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I Ching · Hexagram 8 Holding Together

Hexagram 8 for decisions: Holding Together

比 Bǐ · A decision

Decide to join, and decide soon. The reading does not reward the person who waits to see how a union turns out before choosing a side.

Earth below, water above: water gathering on the ground, flowing together. Holding Together describes union, the natural drawing-together of people around someone or something worth gathering around. The tradition's judgement carries a note of urgency: those who come late meet misfortune. It also asks the centre of the union to examine itself, to ask the oracle again whether it has the greatness, constancy and perseverance to hold a group. The reading favours joining and belonging, sincerely and without delay.

Advice
Commit to the union around a sound centre, and do it before the moment passes.
Warning
Coming late to a union, or joining one with an unworthy centre, brings misfortune.

The changing lines, read for decisions

If your cast of Hexagram 8 had changing lines, these are what each one adds to a decision question, and where each leads.

  1. Line 1 · changes into 3 Difficulty at the Beginning

    Hold together sincerely; no blame. Sincerity like a full bowl draws good fortune from elsewhere. Join with sincerity and let it show in conduct, not words.

  2. Line 2 · changes into 29 The Abysmal

    Holding together from within. Persistence brings good fortune. Stay loyal from conviction, not for advantage.

  3. Line 3 · changes into 39 Obstruction

    Holding together with the wrong people. Recognise the wrong company and keep your distance without drama.

  4. Line 4 · changes into 45 Gathering Together

    Holding together outwardly with the one above. Persistence brings good fortune. Declare where you stand and stand there.

  5. Line 5 · changes into 2 The Receptive

    Manifest union. The king hunts on three sides and lets the game in front escape. The townspeople need no warning. Attract, do not compel; let those who want to leave go.

  6. Line 6 · changes into 20 Contemplation

    Holding together without a head. Misfortune. Do not drift; find the centre you can commit to before the moment closes.

Hexagram 8 in fullLove & relationshipsCareerMoney

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