I Ching Hexagram 45 Cui

Hexagram Position Information

• Hexagram Number: Hexagram 45
• Hexagram Name: Cui (Gathering Together)
• Hexagram Image: Tui ☱ above, Kun ☷ below (Lake over Earth)
• Hexagram Nature: A hexagram emphasizing gathering, shared purpose, leadership, and sincere commitment

• Primary Hexagram: Cui (Gathering Together) (Hexagram 45)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Jian / Development (Hexagram 53)
• Inverse Hexagram: Sheng / Pushing Upward (Hexagram 46)
• Complementary Hexagram: Da Chu / Great Taming (Hexagram 26)

A lake gathers above the receptive earth, symbolizing people and resources assembling around a center. Lasting cohesion requires sincere purpose, preparation, and trustworthy leadership.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Gathering Together. Success. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is favorable to see the great person. Success. Favorable to be steadfast and upright.
Using a great sacrificial offering brings good fortune. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The way of Hexagram Gathering Together lies in “gathering with order.” Bringing people together can build momentum and accomplish things, but if virtue and order are lacking, disorder can easily arise instead. At the time of gathering, the noble one must first take precautions and only then pursue development, so that gathering becomes nourishment rather than calamity.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. Initial Six

   There is sincerity, but it does not endure to the end; thus there is disorder, then gathering. If one cries out, a single clasp of the hand turns it into laughter. Do not worry. Going forth brings no blame.

   The first line indicates that if sincerity cannot be maintained to the end, confusion easily results. But if one can turn back in time, the disorder can be resolved, and going forward brings no misfortune. Avoid wavering and divided intentions in action.

2. Six in the Second Place

   Being led brings good fortune, with no blame. Sincerity then makes a simple offering beneficial.

   Holding to the center and what is correct, humbly withdrawing and waiting to be led, brings good fortune. The key lies not in outer form, but in inner sincerity.

3. Six in the Third Place

   Gathering together, sighing together. Nothing is favorable. Going forth brings no blame, though there is slight regret.

   Sighing arises in the midst of gathering, and the heart is uneasy. If one can proceed with humility and compliance, then although there is some small regret, in the end there is no great fault.

4. Nine in the Fourth Place

   Great good fortune. No blame.

   Good fortune comes from gaining the support of the people, yet the position is not quite fitting. One can only remain free of misfortune, and it is difficult to achieve great merit. It is better to restrain one's sharpness.

5. Nine in the Fifth Place

   Gathering together in one's rightful place. No blame. If there is no trust, supreme and enduring steadfastness causes regret to vanish.

   One occupies an honored position but has not yet won the hearts of the people. One must establish virtue through the right way, and only then can regret be dispelled.

6. Top Six

   Sighing and weeping, with tears and running nose. No blame.

   One is placed high yet stands alone, lamenting and shedding tears. But because one understands one's situation and does not cling greedily to the position, in the end there can be no misfortune.

Guidance for Everyday Life

Keywords and overall guidance:

• Fortune: Auspicious luck is flourishing, but do not forget danger in times of peace
• Wealth: Wealth gathers and disperses; cooperation is beneficial
• Career: Strength lies in numbers; it is best to win people over through virtue
• Love and marriage: Do not rush for quick results; let mutual affection grow
• Health: Guard against dampness and discomfort in the chest and abdomen

Mind-body state:

The above content is for daily self-care reference only; if physical or emotional discomfort persists or worsens, please consult a qualified medical or mental health professional first.

One-Sentence Reminder

Gather people around a sincere shared purpose, strengthen trust through good leadership, and prepare carefully for what comes next.