Hexagram 8
Holding Together (Bǐ)
Above: Water · Below: Earth
With people to help, things get done
Video
The judgment
A good sign. Ask yourself again whether your intentions are sincere, lasting and upright. Those who feel uneasy will come to join you; those who come too late lose out.
The Image: Water on the earth: holding together. So the ancient kings founded many states and kept close ties with their lords.
From the ancient texts
Shao Yong
Water flows over the land; closeness and joy. People are warm and agreeable, and nothing need be worried about.
Jiao’s Forest of Changes
The deer finds sweet grass and calls out to its friends. The whole clan lives in harmony, with no fear of want.
The deer finds good grass and calls its friends to share it. When good things are shared, no one goes hungry.
Takashima
- On trade: work with people who are close to you, and the business can last for generations.
- On marriage: earth and water naturally belong together. Asking about a marriage and drawing this hexagram promises a lifelong happy union.
Five common questions
Timing
Harmony brings help; plans succeed
Health
Watch for fluid retention; see a good doctor early
Money
Work with the right people, and it lasts
Home
Close ties with family and neighbors bring luck
Love
Earth and water united; a lifelong match
The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.
The six lines
- Six at the beginning: Hold to them with sincerity. No blame. Sincerity filling an earthen jar — in the end, good fortune comes from elsewhere too.
- Six in the second place: Holding together from within. Steadfastness brings good fortune.
- Six in the third place: Holding together with the wrong people.
- Six in the fourth place: Holding together with those outside. Steadfastness brings good fortune.
- Nine in the fifth place: Open, generous union. The king hunts on three sides only, letting the game in front escape. The townspeople need no warning. Good fortune.
- Six at the top: Holding together with no one at the head. Misfortune.
Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.