Hexagram 45 — Gathering Together (萃)
A clear, modern reading of I Ching hexagram 45—Gathering Together (Cuì): Community forms around a shared center.
Cui is gathering — lake above earth, all things collect. The king approaches the temple with great offering; put away weapons, guard against stagnation; gather openly, don't close off.
The Judgment
亨。王假有庙，利见大人，亨，利贞。用大牲吉，利有攸往。
Hēng. Wáng jiǎ yǒu miào, lì jiàn dà rén, hēng, lì zhēn. Yòng dà shēng jí, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.
“Success. The king approaches the temple. Seek the great person. Perseverance furthers. Great offering brings good fortune.”
In plain terms: Community forms around a shared center.
The Image
泽上于地，萃；君子以除戎器，慎戒否闭。
Zé shàng yú dì, cuì; jūnzǐ yǐ chú róng qì, shèn jiè pǐ bì.
“Lake above earth — the noble person puts away weapons and guards against closure and stagnation.”
The Image invites us to translate the hexagram's symbolism into practical conduct—not superstitious fortune-telling.
Six Lines (Brief)
- Sincerity not complete — chaos then gathering; one clasp brings laughter; no blame.
- Drawn in — good fortune; simple offering suffices.
- Gathering with sighs — nothing favorable; small regret.
- Great good fortune, no blame.
- Gathering in place — no blame; supreme lasting steadfastness removes regret.
- Sighing and weeping — no blame.
In Daily Life
When Gathering Together appears in reflection, consider:
- Gather at the temple — unite with sincerity
- Put away weapons — gather without fighting
- Guard against closure — flow, don't stagnate
Practical scenarios:
- Team gathering — position rightly; great fortune
- Industry conference — sincere assembly with leaders
- Closed community — guard against stagnation
Spatial Note (Feng Shui)
In feng shui, Gathering Together is often associated with the Southwest and the Earth phase.
Lower Kun (southwest) and upper Dui (west). Lake above earth — gathering southwest, joyful west for open assembly.
Related Hexagrams
A Closing Thought
Gathering Together reminds us: Community forms around a shared center. What is this pattern asking of you right now?