Hexagram 14
Great Possession
大有 · 대유
Fire over Heaven
The Judgment
Great possession is not merely the accumulation of goods, influence, or talent. It is the capacity to hold abundance under the guidance of a clear and receptive heart. Strength places resources within reach; illumination shows their proper use. When the one who presides is modest enough to receive the worthy and firm enough to restrain disorder, prosperity becomes a common blessing. The occasion promises great success, provided possession does not harden into self-importance.
The Image
Fire stands above heaven, casting its light across a wide domain. The noble person responds by checking what harms the common life and encouraging what nourishes it. In this way, abundance is governed by discernment, and human conduct answers the beneficent order disclosed through heaven.
In the light of the Dao
What is truly great can contain much because it does not close around its contents. Hold wealth as a valley holds passing waters: receiving, sustaining, and releasing. Possession remains whole when the possessor grows less insistent. Clinging turns plenty into burden; openness restores its usefulness.
The two trigrams
Upper · outer
☲Fire
Clinging, clarity · Middle daughter
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
At the beginning of abundance, one has not yet become entangled in its dangers. There is no fault in possessing resources, but carelessness would invite it. When this line moves, recognize the difficulties that prosperity conceals and remain watchful before indulgence takes root.
Second line · the inner centre · yang, nine
A strong carriage is able to bear a substantial load. Resources, competence, and responsibility are well matched, so an undertaking can proceed without fault. When this line moves, accept useful work and carry it steadily, neither boasting of the burden nor shrinking from it.
Third line · the threshold · yang, nine
A person entrusted with rank brings the fruits of possession into the service of the highest authority. The offering expresses public responsibility rather than private display. When this line moves, dedicate abundance to a worthy whole; a narrow character cannot sustain this duty.
Fourth line · the minister · yang, nine
Amid conspicuous wealth and power, one does not compete in magnificence or confuse reflected splendor with personal worth. Restraint preserves freedom from blame. When this line moves, keep a clear measure of your place and refuse the temptation to outshine those around you.
Fifth line · the ruler · yin, six
Sincerity opens the hearts of others, while quiet dignity prevents familiarity from dissolving respect. Neither suspicion nor easy indulgence is needed. When this line moves, join trust with an orderly bearing, so that those who approach feel both welcomed and responsibly held.
Top line · the end · yang, nine
At the summit of possession, blessing comes to one who has remained faithful to what is right and receptive to the worthy. Help arrives beyond personal contrivance. When this line moves, receive good fortune gratefully and let success deepen generosity rather than pride.