Hexagram 34: Great Power

Written by Orbitarot · Sources: James Legge, The Yi King (The I Ching), 1882 (judgment and lines); plain readings our own · Updated October 7, 2026

Hexagram 34 in plain words

Thunder rolls above heaven. Movement sits on top of strength, so the energy is large and rising, like a storm gathering high in the sky. Four strong lines push up from below against two yielding ones, which is why tradition calls this the power of the great: momentum is on the side of the strong. Its recurring image is a ram that charges a hedge and gets its horns caught.

The lesson is that real power knows when not to use itself. When you feel strong, it is tempting to force outcomes, override others and test your strength on every obstacle. That is exactly how the ram gets stuck. Instead, keep your power tied to fairness and to the right path, and let it work through steady, correct action rather than display. Wait for openings rather than battering at closed doors. A wise person in a strong position walks carefully and does nothing that would not hold up under scrutiny. Used this way, your strength becomes trustworthy and lasting, and others are glad to see it.

The judgment

Tâ Kwang indicates that (under the conditions which it symbolises) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigram representing) heaven and above it that for thunder form Tâ Kwang. The superior man, in accordance with this, does not take a step which is not according to propriety.

From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).

In plain words: Thunder roars high in the heavens, great power on the move. Use your strength well: take no step that goes against what is right and fitting.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.

Line 1 (bottom)

The first NINE, undivided, shows its subject manifesting his strength in his toes. But advance will lead to evil, most certainly.

Your power is only in your toes so far, at the very start. Pushing forward now will go badly; you do not yet have the footing to back it up.

Line 2

The second NINE, undivided, shows that with firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Steadiness brings good fortune here. You are strong but still moderate, so keep to the middle path and do not overplay your hand.

Line 3

The third NINE, undivided, shows, in the case of a small man, one using all his strength; and in the case of a superior man, one whose rule is not to do so. Even with firm correctness the position would be perilous. (The exercise of strength in it might be compared to the case of) a ram butting against a fence, and getting his horns entangled.

A small mind shows off its strength, while a wise one does not use it. The ram that charges the hedge only tangles its horns; pushing harder will trap you.

Line 4

The fourth NINE, undivided, shows (a case in which) firm correctness leads to good fortune, and occasion for repentance disappears. (We see) the fence opened without the horns being entangled. The strength is like that in the wheel-spokes of a large waggon.

Persist and the regret falls away: the hedge opens and the horns are free. Your strength now works like the axle of a heavy cart, quietly moving the whole load forward.

Line 5

The fifth SIX, divided, shows one who loses his ram(-like strength) in the ease of his position. (But) there will be no occasion for repentance.

You lose the ram easily, without struggle. Let go of stubbornness and the need to butt against things, and there is nothing to regret.

Line 6 (top)

The sixth SIX, divided, shows (one who may be compared to) the ram butting against the fence, and unable either to retreat, or to advance as he would fain do. There will not be advantage in any respect; but if he realise the difficulty (of his position), there will be good fortune.

The ram is stuck in the hedge and can go neither forward nor back. Nothing helps while you keep pushing; recognize how hard the position is, and that awareness itself turns things toward good.

Related hexagrams

All three relations have traditional Chinese names (cuo gua for the opposite, zong gua for the inverse, hu gua for the nuclear). Many modern readers use the opposite as the shadow side of a situation, the inverse as the same moment seen from the other side, and the nuclear hexagram as its inner core.

If one line changes

With a single changing line, hexagram 34 turns into:

Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.

Hexagram 34 in love and relationships

In love, you may feel a strong urge to make things happen or settle a question by force. Use that energy to be clear and warm, not to push, and give the other person room to meet you.

Hexagram 34 for work and decisions

At work you have momentum and influence. Use it for something fair and well judged, avoid power struggles, and look for the opening rather than ramming the obstacle.

Questions