Hexagram 8Upper Kan · WaterLower Kun · Earth

Bi · Holding Together

比卦 · 水地比

Closeness
Partnership
Belonging
Unity

The Judgment

Pî indicates that (under the conditions which it supposes) there is good fortune. But let (the principal party intended in it) re-examine himself, (as if) by divination, whether his virtue be great, unintermitting, and firm. If it be so, there will be no error. Those who have not rest will then come to him; and with those who are (too) late in coming it will be ill.

吉。原筮，元永贞，无咎。不宁方来，后夫凶。

The Image

Water on the earth: holding together. The ancient kings, in the same way, founded states and kept close ties with their lords.

地上有水，比。先王以建万国，亲诸侯。

Plain-language reading

Your situation

This is a time to draw closer to others and build partnership or belonging. Bi is water flowing over the earth, completely close. People or a group you can trust are already gathering around you. The question is whether you will join them sincerely or keep watching from the side.

Where to put your effort

Think carefully about who you want to stand with, and choose people with principles, ability and staying power. Once you decide, move closer promptly; hesitate too long and the chance will pass. Sincerity is the foundation of any partnership. Treat people wholeheartedly while keeping your own sense of proportion.

Four areas of life

Career: Everyone congratulates you; recognition at its height.
Wealth: Good people support you and business booms.
Family: A lifelong, happy union.
Health: Fluid retention around the chest and abdomen; get it treated early.

Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.

The six lines

Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.

Six at the beginningThe first line, divided, shows its subject seeking by his sincerity to win the attachment of his object. There will be no error. Let (the breast) be full of sincerity as an earthenware vessel is of its contents, and it will in the end bring other advantages.Moving

初六：有孚，比之，无咎。有孚盈缶，终来有它吉。

Image：The first six of holding together: good fortune comes from elsewhere.

Career: Deal with people sincerely and your name will grow.
Wealth: A strong reputation brings profit on its own.
Family: A harmonious community; a marriage goes well.
Health: Safe and well.

Six in the second placeIn the second line, divided, we see the movement towards union and attachment proceeding from the inward (mind). With firm correctness there will be good fortune.Moving

六二：比之自内，贞吉。

Image：Holding together from within: not losing oneself.

Career: Recognition you have earned; naturally auspicious.
Wealth: Working together, profit can be expected.
Family: Family ties grow even closer.
Health: Calm your mind and the illness can heal.

Six in the third placeIn the third line, divided, we see its subject seeking for union with such as ought not to be associated with.Moving

六三：比之匪人。

Image：Holding together with the wrong people: is that not harmful?

Career: Bad company ruins your name.
Wealth: Trusting the wrong people brings losses.
Family: Be cautious about marriage to avoid regret.
Health: Find a better doctor.

Six in the fourth placeIn the fourth line, divided, we see its subject seeking for union with the one beyond himself. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.Moving

六四：外比之，贞吉。

Image：Holding together with the worthy outside: following those above.

Career: You win recognition and success is in sight.
Wealth: Goods circulate and profit follows.
Family: Harmony at home; an engagement in another place is auspicious.
Health: Spend more time exercising outdoors.

Nine in the fifth placeThe fifth line, undivided, affords the most illustrious instance of seeking union and attachment. (We seem to see in it) the king urging his pursuit of the game (only) in three directions, and allowing the escape of all the animals before him, while the people of his towns do not warn one another (to prevent it). There will be good fortune.Moving

九五：显比，王用三驱，失前禽。邑人不诫，吉。

Image：The good fortune of open union: the position is central and correct. Letting the unwilling go and taking the willing, the game ahead escapes. The townspeople need no warning: the ruler leads from the centre.

Career: Treat others well and good fortune will follow.
Wealth: Pass up small gains and there will be more later.
Family: Gentleness and harmony suit you.
Health: The medicine is working; no need to worry.

Six at the topIn the topmost line, divided, we see one seeking union and attachment without having taken the first step (to such an end). There will be evil.Moving

上六：比之无首，凶。

Image：Holding together without a head: there is no good end.

Career: Directionless; misfortune may follow.
Wealth: Wasted effort and nothing gained.
Family: The head of the family may be lost; a match of unknown background.
Health: Take care of your head.

Related hexagrams

Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.

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