Hexagram 11
Peace
泰 (Tài)
Earth over Heaven
Hexagram 11 represents a time of harmony, prosperity, and perfect balance between heaven and earth. This hexagram symbolizes the ideal state where creative forces from below meet receptive forces from above, creating a natural flow of abundance and peace. The trigrams show heaven's energy descending while earth's energy rises, facilitating mutual exchange and cooperation. This configuration indicates a golden period where small efforts yield great results, relationships flourish naturally, and obstacles dissolve through the harmonious interplay of complementary forces working in perfect synchronization.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (卦辞)
Translation: "Peace. The small departs, the great approaches. Good fortune. Success."
Hexagram 11 represents the pinnacle of harmonious conditions where heaven and earth unite in perfect balance, creating an atmosphere of peace and prosperity. This hexagram teaches us that when superior forces descend to meet inferior forces rising upward, a natural circulation of energy occurs that benefits all involved. The small departing and the great approaching signifies that petty concerns fade away while significant opportunities and blessings arrive. This is a time when the universe conspires in your favor, when doors open effortlessly, and when your actions align perfectly with cosmic timing. The interplay between heaven below and earth above creates a unique dynamic where creative yang energy pushes upward while receptive yin energy descends, meeting in the middle to generate abundance.
During this auspicious period, relationships between different levels harmonize naturally, whether between leaders and followers, teachers and students, or partners in any endeavor. The wise person recognizes this as a precious time to advance important projects, strengthen bonds, and establish foundations that will endure. However, peace also requires mindful stewardship, as favorable conditions can breed complacency. Maintain awareness that all cycles eventually turn, and use this time of abundance to prepare for future challenges while fully enjoying present blessings and sharing prosperity with others generously.
The Image (大象传)
后以裁成天地之道，辅相天地之宜，以左右民。
Translation: "Heaven and earth unite: the image of Peace. Thus the ruler divides and completes the course of heaven and earth, and so aids the people."
The image of heaven and earth in communion reveals the fundamental principle of Peace: when complementary forces interact freely, they create conditions for life to flourish abundantly. Heaven's creative energy naturally descends while earth's receptive energy rises to meet it, forming a perfect circuit of exchange. The superior person observes this natural harmony and learns to facilitate similar exchanges in human affairs. By understanding the proper course of natural forces, wise leaders create systems and structures that allow people to thrive, much as a gardener arranges conditions for plants to grow. This involves recognizing the right timing for action, understanding which forces need encouragement and which need restraint, and maintaining balance between opposing tendencies.
The ruler's role in dividing and completing heaven and earth's course means organizing society in accordance with natural principles rather than imposing artificial constraints. This requires deep observation of how things naturally want to unfold and then removing obstacles to that unfolding. In your own life, embody this principle by aligning your actions with natural rhythms, supporting others in their growth, and creating environments where harmony can emerge organically. The key is active facilitation rather than forceful control, gentle guidance rather than rigid direction.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it. Each according to his kind. Undertakings bring good fortune."
This line indicates that when you advance, you naturally bring others along with you, like pulling grass that brings connected roots. Your success creates opportunities for those connected to you. This is an excellent time to begin new ventures, as your efforts will have far-reaching positive effects beyond what you initially envision. Move forward confidently, knowing that your actions benefit not only yourself but also your entire network of relationships and associations.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"Bearing with the uncultured in gentleness, fording the river with resolution, not neglecting what is distant, not regarding one's companions: thus one may manage to walk in the middle."
This line counsels maintaining balance and inclusivity during times of peace. Accept imperfections in others with patience, face challenges with courage, remember distant concerns, and avoid forming exclusive cliques. True peace requires embracing diversity and maintaining equilibrium between extremes. Your strength lies in your ability to remain centered while accommodating various perspectives and needs. Practice tolerance without compromising principles, and maintain independence while valuing connection.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"No plain not followed by a slope. No going not followed by a return. He who remains persevering in danger is without blame. Do not complain about this truth; enjoy the good fortune you still possess."
This crucial line reminds you that all conditions are temporary and cyclical. Even during peace, remain aware that change is inevitable. Prepare for future challenges while enjoying present abundance. Maintain perseverance and moral integrity regardless of circumstances. Accept the natural rhythm of rise and fall without anxiety or complaint. Your wisdom lies in appreciating current blessings while building resilience for inevitable transitions, creating stability through acceptance of impermanence.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"He flutters down, not boasting of his wealth, together with his neighbor, guileless and sincere."
This line emphasizes humility and genuine connection during prosperous times. Descend from high positions to meet others as equals, sharing abundance without arrogance or pretense. True peace comes through authentic relationships built on sincerity rather than status or wealth. Your influence grows through humble service and genuine care for others. Approach people with openness and trust, creating bonds based on mutual respect rather than hierarchy or material advantage.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"The sovereign I gives his daughter in marriage. This brings blessing and supreme good fortune."
The ruler's line represents the highest expression of peace through humble partnership and mutual benefit. Even those in elevated positions achieve greatest success by forming alliances based on equality and respect. This indicates a time for creating significant partnerships, marriages, or collaborations that unite different strengths. Approach important relationships with generosity and willingness to honor others, recognizing that true power comes through connection rather than domination.
Six at the Top (上六)
Top line - Yin
"The wall falls back into the moat. Use no army now. Make your commands known within your own town. Perseverance brings humiliation."
This line warns that peace has reached its peak and begins to decline. The wall returning to the moat symbolizes defenses crumbling as the cycle turns. Avoid aggressive actions or attempts to force continuation of favorable conditions. Instead, consolidate gains, strengthen internal foundations, and prepare for changing circumstances. Recognize when to cease advancing and focus on preservation. Stubbornly clinging to past success brings embarrassment; wisdom lies in graceful adaptation.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In matters of the heart, hexagram 11 represents an exceptionally harmonious period where love flows naturally and relationships flourish with minimal effort. This is an ideal time for deepening existing partnerships, as both partners find themselves naturally aligned in their desires, values, and life directions. Communication flows effortlessly, misunderstandings resolve quickly, and both individuals feel genuinely supported and appreciated. For those in committed relationships, this period offers opportunities to reach new levels of intimacy and mutual understanding, creating memories and strengthening bonds that will sustain the relationship through future challenges. The energy of Peace facilitates natural give-and-take, where both partners contribute and receive in balanced measure.
For singles seeking romantic connection, hexagram 11 indicates that love may arrive naturally through your existing social circles or daily activities without forced searching. Potential partners appear when you're simply being yourself, engaged in activities you genuinely enjoy. The key is remaining open and authentic rather than desperately seeking or playing games. Relationships begun during this time have strong foundations because they emerge from genuine compatibility rather than projection or need. Trust in natural timing and allow connections to develop organically, as forced efforts may actually impede the natural flow of romantic energy.
However, the wisdom of Peace also counsels against complacency in love. Use this harmonious time to establish healthy patterns, deepen communication skills, and build reserves of goodwill that will sustain relationships when challenges inevitably arise. Express appreciation regularly, invest in shared experiences, and address small issues before they grow. Remember that even the most peaceful times eventually transition, so cultivate practices and create memories that will anchor your relationship through all seasons. The greatest gift of this hexagram is the opportunity to establish relationship foundations strong enough to weather any storm.
Career & Business (事业)
Professionally, hexagram 11 signals an exceptionally favorable period for career advancement, business growth, and professional recognition. Your efforts receive appreciation from superiors, colleagues cooperate willingly, and obstacles that previously seemed insurmountable now dissolve with minimal effort. This is an excellent time to launch new projects, seek promotions, expand business operations, or negotiate important contracts, as the cosmic energies support your professional ambitions. Relationships with coworkers and clients flow smoothly, creating an atmosphere where collaboration produces results exceeding what any individual could achieve alone. Your reputation grows naturally through quality work rather than self-promotion, and opportunities arrive through your network of professional relationships.
For entrepreneurs and business owners, Peace indicates ideal conditions for expansion, forming strategic partnerships, and establishing systems that will support long-term growth. Investors show interest, customers respond positively, and team members perform at their best with minimal supervision. This is the time to make bold moves you've been contemplating, as market conditions and timing align in your favor. However, maintain awareness that favorable conditions require wise stewardship rather than reckless exploitation. Build sustainable systems, invest in your team's development, and create reserves for future challenges. The businesses established or expanded during this period have potential for lasting success if founded on solid principles.
The wisdom of this hexagram also counsels using prosperity to strengthen foundations rather than merely enjoying surface success. Document successful processes, train successors, diversify revenue streams, and build organizational resilience. Share credit generously with team members, creating loyalty and goodwill that will sustain you through inevitable downturns. Remember that Peace eventually transitions to other conditions, so use this abundant time to prepare for all seasons. The professional relationships and systems you establish now will determine your ability to weather future challenges and capitalize on future opportunities.
Health & Wellness (健康)
From a health perspective, hexagram 11 represents a time when your body's systems function in optimal harmony, creating conditions for healing, vitality, and overall wellbeing. This is an excellent period to establish healthy habits, as your body responds positively to beneficial changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Energy levels run high, recovery from illness proceeds smoothly, and preventive measures prove especially effective. The natural balance between activity and rest comes easily, allowing you to push yourself appropriately while also honoring your body's need for recuperation. Mental and emotional health also flourish during this time, as stress diminishes and you find yourself naturally gravitating toward activities and relationships that nourish your spirit.
This harmonious period offers ideal conditions for addressing chronic health issues, beginning fitness programs, or making significant lifestyle changes that support long-term wellness. Your body's natural healing mechanisms function optimally, making this an auspicious time for medical procedures, therapeutic interventions, or starting new health regimens. The mind-body connection strengthens, allowing you to tune into your body's signals more clearly and respond appropriately to its needs. Practices like yoga, meditation, tai chi, or other integrative approaches prove particularly beneficial now, as they align with the hexagram's energy of balanced integration between different aspects of self.
However, Peace also counsels against taking good health for granted or indulging in excess simply because you feel strong. Use this time of vitality to establish sustainable wellness practices that will serve you throughout life's various phases. Build reserves of health through consistent self-care, adequate rest, nutritious eating, and regular movement. Create habits that you can maintain even when life becomes more challenging. The wellness foundations you establish during this favorable period will sustain you through future stresses and challenges, making this an invaluable time for investing in your long-term health and vitality.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, hexagram 11 indicates a highly prosperous period where money flows toward you with unusual ease and investment decisions tend to yield positive returns. Income increases through raises, bonuses, new opportunities, or successful ventures, while expenses remain manageable and unexpected windfalls may arrive. This is an auspicious time for making significant financial decisions, whether investing in property, starting businesses, or making major purchases, as market conditions and timing favor your prosperity. Negotiations proceed smoothly, deals close successfully, and financial partnerships prove mutually beneficial. Your financial intuition operates at peak effectiveness, helping you recognize genuine opportunities while avoiding pitfalls that might tempt others.
This period of abundance offers excellent opportunities to establish financial security for the long term through wise saving, diversified investing, and strategic planning. Rather than merely enjoying increased income through elevated spending, use this prosperous time to build reserves, eliminate debt, and create multiple income streams that will sustain you through all economic conditions. The financial habits and systems you establish during this favorable period will determine your economic resilience for years to come. Consider working with financial advisors, educating yourself about wealth management, and making decisions that prioritize long-term security over short-term gratification.
The wisdom of Peace also encourages generosity and sharing abundance with others, as prosperity flows most freely when circulated rather than hoarded. Support causes you believe in, help family members in need, and invest in your community, recognizing that true wealth includes strong relationships and social capital. However, maintain discernment about where you direct resources, ensuring your generosity serves genuine needs rather than enabling dependency. Remember that financial conditions cycle like all things, so use this time of plenty to prepare for leaner periods while fully appreciating and wisely utilizing current abundance.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
For personal development, hexagram 11 represents a golden opportunity for significant growth across all dimensions of your being—mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical. During this harmonious period, learning comes easily, insights arrive naturally, and you find yourself making connections between previously separate areas of understanding. This is an ideal time to pursue education, develop new skills, deepen spiritual practices, or engage in therapeutic work, as your psyche remains open and receptive to transformation. Old patterns release more easily, new perspectives integrate smoothly, and you experience unusual clarity about your life's direction and purpose. The internal conflicts that typically impede growth quiet down, allowing different aspects of yourself to work together harmoniously.
This period favors integration and wholeness, making it perfect for healing splits between different parts of yourself—reconciling your inner child with your adult self, integrating shadow aspects, or aligning your actions with your values. Therapeutic modalities, spiritual practices, and personal development work prove unusually effective now, as your defenses soften and you can access deeper levels of self-awareness without overwhelming distress. Use this time to address issues you've been avoiding, forgive yourself and others for past hurts, and release limiting beliefs that no longer serve your evolution. The personal growth work you accomplish during this favorable period creates foundations for continued development even when conditions become more challenging.
However, Peace also teaches that personal growth requires ongoing commitment rather than relying solely on favorable external conditions. Use this harmonious time to establish daily practices, build supportive relationships, and create environmental structures that will sustain your development through all life phases. Develop meditation practices, journaling habits, or other reflective activities that keep you connected to your deeper self. Cultivate relationships with people who support your growth and gently challenge you to become your best self. The self-awareness and practices you develop now will serve as anchors when life inevitably becomes more turbulent.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing indicated by hexagram 11 is exceptionally favorable for initiating important endeavors, making significant decisions, and taking bold action toward your goals. The cosmic energies align to support your efforts, creating conditions where even ambitious undertakings succeed with less struggle than usual. This is not a time for hesitation or excessive caution, but rather for confident forward movement while maintaining awareness and gratitude. Opportunities that appear now carry genuine potential and deserve serious consideration. Relationships formed during this period tend toward longevity and mutual benefit. Projects begun now have strong foundations for lasting success. Trust your instincts, as your intuition operates with unusual accuracy during this harmonious phase.
However, the wisdom of Peace also counsels mindful awareness that all conditions are temporary and cyclical. While fully engaging with current opportunities and blessings, maintain perspective that this favorable period will eventually transition to other phases. Use abundance to prepare for scarcity, use harmony to build resilience for conflict, and use clarity to develop wisdom for confusion. Avoid complacency, arrogance, or taking blessings for granted, as these attitudes squander the gifts this hexagram offers. Instead, approach this time with gratitude, humility, and strategic thinking about how to maximize long-term benefits from short-term advantages. Share your prosperity generously, knowing that what you give during times of plenty returns multiplied.
The ultimate advice of hexagram 11 is to embrace this precious time fully while remaining grounded in awareness of life's cyclical nature. Act decisively on opportunities, deepen important relationships, establish beneficial systems and habits, and build reserves of every kind—financial, emotional, social, and spiritual. Simultaneously, cultivate the inner qualities that will sustain you through all conditions: wisdom, compassion, resilience, and faith. Remember that Peace is both a gift and a responsibility, offering you the chance to create foundations that will support not only your own wellbeing but also the wellbeing of all those your life touches.