Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, and 6

Gathering with Equals becomes Union

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Water over the earth, flowing together: four lines move and the gathering turns into close alliance. In 8 Union, the still lines carry the reading. The second says that when you speak sincerely about what you need from others, the right help tends to come. The fifth says those who can help you will come naturally, so don't keep pressing someone who is reluctant. So the work now is to say plainly what you need and then let people choose. Sincerity draws the right allies; pursuit tends to push them away. Notice who responds willingly, and build with them. Release anyone who keeps hesitating, without blame. A union formed by free choice is far stronger than one held together by pressure or obligation.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. Line 2 of 8 Union, which stays still

    When you speak sincerely about what you need from others, you'll receive the right help.

    Joining from within. Constancy brings good fortune.

  2. Line 5 of 8 Union, which stays still

    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.

  3. The judgment of 13 Gathering with Equals

    It's a time of meetings with people of a high nature like yours, with whom you can carry out important tasks and projects. Relationships built on trust and mutual support take shape. Large, innovative projects are favored.

    Community in the open country. Success. It is favorable to cross the great river. The constancy of the noble person is favorable.

  4. Line 1 of 13 Gathering with Equals

    Shared projects should be carried out in the open, with nothing hidden.

    Community at the gate. No fault.

  5. Line 3 of 13 Gathering with Equals

    If you let distrust grow in your relationships and let the people in them hide things from each other, your actions will fail.

    Hiding soldiers in the brush, climbing the high hill. For three years, no rising.

  6. Line 4 of 13 Gathering with Equals

    Despite the differences, if you reach agreements, trust will come back little by little.

    Climbing up on the wall, yet unable to attack. Good fortune.

  7. Line 6 of 13 Gathering with Equals

    You're in a favorable position from which you can reach agreements with all kinds of people.

    Community on the outskirts. No regret.

  8. 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 trigrams

Below Fire Earth
Above Heaven Water

The way back

8 Union → 13 Gathering with Equals
lines 1, 3, 4, and 6

Other transformations of Gathering with Equals

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins