✦ HEXAGRAM 8
Bǐ —
Holding Together.
Water above, Earth below.
CHANGES INTO 14-dayou →
JUDGMENT
Holding Together brings good fortune. Inquire of the oracle once again whether you possess sublimity, constancy, and perseverance.
THE IMAGE
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.
INTERPRETATION
Water rests upon earth — it flows into every hollow, holding the land together. This hexagram speaks of alliance, mutual support, and the bonds that form between people with shared purpose.
But unions require sincerity. Ask yourself honestly: am I joining this for the right reasons? Do I bring constancy? Holding together works only when the bond is genuine, not opportunistic.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What does Hexagram 8 mean?
- Hexagram 8 speaks of union and alliance. It encourages joining with others for mutual benefit, but warns that bonds must be sincere to last.
- What kind of partnership does Hexagram 8 indicate?
- It can indicate any genuine bond — romantic, professional, or communal. The key is shared purpose, mutual respect, and honest commitment.