Situational Guidance
The Bi hexagram tells us that humans are social animals and cannot exist in isolation. Learning how to establish intimate connections with others sincerely and intelligently is the most important lesson in our lives.
Hexagram 8
Holding Together (Union)
Closeness, assistance, solidarity and cooperation
The Bi hexagram tells us that humans are social animals and cannot exist in isolation. Learning how to establish intimate connections with others sincerely and intelligently is the most important lesson in our lives.
Trigram Structure
䷇, Kan above, Kun below
Palace：坤
Key Themes
Closeness, assistance, solidarity and cooperation
Judgement
Bi: Ji. Yuan Zhen, Yuan Yongzhen, no fault. Unrest comes only when the future husband is fierce.
Natural Symbolism
Rivers flowing over the earth, water penetrating into the soil.
Associated Objects
Glue, magnets, ropes, team photos, rings.
Life Application & Summary
The Bi hexagram tells us that humans are social animals and cannot exist in isolation. Learning how to establish intimate connections with others sincerely and intelligently is the most important lesson in our lives.
Line-by-line Interpretation
Line 1
There is no fault in comparing it with others. If there is Fu Yingfou, he will eventually be there, which is auspicious.
Guidance
Approaching others with sincerity in heart is the right choice, and there will be no disaster.
Modern Insight
This is the foundation of all relationships—sincerity. Your sincerity is not a means, but your inner quality. When you treat others with a pure heart, you will naturally attract true friends and partners; good results are just a matter of time.
Line 2
Compared with from within, it is chaste and auspicious.
Guidance
Sincere closeness from the heart, maintaining the right path, brings fortune.
Modern Insight
True connection comes from inner recognition and appreciation, not from utility or calculation. When you follow a leader or befriend someone because you genuinely admire them, such a relationship can be stable and bring you good fortune.
Line 3
Compared to bandits.
Guidance
Approaching those who should not be approached will bring disaster.
Modern Insight
This is a concise yet stern warning. On the path of life, choosing who to walk with is crucial. If you find yourself in a circle full of negative energy and bad character, or following a wrong leader, this is reminding you: leave immediately! Associating with "bandits" will only drag you into the mud.
Line 4
Externally, he is more virtuous and chaste.
Guidance
Express loyalty to a wise ruler, maintain the right path, and you will gain fortune.
Modern Insight
As a subject or subordinate, your wisdom lies in knowing how to follow the right person. Actively approach capable and virtuous leaders, loyally assist them—this is the shortcut to realizing self-worth and achieving success.
Line 5
Xianbi, the king uses three drives, loses the previous bird, and the people of the city do not follow the rules, which is auspicious.
Guidance
Open and aboveboard closeness, not forcing, letting nature take its course—the way of a king.
Modern Insight
This is the highest leadership art—inspiration rather than control. A true leader builds a team through broad-mindedness and great charisma. He does not force or threaten, but gives members full freedom and trust. Such "manifest closeness" can win the most loyal followers.
Line 6
Compared with being headless, it is more fierce.
Guidance
No way to approach, too late, missing the opportunity, dangerous.
Modern Insight
This is the end of the Bi hexagram, and also a tragedy. When everyone has already formed alliances, you belatedly want to join, but the team has long since departed, and the door of opportunity has closed. This warns us that building relationships must be decisive and timely. Hesitation and observation will only make you miss opportunities and ultimately be abandoned by the times.
