What this change means
Wind enters the earth from below as the second, third and fifth lines move, and a sapling starts to push upward where water once lay. The two judgments count equally. 8 Union pictures a moment when the restless and uncertain come in from every side, looking for something to belong to, and success goes to whoever offers them a real place.
The resulting hexagram, 46 Going Up, describes a rise that is the fruit of dedicated work, and says seeking out an important person can bring great success, since the conditions are favorable. Read together, these suggest that the people drawn to you can help lift you, and that your own effort has earned the climb. Welcome them, put your work forward, and don't shy away from asking someone influential for support. Watch for timidity just when the ground is ready for growth.
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 46 Going Up
You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.
Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward brings 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.
The trigrams
The way back
46 Going Up → 8 Unionlines 2, 3, and 5
Other transformations of Union
- 5Inactionlines 1, 2, and 3
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, and 4
- 49Renewallines 1, 3, and 4
- 28Excesseslines 2, 3, and 4
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, and 5
- 36Darknesslines 1, 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.