Above; thunder and awakening
Below; mountain and stillness

This hexagram represents a most unusual situation. Weak yin lines enclose it on both sides and are dominant. But the two strong yang lines are at the centre. These yang lines exert their influence, creating conflict and exceptional conditions. But it is the yin lines which must relate to the external world. A man who attains a position of authority for which he is not really adequate must exercise unusual prudence.

The small persist. Success. Righteous perseverance brings its just reward. Small things may be accomplished but the time is not right for great things. Birds fly high, singing, but lose their tune. It is better not to strive upward but to stay below.

This hexagram indicates success for the small. Their persistence will be rewarded, and their deeds fit the times. The yin line in fifth place signifies success in small affairs and good fortune. The yang lines in fourth place has not succeeded in reaching a ruling position, indicating that it is not the moment for great matters. The symbol of a bird denotes that it is better to descend than to ascend. This is the way to good fortune.

Thunder upon the mountain is the image of Xiao Guo . The
Superior Man accordingly shows excess in his reverence, too much grief in his bereavement and too much economy in his husbandry.

Line 1

The bird flies upward and meets misfortune.

The young bird that flies too soon, before it is fully fledged is courting disaster. Exceptional measures should only be taken when there is nothing else left.

Line 2

Passing by the ancestor and meeting the ancestress: failing to see the prince but encountering a minister. No blame.

In the temple, the grandson stands on the same side as the grandfather. To pass by the tablets of the male ancestor, going toward those of the ancestress is unusual, but it still shows the proper reverence and humility. In the same way it is proper, having failed to secure a meeting with the prince, to make an appointment with one of his ministers.

Line 3

Take unusual precautions for subordinates may come from behind to strike you. Misfortune.

At certain times extraordinary caution is necessary. There are many who, conscious of their righteousness, think it petty to keep on their guard against subterfuges of their subordinates. But the wise man is vigilant at all times.

Line 4

No blame. He meets him in his path and does not slip by. Going forward brings danger. Be on your guard. Now is not the time for action but for constant determination.

The yang line is not in a dominant position. Although it tries to exert its force, there is no blame if the correct course is taken. Nevertheless, all opposition and obstacles in the path must be met face on. This is not the time for pushing forward.

Line 5

Dense clouds but no rain from the western marches. The prince shoots his arrow hitting the man in the cave.

The image of the bird has become that of high flying clouds. But though, they are dense, no rain falls. This suggests that what is to come from the west is not misfortune. The fifth line represents the prince but the two yin lines at the top represent a cave. A man in authority exercises the powers that have been given to him, but in doing so he exceeds his abilities and injures another who represents no threat to him.

Line 6

He passes by not facing him. The bird flies away, meaning misfortune, calamity and injury.

To go by, not acknowledging the existence of obstacles is arrogant. Overshooting the target, one misses it. The bird escapes, but only to encounter a more successful hunter. Small things prosper, but pushing forward only brings down upon oneself misfortune and pain.

© 1979 Neil Powell

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Hexagram 63

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