Hexagram 14 — Great Possession (大有)
A clear, modern reading of I Ching hexagram 14—Great Possession (Dà Yǒu): Abundance with responsibility — share wisely.
Da You is great possession — fire in heaven, radiance everywhere. The more you hold, the more you must restrain evil, promote good, and avoid pride while carrying responsibility with sincerity.
The Judgment
元亨。
Yuán hēng.
“Supreme success.”
In plain terms: Abundance with responsibility — share wisely.
The Image
火在天上，大有；君子以遏恶扬善，顺天休命。
Huǒ zài tiān shàng, dà yǒu; jūnzǐ yǐ è è yáng shàn, shùn tiān xiū mìng.
“Fire in heaven — the noble person restrains evil, promotes good, and follows heaven's beautiful mandate.”
The Image invites us to translate the hexagram's symbolism into practical conduct—not superstitious fortune-telling.
Six Lines (Brief)
- No harm in association — not blame; hardship without fault.
- Great cart loaded — going forth brings no blame.
- The lord feasts with the sovereign — petty people cannot.
- Not swollen with pride — no blame.
- Sincere exchange with authority — good fortune.
- Blessed by heaven — good fortune without limit.
In Daily Life
When Great Possession appears in reflection, consider:
- In abundance, restrain harm and promote good
- Don't swell with pride — stay proportionate
- The great cart carries more — accept fitting responsibility
Practical scenarios:
- Career harvest — share resources; promote good
- Wealth grows — don't flaunt; carry greater duty
- Leadership role — pair sincerity with dignified authority
Spatial Note (Feng Shui)
In feng shui, Great Possession is often associated with the Northwest and the Metal phase.
Lower Qian (northwest) and upper Li (south). Fire in heaven — northwest order with southern brightness supports great possession aligned with heaven.
Related Hexagrams
A Closing Thought
Great Possession reminds us: Abundance with responsibility — share wisely. What is this pattern asking of you right now?