I Ching Oracle / Hexagrams / 8
The Judgement
Good fortune. Inquire of the oracle once again whether you possess sublimity, constancy, and perseverance. Those who are uncertain gradually join.
Mutual attachment; join the right circle early and sincerely.
The Image
On the earth is water; the kings of antiquity bestowed the different states and maintained friendly relations with the feudal lords.~
This hexagram on ten matters
- WorkCAREER
- Cooperation beats going alone. Inquire once again whether you have constancy — confirm that long-term intentions actually align before joining or forming a team.
- LoveRELATIONSHIP
- A hexagram of mutual attachment; the relationship moves toward closeness. Hold to him inwardly — genuine nearness matters more than formal commitment.
- MoneyFINANCE
- Favours partnership, joint ventures, or following someone dependable. Not a time to operate entirely alone.
- HealthBODY
- You are noticeably better with company. Isolating yourself and enduring is the real risk here.
- StudyLEARNING
- Find a study partner or join a group. Far more effective than working alone.
- An examEXAM
- A study group or exam partner works best. This hexagram favours cooperation over going it alone.
- PeopleSOCIAL
- The most auspicious face of this hexagram. You are well regarded; reaching out costs little and returns much.
- A choiceDECISION
- Consult before deciding. He who comes last meets misfortune — hesitate too long and the open door closes.
- TravelJOURNEY
- Travel with others. Those who are uncertain gradually join — a companion may be a late addition rather than part of the plan.
- A lost itemLOST ITEM
- Ask those close to you. Someone near may have put it away or borrowed it.
The Six Lines
Hold to him in truth and loyalty; this is without blame.
Hold to him in truth; the jug is full. Sufficient sincerity brings unexpected returns. The keyword here is genuineness, not cleverness.
Hold to him inwardly. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Hold to him inwardly. Draw close from the heart rather than for advantage. The relationship at this line is real.
You hold together with the wrong people.
You hold together with the wrong people. No verdict is given, because the conclusion is obvious: change who you are with.
Hold to him outwardly also. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Hold to him outwardly also. Looking outside is correct. You need not confine yourself to the existing circle.
Manifestation of holding together. In the hunt the king uses beaters on three sides only.
Manifestation of holding together; the king uses beaters on three sides only. Leave people a way out. That is this line's idea of leadership.
He finds no head for holding together. Misfortune.
He finds no head for holding together. Missed. Whoever never truly committed ends with no place at the table.
The governing line
Nuclear · Opposite · Reverse
The nuclear hexagram shows the middle stretch of the matter; the opposite is the same situation seen from the reverse position; the reverse is the view from the other party's side.