9. The Taming Power of the Small
Xiǎo Chù — Small Restraint
Trigrams
The Judgment
The Taming Power of the Small has success. Dense clouds, no rain from our western region.
The Image
Wind above heaven — a gentle breeze high in the sky. It can shape clouds but cannot yet bring rain. Small forces restrain great ones temporarily.
Interpretation
You have the vision but not yet the power to fully realize it. Small, gentle actions can achieve what force cannot. The clouds are gathering but the rain has not yet come — conditions are building toward something, but the moment of release has not arrived. In the meantime, attend to details, refine your approach, and exercise gentle influence where you can.
Advice
Focus on small, achievable steps. Don't try to force the big breakthrough — it isn't ready yet. Gentle persuasion works better than demands. Prepare, refine, and trust that the accumulation of small efforts will eventually bring results.
Consult the I Ching for your own question
Cast the Coins