Hexagram 11
Peace
泰 · 태
Earth over Heaven
The Judgment
The obstructing influence withdraws and the enlarging influence comes forward. Heaven and earth communicate, and their exchange allows living things to flourish. Among people, worthy leadership meets willing support, while selfish counsel loses its hold. This is a season for constructive action, undertaken with breadth of heart rather than triumph over rivals. Peace is fruitful because different powers cooperate; preserve that intercourse through fairness, vigilance, and the generous inclusion of those beyond your immediate circle.
The Image
Earth rests above heaven, while their powers move toward one another and mingle. The ruler learns from this exchange, giving suitable shape to the gifts of heaven and earth. By ordering seasons, resources, and common work, the ruler helps abundance reach the people and supports their life.
In the light of the Dao
Peace arises through exchange, not through the victory of one side. The high descends and the low receives, so their powers replenish each other. Follow this circulation without trying to possess it. Prosperity remains alive when room is left for movement and return.
The two trigrams
Upper · outer
☷Earth
Receptive, yielding · Mother
Lower · inner
☰Heaven
Creative, strong · Father
The six lines
Read from the bottom up. A line speaks only when it moves — when the cast gives it as 6 or 9.
First line · the beginning · yang, nine
Pulling one tuft of grass brings others with it, for their roots are joined. So the worthy advance in fellowship rather than as isolated seekers of advantage. Going forward is fortunate when shared purpose draws capable companions into service together.
Second line · the inner centre · yang, nine
A broad heart bears with the rough and undeveloped, while courage crosses difficult waters. Neglect neither distant people nor neglected duties, and put private factions aside. Such impartial strength finds the central way and makes one a fitting partner in the work of peace.
Third line · the threshold · yang, nine
Every level stretch eventually meets a slope, and every departure belongs to a movement that will return. Remain steadfast when ease gives way to difficulty; there need be no blame. Do not fret over trustworthiness already established, but receive present nourishment with gratitude.
Fourth line · the minister · yin, six
Those above descend readily toward their neighbors, not because wealth purchases support but because their hearts incline toward fellowship. No warning or command is needed to awaken sincerity. Meet this movement openly; peace deepens when rank no longer prevents genuine human exchange.
Fifth line · the ruler · yin, six
A royal marriage joins houses through a ruler's willingness to place a noble woman within the obligations of another household. High station bends toward relationship rather than demanding submission. Such gracious ordering brings blessing, and the union becomes a source of great good fortune.
Top line · the end · yin, six
The city's wall crumbles back into the ditch from which its earth was taken. The structure of peace has exhausted its support. Do not muster armies to deny the change; keep commands close to home. Stubbornly maintaining former claims now brings humiliation.