Yi Jing · Chinese tarot
Great Possession
Hexagram 14 of the Yi Jing · 大有 Dà Yǒu
The figure
Fire above Heaven: clarity at the summit of strength, the sun at its zenith. The image of great possession, of lucid abundance.
What this figure illuminates
Great Possession lights up moments of abundance — of means, recognition, energy. The difficulty is not in having, but in carrying without growing heavy, in giving without emptying out.
For a decision, the figure shifts the question from lack to use: “what I possess, do I put it in the service of something, or does it possess me?”.
The classical text
The Judgment
Possession in great measure: supreme success.
The Image
Fire high in heaven, shining over all. Seeing this, the noble person curbs what is bad and furthers what is good, in accord with Heaven's benign will.
The Six Lines
- First line
No harm has come near you yet, and no error. Stay mindful of the difficulty, and it stays that way.
- Second line
A great wagon, heavy-laden and sound. Whatever direction you take, no error.
- Third line
Like a prince laying his wealth before the sovereign, put your abundance in service of what is higher. A small mind could not do it.
- Fourth line
Hold your great means in check; do not flaunt them. No error.
- Fifth line
Your sincerity is met by sincerity all around. Carry a quiet dignity with it, and good fortune.
- Sixth line
Blessed as if helped by Heaven itself. Good fortune, and nothing that does not further.
Daoa's wording, written after the classical reference translations, now in the public domain: James Legge (1882) and Charles de Harlez (1889).
A question to keep
What you have — do you carry it, or does it carry you?
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