I Ching Hexagram 14 · Great Possession

Hexagram Information

• Hexagram Number: Hexagram 14
• Hexagram Name: Great Possession
• Hexagram Image: ☲ ☰ (Fire above Heaven)
• Binary Representation: 110111
• Hexagram Quality: Auspicious; acting in accord with Heaven and the proper time brings great gain and benefits career and wealth

• Primary Hexagram: Great Possession (Hexagram 14)
• Mutual Hexagram: Breakthrough (Hexagram 43)
• Inverse Hexagram: Holding Together (Hexagram 8)
• Reversed Hexagram: Fellowship with Men (Hexagram 13)

Great Possession symbolizes acting in harmony with Heaven, abundant harvest, prosperity and wealth, and flourishing undertakings, but it also calls for holding to the central path, restraining evil, and promoting good.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Great Possession. Supreme success.

The meaning of Great Possession: flourishing and smooth progress, following Heaven's mandate, abundance and prosperity. The noble one should restrain evil, promote good, and act with fairness; then all things may be accomplished.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: Fire above Heaven: Great Possession. The noble one thereby restrains evil and promotes good, and follows Heaven's gracious decree.

The upper trigram Li is Fire, radiant and illuminating all; the lower trigram Qian is Heaven, strong and steadfast. The noble one acts in accord with Heaven, discerns good and evil, and upholds what is right while doing good.

• Symbolism: acting in accord with Heaven, light shining everywhere, gathering people to accomplish things
• Structure: Qian below, Li above; strength held within, brightness expressed outwardly
• Keywords: wealth, authority, smooth progress, harvest, light

Great Possession emphasizes: acting in accord with Heaven, restraining evil and promoting good, and widely cultivating wholesome relationships. The noble one should be strong within and bright without, act fairly, gather strength, and accomplish great undertakings.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. Initial Nine: No harm through contact; no blame. In difficulty there is still no blame

   When going out and dealing with others, be fair and selfless; even in hardship there will be no misfortune. Philosophical meaning: treat others with impartiality and cultivate many good relationships.

2. Nine in the Second Place: A large wagon for loading. There is somewhere to go. No blame

   Act with steadiness, keep the goal clear, and build up without collapse. Philosophical meaning: broaden your circle and accumulate steadily.

3. Nine in the Third Place: A prince presents it to the Son of Heaven. A petty man cannot do this

   Be cautious in dealings with the outside world, and do not damage alliances for private gain. Philosophical meaning: act prudently, hold your position, and wait for the right moment.

4. Nine in the Fourth Place: He is not boastful. No blame

   Yield when the time calls for it, distinguish right from wrong clearly, and avoid misfortune. Philosophical meaning: follow the right path and preserve fullness without excess.

5. Six in the Fifth Place: His sincerity is kindly and dignified. Good fortune

   Trust is genuine, and dignity commands respect from others. Good fortune. Philosophical meaning: move in accord with the time, and others will willingly place their trust in you.

6. Top Nine: He is blessed by Heaven. Good fortune. Nothing is unfavorable

   Blessed by Heaven above, all things go smoothly. Philosophical meaning: follow Heaven's mandate and remain at peace in simplicity.

Guidance for Everyday Life

Keywords and overall guidance:

You have the timing and the fortune; this is a time of flourishing and great auspiciousness, but guard against things reversing when they reach an extreme.

Career and finances:

Achievements have already been made. Guard against arrogance and impatience; restrain evil and promote good, and you can rise to a new level.

In a time of prosperity, uphold trustworthiness and fairness, and lasting wealth can be gained.

Love and relationships:

Conditions are favorable, but choices should be made carefully, and harmony within the family should be maintained.

Physical and emotional state:

Be mindful of rising internal heat and maintain proper care of the body.

The above content is for everyday self-care reference only; if physical or emotional discomfort persists or worsens, please consult a qualified medical or mental health professional as a priority.

One-Sentence Reminder

The way of Great Possession lies in acting in accord with Heaven, restraining evil and promoting good, widely cultivating wholesome relationships, gathering people to accomplish things, and achieving great undertakings.