Da Zhuang · Great Strength
大壮卦 · 雷天大壮
- Power
- Momentum
- Restraint
- Integrity
The Judgment
Ta Kwang indicates that (under the conditions which it symbolises) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.
利贞。
The Image
Thunder in the sky above: great strength. The noble one, in the same way, does not tread any path that is not proper.
雷在天上，大壮。君子以非礼弗履。
Plain-language reading
Your situation
Your strength is at a high point: ability, resources and momentum are all in your favour, and things succeed easily. Da Zhuang is thunder high in the sky, loud and powerful. But the greater your power, the easier it is to act impulsively and overstep, like a ram butting a hedge and getting its horns stuck, unable to go forward or back.
Where to put your effort
The stronger you are, the more you should play by the rules; do not do what is not right. Use your strength where it counts, not to prove yourself. When you hit an obstacle, stop and think before you push. True strength is knowing when to hold back as well as when to push.
Four areas of life
- Career
- Recognition is not hard to win; do not become arrogant.
- Wealth
- Sell when you get your price; do not be greedy.
- Family
- Be careful with fire; partners treat each other with respect.
- Health
- Look after your feet.
Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.
The six lines
Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.
Nine at the beginningThe first line, undivided, shows its subject manifesting his strength in his toes. But advance will lead to evil,—most certainly.Moving
初九：壮于趾，征凶，有孚。
Image：Strength in the toes: confidence that will run out.
- Career
- Courage without strategy; any recognition will be modest.
- Wealth
- Without careful thought, losses are certain.
- Family
- Do not move; watch for foot problems in women.
- Health
- Choose a good doctor carefully.
Nine in the second placeThe second line, undivided, shows that with firm correctness there will be good fortune.Moving
九二：贞吉。
Image：Nine in the second place, perseverance brings good fortune: because it is central.
- Career
- A balanced approach earns you recognition.
- Wealth
- Reasonable prices bring natural profit.
- Family
- A comfortable position; an auspicious marriage.
- Health
- Well-judged nourishment.
Nine in the third placeThe third line, undivided, shows, in the case of a small man, one using all his strength; and in the case of a superior man, one whose rule is not to do so. Even with firm correctness the position would be perilous. (The exercise of strength in it might be compared to the case of) a ram butting against a fence, and getting his horns entangled.Moving
九三：小人用壮，君子用罔；贞厉，羝羊触藩，羸其角。
Image：The petty person uses force; the noble one refrains.
- Career
- Approach matters with care; humility pays off.
- Wealth
- Do not try to corner the market, or you will lose heavily.
- Family
- Too high is easily shaken; husband and wife fall out.
- Health
- Too much heat and force in the blood; beware the unexpected.
Nine in the fourth placeThe fourth line, undivided, shows (a case in which) firm correctness leads to good fortune, and occasion for repentance disappears. (We see) the fence opened without the horns being entangled. The strength is like that in the wheel-spokes of a large waggon.Moving
九四：贞吉，悔亡；藩决不羸，壮于大舆之輹。
Image：The hedge opens and the horns are free: one may still advance.
- Career
- The road ahead is clear and recognition comes.
- Wealth
- You will return fully loaded; why not go?
- Family
- Repair the house quickly; not a good match.
- Health
- Something unexpected may happen.
Related hexagrams
Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.
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