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I Ching · Hexagram 9 Small Taming

Hexagram 9 for decisions: Small Taming

小畜 Xiǎo Chù · A decision

A decision that cannot be forced through. Choose the option that advances by small, gentle steps and keeps you flexible, and hold the large commitment until the conditions change.

Heaven below, wind above: a great force held back by something gentle. Small Taming describes a time when you cannot act decisively because your means are small relative to the situation, and the correct response is gentle, persistent influence rather than force. The tradition's image is of clouds gathering from the west without releasing rain: promise without result, for now. The judgement is favourable in a modest way. Success comes through friendliness, patience and attention to detail while the larger opportunity is still forming.

Advice
Use gentle, persistent influence and attend to the small things while the large one ripens.
Warning
Trying to force a result with means too small for it wastes the power you have.

The changing lines, read for decisions

If your cast of Hexagram 9 had changing lines, these are what each one adds to a decision question, and where each leads.

  1. Line 1 · changes into 57 The Gentle

    Return to the way. No blame. Good fortune. When blocked, return to your own path rather than forcing the block.

  2. Line 2 · changes into 37 The Family

    Drawn back into the way. Good fortune. Join the sensible retreat; you are in good company.

  3. Line 3 · changes into 61 Inner Truth

    The wagon loses its spokes; husband and wife roll their eyes at each other. Stop forcing; the strain is already showing in the people close to you.

  4. Line 4 · changes into 1 The Creative

    Sincerity: blood vanishes and fear departs. No blame. Be entirely truthful with the powerful; it is what dissolves the danger.

  5. Line 5 · changes into 26 Great Taming

    Sincere and bound in loyalty. Rich in one's neighbour. Share what you have with those bound to you; loyalty is the resource here.

  6. Line 6 · changes into 5 Waiting

    The rain comes, the rest comes. The moon is nearly full. Persistent pushing brings misfortune. The rain has fallen; do not keep driving forward.

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