小過
Preponderance of the Small
La Prépondérance du Petit
Xiǎo Guò
Upper trigram
Thunder
Lower trigram
Mountain
The Judgment
Preponderance of the Small. Success. Perseverance is advantageous. One may do small things, but one should not do great things. The flying bird brings the message: it is not good to ascend, it is good to descend. Great good fortune.
The Image
Thunder on the mountain: the image of the Preponderance of the Small. Thus the superior man, in his conduct, gives preponderance to reverence. In mourning, he gives preponderance to grief. In his expenditures, he gives preponderance to economy.
Meaning
Modesty in action, small steps. This is not the time for grand enterprises but for carefully executed small gestures. Prudence and humility are called for.
The six lines
Line 1 (bottom)
The bird encounters misfortune in flying.
Line 2
She passes her ancestor and meets her ancestral mother. He does not reach his prince and meets the official. No blame.
Line 3
If one is not extremely careful, someone may come from behind and strike. Misfortune.
Line 4
No blame. He meets him without passing him. Going brings danger. One must be on one's guard. Do not act. Be constantly persevering.
Line 5
Dense clouds, no rain coming from our western territory. The prince shoots and hits him who is in the cave.
Line 6 (top)
He does not meet him and passes him. The flying bird leaves him. Misfortune. This means misfortune and harm.