Above; a pool of water, joy
Below; Earth, the passive

This hexagram is related both in its form and its significance to hexagram 8 ( Pi – Seeking Unity), In Pi, dangerous deep water is over the earth. In Cui the water has gathered together into a pool, fulfilling the search for unity represented by Pi.
Cui symbolizes congregation, assembling together, union. A strong yang line occupies the fifth position, the place of the ruler. Hence the meaning of union. The king makes his way to the ancestral temple to make his offerings to the spirits of his forbears and so secure the prosperity of his people. Congregation is implied in the meeting with the great man. Persistence is necessary for the purpose of putting matters to right. Sacrifices must be made in accordance with the rules of heaven. By observing the way in which all things congregate together we learn to understand the inner nature of all things in earth and in heaven.
Above the earth, a pool of water gathering. The Superior Man accordingly makes ready his weapons forearmed against the unforeseen and the unexpected.

Line 1

Sincerity, but without pertinacity sometimes brings disorder. At times, union. He cried out. A grasping hand made him laugh again. No regrets. Go forward without blame.
People congregate seeking a leader. But there are so many of them that they cannot make a common decision as each is influenced by the opinions of the others. But if they recognize their dilemma, their cry for help will be heard. Reassurance from their prospective leader is sufficient to bring unity.

Line 2

Let yourself be drawn forward assuring good fortune and no blame. If you are sincere even a small sacrifice is acceptable.
There are subliminal forces that bring men together and by accepting and yielding to these forces, we gain fortune and avoid all blame. Those who congregate in this way understand one another without any necessity for explanations or formalities, just as the supreme being is satisfied with the smallest offering from a man whose heart is true.

Line 3

The congregation is sad, for no destination seems favourable. Yet going forward brings no blame. Only a little regret.
Sometimes a man discovers that the group with whom he had hoped to join is without any sense of direction. It is better for him, then, even though he may suffer some pain, to advance in his own way, as long as he is convinced that it is right.

Line 4

Great good fortune. No blame.
This is the fourth line, the place of the minister. It represents a man who gathers people around him in the service of his prince. He is striving, not for himself but for the good of the people, and so his work is crowned with success.

Line 5

In his high position he gathers people together. No blame. If some have no confidence in him let him persevere in virtue and dispose of all regrets.
There may be those who gather about a man solely because of his influential position and not because they have confidence in him. His only course is to gain their confidence by his example of unswerving devotion to duty.

Line 6

Sighing and weeping, but no blame.
When the hounourable intentions of a man are misunderstood, he will be sad that he has not brought others together. But the fault is not his and he is not to be blamed.

© 1979 Neil Powell

Back To Top

Hexagram 46

Hexagram 44

Back to Consult Page Back to Link Page I Ching Mainpage