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Hexagram:
Also known as:
08. Holding Together
Holding Together, Unity and Cooperation, Collective Harmony, The Strength of Community, Mutual Support, Shared Goals, Bonding Through Adversity, Interconnectedness, Embracing Diversity, Strength in Togetherness
Line
Drawn as
Energy
Duality
Trigram
Dynamic
Polarity
Meaning
Yin
Feminine
Yin
Feminine
Yang
Masculine
Yin
Feminine
Yin
Feminine
Trigram
3
Lower
2
1
6
Upper
5
4
Earth
Mother
Mature Yin
Feeling
Water
Youngest Daughter
Immature Yin
Improvisation
Yin
Feminine
#
English Name
Chinese Name
Hanzi
Pinyin
Action
Hexagram:
卦 Guà
Hidden Influence:
互卦 Hu Guà (nuclear)
Underlying Cause:
綜卦 Zong Guà (reverse)
08. Holding Together
比
bǐ
Unite
23. Splitting Apart
剝
dà yǒu
Regenerate
14. Great Possessing
大有
bō
Shine
Expression:
I contribute
Affirmation:
I attract like-minded people and build strong, meaningful connections that support my growth and purpose.
Image (Legge):
On the earth is water: the image of Holding Together. Thus the kings of antiquity bestowed the different states as fiefs and cultivated friendly relations with the feudal lords.
Judgement (Legge):
Holding Together brings good fortune. Inquire of the oracle once again whether you possess sublimity, constancy, and perseverance; then there is no blame. Those who are uncertain gradually join. Whoever comes too late meets with misfortune.
Overall meaning:
Holding Together, represents the theme of unity, connection, and collaboration. It emphasizes the importance of forming bonds and building relationships with others based on sincerity, trust, and common purpose. This hexagram suggests that strength and success are found in coming together with others, whether in personal relationships, community endeavors, or professional alliances. It encourages a sense of belonging and emphasizes the value of working harmoniously toward shared goals.
A call to cultivate and maintain genuine connections and alliances, recognizing that we are stronger and more effective when we unite with others. However, it also warns against forming attachments with those who are not aligned with your values or intentions, as this can lead to negative outcomes. Ultimately, it advises being selective and sincere in choosing partnerships, fostering unity that is built on mutual respect, integrity, and shared commitment.
Quotes:
Upright Hexagram
Rotated 90°
counter clockwise
Change - - to 0
Change — to 1
Binary Number Created:
010000
Line 1:
Embarking / Initiating
Emphasizes the importance of sincerity in building connections or relationships. By being genuinely sincere and wholehearted, like an earthenware vessel filled to the brim, one can avoid mistakes and ultimately attract further positive outcomes.
Line 2:
Discovery / Inner Harmony
Indicates that a desire for unity and connection is arising from a genuine, inner intention. If this desire is pursued with firmness and integrity, it will lead to good fortune and positive outcomes.
Line 3:
Gateway /
Portal
Warns against attempting to form connections or alliances with those who are not suitable or trustworthy. Seeking union with such individuals can lead to negative consequences or misunderstandings.
Line 4:
Showing up / Approach
Indicates a desire to connect with someone or something beyond one’s immediate circle or current situation. By pursuing this union with a firm and correct approach, good fortune will follow.
Line 5:
External Focus /
Periphery
Illustrates a noble example of seeking unity, where a king intentionally limits his pursuit, allowing animals to escape in some directions, demonstrating fairness and restraint. This thoughtful and balanced approach to leadership fosters trust and harmony among the people, leading to good fortune.
Line 6:
Pinnacle / Breakthrough Awaits
Warns against attempting to form a connection or seek unity without first laying the proper foundation or taking the necessary initial steps. Without a genuine basis for attachment, the effort will lead to negative consequences or failure.
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