Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 34: the Great Power hexagram, Thunder over Heaven, Zhen above Qian

Detailed explanation of the first line of the thirty-fourth hexagram of the Zhouyi
Statement of the First Nine line
Nine at the beginning. Strength in the toes. Advancing brings misfortune. There is trustworthiness.
The Image says: Strength in the toes—one’s trustworthiness reaches an impasse.
Explanation in plain language
Nine at the beginning: Injury to the toes. If this line is obtained in a divination, going out on a campaign will bring misfortune, though there will still be some gain.
The Image Commentary says: Relying on superior military strength to invade another country may bring gain, but one’s credibility is swept away.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who receive this line may face disputes or lawsuits; if they act, misfortune follows, and they should guard against foot ailments. Officials must beware of slander by petty people and humiliation.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: Courage without strategy; rank and fame will certainly be low.
Financial fortune: Failure to deliberate carefully will certainly bring losses.
Home: Do not move; guard against a daughter’s or woman’s foot ailment.
Health: Choose a good doctor carefully.

Transformation of the First Nine line


When the first nine changes, it becomes hexagram 32 of the Zhouyi: Thunder over Wind, Duration. This is a composite hexagram of unlike trigrams, with Xun below and Zhen above. Zhen is the male and thunder; Xun is the female and wind. Firmness is above and softness below. Firm above and soft below, creation and transformation have regularity and nourish each other. Yin and yang respond to each other; this is the normal human feeling, hence the name Duration.

Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line

The first line of the Great Power hexagram; line statement: Nine at the beginning: Strength in the toes; going on a campaign brings misfortune, but there is confidence.
“Toes” refers to the toes. “Trustworthiness” refers to sincerity and confidence, meaning both having faith and possessing the ability to carry things out in practice.
The meaning of this line statement is: Strength is only in the toes; advancing will bring misfortune, though trustworthiness remains.
The first nine of the Great Power is very similar to the first nine of Qian, “The hidden dragon—do not act.” The first nine is the beginning of the Great Power; yang energy has only become strong at the toes. If one hastily moves upward before yang energy has accumulated, this is reckless advance and will certainly be dangerous. For now, one should preserve sincerity, accumulate strength, wait until one has a firm footing and a foundation, and only then act.
The first nine is a yang line in a firm position, so it has momentum and the qualities of vigorous action and progress. This yang energy can propel it forward; it has confidence and can act in practice. Yet in the hexagram image, the first nine has no proper response above. If the entire hexagram continued upward, it would enter the Breakthrough hexagram, instead causing the yang lines to fall from flourishing into decline. Therefore, at this time one should accumulate strength and await action, not act rashly.
Nine at the beginning: Strength in the toes; going on a campaign brings misfortune, but there is confidence.
The Image says: Strength in the toes—one’s trustworthiness reaches an impasse.
The meaning of the classic text is: The toes are strong; an expedition is dangerous, but there is sincerity.
The meaning of the Image Commentary is: Strength in the feet, yet trustworthiness will encounter hardship.
The first nine has only grown strong in the toes, yet it assumes that such strength can conquer everything, resulting in danger. This line warns people that when their strength has accumulated somewhat, they should not assume they are already powerful; they must clearly understand themselves and the current situation. If they think they are flourishing enough to attack others, they will only bring danger upon themselves, because the strength of the first nine is limited and has not yet accumulated enough to conquer others.
Detailed explanation of the second line of the thirty-fourth hexagram of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Second Nine line
Nine in the second place: Constancy is auspicious.
The Image says: The nine in the second place is auspicious through constancy because it occupies the center.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the second place: Divination brings an auspicious omen.
The Image Commentary says: The line statement of the nine in the second place speaks of uprightness and auspiciousness because the line occupies the central position of the lower trigram, like a person maintaining the middle and upright path.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line succeed in their plans. Officials act moderately and have no shame in their hearts.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: Conduct yourself with moderation and receive recognition.
Financial fortune: If the price of goods is appropriate, profit will naturally follow.
Home: A moderate position; a fortunate marriage.
Health: Nourishment is appropriate.

Transformation of the Second Nine line


When the nine in the second place changes, it becomes hexagram 55 of the Zhouyi: Thunder over Fire, Abundance. This is a composite hexagram of unlike trigrams, with Li below and Zhen above. Lightning flashes and thunder roars, accomplishments are immense, symbolizing reaching the summit, like the sun at midday. Warning: be sure to watch for things developing toward their opposite; prosperity and decline are impermanent, and one must remain vigilant.

Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line

The second line of the Great Power hexagram, line statement: Nine in the second place: Constancy is auspicious. Interpretation of the line statement
The meaning of this line statement is: Maintaining the right path brings auspiciousness.
From the hexagram image, the nine in the second place is a yang line in a yielding position, so it is out of place and possesses the yin qualities of caution and gentleness,
so it will not advance rashly, and its urge to press forward is somewhat moderated. The nine in the second place occupies the center of the lower trigram and has a proper correspondence above with the six in the fifth place. Being centered and following the middle path, it can gain auspiciousness.
The Image Commentary analyzes this line: The nine in the second place is “auspicious through constancy” because it occupies the center. This points out that it can maintain the right path and gain auspiciousness because it is centered and can express itself through yielding.
Those who receive this line are currently in a very favorable situation, but should take care not to chase achievements and advance recklessly; instead, slow their progress somewhat. Although the second line is within the lower Qian trigram, the Great Power hexagram as a whole still favors stopping. Therefore, it is worthwhile to put the internal affairs in order, adjust one’s forces, and advance steadily. Do not speed up or expand wildly merely because circumstances are favorable.
The yang line nine in the second place occupies an even position and is therefore out of place, but it is in the lower trigram, can maintain the middle path, and has the support of the six in the fifth place. Therefore, as long as it maintains the right path, it will be auspicious. In other words, it can accumulate strength in stability without acting blindly, and this behavior will receive the support and assistance of the six in the fifth place, hence auspiciousness.
Detailed explanation of the third line of the thirty-fourth hexagram of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Third Nine line
Nine in the third place: The petty person uses strength; the exemplary person uses nothing. Constancy is dangerous. The ram butts the fence and entangles its horns.
The Image says: The petty person uses strength; the exemplary person does not.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the third place: The petty person captures beasts by relying on strength; the exemplary person captures them with nets. Divination brings an ominous sign. A ram butts the fence and ends up with its horns trapped.
The Image Commentary says: The petty person captures beasts by relying on strength; the exemplary person uses nets to surround them.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Inauspicious: Those who receive this line may face official disputes or mourning in the family; both wealth and people are unfavorable. Officials encounter many disasters and hardships, with neither advance nor retreat bringing peace.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: Be fearful when facing affairs; withdrawing modestly brings benefit.
Financial fortune: There is no need to monopolize the market; otherwise losses will be enormous.
Home: Excessive elevation invites shock; husband and wife turn against each other.
Health: The blood and vital energy are excessively rigid; guard against unexpected events.

Transformation of the Third Nine line


When the nine in the third place changes, it becomes hexagram 54 of the Zhouyi: Thunder over Lake, the Marrying Maiden. This is a composite hexagram of unlike trigrams, with Dui below and Zhen above. Zhen is movement and the eldest son; Dui is joy and the youngest daughter. When the young girl follows the eldest son, feelings of attraction arise, with movement toward marriage and the image of giving a daughter in marriage; hence it is called the Marrying Maiden.

The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place

The third line of the Great Power hexagram, line statement: Nine in the third place: The petty person uses strength; the exemplary person uses nothing. Constancy is dangerous. The ram butts the fence and entangles its horns. Interpretation of the line statement
“Use strength” means relying on one’s own physical power. “Use nothing” means treating it as nothing, as though it did not exist. “Butt the fence” means striking a fence with the horns. “Entangle” means becoming wrapped or caught.
The meaning of this line statement is: The petty person relies on strength and loves to compete, while the exemplary person does not behave this way. Even if the person who relies on strength and loves to compete manages to preserve firm yang power, the result will certainly not be good. It is like a strong ram butting a fence: its horns will only become stuck in the fence and be difficult to free.
The third line of the Great Power hexagram, line statement: Nine in the third place: The petty person uses strength; the exemplary person uses nothing. Constancy is dangerous. The ram butts the fence and entangles its horns. Life lesson
From the hexagram image, the nine in the third place is a yang line in a firm position, at the very top of the Qian trigram, and corresponds with the top six. It suggests looking upward to Heaven with a sense of disregarding everything. The third place is excessively self-confident at the height of strength and prosperity and cannot restrain itself, which will bring trouble.
People often make this mistake: relying on the strengths they possess, they look down on others and even harm them—for example, relying on talent to become arrogant, relying on strength to seek victory, or relying on strength to bully the weak. The Great Power hexagram especially warns against relying on strength to seek victory and bullying the weak. Strong people, in particular, must restrain themselves and keep themselves under control.
Those who receive this line: If you encounter an obstacle and do not know how to use wisdom, relying only on the courage of a rash individual to force your way through, you will become exhausted without gaining anything and will also trap yourself in trouble from which it is difficult to escape.
Nine in the third place: The inferior man uses force; the noble man does not. Persistence brings danger. The ram butts against the hedge and entangles its horns. The Image says: The inferior man uses force; the noble man acts in accord with others.
The meaning of the canonical text is: The inferior man relies on strength, while the noble man does not. Holding to the right path is dangerous. A ram butts against a hedge, and its horns become caught.
The meaning of the Image is: The inferior man relies on physical strength; the noble man uses wisdom.
Detailed explanation of the fourth hexagram of the Zhouyi, the Nine in the fourth place
Statement of the Fourth Nine line
Nine in the fourth place. Persistence brings good fortune; remorse disappears. The hedge splits open without entangling the horns; the ram is as strong as the axle of a great wagon.
The Image says: The hedge splits open without entangling the horns; one should continue forward.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the fourth place: Divination brings good fortune and no remorse. The ram breaks through the hedge and escapes its restraint, but then strikes the wheel and is injured, so it can no longer charge about recklessly.
The Image says: Breaking through the hedge and escaping restraint is to prevent it from charging into other places.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: Those who receive this line will generally gain blessings. After a long period of stillness, movement must come, and movement brings good fortune. An official in an idle post returns to office, and advancement proceeds as wished.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: The road ahead is unobstructed, and fame and rank will also become prominent.
Finances: You will return fully loaded, so why not be happy?
Home: Repair it promptly; this is not a good match.
Health: There may be an unexpected mishap.

Transformation of the Fourth Nine line


When the Nine in the fourth place changes, it becomes hexagram 11 of the Zhouyi: Earth over Heaven, Peace. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Qian below and Kun above. Qian is Heaven and yang; Kun is Earth and yin. Yin and yang respond to each other, the upper and lower communicate, Heaven and Earth meet, and the myriad things flourish. Conversely, it is ominous: all things stand in opposition and transform; when prosperity reaches its height, decline must follow, and after decline comes renewed prosperity. Thus, adapting to the time and changing accordingly is Peace (free passage).

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line

The fourth line of the Great Strength hexagram, line statement: Nine in the fourth place: Persistence brings good fortune; remorse disappears. The hedge splits open without entangling the horns; strong as the axle of a great wagon. Explanation of the line statement
Hedge: a fence or enclosure. Split open: cracked or breached. The axle of a great wagon: the axle of a large cart.
From the hexagram image, the Nine in the fourth place is a yang line in a yielding position. It stands at the beginning of the upper trigram, possessing both the firm strength of a yang line and the humility and restraint associated with a yin line. Since the fourth place represents a minister close to the ruler, while the ruler’s position, the Six in the fifth place, is relatively weak, the strength of the fourth line is used to support the weak fifth line. Supporting the weak is the proper way to use strength, hence “upright and auspicious.” Using firmness and strength to support weakness enables them to advance together without obstruction, like a great ram unrestricted by a hedge. The fourth and fifth lines, yin and yang, advance together; a strong minister assists a weak ruler, and the goal of prosperity can thereby be achieved.
The Image analyzes this line as follows: “The hedge splits open without entangling the horns”; one should continue forward.
The Image points out that the inner meaning of “the hedge splits open and the ram’s horns break free” is to encourage the noble man to act fully, move actively, and pursue advancement.
For one who receives this hexagram, once you give your strength a proper outlet and combine power with wisdom, you can overcome even the greatest difficulties and cross obstacles to move forward smoothly.
Those who receive this line: If you drive or often ride in cars, be careful about faulty wheels or tires. When traveling and crossing roads, pay attention to your speed.
Nine in the fourth place: Persistence brings good fortune and remorse disappears; the hedge splits open without entangling the horns, strong as the shaft of a great wagon.
The Image says: The hedge splits open without entangling the horns; one should continue forward.
The meaning of the canonical text is: Keeping to the right path brings good fortune without regret. The hedge is broken through and the ram’s horns are freed; the horns are as strong as the axle of a great wagon.
The meaning of the Image is: Breaking through the hedge is because it kept pressing forward.
The Nine in the fourth place lies at the junction of yin and yang lines in the Great Strength hexagram. It is also the top line of the lower nuclear trigram, showing extreme vigor, and the lowest line of the upper trigram, symbolizing action. Taken together, the fourth line joins with the other yang lines below to break through the obstacles ahead. It is like a ram whose horns have already struck the hedge and become entangled. What can it do? The only way is to break through the hedge. Because the fourth line is extraordinarily vigorous, it finally breaks free. The line statement vividly describes its strength: “strong as the great wagon’s crossbeam,” meaning that the fourth line is as strong as the beam beneath the carriage body of a great wagon.
The fourth line of the Great Strength hexagram, line statement: Nine in the fourth place: Persistence brings good fortune; remorse disappears; the hedge splits open without entangling the horns, strong as the axle of a great wagon. If you receive this line, remember:
A letter announces a soaring future; do not fear the east wind covering a thousand miles.
Just as you are about to cross at the right time, you may stumble; let the vast waves roll as you proceed.
After a long period of stillness, it is fitting to consider movement; when calamity fades, blessings follow naturally.
Naturally there will be no obstruction; you will travel swiftly along the broad road for ten thousand miles.
Detailed explanation of the fifth line of the thirty-fourth Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the fifth place line statement
Six in the fifth place. Losing the ram at the boundary. No remorse.
The Image says: Losing the ram at the boundary; the position is inappropriate.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the fifth place: Losing the ram at the frontier. When divination meets this line, there is no major disaster.
The Image says: Losing the ram at the frontier is because the yin line Six in the fifth place occupies a yang position, so the place is inappropriate; like a person in an unsuitable environment, it suffers loss.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Ominous: Those who receive this line are helpless and unable to profit; for the sick, it may indicate danger to life. Officials may neglect their duties.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Repair the fence after losing the sheep; there is hope in later years.
Finances: There may be a small loss, but no major harm yet.
Home: Raising livestock is unsuitable; the wedding will not succeed.
Health: An inauspicious sign.

Six in the fifth place changing hexagram


When the Six in the fifth place changes, it becomes hexagram 43 of the Zhouyi: Lake over Heaven, Breakthrough. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Qian below and Dui above. Qian is Heaven and strength; Dui is Lake and joy. The vapor of the lake rises, gathers and pours down as rain, nourishing all things. Five yang lines remove one yin line; removing it is not difficult—it only requires a decisive breakthrough, hence the name Breakthrough, which means decision.

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line

The fifth line of the Great Strength hexagram, line statement: Six in the fifth place: Losing the ram at the boundary, no remorse. Explanation of the line statement
Boundary: the same as “pasture boundary,” meaning a border.
The meaning of this line statement is: A sheep is lost at the edge of the fields, but there is nothing to regret.
From the hexagram image, the Six in the fifth place is a yin line in a yang position. The first four lines of Great Strength are yang, while the fifth and top lines are yin. The fifth line directly faces the rising momentum of the four yang lines below. It is also in the nuclear Dui formed by the third, fourth, and fifth lines; Dui represents a sheep. Hence the situation is “losing the sheep at the boundary.” Although the fifth line is yin and therefore soft and weak, it possesses the virtue of softness centered in the proper place: weak yet compliant, yielding yet trustworthy. It can befriend firm and upright talents and receive their assistance, thereby accomplishing virtue and achievement, so there is nothing to regret.
The Image explains this line as follows: “Losing the ram at the boundary”; the position is inappropriate. It points out that losing the sheep at the edge of the fields is due to being in an unsuitable position.
This line signifies that the advantage of yang is about to be lost. At this time, the task is not to expand and grow stronger, but to preserve what has already been gained and prevent others from damaging it.
Those who receive this line: Because your abilities are limited or your character lacks decisiveness, you may make some mistakes in your work, and may also suffer some financial loss, like losing a sheep at the boundary. However, as a leader, if you treat those around you humbly, listen to their views, and seek help from capable subordinates or colleagues, you can still achieve excellent results and will not regret a temporary mistake.
Six in the fifth place: Losing the ram in the depths, no remorse. The Image says: Losing the ram at the boundary; the position is inappropriate.
The meaning of the canonical text is: A sheep was lost at the place called Boundary, with no worry or regret.
The meaning of the Image is: The sheep was lost at the Boundary because the position of the Six in the fifth place was inappropriate.
“Losing the ram at the Boundary” is similar in meaning to “losing the ox at the Boundary” in the Wanderer hexagram; it concerns the story of Wang Hai, an ancestor of the Yin people. Wang Hai, ancestor of the Yin dynasty, was skilled at taming cattle and horses, so he raised many cattle, horses, and sheep. He traveled in an ox cart, driving herds of cattle and sheep, to the Yi tribe in Hebei for commercial trade, but the people there killed him and seized his cattle and sheep. Wang Hai was originally the ruler of a state, yet he left the ruler’s position and went far away to do business; this is what is meant by “the position is inappropriate.” The Six in the fifth place, being a yielding line in the honored position, likewise has an inappropriate position. However, it corresponds with the Nine in the second place and harmonizes with the Nine in the fourth place, so regret does not arise.
Detailed explanation of the top line of the thirty-fourth Zhouyi hexagram
Upper Six line statement
Six at the top. The ram’s horns strike the hedge; it can neither retreat nor advance. Nothing is beneficial. In hardship there is good fortune.
The Image says: Unable to retreat or advance is inauspicious; hardship brings good fortune because the trouble will not last long.
Explanation in plain language
Six at the top: The ram’s horns are stuck in the hedge. It can neither retreat nor advance, and the situation is unfavorable. However, although the present circumstances are difficult, they can ultimately be resolved and turn auspicious.
The Image says: Unable to retreat or advance, trapped between progress and withdrawal, is an encounter with misfortune. Although caught in hardship, it can ultimately be resolved and turn auspicious; this means the disaster will not last long.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: Those who receive this line face a dilemma, with many disputes and lawsuits; they should maintain the ordinary course. Officials should withdraw rather than advance, as demotion may be feared.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing: Retire a little earlier to avoid regret.
Finances: You originally hoped to get rich, but it will be difficult even to preserve your capital.
Home: Endure and protect yourself through hardship; first bitterness, then joy.
Health: Caught between retreat and advance.

Upper Six changing hexagram


When the top Six changes, it becomes hexagram 14 of the Zhouyi: Fire over Heaven, Great Possession. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Qian below and Li above. The upper trigram is Li, Fire; the lower trigram is Qian, Heaven. Fire above Heaven illuminates all things; the people submit, follow Heaven and adapt to the seasons, and great accomplishments are achieved.

Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line

The sixth line of the Great Strength hexagram, line statement: Six at the top: The ram’s horns strike the hedge; it can neither retreat nor advance
Six at the top: The ram’s horns strike the hedge; it can neither retreat nor advance; nothing is beneficial. In hardship there is good fortune.
Ram: a belligerent male sheep.
The meaning of this line statement is: A strong ram gets its horns caught because it butts against the hedge; it can neither retreat nor advance, and gains nothing. It indicates that good fortune can be obtained only after enduring hardship and trials.
Everyone experiences moments when they are caught between advancing and retreating. When facing such a situation, as long as you persist until the final moment, circumstances will turn in your favor.
The Image analyzes this line as follows: “Unable to retreat or advance” is inauspicious; “in hardship there is good fortune,” because the trouble will not last long.
The Image points out that “unable to retreat or advance” shows that one’s actions were not sufficiently complete and thorough, resulting in an extremely passive situation. “Endure and persist, bear hardship without being crushed, and good fortune will come” means that as long as one can persevere patiently, one will certainly pass through the difficulty.
Six at the top: The ram’s horns strike the hedge; it can neither retreat nor advance; nothing is beneficial. In hardship there is good fortune.
The Image says: Unable to retreat or advance is inauspicious. In hardship there is good fortune because the trouble will not last long.
The meaning of the canonical text is: The ram butts the hedge and its horns become caught. It can neither retreat nor advance, gaining no benefit; enduring hardship and holding one’s ground brings good fortune.
The meaning of the Image is: Being unable to retreat or advance results from failing to consider matters thoroughly at the outset. Enduring hardship and holding one’s ground brings good fortune because the disaster will not last long.
In the Great Strength hexagram, the upper trigram Zhen represents a hedge, while the upper nuclear trigram Dui represents a sheep; hence the image of a sheep striking a hedge.
However, the top Six occupies an extremely exalted position, so its actions are rash. As a yin line, it lacks the strength of the Nine in the fourth place, and is therefore trapped by the hedge, unable either to advance or retreat. In such circumstances, all it can do is endure in hardship. Only this will bring good fortune. Why? Because things will not remain this way forever; eventually they must change. Once the situation changes, the top Six’s predicament will be released. Thus the Image says: “The trouble will not last long.”