Hexagram 7: The Army

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 7 in plain words

Earth sits above water. Water is stored beneath the ground, just as a strong force can lie hidden within ordinary people until it is needed. Tradition reads this as the army: the many, gathered and organized for a shared aim. The single strong line in the second place stands for the capable leader who works among the troops, supported by the yielding ruler above who trusts them.

In your situation, the message is about order and authority used well. A group effort, a big task, or a demanding season of work needs a clear structure, honest goals, and someone experienced at the helm. Discipline matters, but so does the reason behind it: people follow with heart only when the cause is fair. Be careful about who is given responsibility; the wrong person in charge can spoil a good effort. Act with firmness, plan before moving, and keep your aim clear. This is not a time for chaos or for everyone doing as they please. It is a time to organize, lead or follow well, and keep the whole group moving as one.

The judgment

Sze indicates how, in the case which it supposes, with firmness and correctness, and (a leader of) age and experience, there will be good fortune and no error.

Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigram representing) the earth and in the midst of it that representing water, form Sze. The superior man, in accordance with this, nourishes and educates the people, and collects (from among them) the multitudes (of the hosts).

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

In plain words: Water lies hidden inside the earth, a reserve that is there when needed. Look after the people around you and build their trust now, so they stand with you when it counts.

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 the host going forth according to the rules (for such a movement). If these be not good, there will be evil.

An army must set out in good order. Start with clear rules and a sound plan, or the effort goes wrong from the start.

Line 2

The second NINE, undivided, shows (the leader) in the midst of the host. There will be good fortune and no error. The king has thrice conveyed to him the orders (of his favour).

You are in the middle of the effort, with the trust of those above you. Good fortune: lead from among the group and your work is recognized.

Line 3

The third SIX, divided, shows how the host may, possibly, have many inefficient leaders. There will be evil.

The wagon may come back carrying the fallen. Divided command or the wrong person in charge leads to failure: settle who leads.

Line 4

The fourth SIX, divided, shows the host in retreat. There is no error.

The army retreats. Pulling back when the position cannot be held is wise, not a fault.

Line 5

The fifth SIX, divided, shows birds in the fields, which it will be advantageous to seize (and destroy). In that case there will be no error. If the oldest son leads the host, and younger men (idly occupy offices assigned to them), however firm and correct he may be, there will be evil.

There is a real problem in the field to deal with, and it is right to act. Give the lead to the experienced person; if the inexperienced take charge, it ends badly.

Line 6 (top)

The topmost SIX, divided, shows the great ruler delivering his charges, (appointing some) to be rulers of states, and others to undertake the headship of clans; but small men should not be employed (in such positions).

The task is done and rewards are handed out. Recognize good work fairly, but do not hand real authority to people who lack the character for it.

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 7 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 7 in love and relationships

In love, this hexagram suggests the relationship needs clearer roles and shared goals. Decide together who handles what, and treat challenges as a team rather than as rivals.

Hexagram 7 for work and decisions

For work, this is a time for structure: plan the project, assign responsibilities, and rely on experienced leadership. Discipline and a fair, shared purpose carry the effort through.

Questions