Hexagram 26 for decisions: Great Taming

大畜 Dà Chù · A decision

Decide for the substantial, well-prepared option. The reading supports crossing the great water. Ask whether the strength has been gathered; if it has, go.

Heaven below, mountain above: heaven's force held within a mountain. Great Taming describes creative power accumulated and disciplined by something solid, and the tradition treats it as very favourable: it is worth crossing the great water, and it is worth not eating at home, which means taking one's talents into public service. The reading says you have, or are gathering, real strength, and that the restraint on it is not an obstacle but the thing that makes it usable. Study, character and stored knowledge are the mountain's contents. The time for the large undertaking is near.

Advice: Store your strength under discipline, prepare thoroughly, then undertake the large task.
Warning: Strength released before the taming is complete scatters what took years to gather.

The changing lines, read for decisions

If your cast of Hexagram 26 had changing lines, these are what each one adds to a decision question, and where each leads.

Line 1 · changes into 18 Work on What Has Been Spoiled
Danger is at hand. It furthers to desist. Stop; the block is there for a reason.
Line 2 · changes into 22 Grace
The axletrees are taken from the wagon. Accept that you cannot move yet and preserve your energy.
Line 3 · changes into 41 Decrease
A good horse that follows others. Awareness of danger and persistence further. Practise chariot driving daily. It furthers to have somewhere to go. Move with your allies, practise the skill every day, keep a destination.
Line 4 · changes into 14 Great Possession
The headboard of a young bull. Great good fortune. Discipline the strength while it is young and easy to guide.
Line 5 · changes into 9 Small Taming
The tusk of a gelded boar. Good fortune. Do not fight the fierce thing head-on; change what drives it.
Line 6 · changes into 11 Peace
One attains the way of heaven. Success. The preparation is done; act with the whole of what you have gathered.

Hexagram 26 in full Love & relationships Career Money

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