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I Ching · Hexagram 7 The Army

Hexagram 7 for decisions: The Army

師 Shī · A decision

Decide as a commander: who leads, what the objective is, what order is needed. If the cause is not worth the discipline it requires, the reading says not to march.

Water below, earth above: a reservoir stored under the ground, strength held in reserve among ordinary people. The Army is about organisation for a serious purpose. It needs a leader who is experienced and, above all, trusted, and it needs discipline that the people accept because the cause is just. The tradition's judgement is that persistence and an experienced leader bring good fortune without blame. The reading asks who is leading, whether the cause deserves the effort, and whether the ranks are in order before anything moves.

Advice
Put an experienced, trusted person in charge, agree the purpose, and act with discipline.
Warning
A worthy cause led by the wrong person, or an army with no order, fails whatever its strength.

The changing lines, read for decisions

If your cast of Hexagram 7 had changing lines, these are what each one adds to a decision question, and where each leads.

  1. Line 1 · changes into 19 Approach

    The army must set out in good order. Bad order brings misfortune. Set the structure and the rules before the first step.

  2. Line 2 · changes into 2 The Receptive

    In the midst of the army. Good fortune, no blame. The king confers honours three times. Lead from among the people you lead.

  3. Line 3 · changes into 46 Pushing Upward

    The army carries corpses in the wagon. Misfortune. If leadership is muddled or unfit, fix it before anything else.

  4. Line 4 · changes into 40 Deliverance

    The army retreats. No blame. Withdraw in good order rather than fight at a disadvantage.

  5. Line 5 · changes into 29 The Abysmal

    There is game in the field; it is right to catch it. The eldest son leads; the younger carries corpses. Act on the real provocation, and keep the seasoned leader in command.

  6. Line 6 · changes into 4 Youthful Folly

    The great prince issues commands, founds states, gives fiefs. Do not employ inferior people. Reward generously, but give real authority only to people of character.

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