Yi Jing · Chinese tarot
The Army
Hexagram 7 of the Yi Jing · 师 Shī
The figure
Earth above Water: the mass that contains danger, the groundwater gathered beneath the soil. The image of a disciplined force.
What this figure illuminates
The Army lights up moments that call for organization and discipline — not to dominate, but to lead a collective effort rightly. Disordered force scatters; ordered force carries.
For a decision, the figure questions how you mobilize: “do I have a clear direction, a discipline and a legitimacy to lead — myself as much as others?”.
The classical text
The Judgment
The host requires firmness, correctness, and a seasoned leader. With these, good fortune and no error.
The Image
Water gathered within the earth — strength held in reserve. Seeing this, the noble person nourishes the people, and so gathers their strength.
The Six Lines
- First line
The host sets out; all depends on order and discipline. Without them, even a good cause turns to evil.
- Second line
The leader stands in the midst of the host — good fortune, no error. Trust is confirmed, honor granted again and again.
- Third line
Too many hands command the host, or it carries home its dead. Divided leadership: misfortune.
- Fourth line
The host draws back in good order. To retreat when you must is no error.
- Fifth line
Game is in the field — it is right to act, and without blame. But let the seasoned lead; hand command to the unready and, however correct, it ends in misfortune.
- Sixth line
When the campaign is over, honors are shared out. Reward each fairly — but never place small-minded people in charge.
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
Do you have the direction and discipline to lead this effort?
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