Welcome to this reading of the hexagram number nine of the I Ching,
Known as Taming Power.
Its theme is gentle restraint,
Gradual progress,
Subtle influence.
There is a power not in grand force but in small steady restraint.
And this hexagram whispers of gentle control,
The patience to influence through subtlety,
The wisdom in small steps that lead to lasting change.
Wind moves lightly over heaven's expanse.
A breeze that stirs but does not disturb.
Together they teach the art of careful gentle accumulation.
Small power harnessed,
Guiding without overwhelming.
Greatness often hides in small beginnings through patience and vigilance.
We tame impulsive desires shaping our path with care.
Then this taming of the small we find the roots of endurance.
So when you are called to this hexagram,
Ask of yourself,
Where can I practice gentle restraint?
How can I influence without force?
This taming power invites vigilance in small details,
Fearful attention to subtle currents,
Knowing that slow progress becomes a river.
Imagine a seed slowly pushing through the soil,
Quiet,
Persistent.
Or the wind that bends the grass without breaking it.
Spiritually,
This hexagram of Taming Power reminds us to nurture our inner calm and to move softly through life's storms.
In this hexagram,
We see heaven in the lower trigram and the wind in the upper trigram.
In other words,
The wind moves in the sky.
So use this period in the advancement of your plans as an opportunity to assess how you present yourself to others and how you behave towards them,
Making any adjustments and improvements that you feel are necessary.
I Ching says,
Tame any urge to force your way past obstacles in your path.
Self-control and restraint can be more formidable and effective than aggressive force.
It is better at this time to cultivate your inner strengths and outer qualities.
By doing so,
You will dissolve away or outlast your present obstacles.
So be strong in yourself and be gentle and kind to others.
With faith and trust in yourself,
You will be able to survive any temporary setbacks.
However,
If you try to take short-term advantage of a situation or if you act arrogantly with others,
Then you will bring trouble down upon yourself.
So as you contemplate this wisdom from the I Ching,
Consider where it has been challenging for you.
Take small steps.
Perhaps you've not wanted to take any steps or maybe you've wanted to run along your path.
Just notice those first responses that come through without any judgment.
Take a slow breath in.
As you release the breath,
Relax the body and empty the mind.
Ask of yourself,
How can patience be my guide?
In what areas of my life can patience be my guide?
And as you move through your days,
Continually remind yourself to choose patience.
For in taming the small,
We find lasting strength.
