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Hexagram 8: Holding Together

䷇ 比 (Bǐ) · Union and loyalty. Bond with those you trust.

union, loyalty, belonging, trust

Lower trigram: Earth ☷ · Upper trigram: Water ☵

The judgment

People draw together around a center they can trust. If you are that center, ask yourself honestly whether you are worthy of it; if you are thinking of joining, don't hesitate too long. Those who arrive late may find the circle already closed.

The image

Water lying on the earth, running together into pools wherever the ground allows. Build close ties with others the way water gathers on the land.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your casting, counting from the bottom.

• Line 1 (bottom): Sincerity is the start of any bond. Be genuine, like a plain bowl filled to the brim, and good things come to you from beyond.
• Line 2: Hold to the bond from the inside, out of real feeling and not to win favor. Staying true to yourself brings good fortune.
• Line 3: You may be close to the wrong people. Be friendly, but don't give your deepest trust where it doesn't belong.
• Line 4: Show your loyalty openly to someone worth following. Steadiness in this brings good fortune.
• Line 5: The best union is freely chosen. Leave the gate open: let those who want to come stay, and let those who want to go leave.
• Line 6 (top): The moment for joining has passed without a commitment. Without a center to hold to, things go badly.

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