Hexagram 62

Preponderance of the Small

雷山小过 · 小过 · Xiǎo Guò | Thunder over Mountain

Thunder on the mountain; keep to small, careful steps.

SmallnessCareModestyDetail

Upper trigram

震 · Thunder

Lower trigram

艮 · Mountain

The Judgment

“Success. Perseverance furthers. Small things may be done; great things should not. Better to descend than to ascend. Great good fortune.”

The Lines

Six at the beginningThe bird flies too high; this brings misfortune.

Six in the second placeHe passes by his grandfather and meets his grandmother; he does not reach his prince but meets the official. No blame.

Nine in the third placeIf he is not extremely careful, someone may come up behind and strike him down. Misfortune.

Nine in the fourth placeNo blame. He does not overreach but meets things halfway. To go on is dangerous; one must be on guard. Do not act; be lastingly steadfast.

Six in the fifth placeDense clouds, no rain, from our western region. The prince shoots and takes the one in the cave.

Six at the topHe passes it by instead of meeting it. The flying bird leaves him. Misfortune. This means calamity and harm.

Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).

Meaning

A small excess, like a bird that should fly low rather than high. The moment calls for modest, careful action and attention to detail, not grand ambition.

Guidance

Attend conscientiously to small matters and stay grounded; great undertakings are not for now.

When This Hexagram Appears

Handling ordinary, detailed tasks with care, and avoiding any overreach.

FAQ about Hexagram 62

What does Hexagram 62, Preponderance of the Small, mean?

Preponderance of the Small (雷山小过, hexagram 62 of the I Ching). A small excess, like a bird that should fly low rather than high. The moment calls for modest, careful action and attention to detail, not grand ambition.

What is the Judgment of the Preponderance of the Small hexagram?

The Judgment reads: “Success. Perseverance furthers. Small things may be done; great things should not. Better to descend than to ascend. Great good fortune.” Thunder on the mountain; keep to small, careful steps.

What guidance does Hexagram 62 offer?

Attend conscientiously to small matters and stay grounded; great undertakings are not for now.

When does the Preponderance of the Small hexagram apply?

Handling ordinary, detailed tasks with care, and avoiding any overreach.

Related Hexagrams

Opposite Hexagram

No. 61 · Inner Truth

Every line changed to its opposite — the mirror situation.