East Almanac
English

14. Possession in Great Measure (大有)

Line 2

If this line changes it transforms into 30. The Clinging (Fire) (离)

Modern reading

The second yang holds the central seat of the lower trigram, symbolizing a sturdy wagon capable of bearing heavy cargo on a long journey. Blessed with balance and direct resonance with the fifth line, it indicates steady progress free of fault.

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I Ching / BaZi reading request (from eastalmanac.com).
Page: Hexagram 14 大有 — Line 2.
Interpret through classical principles in two layers: 1) Structural Evidence: identify key line dynamics, changing line pivot, or element balance. 2) Actionable Verdict: direct answer to the inquiry in plain language, followed by 2–3 concrete next steps (action-verb first) and mindful cautions. Grounded wisdom for self-reflection. Source page:
https://eastalmanac.com/yijing/14/2

I Ching casting

Positioned firmly in the center of the inner trigram and properly responding to the six in the fifth place, the second yang possesses both capacity and reliable purpose.

The classical Xiang commentary remarks that accumulation in the center prevents collapse, celebrating solid inner substance and balance as the vehicle transitions toward Hexagram 30, Li.

Because its strength is governed by moderation rather than reckless pride, ambitious undertakings can be carried through without failure. Simply put, robust inner capability and balanced judgment allow you to carry substantial responsibilities with complete safety.

Career

You are positioned as a dependable linchpin entrusted by leadership to oversee essential operations or major projects. Your colleagues and superiors view your competence as a reliable vehicle capable of delivering complex goals without dropping the ball.

Approaching each task with thorough preparation and fair-minded composure supports your ability to deliver on your mandates. In everyday terms, your capability matches the heavy tasks before you, so carry them forward with confidence.

Love & relationships

Within romantic partnerships, this line demonstrates deep emotional maturity, reliable commitment, and practical support. By serving as an anchor for your partner, you create an enduring climate of mutual trust and mutual reliance.

The connection is well-equipped to weather logistical transitions and long-term milestones together. In short, being a dependable partner who shoulders shared burdens creates lasting relationship security.

Wealth

Financial circumstances are characterized by substantial capacity, making this a period well suited for enduring asset management and steady allocation.

The image of the heavy wagon suggests accumulating tangible value through systematic organization rather than volatile, quick-turn speculation. Maintaining a disciplined reserve ensures that expanding responsibilities do not overtax your balance sheet.

In clear terms, steady management and solid fundamentals keep your financial journey resilient over the long haul.

References

Original text

Line statement

2. In the second line, undivided, we have a large waggon with its load. In whatever direction advance is made, there will be no error.

Small Image

‘A large waggon with its load’ refers to the (virtue) accumulated (in the subject of the line), so that he will suffer no loss (in the conduct of affairs).

Classical commentary

Zhouyi BenyiLine statement

Firm and central below, it finds correspondence above, presenting the image of a large wagon loaded with cargo. To have somewhere to go in this manner brings no blame. The diviner must possess this virtue for the divination to apply.

Heng in the Chunqiu Zuo Zhuan is written as xiang, meaning offering tribute at court. In antiquity, the heng of pervasive success, the xiang of sacrificial offering, and the peng of cooking all used the single character heng.

Nine in the Third Place occupies the top of the lower trigram, presenting the image of dukes and princes; firm and attaining correctness, it has above it the ruler at Six in the Fifth Place, who is open-minded and defers to worthy men; hence the image of making an offering to the Son of Heaven.

If the diviner has this virtue, the divination is fulfilled accordingly; if a petty person lacks the virtue of firmness and correctness, even if he obtains this line, he cannot live up to it.

Yichuan YizhuanLine statement

Nine, with its yang strength, dwells in the Second Place and is entrusted by the ruler Six in the Fifth Place. Firm strength gives it superior ability; dwelling in yielding gives it humility and compliance; attaining centrality ensures it makes no errors.

Its talents being such, it can shoulder the responsibilities of Possession in Great Measure, like a large wagon whose stout timber can bear heavy loads. It can take on heavy burdens and travel far; thus 'one may go somewhere without blame.'

Possession in Great Measure is a time of abundant fullness; having possessions that have not yet reached the extreme, the talent of the Second line allows one to advance without blame; once abundance reaches its peak, one can no longer advance.

The Xiang Commentary says: 'A large wagon for carrying cargo: accumulation in the center brings no ruin.'

A large and stout wagon, loaded heavily in its bed, suffers no damage or breakdown, just as the strength and capacity of Nine in the Second Place can shoulder the great responsibility of Possession in Great Measure.

Zhouyi ZhuLine statement

Bearing heavy burdens without falling into danger.

Zhouyi ZhengyiLine statement

'Nine in the Second Place: A large wagon for carrying cargo.' The Sub-commentary says: 'A large wagon for carrying cargo' means its substance is firm and strong, and it occupies the center; entrusted with duties, its responsibility is heavy.

Being capable of enduring its burden without tipping or falling into danger is like a large wagon loaded with goods. This borrows an external image to illustrate human affairs.

Regarding the note 'Bearing heavy burdens without falling into danger': The Sub-commentary says: This explains the meaning of 'a large wagon for carrying cargo.' A large wagon refers to an ox cart. Carrying many goods, it is called 'bearing heavy burdens.'

The wagon's timber is stout, so it does not tip or collapse.

The Sub-commentary says: Being capable of bearing heavy duties, having somewhere to go brings no blame; because it dwells out of its proper place, there is suspicion of misfortune and blame, hence the text says 'no blame.'

The Sub-commentary says: 'Accumulation in the center brings no ruin' explains the meaning of 'a large wagon for carrying cargo.' Goods having accumulated, one possesses centrality and harmony in oneself, able to bear the accumulated store upon oneself without leading to collapse.

Yicuo JinLine statement

Nine in the Second Place; Second Line, Upper-Neutral: A layer of water, a layer of mountain; the path through wind and waves lies calm and smooth, a separate heaven inside the wine jar.

Sources