sister. Jie marries his daughter to King Wen, and her younger sister is also sent along with her. Such a marriage brings good fortune. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation where Jie is marrying off his daughters to King Wen. A joyful and honorable event will take place. The matter inquired about in divination will be auspicious.

九二 包荒,用馮河,不遐遺朋,朋亡,得尙于中行.

Nine Second: Enclosing the wilderness, crossing the river without leaving companions, companions die, gaining position in the middle.

The character "Packing unit" is used metaphorically, meaning a boat. "Hwang" means big, and "Feng" refers to crossing a river. By tying a large gourd to the waist and crossing the river, even if swimming ability is not great, one will not sink. "Unlikely" means not arriving at a destination. The person drawing this hexagram is facing challenges but will successfully overcome them. They will face difficulty, but success is assured.

九三 无平不陂,无往不復,艱貞无咎,勿恤其孚,于食有福.

Nine Third: There is no flatness, no progress without return, persistence brings no blame, do not worry about trust, food brings blessings.

The person is currently facing difficulties and must be cautious. However, there is a chance of recovery if proper care is taken. The outcome is uncertain, and it would be wise to prepare for a prolonged period of difficulty.

六四 翩翩,不富以其鄰,不戒以孚

Six Fourth: Flying, not rich with neighbors, do not restrain trust.

The term "Pyeonpyeon" means boasting or showing off. "Bu" refers to something that has been taken away. The hexagram speaks of people who have become arrogant and as a result, suffered a loss due to a lack of vigilance. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation where arrogance is leading to misfortune. Do not be arrogant, as it will bring harm. Be cautious.

六五 帝乙歸妹,以祉,元吉

Nine Fifth: The emperor returns the bride, offering blessings, great fortune.

King Jie’s daughters marry King Wen, becoming his consorts and gaining blessings after completing their dowry. The task at hand will be greatly auspicious, as your endeavors will succeed and bring prosperity.

上六 城復于隍,勿用師,自邑告命,貞吝

Top Six: Returning to the city, do not use the army, self-governance, persistence brings danger.

Jie’s daughters, wed to King Wen, are expelled back to their natal home, shaking Yin as if its walls collapsed, though Jie halts war, straining ties. The task at hand teeters on collapse and peril, urging humility and restraint, for it will be difficult.