I Ching hexagram
62. Small Gains
小過Xiǎo Guò
Thunder over Mountain
Also called Preponderance of the Small, The Symbol of Excess in Small Things, The Small get by, Slight Excess, Small Exceeding, Small Surpassing, Excess of the Small, Small gains, Conscientiousness, Smallness in Excess, Exceeding the Mean, Proliferation of Details, "Like a bird, do not fly too high or attempt too much because this will lead to disaster." -- D.F. Hook
Hexagram 62, Small Gains (小過 Xiǎo Guò) is formed by Thunder over Mountain. It is also known as Preponderance of the Small, The Symbol of Excess in Small Things, The Small get by, Slight Excess, Small Exceeding, Small Surpassing, Excess of the Small, Conscientiousness. The judgment is James Legge. The six lines are R.L. Wing — the same texts used in a reading on this site.
The judgment
James Legge
Small Powers indicates that there will be progress and attainment in small affairs, but not in great affairs. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct. It is like the song of a flying bird: It is better to descend than to ascend. In this way there will be good fortune.
The six lines
R.L. Wing · line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yin
If you are considering an extraordinary plan, forget it. The time and your position could not be more inappropriate. Your destiny lies in the ordinary or traditional, and anything beyond that would lead you into danger.
- Line 2Yin
Use whatever common affiliations you have with others to bring you into a secure position. No matter what kind of connection you make, it is the connection itself that is important. Hold as closely as possible, however, to traditional methods.
- Line 3Yang
This is a warning. Because you are in the right and things have gone smoothly in the past, you may be tempted to overlook details and become overly confident. Dangers are lurking. They can be avoided with Conscientiousness. Take precautions now.
- Line 4Yang
Caution: Do not forge ahead toward your goals or force issues at this time. Stay low and remain inwardly persevering.
- Line 5Yin
Your strength is adequate to bring forth that which you desire, but your position is not appropriate. You will need help from others. Modestly seek such assistance from qualified people and you can accomplish your aim.
- Line 6Yin
Your ambitions may be too great. In an aggressive attempt to reach an unrealistic goal you will meet with disaster.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 62 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings.