Hexagram 45, Cuì (Gathering Together): Line 3

萃卦六三 · 泽地萃 · 中文版

六三:萃如,嗟如,无攸利,往无咎,小吝。

The line (Legge)

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.

Small Image commentary

'If he go forward, he will not err:' - in the subject of the topmost line there is humility and condescension.

象曰:往无咎,上巽也。

In plain words

Wanting to gather but sighing for want of company: nothing is gained; going on is no fault, only slight regret. The third line is neither central nor correct and has no partner above, so it can only attach itself to the top line. The Small Image says going on is without fault because the top line is willing to receive it.

Applying it to your situation

If you want to fit into a group but cannot find your place, this line suggests seeking out someone willing to take you in. Who might welcome you?

Position

A broken (yin) line in the third place, which is a yang (odd) place, so it is not in its proper place. Its partner is line 6; both are yin, so they do not respond.

If this line moves

With this line moving alone, Cuì changes into Hexagram 31 Xián (Influence). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·萃之咸.

The hexagram

Hexagram 45 Cuì (Gathering Together). The Judgment: In (the state denoted by) Cui, 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.

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English text: James Legge, The Yi King (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882), public domain, as transcribed by the Chinese Text Project. Chinese: the received text. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction. Plain-English readings and position notes by this site.

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