Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Union becomes Great Achievements
What this change means
Only the fourth line stays at rest; the other five move, and heaven gathers inside a mountain. That single unmoving place speaks for the whole change. It says success comes from reading the circumstances, seeing obstacles before they appear, and getting ready to meet them when their time comes.
The resulting hexagram, 26 Great Achievements, says it's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and attempt more than you think you can, because you have the qualities needed; unusual actions are favored. Coming from 8 Union, the alliance now supports a bold venture. Plan ahead, look for trouble before it shows up, and use your partners to help prepare. Watch for confidence that skips the planning. Foresight is what turns a daring move into a lasting accomplishment.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 26 Great Achievements, which stays still
If you watch the circumstances and spot obstacles before they arise, preparing to overcome them when the time comes, you'll succeed.
The board on the calf's horns. Great good fortune.
- The judgment of 8 Union
Right now success lies in joining with people who are aligned with your project and who are a support for you. But it's important that you, too, have the qualities needed to carry it out; that's why you can toss the coins once more to find out whether you have those qualities.
Good fortune. Consult the oracle again: great and lasting constancy. No fault. The restless come from every side. The one who comes late: misfortune.
- Line 1 of 8 Union
The right help will come.
There is sincere trust: join with them. No fault. Sincere trust fills the earthen jar; in the end something more arrives. Good fortune.
- Line 2 of 8 Union
When you speak sincerely about what you need from others, you'll receive the right help.
Joining from within. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 3 of 8 Union
You tend to choose badly the people you join with. Avoid shallow alliances that won't bear good fruit.
Joining with those who are not the right ones.
- Line 5 of 8 Union
Those who can help you will come naturally. Don't keep seeking help from someone who is reluctant to give it.
Open union. The king hunts, driving from three sides, and lets the game in front escape. The townspeople are not alarmed. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 8 Union
If you're slow to seek alliances, by the time you realize you need help it will be too late.
Joining with no head. Misfortune.
- The judgment of 26 Great Achievements
It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.
Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
26 Great Achievements → 8 Unionlines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Union
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.