I Ching · No.13 · T'ung Jên / Fellowship with Men

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Thung Zăn (or 'Union of men') appears here (as we find it) in the (remote districts of the) country, indicating progress and success. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to maintain the firm correctness of the superior man.

Translation

Fellowship with Men Hexagram. Gathering the crowd in the outskirts, about to undertake a great enterprise, auspicious. Beneficial to cross great rivers, beneficial for the divination of a superior man. The Image says: In the hexagram of Fellowship with Men, the upper trigram is Qian (Heaven, representing the ruler), and the lower trigram is Li (Fire, representing the subjects). Upper Qian and lower Li symbolize the ruler communicating downwards and the subjects communicating upwards, with the will of ruler and subject in harmony. This is the image of Fellowship with Men. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on fire, illuminating heaven and earth, lighting up the obscure and hidden, thereby analyzing the classes of things and distinguishing their circumstances.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Humanity seeks affinity, fellowship with others; everything sought is obtained, and all is to one's liking. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram will have good fortune and smooth progress. It is even better to cooperate and work with others; with unity between above and below, plans will succeed.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Support from friends, smooth promotion.
• Wealth 财运: Joint ventures are profitable, progress can be made.
• Household 家宅: The whole family is joyful.
• Health 身体: A disease of dry heat; seek another good physician.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently there is a strong sign of rising, and with the assistance of friends, it is highly auspicious.
• Business 营商: Suitable for joint-stock companies and similar businesses; great profit.
• Household 家宅: A sign of family harmony and joy, auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Indicates that soldiers are of one mind; it is suitable to deploy troops for an attack, bringing great profit.
• Illness 疾病: It is a fire illness. There is concern that the medicine/treatment is incorrect; another good physician should be sought.
• Litigation 讼事: Guard against private sheltering by confederates; the case cannot be closed for the time being.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a girl.
• Lost Items 失物: Must search carefully among similar classes of items to find it.
• Travelers 行人: Will return within days, surely accompanied by a friend.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking different trigrams (Li below, Qian above). Qian is Heaven, the ruler; Li is Fire, the subject citizens. Heaven above and Fire below; the nature of fire is to rise, harmonizing with Heaven. Above and below are in harmony, helping each other in the same boat, interpersonal relations are harmonious, and the world is in Great Unity.

• Overall Image 大象: When two people are of one mind, their sharpness can cut through metal. The image of the superior man rectifying his mind and speaking in sincerity, seeking fellowship with others.
• Fortune 运势: Smooth and auspicious. In working with others, above and below are in complete harmony, and one receives promotion/support from elders.
• Career 事业: Smooth and peaceful, especially highly successful in cooperation with others. It is advisable to widely conduct interpersonal activities, establish extensive connections, overcome narrow sectarian bias, look after the interests of all parties, seek common ground while reserving differences, and adhere to correct principles. This will surely lead to great achievements.
• Business 经商: By working with peers in a spirit of sincere cooperation and solid unity, and competing fairly, one will surely obtain the profits they deserve.
• Seeking Fame 求名: One must work hard by oneself, and especially seek the guidance and help of teachers and like-minded friends; by progressing with an open mind, the goal can be fully achieved.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Affectionate and sociable, knowing many friends of the opposite sex; therefore, one must choose carefully, and pay attention to maintaining the relationship and family harmony.
• Decision 决策: Cheerful and optimistic in character, warm-hearted, with good interpersonal relations and strong social skills. One should be good at cooperating with others, especially in coordinating relationships of various parties. One must be principled, fight against unhealthy tendencies, possess boldness, dare to act, be rich in self-sacrifice, and have leadership abilities, making one suitable to take on certain responsibilities.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, (shows the representative of) the union of men just issuing from his gate. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Gathering the crowd at the gate, about to undertake a great enterprise, no misfortune. The Image says: The ruler walks out of the gate to mingle with the people; who then would suffer misfortune?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: Those who obtain this line can make a profit by partnering in business, or leave home for a long journey, or build/repair doors and gates, or study elsewhere. Officials may be given heavy responsibilities or have opportunities for promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently smooth; go out to conduct business.
• Wealth 财运: Unsuitable to open a shop; traveling merchant is fine.
• Household 家宅: Family members are in harmony.
• Health 身体: Retire to a quiet place to recuperate, and there will be no harm.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently smooth; suitable to manage business abroad, beneficial.
• Household 家宅: Within one household, there is harmonious peace; no blame.
• Business 营商: Beneficial for traveling merchants, unfavorable for stationary shopkeepers.
• Illness 疾病: Suitable to seek a quiet place for recuperation, no harm.
• Litigation 讼事: Guard against the risk of penal servitude; one should hide away in advance to avoid blame.
• Lost Items 失物: Must search outside the gate.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth is imminent, a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Thun indicates successful progress (in its circumstances). To a small extent it will (still) be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Tun Hexagram. Success. A small advantage in perseverance. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, and Qian is Heaven; the lower trigram is Gen, and Gen is Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; Heaven is high and Mountain is distant—this is the image of Retreat. The superior man, observing this image, does not deal with inferior men by returning evil for evil, but adopts a strict attitude, resigning from office, content to withdraw and keep the inferior men at a distance.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Escape and retreat; what reaches its peak must decline. Strictly restrain speech and deeds; wait for an opportunity to rise again. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is suitable to retreat and not to advance. Defensive retreat can preserve oneself; acting rashly will bring disaster. One should be prudent in words and deeds, waiting for the right moment to act.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Qian above). Qian represents Heaven, and Gen represents Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; as the mountain rises high, Heaven retreats. Yin grows while Yang wanes; the inferior men gain influence, and the superior man retreats into retirement to preserve himself through wisdom, waiting for the opportunity to save the world.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, (shows the representative of) the union of men in relation with his kindred. There will be occasion for regret.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: Gathering the clan at the ancestral temple, divining and praying for good and bad fortune because of facing difficulties. The Image says: Merely gathering the clan at the ancestral temple is a narrow clan principle.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line will find matters highly unstable, with much discord and mutual suspicion among clansmen and friends—harmonious in appearance but divided in heart, easily giving rise to disputes. Officials have no opportunity for promotion and must wait patiently.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Many harbor jealousy; unable to achieve smooth success.
• Wealth 财运: Large-scale trading; pay close attention to cash receipts and payments.
• Household 家宅: Relying on the strength of the eldest son, building the family through diligence and thrift.
• Health 身体: The soul returns to the ancestral temple; nothing more can be said.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently unfavorable; although there is assistance, many are jealous, and things cannot go completely to one's liking.
• Business 营商: Beneficial for large-scale trading, but care must be taken in receipts and payments. Profit will be gained.
• Litigation 讼事: Unfavorable.
• Household 家宅: Building the family through diligence and thrift, obtaining the strength of the eldest son.
• Illness 疾病: A sign of the soul returning to the ancestral temple; ominous.
• Travelers 行人: Will return immediately.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a girl.
• Lost Items 失物: Hidden by the finder; will not be returned.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Supreme good fortune and smooth progress, a favorable divination. The Image says: Heaven's movement is strong and vigorous, running without cease. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on heaven and strengthens himself ceaselessly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Strong, vigorous, and flourishing, the work of growth and development; everything goes smoothly, but guard against being too strong. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, heaven's movement is strong and vigorous, and one makes oneself strong ceaselessly. It is an image of achieving both fame and wealth; one should seize opportunities and strive for results. If a woman obtains this hexagram, there is a suspicion of being overly rigid and upright.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Ch'ien below, Ch'ien above). It symbolizes heaven, represents the dragon (a superior man of virtue and talent), and also symbolizes pure Yang and vigor, indicating prosperity and strength. The Ch'ien hexagram is based on the principle of the adaptation and transformation of all things. With 'sublimity, success, furtherance, perseverance' (Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen) as the hexagram statement, it indicates good fortune and smooth progress, teaching people to abide by the virtue of the Way of Heaven.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, (shows its subject) with his arms hidden in the thick grass, and at the top of a high mound. (But) for three years he makes no demonstration.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: Concealing troops in the thickets and occupying the high hills, but unable to win for a long time. The Image says: Concealing troops in the thickets because the enemy is too strong. Unable to win for a long time, how can anything be accomplished?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line may face the loss of a relative or the trouble of litigation and lawsuits. Officials must guard against the worry of dismissal from office.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Concentrate one's mind for three years before planning the matter again.
• Wealth 财运: Suitable to develop mountain forests; profit will be gained in three years.
• Household 家宅: Must guard against thieves and robbers.
• Health 身体: Difficulty in walking.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently one should remain hidden; only after three years can one come out to plan matters.
• Business 营商: Suitable to develop mountain forests; great profits will be gained after three years.
• Household 家宅: Guard against thieves watching for an opportunity.
• Warfare 战征: Must guard against enemy ambushes.
• Litigation 讼事: Concern over unexpected entanglements; cannot be settled for the time being.
• Lost Items 失物: Must search for it in the bushes, or among the grass on the mountain.
• Travelers 行人: Wait for three years before returning.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Wû Wang indicates great progress and success, while there will be advantage in being firm and correct. If (its subject and his action) be not correct, he will fall into errors, and it will not be advantageous for him to move in any direction.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Wu Wang (Innocence) Hexagram. Great progress and success, divination yields an auspicious omen. If behavior is improper, there will be disaster, and it will be unfavorable to go anywhere. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian (Heaven) and the lower trigram is Zhen (Thunder). Under heaven, spring thunder rolls, and all things sprout, grow, and multiply; this is the image of Wu Wang. The ancient kings, observing this image, made diligent efforts, complied with the seasons, and nourished all things.

Shao Yong's Commentary

No deceit and no delusion, true and utmost sincerity; in harmony with nature, blessings and wealth are deep and vast. Minor Auspiciousness: For those who get this hexagram, follow nature; those who maintain the correct path will find everything suitable. But those who behave improperly will surely invite disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Zhen below and Qian above). Qian is Heaven, firm and strong; Zhen is Thunder, firm and active. Active and strong, with abundant Yang, people's hearts are inspired, and there will surely be gains. However, one must follow the pure and correct path and not act recklessly. Innocence brings gains and surely leads to blessings.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, (shows its subject) mounted on the city wall; but he does not proceed to make the attack (he contemplates). There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: Mounting their wall, but the wall cannot be taken; only by continuing the attack can victory be won. The Image says: Mounting their wall, morally one ought to stop the attack. That continuing the attack is auspicious is because the besieged enemy may deploy their cunning.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: Those who obtain this line will experience mutual suspicion among relatives and friends, with humiliation amid glory, but the end result will be better. Remaining highly cautious in all matters will lead to good fortune. Officials, if conscientious and diligent, will have opportunities for promotion or receive recognition.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Retreating and remaining still brings good fortune instead.
• Wealth 财运: Holding onto goods without selling; profit will be gained in the end.
• Household 家宅: Repair houses and walls.
• Health 身体: Though there is danger, in the end there is no harm.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently one should retreat and remain still, auspicious.
• Business 营商: Suitable to hoard goods and wait for a higher price without selling; profit is sure to follow later.
• Household 家宅: Suitable to repair the walls, auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Should firmly construct ramparts and guard against enemy attacks.
• Litigation 讼事: Although currently not in the right, victory will be won in the end.
• Lost Items 失物: Will be recovered after a long time.
• Illness 疾病: Though dangerous, there is no harm.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

For (the realisation of what is taught in) Kiâ Zăn, (or for the regulation of the family), what is most advantageous is that the wife be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Chia Jên (Family) hexagram. Divination regarding the affairs of women is auspicious. The Image says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Sun, and Sun represents wind; the inner trigram is Li, and Li represents fire. Fire within and wind without: wind assists the fire's force, and fire assists the wind's power, complementing each other, which is the image of the Family. The gentleman observes this image, thereby realizing that his words must have substance so as not to be empty, and his conduct must be persistent to be abundant.

Shao Yong's Commentary

People's hearts turn inward, and the family way flourishes; strict, upright, and constant, their minds cannot be swayed. Slightly auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, collaborating and working with others will be beneficial, and there are many signs of happy events. Those with harmonious families can work together with one heart to develop their careers.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (Li below and Sun above). Li represents fire; Sun represents wind. Fire makes hot air rise, becoming wind. All things should be based on the internal, and then extend to the external. What originates within takes shape without. It metaphorically implies governing the family first, and then governing the world. When the family way is correct, the world will be at peace and happy.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the fifth line, undivided, (the representative of) the union of men first wails and cries out, and then laughs. His great host conquers, and he (and the subject of the second line) meet together.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: The gathered crowd first wails and then laughs, because the great army arrives in time for reinforcement, winning a major victory. The Image says: The reason why the gathered crowd first wails and then laughs (the battle turning from defeat to victory) is because this line is obtained; Nine in the fifth place occupies the central position of the upper trigram, like a person attaining the correct path, which is bound to turn misfortune into good fortune. The meeting of the great armies means our army overcomes the enemy.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: Those who obtain this line will find things difficult at first and easy later, with varying disputes. Officials will be demoted first and promoted later.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Succeeding through hard work, fulfilling one's wishes.
• Wealth 财运: Minor setbacks, but ultimate great profit.
• Household 家宅: No need to panic; peace will prevail in the end.
• Health 身体: Danger first, then safety.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently a time of joy; former hardships are now rewarded with one's wishes fulfilled.
• Business 营商: Although there are minor setbacks, great profits will be gained in the end.
• Household 家宅: Guard against anxieties and alarms, but peace will be obtained in the end.
• Illness 疾病: Danger first, then safety.
• Litigation 讼事: Must hire a very good lawyer to win the case.
• Travelers 行人: Guard against obstructions on the way; return will be delayed.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lî indicates that, (in regard to what it denotes), it will be advantageous to be firm and correct, and that thus there will be free course and success. Let (its subject) also nourish (a docility like that of) the cow, and there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Li Hexagram. Auspicious divination, smooth and prosperous. Raising a cow brings good fortune. The Image says: The sun rises today, and the sun rises tomorrow, continuing without pause; this is the image of Li. Observing this image, the nobility and princes illuminate the four quarters with an endless flow of light.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Clinging to light, being humble and advancing slowly; just and gentle, conforming and keeping to one's course brings good fortune. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should be humble and cautious, and progress steadily, then the future will be bright. Those who advance hastily or act on impulse will surely suffer losses.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Li below and Li above). Li means beauty and clinging (attachment); a single Yin line clings to the two Yang lines above and below. The hexagram symbolizes fire, hollow inside and bright outside. Li represents fire and brightness; the sun rises and sets repeatedly, running endlessly, with gentleness and compliance at heart.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, undivided, (shows the representative of) the union of men in the suburbs. There will be no occasion for repentance.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: Gathering the crowd in the wilderness, offering sacrifices to the gods to celebrate victory, naturally no regret. The Image says: Gathering the crowd in the wilderness: the support is not broad, and one's ambition cannot yet be carried out.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: Those who obtain this line should keep to the routine and not be aggressive. Officials will have many opportunities for business travel.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: In a place of leisure and retreat, all matters are without obstacles.
• Wealth 财运: Establishing a business in the outskirts; no profit for the time being.
• Household 家宅: Smooth and free of disasters.
• Health 身体: Fear of no vital energy.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently smooth and favorable, with no obstacles to any matters, but one should remain in a place of leisure.
• Business 营商: Suitable to establish a business outside the city center; no worry of loss, but unable to gain great profits for the time being.
• Warfare 战征: Suitable to camp in wasteland.
• Lost Items 失物: Search for it in the outskirts.
• Litigation 讼事: Fear that it is difficult to win.
• Household 家宅: Smooth and free of disasters.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(What takes place as indicated by) Ko is believed in only after it has been accomplished. There will be great progress and success. Advantage will come from being firm and correct. (In that case) occasion for repentance will disappear.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Ge (Revolution/Molting). On the day of sacrifice, captives are used as human offerings; supreme success, auspicious divination. There is no regret. The Image says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Dui, and Dui represents the marsh; the inner trigram is Li, and Li represents fire. Inside it steams and outside it presses, water dries up and grass withers, just like a great fire burning within a marsh; this is the image of the Revolution hexagram. The gentleman, observing this image, understands the cyclical changes of rising and falling marsh waters, and the withering and flourishing of grass and trees, and thus regulates the calendar and clarifies the seasons.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Many changes occur in affairs, stick to the correct path; follow Heaven and respond to humanity, implementing reforms. Moderately auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, all matters are in flux. It is advisable to discard the old and establish the new to correspond with the image of innovation, which will bring good fortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the stacking of different trigrams (Li below, Dui above). Li is fire, Dui is marsh, and there is water inside the marsh. Water is above and flows down, while fire is below and rises. When fire is strong, water dries up; when water is vast, fire is extinguished. The two generate and also overcome each other, inevitably leading to reform. Revolution (change) is the fundamental law of the universe.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.