I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 45: Gathering Together
Ts'ui · 萃
Union of forces and people. The power of the collective.
- gathering
- community
- leadership
- celebration
- Upper trigram
- Lake 兌 · Joy
- Lower trigram
- Earth 坤 · Receptivity
The Judgment
GATHERING TOGETHER. Success. The king approaches his temple. It furthers one to see the great man. This brings success. Perseverance furthers.
The Image
The lake above the earth: the image of GATHERING TOGETHER. Thus the superior man renews his weapons to meet the unforeseen.
Meaning
This hexagram speaks of the strength of the collective. It is the moment to unite forces, people or resources toward a common goal. Alone, you are vulnerable; united, you prosper. Yet where many people or resources gather, confusion or envy may follow. A strong leader or a clear moral principle is needed to keep order.
In love
A powerful moment for serious commitments, marriages or strengthening family ties. If single, it signals entry into new social circles where love may be found.
In work and business
Excellent for partnerships, mergers, teamwork and the gathering of capital. But guard your assets: the image of the 'lake above the earth' warns that water can leak or flood if not well managed. Order your finances.
Symbolism
The Lake (Joy) stands above the Earth (Devotion). Water gathers naturally in the low places of the earth — a natural, voluntary gathering, never forced. Yet still water can draw trouble, hence the image's advice to 'renew the weapons' (be prepared).
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.
Six in the 1st place
If you are sincere, but not to the end, there is confusion, then gathering.
Indecision breeds confusion.
You are undecided. You want to join, yet hesitate. Take the first step and ask for help; the confusion will pass.
Six in the 2nd place
Letting oneself be drawn brings good fortune and remains blameless.
Greater forces are pulling you.
Greater forces are pulling you. Do not resist. Follow the current, or a trusted person.
Six in the 3rd place
Gathering amid sighs. Nothing that furthers. Going is without blame.
A feeling of rejection.
You want to belong to a group but feel rejected or out of place. Seek alliances beyond the obvious.
Nine in the 4th place
Great good fortune! No blame.
Absolute success through the common good.
Your position is strong. You seek no personal advantage, but the good of all. Absolute success.
Nine in the 5th place
If he who gathers holds a position of authority, there is no blame.
Leadership requires trust.
Leadership requires trust. If people do not yet fully trust you, persist in virtue until you convince them.
Six in the 6th place
Laments and sighs, floods of tears.
Isolation at the top.
You stand at the top, yet isolated. The sorrow comes from failing to truly connect with others.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 45 mean?
Gathering Together (Ts'ui): This hexagram speaks of the strength of the collective. It is the moment to unite forces, people or resources toward a common goal. Alone, you are vulnerable; united, you prosper. Yet where many people or resources gather, confusion or envy may follow. A strong leader or a clear moral principle is needed to keep order.
What does hexagram 45 say about love?
A powerful moment for serious commitments, marriages or strengthening family ties. If single, it signals entry into new social circles where love may be found.
What does hexagram 45 say about work?
Excellent for partnerships, mergers, teamwork and the gathering of capital. But guard your assets: the image of the 'lake above the earth' warns that water can leak or flood if not well managed. Order your finances.