The Army

Upper trigram: Earth (receptive, nourishing) · Lower trigram: Water (deep, perilous, flowing)

Judgment

Water beneath the earth: an unseen yet organized force. This hexagram speaks of bringing people, or your own scattered energies, into order for a shared purpose. Such order stays sound only with experienced, fair and trustworthy leadership. Discipline gains value when it does not lose its link to justice.

Image

Water gathers in the middle of the earth. The noble-minded strengthen their community by being generous with people and nourishing them.

Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)

1. 1Line 1 (from the bottom)The army sets out in order. Setting clear rules at the start may prevent confusion later.
2. 2Line 2 (from the bottom)Being in the midst of the army: a trusted leader. Recognition may come to the one who takes on responsibility.
3. 3Line 3 (from the bottom)Corpses in the wagon: a task led by unqualified hands. Clarifying who makes the decisions may be important.
4. 4Line 4 (from the bottom)The army retreats. Stepping back at the right time can be good sense rather than defeat.
5. 5Line 5 (from the bottom)There is game in the field: it is fitting to deal with a problem. Giving the task to the experienced and not involving unsuitable people is suggested.
6. 6Line 6 (from the bottom)The leader assigns roles. After success, fairly recognizing effort and not giving authority to the unfit is valuable.