Hexagram 62
Preponderance of the Small
小过 (Xiǎo Guò)
Thunder over Mountain
The image is of Thunder high on a Mountain. The thunder's power is diminished at this altitude; its sound is muffled. The hexagram's structure, with weak lines on the outside and strong lines within, resembles a small bird with large wings. It can fly, but not too high. This symbolizes a time for conscientiousness in small matters. Great, ambitious undertakings are out of place; attention to detail is paramount.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The Judgment gives very clear instructions. Success is possible, but only in small, everyday matters. Ambitious, large-scale projects are doomed to fail. The central message, like a note from a bird, is to stay grounded. Do not try to soar to great heights. By remaining humble, focusing on details, and performing ordinary tasks with exceptional care, one finds "great good fortune."
The Image (象传)
The superior man understands the spirit of this time and applies it to his life. In everything, he exceeds on the side of conscientiousness, not extravagance. His conduct is exceptionally respectful. His mourning is exceptionally heartfelt. His spending is exceptionally frugal. He doesn't focus on grand gestures but on the sincere and meticulous execution of his fundamental duties.
Interpretation & Guidance
This is a time that calls for humility, modesty, and a laser focus on the details. Your ambitions should be small and your conduct exceptionally careful. Do not launch any major new projects or aim for a great promotion. Instead, find success and meaning in doing the small things perfectly. Be extra respectful, extra frugal, and extra sincere in your duties. By "exceeding in what is small," you align yourself with the time and will find great good fortune in staying grounded.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"The bird meets with misfortune through flying."
If you try to be ambitious and "fly high" at the very beginning of this period, you will immediately meet with misfortune. The message is clear: stay on the ground. Do not attempt to rise.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"She passes by her ancestor and meets her ancestress... He does not reach his prince and meets the official. No blame."
You are correctly adapting to the time by not aiming for the highest authority. You connect with those at a more appropriate, accessible level. This modest approach of staying within your proper sphere is correct and without blame.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"If one is not extremely careful, somebody may come from behind and strike him. Misfortune."
As a strong line, you are inclined toward overconfidence, which is dangerous now. This is a time that requires extraordinary caution. If you are not constantly vigilant, you are vulnerable to a sudden, unexpected setback. Carelessness leads to misfortune.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"No blame. He meets him without passing by. Going brings danger. One must be on guard. Do not be persevering."
You find yourself in a delicate situation where you must be still. Trying to force your way forward would be dangerous. The best you can do is hold your position with extreme care. This is not a time for determined, long-term action; it is a time for caution and stillness.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Dense clouds, but no rain from our western territory. The prince shoots and hits him who is in a cave."
You are in a position of authority, but circumstances prevent you from achieving great things ("no rain"). Your influence is limited. You can only find success by focusing on small, hidden, or overlooked matters ("hits him who is in a cave").
Top Six (上六)
Top line - Yin
"He passes him by, not meeting him. The flying bird leaves him. Misfortune. This means calamity and injury."
You have ignored the message of the time and have aimed too high. By "exceeding in what is great," you miss all opportunities and fly straight into disaster. This is the misfortune that comes from unchecked ambition when humility is required.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This is a time for focusing on the small, everyday kindnesses that make up a relationship. Grand romantic gestures are out of place and may even backfire. Instead, give preponderance to being extra respectful, extra attentive, and extra caring in the small moments. Success is found in the humble details of your daily life together, not in dramatic displays.
Career & Business (事业)
Do not launch a major new product or attempt a big corporate takeover. This is a time to focus on the details. Perfect your current work, double-check your spreadsheets, and be exceptionally conscientious in your duties. Be humble and respectful in your interactions with colleagues and superiors. Success is found in perfecting the small things, not in ambitious new ventures.
Health & Wellness (健康)
Pay close attention to the small details of your health. This is not the time to start an extreme, high-intensity workout regimen. Instead, focus on modest but consistent improvements: be extra careful with your diet, make sure to get enough sleep, and be mindful in your daily movements. Conscientious attention to the little things will bring the greatest benefits to your well-being.
Financial Matters (财运)
This is a time for exceptional thrift and frugality. Do not make any large or risky investments. Avoid significant expenditures. Your financial well-being now depends on being extremely conscientious with your budget and paying attention to every small expense. Give preponderance to saving, not spending. Security is found in the details.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
The lesson of this hexagram is the profound power of humility and conscientiousness. True growth often comes not from striving for great, heroic deeds, but from the sincere and meticulous performance of small, everyday duties. It is about letting go of the ambitious ego and finding the dignity and satisfaction in doing the little things right. It is the art of being grounded.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time calls for you to lower your sights and focus on the details. Keep your ambitions in check. The path to good fortune is paved with small, well-executed tasks. Be humble, be modest, be exceptionally conscientious. Do not strive upward; it is well to remain below.
