I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 13: Fellowship
T'ung Jen · 同人
Open union, founded on universal aims rather than private interest. Together, great deeds are possible.
- fellowship
- cooperation
- openness
- common purpose
- Upper trigram
- Heaven 乾 · Creative Force
- Lower trigram
- Fire 離 · Clarity
The Judgment
FELLOWSHIP WITH MEN in the open: success. It furthers one to cross the great water. The perseverance of the superior man furthers.
The Image
Heaven together with fire. Thus the superior man organizes the clans and makes distinctions between things.
Meaning
The hexagram 'Fellowship' carries the energy of Heaven (Creative Force) acting upon Fire (Clarity). This moment asks for balance between leading outwardly and clinging inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests bold initiative combined with warmth and dependence. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors expansion and leadership grounded in intelligence and vision. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Heaven above Fire suggests a natural dynamic of creative force over clarity.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.
Nine in the 1st place
First position: the force is still hidden and unripe. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Fellowship — the matter is fellowship: that is the theme this line is changing.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Fellowship — the matter is fellowship: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 2nd place
Second position: receptivity in its proper place. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
Natural balance. Act with correctness and simplicity, without artifice. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Fellowship — the matter is fellowship: that is the theme this line is changing.
Natural balance. Act with correctness and simplicity, without artifice. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Fellowship — the matter is fellowship: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 3rd place
Third position: the dangerous threshold between low and high. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
End of the lower trigram — a critical transition. Excess enthusiasm here breeds mistakes. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Fellowship — the matter is fellowship: that is the theme this line is changing.
End of the lower trigram — a critical transition. Excess enthusiasm here breeds mistakes. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Fellowship — the matter is fellowship: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 4th place
Fourth position: the minister at the ruler’s side. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Heaven (Creative Force) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Fellowship — the matter is fellowship: that is the theme this line is changing.
Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Fellowship — the matter is fellowship: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 5th place
Fifth position: the place of the ruler. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Heaven (Creative Force) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Fellowship — the matter is fellowship: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Fellowship — the matter is fellowship: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 6th place
Sixth position: beyond the summit, the excess. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Heaven (Creative Force) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Fellowship — the matter is fellowship: that is the theme this line is changing.
The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Fellowship — the matter is fellowship: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 13 mean?
Fellowship (T'ung Jen): The hexagram 'Fellowship' carries the energy of Heaven (Creative Force) acting upon Fire (Clarity). This moment asks for balance between leading outwardly and clinging inwardly.
What does hexagram 13 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests bold initiative combined with warmth and dependence. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 13 say about work?
At work, the energy favors expansion and leadership grounded in intelligence and vision. Consolidate your base.