Hexagram 13: Fellowship

Written by Orbitarot · Sources: James Legge, The Yi King (The I Ching), 1882 (judgment and lines); plain readings our own · Updated October 7, 2026

Hexagram 13 in plain words

Heaven sits above fire. Fire flames upward toward heaven, and both share the same direction. Fire also brings light and clarity, so the image is of people united by a clear and open purpose. The single yielding line in the second place, central and correct, is held by all the strong lines around it: one open heart that draws the group together. Tradition says that fellowship in the open, in the wide field rather than behind closed doors, brings success and makes it possible to cross the great water.

In your situation, the call is to work with others, but in the right way. Fellowship based on private favors, family ties alone, or shared grudges tends to narrow and divide. Fellowship based on shared principles, open to anyone who holds them, grows strong. Be clear about your aim, organize people with respect for their differences, and keep the group transparent. Expect some misunderstanding before trust forms; the lines show doubts and hidden tension on the way. If you hold to what is fair and honest, people will find each other, and what seemed divided can come together.

The judgment

Thung Zăn (or 'Union of men') appears here (as we find it) in the (remote districts of the) country, indicating progress and success. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to maintain the firm correctness of the superior man.

Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigrams for) heaven and fire form Thung Zăn. The superior man, in accordance with this), distinguishes things according to their kinds and classes.

From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).

In plain words: Fire burns up toward heaven, and the two rise together. Real fellowship comes from seeing clearly who belongs with whom, so sort things and people by what they truly share.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.

Line 1 (bottom)

The first NINE, undivided, (shows the representative of) the union of men just issuing from his gate. There will be no error.

Fellowship at the gate, out in the open. Starting a connection without secrets or private aims is free of blame.

Line 2

The second SIX, divided, (shows the representative of) the union of men in relation with his kindred. There will be occasion for regret.

Fellowship only within the clan. Sticking to a closed circle of familiar people leads to regret: widen your view.

Line 3

The third NINE, undivided, (shows its subject) with his arms hidden in the thick grass, and at the top of a high mound. (But) for three years he makes no demonstration.

Weapons are hidden in the thicket, and you watch from a high hill. Mistrust keeps you from acting for a long time; suspicion blocks real fellowship.

Line 4

The fourth NINE, undivided, (shows its subject) mounted on the city wall; but he does not proceed to make the attack (he contemplates). There will be good fortune.

You climb the wall but do not attack. Seeing that conflict is wrong, you turn back, and that brings good fortune.

Line 5

In the fifth NINE, undivided, (the representative of) the union of men first wails and cries out, and then laughs. His great host conquers, and he (and the subject of the second line) meet together.

People bound together first weep and then laugh. After struggle and separation, the people who belong together meet.

Line 6 (top)

The topmost NINE, undivided, (shows the representative of) the union of men in the suburbs. There will be no occasion for repentance.

Fellowship in the meadow, far from the town. The bond is not deep or complete, but there is no regret.

Related hexagrams

All three relations have traditional Chinese names (cuo gua for the opposite, zong gua for the inverse, hu gua for the nuclear). Many modern readers use the opposite as the shadow side of a situation, the inverse as the same moment seen from the other side, and the nuclear hexagram as its inner core.

If one line changes

With a single changing line, hexagram 13 turns into:

Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.

Hexagram 13 in love and relationships

In love, this hexagram favors openness and shared values. A relationship grows strong when it is honest and welcomes each person's wider life, friends, and family.

Hexagram 13 for work and decisions

At work, it is a good time for teamwork, partnerships, or community projects. Build the group around clear shared goals and fair treatment, not around favorites.

Questions