I Ching · No.45 · Ts'ui / Gathering Together [Massing]

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

In (the state denoted by) Ȝhui, the king will repair to his ancestral temple. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man; and then there will be progress and success, though the advantage must come through firm correctness. The use of great victims will conduce to good fortune; and in whatever direction movement is made, it will be advantageous.

Translation

Hexagram Ts'ui (Gathering Together). Prosperity. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is advantageous to see the great man, leading to success; this is a favorable and correct omen. Offering great sacrificial animals (oxen) is auspicious, and having a destination to go to is advantageous. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, Dui is the Lake; the lower trigram is Kun, Kun is the Earth. The lake water overflowing onto the earth is the image of Ts'ui. The gentleman, observing this image, takes warning from the overflowing floods and gathering disasters, thereby repairing weapons to guard against unexpected rebellions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Abundant resources and rich gathering; guided and assisted by nobility, everything is favorable. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram enjoy excellent fortune, receive help from benefactors, reap abundant profits, and succeed in all endeavors.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Do not forget danger in times of peace, and you will naturally have no worries.
• Wealth 财运: An image of gathering wealth, but there is both gathering and dispersing.
• Household 家宅: Guard against water entering the house; preserve personal integrity.
• Health 身体: Fluid accumulation in the chest and abdomen; seek early treatment.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is smooth and steady; if one can remain mindful of danger in times of peace, one will naturally enjoy joy without worry.
• Warfare 战征: Weapons are instruments of evil, and war is a hazardous affair; only by approaching them with apprehension and succeeding through careful planning can one avoid unexpected disasters.
• Business 营商: 'Ts'ui' has the image of gathering wealth, yet what gathers must disperse, and what is full must empty. This is the cycle of natural laws, which should be guarded against at all times.
• Fame & Career 功名: It is suitable to gain fame through military achievements.
• Marriage 婚姻: "Not robbers, but suitors." The I Ching often contrasts bandits with marriage, for guarding against military disasters is like guarding against disasters caused by women. Only through precaution can one remain free from blame.
• Household 家宅: The lake rises above the water, indicating the image of floodwaters entering the house.
• Illness 疾病: Guard against abdominal or thoracic distension due to fluid retention; early treatment is advised.
• Travelers 行人: Obstructed by military forces midway; difficult to return for the time being.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Kun below, Dui above). Kun is Earth and yielding; Dui is Lake and water. The lake overflows and submerges the earth, and with many people contending, crises will lurk everywhere. One must obey Heaven and employ the worthy, prepare for a rainy day, remain gentle yet cheerful, bring out the best in one another, and live and work in peace. Ts'ui means gathering and unity.

• Overall Image 大象: The lake is upon the earth, and water gathers in the soil, nourishing plants and trees so they grow luxuriantly.
• Fortune 运势: Auspicious fortune is flourishing, and with guidance from elders, the career is highly advantageous, but one must guard against financial disputes.
• Career 事业: Prosperous and flourishing, unified and harmonious. Things are thriving, but just as excessive water overflows, intense competition will arise with a large crowd. Prosperity inevitably leads to decline, so do not be arrogant; caution is advised. Yet, one must not hesitate; it is best to forge ahead courageously and develop new businesses. One must win people over with noble virtue.
• Business 经商: Sincere cooperation, mutual unity, and assistance. Encouragement is a sign of a flourishing business. Boldly open up the market, proceed steadily, and remain prepared for contingencies to ensure continuous development.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Relying solely on individual effort will not yield great achievements; one must obtain help from others, which, combined with personal qualifications, will lead to the ideal realm.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Do not rush for results; mutual love and affection will bring a happy and fulfilling marriage.
• Decision 决策: Good at uniting others for cooperation, possessing leadership talents. However, one's mind must be broad and vision far-reaching, based on integrity and rectitude without compromising principles. In particular, be strict with oneself and tolerant of others. When facing opposition, reflect deeply on oneself to learn lessons. Facing the world with this mindset ensures lifelong safety and a successful career.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows its subject with a sincere desire (for union), but unable to carry it out, so that disorder is brought into the sphere of his union. If he cry out (for help to his proper correlate), all at once (his tears) will give place to smiles. He need not mind (the temporary difficulty); as he goes forward, there will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: Captives were caught but then escaped, causing confusion and anxiety; everyone cried out and pursued them in all directions. Finally, they were recaptured, bringing laughter and joy, so there is no need for worry. Divining this line: proceed boldly, there will be no misfortune. The Image says: Confused and distressed; the person's mind is bewildered.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair. Those who obtain this line will be framed by petty people; bad fortune first, followed by good fortune. It is advisable to act with caution. Officials may be demoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Alternating between smooth and adverse; receiving a helping hand from others.
• Wealth 财运: Gathering and dispersing unpredictably; blame can be avoided.
• Household 家宅: Do not reside here for long; initially chaotic, eventually abandoned.
• Health 身体: Mental confusion; treatable by seeking medical advice.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune is just beginning, alternating between smooth and adverse, fickle and unpredictable; with rescue, one can remain free from blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: Alternating suddenly between honor and humiliation, due to a lack of inner resolve.
• Business 营商: Having a beginning but no end, gathering and dispersing unpredictably; unable to make a profit, one can only avoid blame.
• Warfare 战征: Leading the army on an expedition, guard against the worry of a mutiny.
• Marriage 婚姻: Indicating a situation where there is initial chaos or intimacy before a formal marriage is eventually concluded.
• Illness 疾病: In this illness, the patient suddenly cries and then laughs due to mental confusion; seeking medical treatment will ensure freedom from harm. Do not worry.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sui indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. There will (then) be no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sui hexagram. Supreme success, perseverance is fruitful, no misfortune. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, which represents thunder, and the upper trigram is Dui, which represents marsh. Thunder enters into the middle of the marsh, the earth is cold and frozen, and all things lie dormant; this is the image of Following. In view of this image, the gentleman, modeling himself after the thunder that falls silent in accordance with the heavenly seasons, rests and works according to the times, and goes indoors to rest towards evening.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Complying and adapting, maintaining steadfastness and self-control; following opportunities, one must not be dictatorial. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should follow the general trend, and their affairs can succeed. Communicating and exchanging more with others in all matters can bring both fame and fortune. One must not obstinately cling to one's own views; those who are arbitrary and dictatorial will not succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Zhen below and Dui above). Zhen represents thunder and movement; Dui represents joy. Movement followed by joy is 'Following' (Sui). Following refers to mutual compliance: oneself following external things, and external things following oneself, with communication between them. Following must adapt to the time and comply with the situation, having principles and conditions, and taking steadfastness as a prerequisite.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows its subject led forward (by his correlate). There will be good fortune, and freedom from error. There is entire sincerity, and in that case (even the small offerings of) the vernal sacrifice are acceptable.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: Divining this line shows long-term good fortune and freedom from blame. Inquiring about sacrifices, the omen shows: it is beneficial to perform the spring sacrifice with captives. The Image says: "Long-term good fortune and freedom from blame" is because six in the second place is a yin line occupying the center of the lower trigram, symbolizing a person who firmly adheres to the correct path and never changes.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line are in good fortune, promoted by benefactors, and profitable in their planning. Officials will be recommended by others and promoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: A central and correct fortune, receiving guidance and assistance from others.
• Wealth 财运: Cooperation is beneficial; sincerely thank the deities.
• Household 家宅: Ancestors accumulated virtue; marriage can be arranged.
• Health 身体: Practice Qigong diligently.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune is central and correct, auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: Hopeful for advancement through recommendation and support.
• Business 营商: "Yin" means to guide or draw. It likely refers to joint business endeavors, which will surely bring good fortune, but one must fulfill vows to the deities.
• Warfare 战征: In ancient times, an army would sacrifice before departing; the sacrifice inside was called Lei, and in the wild, Feng. This was sacrificing to the deities to swear in the troops. Auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: The second line responds to the fifth; this represents an engagement between the two, hence "leading to good fortune".
• Illness 疾病: The Daoist method of fasting is called Dao-Yin (guiding), which guides the flow of vital energy (Qi) to keep it abundant and free from deficiency, thereby dispelling illness.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the condition denoted by) Khwăn there may (yet be) progress and success. For the firm and correct, the (really) great man, there will be good fortune. He will fall into no error. If he make speeches, his words cannot be made good.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kun (Oppression/Exhaustion). Success. Divination regarding matters of princes and nobles is auspicious, without misfortune. When encountering this hexagram in divination, a person with guilt cannot clear themselves through explanations. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: The upper trigram is Dui (Lake), and the lower trigram is Kan (Water). Water seeps beneath the lake bed, drying up the lake; this is the image of Oppression. Observing this, the superior person encourages himself in times of hardship, becoming stronger through adversity, and sacrifices his life to carry out his long-cherished ambitions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

No water in the lake, experiencing oppression and exhaustion; myriad things do not grow, cultivate virtue and quietly maintain one's position. Inauspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram fall into difficult straits, with nothing going as desired. It is advisable to resolutely adhere to the correct path and wait for the right opportunity.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Dui above). Dui is Yin, representing the Lake, signifying joy; Kan is Yang, representing Water, signifying danger. Lake over Water is Oppression. Falling into adversity, it is difficult to display one's talents; yet by resolutely maintaining the correct path and remaining content in oneself, one will surely achieve success and break free from the predicament.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows its subject striving after union and seeming to sigh, yet nowhere finding any advantage. If he go forward, he will not err, though there may be some small cause for regret.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: Sighing and lamenting. Divining this line shows no advantage. Departing will bring no disaster, but there will be minor trouble. The Image says: "Departing brings no disaster" because the yin line of six in the third place is below the yang line of nine in the fourth place, symbolizing a subject obeying the ruler and acting with caution.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. Those who obtain this line will find unrest in the family, loss among close relatives, and misfortune for the elderly. Officials will find no peace in office, and travel will be arduous.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is ordinary; guard against petty people.
• Wealth 财运: Transporting goods elsewhere; blame can be avoided.
• Household 家宅: Moving is advisable; sighing over an incompatible couple.
• Health 身体: Chest discomfort; pay attention to excretion.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is average, with no profit to be made.
• Fame & Career 功名: Unfavorable for fame; instead, one will be looked down upon.
• Business 营商: Though goods are abundant, it is lamentable that they do not sell, so what profit is there? Only by transporting them elsewhere can one avoid blame.
• Warfare 战征: Having troops but unable to employ them, leading to complaints and sighs; this is because the general lacks the ability to command the crowd.
• Marriage 婚姻: Inevitably raising the sigh of an incompatible couple.
• Household 家宅: Living together without harmony leads to much gossip; moving away can bring freedom from blame.
• Illness 疾病: Stagnation and pain in the chest diaphragm, causing continuous groans, due to difficulty in both urination and defecation; if these are cleared, one can avoid blame.
• Litigation 讼事: Unfavorable.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsien indicates that, (on the fulfilment of the conditions implied in it), there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, (as) in marrying a young lady. There will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsien Hexagram. Prevalence. A favorable oracle. Marrying a maiden brings good fortune. The Symbolism says: The lower trigram is Gen, representing mountain; the upper trigram is Dui, representing lake. A lake on the mountain; the mountain air and the water's breath interact and influence each other. This is the image of Hsien. In accordance with this, the superior man, taking pattern from the deep valleys and the vast lakes, keeps his mind open and humble, receiving instruction from others with humility.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mutual attraction of the two sexes, responding according to the righteous path; things resound when struck, recognizing the times and understanding the moment of opportunity. Small Good Fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should treat others with humility, which will bring good luck and success in undertakings. However, do not let improper passions disturb your mind and lead you astray.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Dui above). Gen is mountain; the lake is water. Dui (yielding) is on top, and Gen (firm) is below. The water seeps downward; the yielding is above and the firm is below, interacting and influencing each other. Influence leads to completion.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject in such a state that, if he be greatly fortunate, he will receive no blame.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: Great good fortune and freedom from blame. The Image says: The omen was originally of great good fortune, but the result is merely freedom from blame, because nine in the fourth place is a yang line occupying a yin position, like a person of small talent and thin virtue occupying a high position. In terms of official fortune, it is smooth; in terms of holding office, they only seek to be free from calamity.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair. Those who obtain this line will face calamity if they do not follow the correct path; only gentlemen of great virtue can reform and obtain blessings. Officials must guard against the jealousy of others; it is auspicious to abandon high positions for lower ones or make a timely retreat.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Although very smooth, one's virtue does not match the position.
• Wealth 财运: Great profits lie ahead, but restraint is best.
• Household 家宅: Flourishing and safe; discrepancy in family social status.
• Health 身体: Strong on the outside, hollow on the inside.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is very good, with success in all things, but the position is inappropriate; caution is advised.
• Fame & Career 功名: Great good fortune, but fearing that one's virtue does not match the position.
• Business 营商: Reaping wealth and profit is highly auspicious; one should consider taking a step back to achieve a successful conclusion.
• Warfare 战征: Victory in battle and capture of positions bring great good fortune; guard against one's achievements overshadowing the ruler, which will be followed by slander.
• Marriage 婚姻: The fourth line has a proper response with the first, making them a correct match, which is auspicious; but their family social statuses may not be quite equal.
• Household 家宅: The household is prosperous and the family is safe, highly auspicious; but the position is slightly humble.
• Illness 疾病: It is an illness of being strong on the outside but weak inside; for the moment, one can remain free from blame.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Pî indicates that (under the conditions which it supposes) there is good fortune. But let (the principal party intended in it) re-examine himself, (as if) by divination, whether his virtue be great, unintermitting, and firm. If it be so, there will be no error. Those who have not rest will then come to him; and with those who are (too) late in coming it will be ill.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Pi (Holding Together). Auspicious. Consult the oracle again; it remains highly auspicious and favorable. Inquiring about long-term fortunes, there will be no misfortune. States that are reluctant to submit come to pay court; those who arrive late will face trouble. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Images) says: The lower trigram is Kun (Earth), and the upper trigram is Kan (Water). Kun represents earth, and Kan represents water, resembling water on the earth; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The ancient kings observed this image, taking the principle of water adhering to the earth and the earth receiving rivers and seas, to establish and enfeoff various states and maintain close relations with the feudal lords.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Water flows on the earth, uniting in close harmony and joy; human relations are close and cooperative, and all matters are free from worry. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram can gain the help of friends and the strength of the multitude, succeeding in their undertakings and reaching the pinnacle of honor and prominence.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (lower Kun, upper Kan). Kun is Earth and Kan is Water. Water adheres to the great earth, and the earth receives rivers and seas, relying on each other in close intimacy. This hexagram is the exact opposite of the Shi (Army) hexagram, being its inverted hexagram. It expounds the principles of mutual affection and support, magnanimity and selflessness, and sincere unity.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows the union (of all) under its subject in the place of dignity. There will be no error. If any do not have confidence in him, let him see to it that (his virtue) be great, long-continued, and firmly correct, and all occasion for repentance will disappear.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: Exerting mind and strength in one's duties brings no calamity. Not punishing others lightly, and inquiring about long-term fortune, the omen shows: no great regret. The Image says: "Exerting mind and strength in one's duties" yields only no calamity, because one's talent is mediocre and unable to achieve significant accomplishments.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair. Those who obtain this line will find discord in relationships and obstacles in planning. Officials will not win the people's hearts, and their aspirations are not yet brilliant.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Possessing position and power, one should cultivate virtue even more.
• Wealth 财运: Although there are profits, one must maintain rectitude.
• Household 家宅: Living as a gathered clan; can be called an honorable son-in-law.
• Health 身体: Restless in mind and spirit; best to rest quietly.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Holding position and power, in full prosperity, one can naturally remain free from blame.
• Business 营商: Wealth is gathered, but trust is not yet established; if one can maintain rectitude, the business can endure.
• Fame & Career 功名: The position is high and prestige is great; one should cultivate virtue and walk the correct path even more.
• Warfare 战征: The three armies have gathered, and the great cause can be achieved; it is even more advisable to treat each other with sincerity to ensure lasting success.
• Marriage 婚姻: High status and abundant wealth; can be called an honorable son-in-law.
• Household 家宅: The location of this residence is surrounded by mountains and gathered by waters, suitable for a gathered clan to live, auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Restless in mind and spirit; quiet rest is advised.
• Litigation 讼事: Because the litigant has high rank and great power, even if wrong, they will prevail.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.
• Lost Items 失物: Can be recovered after a long time, no blame.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Yü indicates that, (in the state which it implies), feudal princes may be set up, and the hosts put in motion, with advantage.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Yü (Enthusiasm). Favorable for establishing feudal lords and mobilizing armies. The Image says: The upper trigram is Zhen (Thunder) representing thunder, and the lower trigram is Kun (Earth) representing the earth. Spring thunder rumbles and the earth shakes, stimulating and bringing forth all things; this is the image of the Yü hexagram. Observing this, the ancient kings took inspiration from the thunder that fills the earth to create music, praising virtue, presenting it magnificently to the Supreme Lord (Shangdi) and extending the honor to their ancestors.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Thunder emerges from the earth; pleasing, obedient, and joyful. In times of peace and happiness, one must guard against troubles and adversity. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram accord with heaven and adapt to the times. Everything goes auspiciously, and one can receive assistance from elders. However, one must guard against sexual temptations and must not indulge in the world of sensual pleasures.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Zhen above). Kun represents Earth and compliance; Zhen represents Thunder and movement. Thunder emerges according to the season, signifying the return of spring to the earth. Acting in compliance is the source of harmony and joy. This hexagram and the Qian (Modesty) hexagram are reverse hexagrams (zong gua) to each other, interacting with one another.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, divided, shows its subject sighing and weeping; but there will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: Sighing and weeping with distress, but there is no calamity. The Image says: "Sighing and weeping with distress" because the top line sits at the end of the hexagram, isolated and unsupported, like a person who, though occupying a high position, walks on thin ice and lives in fear.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. Those who obtain this line will face many troubles and unrest, or lack of affection between superiors and subordinates, worry among elders and youth, and empty fame and wealth.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Advanced in years and fortune declining; waiting for a helping hand.
• Wealth 财运: No profit to be made; fortunately, rescue is available.
• Household 家宅: Unrest in the household; bereavement and separation.
• Health 身体: Illness caused by deep grief; ease your mind.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: One is bound to be old and in declining fortune, reaching the extreme of poverty and distress, which is pitiable. However, there will surely be those who show pity and rescue them, leading to freedom from blame.
• Business 营商: A lonely traveler without companions, at the end of the road and in the twilight of life, causing great grief and anxiety; fortunately rescued, no blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: Times are declining and fortune is exhausted; difficult to hope for fame.
• Warfare 战征: Indicating a situation where the army rebels and deserts, leaving the general isolated.
• Marriage 婚姻: Filled with the grief of bereavement and separation.
• Household 家宅: Separation and weeping; unrest in the household.
• Illness 疾病: The illness comes from excessive weeping and grief; one should relax the mind and recuperate.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Phî there is the want of good understanding between the (different classes of) men, and its indication is unfavourable to the firm and correct course of the superior man. We see in it the great gone and the little come.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Pi. Obstructed by petty men, this is an unfavorable divination for the superior man, and undertakings will turn from prosperity to decline. The Image says: Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things are choked and cannot grow freely; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, when national politics are obstructed, should contemplate living in seclusion without taking office, practicing thrift to avoid disaster, and not taking pride in wealth and salary.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The great departs and the small arrives, closed and obstructed; when obstruction reaches its extreme, peace arrives; cultivate virtue to avoid disaster. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is an image of all things being closed and obstructed, upper and lower levels not in harmony, everything going against one's wishes. In all matters, one should endure and wait for the fortune to turn for the better before taking action.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Qian above). Its structure is opposite to that of the Tai hexagram. The Yang energy rises while the Yin energy descends; Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things are blocked. They are 'inverse hexagrams' (Zong Gua) to each other, indicating that extreme peace leads to obstruction, and extreme obstruction leads to peace, serving as cause and effect for each other.

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.