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Hexagram:

Also known as:

09. Small Restraint

Taming the Power of the Small, Gradual Progress, Patience and Care, The Subtle Influence, Cultivating Growth, Small Steps to Success, Nurturing Potential, Soft Power, The Value of Persistence, Incremental Change

Line

Drawn as

Energy

Duality

Trigram

Dynamic

Polarity

Meaning

Yang 8.png

Yang

Masculine

Yang 8.png

Yin

Feminine

Yang 8.png

Yang

Masculine

Yang 8.png

Yang

Masculine

Yang 8.png

Yang

Masculine

Trigram

3

Lower

2

1

6

Upper

5

4

Heaven

Father

Mature Yang

Authority

Wind

Youngest Daughter

Immature Yin

Morality

Yang 8.png

Yang

Masculine

#

English Name

Chinese Name

Hanzi

Pinyin

Action

Hexagram:

卦 Guà

Hidden Influence:

互卦 Hu Guà (nuclear)

Underlying Cause:

綜卦 Zong Guà (reverse)

09. Small Restraint

小畜

xiǎo chù

Surrender

38. Diverging Interests

yu / yù

Accommodate

16. Enthusiasm

kuí

Excite

Expression:

I exercise control

Affirmation:

I trust in the power of patience and small actions, knowing that every step forward brings me closer to my goals.

Image (Legge):

The wind drives across heaven: the image of The Taming Power of the Small. Thus the superior man refines the outward aspect of his nature.

Judgement (Legge):

The Taming Power of the Small has success. Dense clouds, no rain from our western region.

Overall meaning:

Small Restraint, symbolizes a time when progress may be slow or hindered by minor obstacles. It suggests that while forward movement is possible, it requires patience, careful planning, and a focus on small, incremental steps. This hexagram emphasizes the importance of restraint and prudence, advising that, instead of forcing progress or making drastic changes, one should attend to details, nurture what is already established, and cultivate inner strength. It is a period for consolidating resources, refining skills, and preparing for future opportunities.

Recognize that even small efforts and seemingly insignificant actions can create a foundation for greater achievements in the future. By exercising patience, maintaining discipline, and steadily working through minor challenges, one can gradually build momentum and prepare for more significant advancements. It teaches that true progress is often made not by rushing ahead, but by moving forward thoughtfully, attending to the details, and allowing things to unfold naturally in their own time.

Quotes:

Upright Hexagram

Rotated 90°
counter clockwise

Change - - to 0
Change — to 1

Binary Number Created:

110111

Line 1:

Embarking / Initiating

Suggests that the person is returning to their original path and following their own direction with confidence. This self-reliance and determination lead to good fortune, with little risk of making mistakes.

Line 2:

Discovery / Inner Harmony

Indicates that the person is influenced by the actions of the previous line and is guided back to the correct path. This alignment with the proper course brings good fortune and positive outcomes.

Line 3:

Gateway / 
Portal

Describes a situation where things are coming apart or losing cohesion, like a carriage with a strap removed or a couple avoiding each other’s gaze. It symbolizes tension, misalignment, or disconnection, indicating a need to address the underlying issues before further progress can be made.

Line 4:

Showing up / Approach

Indicates that the person's sincerity and genuine intentions help to prevent conflict or danger, symbolized by avoiding bloodshed. Their honesty and integrity alleviate fear and lead to a positive outcome, ensuring that no mistakes are made.

Line 5:

External Focus / 
Periphery

Depicts a person whose sincerity and genuine intentions naturally attract others to join them. With ample resources and a spirit of collaboration, they successfully inspire their neighbors to work together toward a shared goal, resulting in positive outcomes.

Line 6:

Pinnacle / Breakthrough Awaits

Suggests that after the rain has fallen, progress comes to a halt, highlighting the importance of accumulating virtues through humble service. However, in a situation where restraint is exercised excessively, like a moon nearing its full phase, even with good intentions, pursuing further action could lead to danger or negative outcomes.

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9

Binary:

110111

Structure:

Unicode decimal:

Unicode point:

Non-Core Gua

19912

U+4DC8

Sector:

151.875 to 157.5

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