ChineseStudy

9. Xiao Xu | Small Taming

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English translation

Xiao Xu / Small Taming: There is smooth progress. Dense clouds gather without rain, coming in from the western slope.

This is the judgment of Xiao Xu (Small Taming), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

First Nine: returning by the proper way, what blame could there be, auspicious.

The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

Second Nine: being drawn back to return, auspicious.

The second line often suggests a central and emerging position: no longer hidden, but not yet in command. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

Third Nine: the carriage loses its spokes, husband and wife turn against each other.

The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

Fourth Six: there is sincerity, blood departs and fear is released, no blame.

The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. “sincerity” points to trustworthiness and inner confidence; “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success.

Fifth Nine: sincerity binds closely, being rich together with one's neighbors.

The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. “sincerity” points to trustworthiness and inner confidence.

Top Nine: after the rain has fallen and rest has come, virtue is still carried and honored. for the woman, constancy remains dangerous. the moon is nearly full, the noble person's campaign brings misfortune.

The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “misfortune” marks serious risk; “danger” calls for vigilance.

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