Gathering Together
Lake over earth, the image of gathering, the moment when many come to one center.
Gathering together. The king approaches his temple. Furthering to see the great person. Success.
Lake on the earth, the image of gathering together. The superior person prepares against unforeseen events.
In plain terms: Hexagram 45, "Gathering Together", is one of the 64 symbols in the I Ching — an ancient Chinese book you consult for guidance, a bit like asking a wise advisor. Its core message: lake over earth, the image of gathering, the moment when many come to one center..
Modern Interpretation
A gathering hexagram about the moment when many converge on one center. Lake gathers on earth; the receptive collects the moving water. The classical counsel is to honor the gathering with proper ritual, to recognize the leader who can hold the gathering together, and to prepare against the disorder that always accompanies large convergence. In modern terms this is the founding conference, the wedding, the inauguration; the moment when many come together and the question is whether the center can hold.
Application by Life Domain
Hold the relationship clearly during gatherings. Public moments concentrate either bond or fracture; choose.
Convene. The moment to gather is now. Prepare logistics carefully; large gatherings without preparation generate disorder.
Yes, gather. But prepare for the disorder that comes with concentration.
Practice the discipline of holding many. Prepare against the unforeseen.
The Trigrams of This Hexagram
Upper: Dui (兑)
Lake, the Joyous, openness and exchange. In Five Element terms: Yin Metal.
Lower: Kun (坤)
Earth, the Receptive, pure receptivity. In Five Element terms: Yin Earth.
Other Hexagrams
Browse other hexagrams in the I Ching sequence.