26
Hexagram 26, Da Chu — “The Taming Power of the Great,” “Great Accumulation.” The strong is held back by the strong, and grows because of it.
The image of the hexagram
Below is the trigram Qian (heaven), above is Gen (mountain). The mountain over heaven: the mountain holds heavenly force within — an image of a great reserve.
General meaning
The answer is favorable: restraint works as an investment right now. Da Chu describes a situation in which energy is not spent but stored — knowledge, money, reputation, strength. Unlike the ninth hexagram, where the delay is small and irritating, here the delay is meaningful and voluntary. The classical text advises “not eating at home,” that is, going out into the world and putting what you have accumulated to use.
In love and at work
In relationships — a time to strengthen, not to have things out; the patience you invest will come back. At work — learning, building expertise, preparing a major step. For an immediate result, the hexagram won't do.
What to do
Save up a little longer and set the point at which you'll start spending. Accumulation without use turns into Hexagram 26 in reverse.