I Ching hexagram

13. Union of Forces

同人Tóng Rén

Heaven over Fire

Also called Fellowship with Men, The Symbol of Companionship, Lovers, Beloved Friends, Like-minded persons, Concording People, Gathering Men, Sameness with People, Universal Brotherhood, Fellowship, Community, United, Human Association, Union of Men, Integration of Forces, Minor Synthesis, Cliques, Concordance, To Be In Accord With, Confirmation

Image for hexagram 13, Union of Forces

Hexagram 13, Union of Forces (同人 Tóng Rén) is formed by Heaven over Fire. It is also known as Fellowship with Men, The Symbol of Companionship, Lovers, Beloved Friends, Like-minded persons, Concording People, Gathering Men, Sameness with People.

Legge

Read as

The judgment

Legge

同人于野,亨。利涉大川,利君子貞。

Union of Forces appears 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.

The six lines

line 1 is at the bottom

  1. Line 1Yang

    同人于門,无咎。

    The current circumstances allow a group of people to come together with shared goals. This marks the start of a collective effort, and as long as everyone remains aligned, things will go smoothly.

  2. Line 2Yin

    同人于宗,吝。

    There is a risk of becoming elitist and exclusive, which can limit society as a whole. This kind of self-centered mindset will eventually lead to regret.

  3. Line 3Yang

    伏戎于莽,升其高陵,三歲不興。

    Those involved may have self-serving interests and conflicting goals, which is unfortunate. If trust breaks down, progress will stall, and nothing will come from the situation unless goals are realigned.

  4. Line 4Yang

    乘其墉,弗克攻,吉。

    Focusing too much on your own ambitions can isolate you from others. The more you chase your own dreams, the more distant you become from your community. Eventually, this loneliness will make you reconsider your path. Good fortune awaits.

  5. Line 5Yang

    同人,先號咷而後笑。大師克相遇。

    The challenges you face are causing you distress. By voicing your feelings, you may find that others share your sentiments. Together, you can overcome difficulties and discover joy in your unity.

  6. Line 6Yang

    同人于郊,无悔。

    While the potential for unity and collaboration exists, it may not significantly address broader societal needs. However, even small acts of joining with others can be beneficial.

When this hexagram changes

These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.

Use this hexagram in a reading

These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 13 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings. The throw uses the odds of three coins: how a reading is cast.

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