What this change means
When the second, third and fourth lines move, wind settles under a lake and the ridgepole begins to bend. Both judgments are weighed. 8 Union locates success in alliances, but it turns the question back to you: do you have the qualities this project actually needs? Allies can carry a lot, but not what you won't carry yourself.
The resulting hexagram, 28 Excesses, describes a situation that needs unusual measures to keep your achievements from collapsing. It asks you to inspect and reinforce the foundations under your projects, try something new, and leave your comfort zone. Read together, the strain may show where you've leaned on others instead of building your own strength. Shore up those weak spots, and ask your allies to help with the repair. Watch for blaming the people around you for a load that's partly yours.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- The judgment of 28 Excesses
You're in a situation that calls for extraordinary measures to keep what you've achieved from collapsing. Check and strengthen the foundations that hold up your projects, take innovative action and step out of your comfort zone. That way your success is assured; otherwise, loss can't be avoided.
The ridgepole sags. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. Success.
- 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 4 of 8 Union
Staying loyal to the people you ally with, and showing that alliance openly, helps you right now.
Joining outwardly. Constancy brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
28 Excesses → 8 Unionlines 2, 3, and 4
Other transformations of Union
- 5Inactionlines 1, 2, and 3
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, and 4
- 49Renewallines 1, 3, and 4
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, and 5
- 36Darknesslines 1, 3, and 5
- 46Going Uplines 2, 3, and 5
- 51Shocklines 1, 4, and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 4, and 5
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 3, 4, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 2, and 6
- 37The Tribelines 1, 3, and 6
- 57Gentlenesslines 2, 3, and 6
- 25Innocencelines 1, 4, and 6
- 6Conflictlines 2, 4, and 6
- 33Leaving Behindlines 3, 4, and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 5, and 6
- 4Immaturitylines 2, 5, and 6
- 52Abidinglines 3, 5, and 6
- 35Advancelines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.