Holding Together

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

Judgment

Water upon the earth: it spreads everywhere and joins together. This hexagram speaks of the value of drawing close, holding together and gathering around a true center. It suggests asking yourself whom you bond with and around which values you come together. Someone who comes too late may find themselves outside a union already formed.

Image

Water on the earth. With this image the ancient kings shared out the lands and kept friendly bonds with the lords.

Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)

1. 1Line 1 (from the bottom)Drawing close with sincerity. A genuine intention, like a full vessel, can attract unexpected kindness.
2. 2Line 2 (from the bottom)Building the bond from within. Connecting while staying true to your values creates a sound closeness.
3. 3Line 3 (from the bottom)Joining with the wrong people. Noticing that not every closeness does you good may be important.
4. 4Line 4 (from the bottom)Holding together outwardly: openly supporting someone worthy. This loyalty is seen as fitting.
5. 5Line 5 (from the bottom)Union made manifest: the king hunts from three sides and lets the fleeing go. Holding no one by force strengthens true bonds.
6. 6Line 6 (from the bottom)Union without a head. Missing the right moment to join can leave you alone; even late, a sincere step is worth considering.