Hexagram 09
Hsiao Ch'uThe Taming Power of the Small
Wind (Xun) · Heaven (Qian)
The image
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.
This hexagram in one line
This hexagram means the force of the small—the power of the shadowy—that restrains, tames, impedes. A weak line in the fourth place, that of the minister, holds the five strong lines in check. In the Image it is the wind blowing across the sky. The wind restrains the clouds, the rising breath of the Creative, and makes them grow dense, but as yet is not strong enough to turn them to rain. The hexagram presents a configuration of circumstances in which a strong element is temporarily held in leash by a weak element. It is only through gentleness that this can have a successful outcome.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Wind follows beneath heaven
Hexagram Judgment
THE TAMING POWER OF THE SMALL Has success. Dense clouds, no rain from our western region.
This image refers to the state of affairs in China at the time when King Wên, who came originally from the west, was in the east at the court of the reigning tyrant Chou Hsin. The moment for action on a large scale had not yet arrived. King Wên could only keep the tyrant somewhat in check by friendly persuasion. Hence the image of many clouds, promising moisture and blessing to the land, although as yet no rain falls. The situation is not unfavorable; there is a prospect of ultimate success, but there are still obstacles in the way, and we can merely take preparatory measures. Only through the small means of friendly persuasion can we exert any influence. The time has not yet come for sweeping measures. However, we may be able, to a limited extent, to act as a restraining and subduing influence. To carry out our purpose we need firm determination within and gentleness and adaptability in external relations.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Wind (Xun)
- Wind · Penetrating
- Heaven (Qian)
- Heaven · Creative
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
The yielding finds its place, and the above and below correspond to it, hence Small Accumulation. Strong and gentle, the firm is in the center and its will is carried out, hence success. Dense clouds but no rain indicates movement still upward. From our western border indicates that the influence has not yet spread.
This hexagram is about a small force gradually restraining and shaping a stronger one. Progress is possible, but influence is still limited and has not yet spread far enough to bring full effect.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
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.
The wind can indeed drive the clouds together in the sky; yet, being nothing but air, without solid body, it does not produce great or lasting effects. So also an individual, in times when he can produce no great effect in the outer world, can do nothing except refine the expression of his nature in small ways.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram LoveHexagram 9 (The Taming Power of the Small) in Love: I Ching Guidance for RelationshipsWhat does Hexagram 9 (The Taming Power of the Small) reveal about love and relationships? This image refers to the state of affairs in China at the time when King Wên, who came originally from the west, was in the east at the court of the reigning ty... Explore how the I Ching guides emotional connection, dating, and partnership dynamics.
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 9 (The Taming Power of the Small) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 9 (The Taming Power of the Small) mean for your career? This image refers to the state of affairs in China at the time when King Wên, who came originally from the west, was in the east at the court of the reigning ty... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What does Hsiao Ch'u / The Taming Power of the Small mean in the I Ching?
This image refers to the state of affairs in China at the time when King Wên, who came originally from the west, was in the east at the court of the reigning ty...
How should I study Hexagram 9 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. It lies in the nature of a strong man to press forward. In so doing he encounters obstructions. Therefore he returns to the way suited to his situation, where he is free to advance...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
This hexagram is about a small force gradually restraining and shaping a stronger one. Progress is possible, but influence is still limited and has not yet spread far enough to bring full effect.
Test this hexagram against your question
A hexagram page is useful for study, but a real reading starts from your situation. Choose a question and cast directly.
Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.