I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 7: The Army
Shih · 師
Organized force under discipline and purpose. The multitude only moves well with order and a just cause.
- discipline
- organization
- leadership
- collective
- Upper trigram
- Earth 坤 · Receptivity
- Lower trigram
- Water 坎 · Depth
The Judgment
THE ARMY needs perseverance and a strong man. Good fortune without blame.
The Image
In the middle of the earth is water. Thus the superior man increases his masses through generosity toward the people.
Meaning
The hexagram 'The Army' carries the energy of Earth (Receptivity) acting upon Water (Depth/Danger). This moment asks for balance between supporting outwardly and adapting inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests devotion and care combined with deep emotions or uncertainty. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors administration and support grounded in risk management. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Earth above Water suggests a natural dynamic of receptivity over depth/danger.
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
First position: fragility in the first steps. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Water (Depth/Danger) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
Early, subtle signs of change. Watch the small details before they grow. 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 The Army — the matter is discipline: that is the theme this line is changing.
Early, subtle signs of change. Watch the small details before they grow. 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 The Army — the matter is discipline: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 2nd place
Second position: centered strength, recognized from afar. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Water (Depth/Danger) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of The Army — the matter is discipline: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of The Army — the matter is discipline: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 3rd place
Third position: weakness at a point that demands strength. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Water (Depth/Danger) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. 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 The Army — the matter is discipline: that is the theme this line is changing.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. 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 The Army — the matter is discipline: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 4th place
Fourth position: prudent reserve beside power. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Earth (Receptivity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. 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 The Army — the matter is discipline: that is the theme this line is changing.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. 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 The Army — the matter is discipline: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 5th place
Fifth position: ruling through moderation. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Earth (Receptivity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of The Army — the matter is discipline: that is the theme this line is changing.
Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of The Army — the matter is discipline: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 6th place
Sixth position: the ending that asks for release. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Earth (Receptivity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. 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 The Army — the matter is discipline: that is the theme this line is changing.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. 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 The Army — the matter is discipline: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 7 mean?
The Army (Shih): The hexagram 'The Army' carries the energy of Earth (Receptivity) acting upon Water (Depth/Danger). This moment asks for balance between supporting outwardly and adapting inwardly.
What does hexagram 7 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests devotion and care combined with deep emotions or uncertainty. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 7 say about work?
At work, the energy favors administration and support grounded in risk management. Consolidate your base.