Hexagram 45

Cuì / Gathering Together

萃 — Assembly
Upper: Lake (兑) ☱  |  Lower: Earth (坤) ☷

Basic Information

AttributeDetails
Chinese Name萃 (Cuì)
English NameGathering Together / Assembly
TrigramsLake over Earth (兑上坤下)
Number45 of 64

The Text (Yijing Classic)

Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)

Gathering Together. Success. The king approaches his temple. It furthers one to see the great man. This brings success. Perseverance furthers. To bring great offerings creates good fortune. It furthers one to undertake something.

The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)

Over the earth, the lake: the image of Gathering Together. Thus the superior man renews his weapons in order to meet the unforeseen.

The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)

LinePositionTextInterpretation
初六BottomIf you are sincere, but not to the end, there will sometimes be confusion, sometimes gathering together. If you call out, then after one grasp of the hand you can laugh again. Regret not. Going is without blame.Reflect carefully on the situation before acting
六二2ndLetting oneself be drawn brings good fortune and remains blameless. If one is sincere, it furthers one to bring even a small offering.Favorable outcome; stay the course
六三3rdGathering together amid sighs. Nothing that would further. Going is without blame. Slight humiliation.Overstepping brings shame; know your place
九四4thGreat good fortune. No blame.Favorable outcome; stay the course
九五5thIf in gathering together one has position, this brings no blame. If there are some who are not yet sincerely in the work, sublime and enduring perseverance is needed. Then remorse disappears.Acceptable situation; no error in this approach
上六TopLamenting and sighing, floods of tears. No blame.Acceptable situation; no error in this approach

Core Meanings

Essence (本质)

  • Lake over earth; people gathering together around shared purpose
  • Upper trigram Lake (joyous and open) over lower trigram Earth (receptive and nurturing)
  • Embodies the qualities of gathering, assembly, community and worship, preparation, unity

Keywords

GatheringAssemblyCommunityWorshipPreparationUnity

Divination & Prediction

★★★★☆Auspicious
AspectPrediction
OverallFavorable conditions ahead. Lake over earth; people gathering together around shared purpose Channel the energy of gathering and assembly for maximum benefit.
TimingConditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence.
ChallengeMaintain focus on community to avoid complacency in favorable times.

Applications in Life

Business & Career

In business, this hexagram counsels gathering and assembly. The Lake trigram above suggests joyous and open energy in your outer dealings, while the Earth trigram below points to receptive and nurturing foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.

Health & Wellness

Focus on mouth and respiratory and stomach and digestion. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.

Relationships

In relationships, embody gathering and assembly. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.

Education & Growth

For learning, this hexagram emphasizes community and worship. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.

Practical Wisdom

Do

  • Cultivate gathering in all your actions
  • Practice assembly consistently
  • Embrace community as your guiding principle
  • Develop worship through daily practice

Don’t

  • Neglect the importance of preparation
  • Abandon unity under pressure
  • Act impulsively without considering consequences

Comparative Hexagrams

HexagramRelationship
46. Shēng (升)Pushing Upward — organized ascent
8. Bǐ (比)Holding Together — smaller scale unity
17. Suí (随)Following — what draws people together

Sample Reading Dialogue

Querent: “Should I organize a large community event?”
You received Hexagram 45, Gathering Together. The judgment says: 'Gathering Together. Success. The king approaches his temple. It furthers one to ...' Lake over earth; people gathering together around shared purpose This is a favorable sign. The energy of gathering supports your intention. Move forward with community, but remain mindful of proper timing.