Hexagram 45: Gathering Together

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 45 in plain words

The lake sits above the earth. Water collects where the land is low, gathering into one body. That is the image of gathering: people drawn together by a common center. Tradition speaks of the king approaching the temple, of seeing the great person, and of making a large offering, all signs of a community uniting around something it values.

When people gather, two things matter. First, a real center: a leader, a value or a purpose that deserves loyalty, so the group is not just a crowd. Second, preparation. The commentary advises the wise person to renew their tools and be ready for the unforeseen, because where many come together, friction and surprises follow. Sincerity matters more than size or display; even a small offering counts if it is real. If you feel left out or unsure, reach out, a simple handshake can resolve doubts. If you are leading, earn trust over time rather than demanding it. Gathering is a chance to multiply what one person could do alone, as long as it rests on honest ties.

The judgment

In (the state denoted by) Žhui, the king will repair to his ancestral temple. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man; and then there will be progress and success, though the advantage must come through firm correctness. The use of great victims will conduce to good fortune; and in whatever direction movement is made, it will be advantageous.

Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigram representing the) earth and that for the waters of a marsh raised above it form Žhui. The superior man, in accordance with this, has his weapons of war put in good repair, to be prepared against unforeseen contingencies.

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

In plain words: The lake rises above the earth as water gathers in one place. When people come together, be ready for the unexpected and keep what protects the group in good order.

The six lines

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

Line 1 (bottom)

The first SIX, divided, shows its subject with a sincere desire (for union), but unable to carry it out, so that disorder is brought into the sphere of his union. If he cry out (for help to his proper correlate), all at once (his tears) will give place to smiles. He need not mind (the temporary difficulty); as he goes forward, there will be no error.

You mean well but do not see it through, so you swing between confusion and joining in. Call out for help; one handshake can turn worry into laughter, so go without regret.

Line 2

The second SIX, divided, shows its subject led forward (by his correlate). There will be good fortune, and freedom from error. There is entire sincerity, and in that case (even the small offerings of) the vernal sacrifice are acceptable.

Let yourself be drawn into the group; that brings good fortune. If you are sincere, even a small offering is enough.

Line 3

The third SIX, divided, shows its subject striving after union and seeming to sigh, yet nowhere finding any advantage. If he go forward, he will not err, though there may be some small cause for regret.

You want to join but meet sighs and resistance. Nothing much helps; going to the group is still not wrong, though it brings slight embarrassment.

Line 4

The fourth NINE, undivided, shows its subject in such a state that, if he be greatly fortunate, he will receive no blame.

Great good fortune, without blame. Your effort to bring people together succeeds, as long as it serves the group rather than yourself.

Line 5

The fifth NINE, undivided, shows the union (of all) under its subject in the place of dignity. There will be no error. If any do not have confidence in him, let him see to it that (his virtue) be great, long-continued, and firmly correct, and all occasion for repentance will disappear.

You hold a central place in the gathering, which is no mistake. If some do not trust you yet, keep showing steady, lasting good character and doubt fades.

Line 6 (top)

The topmost SIX, divided, shows its subject sighing and weeping; but there will be no error.

You lament and weep, feeling cut off. Your sorrow is understood and brings no blame; letting it out opens the way back.

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 45 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 45 in love and relationships

In love, this favors bringing your lives together: meeting each other's people, building shared plans, or reconnecting. Be sincere, and make room for both of your circles.

Hexagram 45 for work and decisions

At work, teams or groups are forming. Help build a clear shared aim, prepare for surprises, and earn trust through steady contribution.

Questions