Hexagram 8: Holding Together
Unity, seeking bonds
| Chinese | 比 (Bǐ) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☵ Water — The Abysmal (Water) |
| Lower trigram | ☷ Earth — The Receptive (Earth) |
| Keywords | unity, alliance, support, sincerity |
| Opposite | Hexagram 14: Great Possession |
| Inverted | Hexagram 7: The Army |
What does Hexagram 8 (Holding Together) mean?
Holding Together 比 (Bǐ) is hexagram 8 of the I Ching, formed by Water (The Abysmal) over Earth (The Receptive). Its theme is unity, seeking bonds, with key ideas of unity, alliance, support, sincerity. The Judgment reads: “Holding Together brings good fortune.”
The Judgment of Holding Together
Holding Together brings good fortune.
The Image of Holding Together
On the earth is water: the image of Holding Together.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 8
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Six at the beginning
“Hold to him in truth and loyalty — no blame. Truth, like a full earthen bowl — in the end good fortune comes from without.”
Genuine sincerity in forming bonds attracts outer blessing. Alliance built on honesty is self-sustaining.
Six in the second place
“Hold to him inwardly. Perseverance brings good fortune.”
True allegiance is maintained in the heart, not merely in outward show. Inner fidelity is the root of lasting union.
Six in the third place
“You hold together with the wrong people.”
Association with those of bad character brings harm however sincere the intent. Discernment in choosing companions is essential.
Six in the fourth place
“Hold to him also on the outside. Perseverance brings good fortune.”
Outward loyalty matches inner conviction; consistency in both spheres secures the relationship.
Nine in the fifth place
“Manifestation of holding together. In the hunt, the king uses beaters on three sides only and foregoes game that runs ahead. The citizens need no warning. Good fortune.”
True leadership leaves room for freedom; those who come willingly are the best allies. Generosity of spirit binds more firmly than compulsion.
Six at the top
“He finds no head for holding together. Misfortune.”
Arriving too late or lacking a centre of gravity, union fails. Hesitation at the crucial moment forfeits the chance to belong.
Will Holding Together answer your question?
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