Da Zhuang

Judgment

大壯 利貞

The point is that it is beneficial.

Interpretation

The Daejang hexagram has Zhen (Thunder) in the upper trigram and Qian (Heaven) in the lower trigram. The image of the Daejang hexagram is thunder in the sky. Thunder booming in the sky resonates powerfully, its sound echoing for miles, and its grandeur and majesty are awe-inspiring, shocking people. Daejang means "great vitality" or "great flourishing."

In the commentary, Hyeong (meaning "this point") suggests that things are flourishing greatly, and the outcome for any question asked will be favorable.

For someone who receives this hexagram, it indicates that their fortune is now in a state of great vitality, like the energetic horses at the start of a horse race, speeding forward with great momentum. Thunder resounding in the sky symbolizes power and grandeur. This is a time when one should embark on large-scale projects, expand business, or lead an army into battle. However, because the momentum is very strong, there is a tendency to move too aggressively, and it is important to control the pace. Excessive action can be worse than insufficient action. Just as a young person might fall due to overenthusiasm, a talented person may fail by showing off too much, and a wealthy person might fall into ruin from excessive wealth. There is a danger of unexpected calamity, like a lightning strike from a clear sky. Therefore, one should not blindly charge forward just because of strong fortune. Caution is advised, and the outcome will still be favorable if approached wisely.

初九 壯于趾,征凶,有孚

Initial Nine: Strong on the toes, proceeding brings danger, there is trust.

'Jang' means an injury, and 'Ji' refers to the foot. 'Bu' represents stolen or captured wealth. This line suggests the capture of a sheep after overcoming physical difficulties. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation where they are overcoming challenges to achieve success, despite setbacks. The matter inquired about will eventually be successful, despite difficulties.

九二 貞吉.

Nine Second: Firm, good fortune.

The character "Jeonggil" refers to gaining a victory over a sheep. The situation described involves capturing a sheep, which is a good omen. The person drawing this hexagram is in a situation where they will soon achieve victory and success. The work they are asking about will be auspicious.

九三 小人用壯,君子用罔,貞厲,羝羊觸藩,羸其角.

Nine Third: The small person grows strong, the gentleman remains cautious, firm, the ram touches the fence, its horn is weak.

The term "Jang" refers to strong and robust. "Mang" is the old character for "Mang." "Jeoyang" refers to a male sheep, and "Beon" means a fence. "Ri" is used in place of "Gyo," meaning to bind. The small man uses force, while the great man uses wisdom to catch the sheep, which is dangerous. The male sheep causes chaos, breaking the fence with its horns. Therefore, the male sheep is caught to prevent further damage.

九四 貞吉,悔亡。藩決不羸,壯于大輿之輹

Nine Fourth: Firm, no regret. The fence does not collapse, the strength is in the large cart’s axle.

Containing a threat prevents greater harm. The task at hand will be auspicious and free of regret.

六五 喪羊于易,无悔

Six Fifth: Losing a sheep at ease, no regret.

Wanghae loses sheep in the land of Yeok but avoids the misfortune of losing his life, so it’s not truly unfortunate. The task at hand will involve losing something valuable, yet you will not grieve, and there will be no regret.

上六 羝羊觸藩,不能退,不能遂,无攸利.艱則吉.

Top Six: The ram touches the fence, cannot retreat, cannot proceed, no benefit. Danger leads to good fortune.

The ram charges the fence, trapped between retreat and advance, yet Wanghae’s loss of sheep spares his life, a minor trouble. The task at hand will mire you in dilemma, unprofitable yet not fatal, ultimately resolving auspiciously.