Hexagram 14
Possession in Great Measure
大有 (Dà Yǒu)
Fire over Heaven
Here we see the image of Fire (Li) illuminating the sky above Heaven (Ch'ien). The sun, high in the heavens, shines on everything below, revealing all things clearly. This symbolizes a time of great abundance, clarity, and enlightenment. The single weak (yin) line in the fifth, ruling position, is modest and open, thus it rightfully possesses all the strong (yang) lines. This represents a benevolent leader who attracts wealth and talent through virtue, not force.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
This is one of the most auspicious judgments in the I Ching. It promises not just success, but the highest form of success. This is a time when resources, influence, and opportunities are abundant. The key to this success lies in the hexagram's structure: a humble and receptive center (the yin line) that attracts and holds the strong, creative forces around it. True wealth is not just material; it is a wealth of spirit, clarity, and right action.
The Image (象传)
Just as the sun illuminates the world, revealing light and shadow, a person in a time of great abundance has the power and responsibility to see things clearly. The image guides the wise person to use their influence to actively promote what is good and discourage what is harmful. By doing so, they align themselves with a higher purpose (the "will of heaven") and ensure that their good fortune is sustained and meaningful.
Interpretation & Guidance
Receiving Hexagram 14 is a sign that you are entering a period of great prosperity and success. Your power and influence are at a peak. However, the true lesson of this hexagram is how to manage this abundance. The key is humility. Arrogance and pride are the greatest dangers now, as they can lead to the squandering of your good fortune. Act with clarity, generosity, and a sense of responsibility.
Share your wealth, whether it be material, intellectual, or spiritual. Be a source of light and guidance for others. By remaining modest and acting for the greater good, you will not only maintain your success but will elevate it to a higher level, bringing blessings to yourself and everyone around you. This is the time to act decisively on your great ideas.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"No relationship with what is harmful. There is no blame. If one remains conscious of difficulty, one remains without blame."
At the very beginning of success, the primary task is to avoid arrogance and harmful influences. Stay grounded and mindful of potential pitfalls. By being cautious and aware of challenges from the start, you build a solid, blameless foundation for the great fortune that is to come.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"A big wagon for loading. One may undertake something. No blame."
You have the resources and support necessary for a major undertaking. The "big wagon" symbolizes your capacity to handle significant responsibility. You have gathered the strength and means to move forward with an important project. Proceed with confidence; there is no blame in taking on this large task.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"A prince offers it to the Son of Heaven. A small man cannot do this."
This line teaches generosity and a sense of perspective. A truly great person understands that their possessions should serve a higher purpose. They are able to give freely, without attachment. A petty person, however, would hoard their wealth. To sustain great possession, one must be able to share it for the common good.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"He makes a difference between himself and his neighbor. No blame."
This is a warning against envy and unhealthy competition. In a time of abundance, it is important to recognize your own unique position and not compare yourself greedily with others. By keeping your affairs in order and avoiding jealousy of your powerful neighbors, you remain blameless and secure in your own good fortune.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"He whose truth is accessible, yet dignified, has good fortune."
This is the central line, representing the ideal leader. Your power comes from being approachable and sincere (accessible truth), combined with a natural authority that commands respect (dignity). You do not need to be forceful. Your virtue and sincerity attract success and loyalty naturally, leading to great good fortune.
Nine at the Top (上九)
Top line - Yang
"He is blessed by heaven. Good fortune. Nothing that does not further."
You have reached the pinnacle of success. By remaining humble and aligned with a higher purpose throughout your journey, you now receive blessings from the universe itself. All paths are open to you. Every action you take will be successful. This is the ultimate reward for managing great possession with wisdom and grace.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This is a sign of a rich, generous, and successful relationship. There is an abundance of love, trust, and mutual respect. The key to maintaining this happiness is to avoid pride and to share openly with your partner. Be generous with your affection and appreciation. This is a time of great fulfillment and security in love.
Career & Business (事业)
This is a period of peak career success. Major projects will succeed, promotions are likely, and your influence will grow. Manage your success with humility. Acknowledge the contributions of your team and share the rewards. Your leadership should be based on accessibility and integrity, not dominance. This will ensure long-term prosperity.
Health & Wellness (健康)
You are blessed with an abundance of energy and vitality. Your health is strong. Use this time of strength to build lasting healthy habits. The only caution is against over-indulgence, which can come with prosperity. Maintain balance and moderation to preserve your excellent condition.
Financial Matters (财运)
This is an extremely auspicious hexagram for finance. It indicates a time of great wealth, successful investments, and material abundance. The guiding principle is to manage this wealth wisely. Avoid extravagance and greed. Be generous and consider using your resources to help others or invest in noble causes. This ensures your prosperity continues.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
Your growth lies in learning how to handle success with grace and humility. Power and wealth can be corrupting, but they can also be tools for great good. This is a test of character. By developing modesty, generosity, and a strong sense of responsibility, you will not only possess great things but also become a truly great person.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time is now. This is a moment of supreme opportunity and success. Act with confidence and clarity. Your main task is not to *gain* success, but to *manage* it. The advice is to remain humble, be generous, act with integrity, and align your actions with the greater good. By doing so, your success will be boundless.
