I Ching hexagram
8. Holding Together
比Bǐ
Water over Earth
Also called The Symbol of Subaltern Assistance, Union, Unity, Grouping, Alliance, Co-ordination, Leadership, Merging (as with tributaries of a river), Seeking Union, Unification, Accord, Subservience, Individuation, Integration
Hexagram 8, Holding Together (比 Bǐ) is formed by Water over Earth. It is also known as The Symbol of Subaltern Assistance, Union, Unity, Grouping, Alliance, Co-ordination, Leadership, Merging (as with tributaries of a river).
Legge
Read as
The judgment
Legge
吉。原筮元永貞，无咎。不寧方來，後夫凶。
Holding Together indicates good fortune, but let the querent re-examine himself by divination whether his virtue is great, un-intermitting and firm. If so, there will be no error. Those who are ready will then join him, but those who delay will meet with misfortune.
The six lines
line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yin
有孚比之，无咎。有孚盈缶，終來有他，吉。
A genuine and straightforward demeanor serves as a solid foundation for building connections. This approach will naturally draw people to you, and you might experience some unexpected good fortune.
- Line 2Yin
比之自內，貞吉。
Listen to your inner voice, uphold your principles, and adhere to what you truly believe. This integrity will make you appealing to others. However, seeking validation from them could diminish your self-respect.
- Line 3Yin
比之匪人。
The individuals around you aren't the right fit at this moment. It's wise to maintain a friendly presence without getting too close. Showing loyalty to this group might tarnish your reputation down the line.
- Line 4Yin
外比之，貞吉。
You have a strong connection with the core of your community, possibly its leader. While you should express your support openly, remember to stay true to yourself and not lose your identity in your commitments.
- Line 5Yang
顯比，王用三驅，失前禽。邑人不誡，吉。
You can rely on destiny to align you with people who will support your growth. There is a natural chemistry here, a favorable climate for achievement, making this an excellent time for progress.
- Line 6Yin
比之无首，凶。
The opportunity for unity has passed. From the start, something was off, and all efforts to join forces were met with failure. Reflect on the situation to understand where things went wrong.
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 8 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.