Yi Jing · Chinese tarot
Gathering
Hexagram 45 of the Yi Jing · 萃 Cuì
The figure
The Lake above the Earth: water gathering on the ground, what collects at a single point. The image of gathering, of force brought together.
What this figure illuminates
Gathering lights up the moments when scattered forces unite around a center. But gathering carries a risk: a crowd without direction unravels or runs away; a clear axis is needed.
For a decision, the figure questions the rallying point: “around what am I gathering — a clear aim, or only an emotion that won't hold?”.
The classical text
The Judgment
Gathering: the king draws near to the temple of the ancestors. It furthers to seek the great person; there is progress through what is upright. Great offerings bring good fortune, and it furthers to undertake something.
The Image
The lake gathers upon the earth, waters massing together. Seeing this, the noble person keeps their defenses in good order against the unexpected.
The Six Lines
- First line
You long to join but waver, and things fall into confusion. Cry out honestly for your own, and what scattered gathers again — go, without error.
- Second line
Drawn gently into the gathering, not forcing your way. Good fortune, and no error — even a small, sincere offering is enough.
- Third line
Longing to belong and finding no place, you sigh. Yet go toward the worthy above — a little humbling, but no error.
- Fourth line
You gather others around a good cause, not your own. Only if it is truly for the greater good is there good fortune and no blame.
- Fifth line
The gathering forms around you in your rightful place — no error. For those not yet won over, hold steadily to what is true, and regret fades.
- Sixth line
Left at the edge, sighing and in tears, longing to belong. Let your grief be seen honestly, and there is no error.
Daoa's wording, written after the classical reference translations, now in the public domain: James Legge (1882) and Charles de Harlez (1889).
A question to keep
Around what are you gathering — a clear aim, or a passing emotion?
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