The 45th Hexagram of the I Ching: Cuì (萃卦)
Symbolism of the Cuì Hexagram: Lake over Earth
The Cuì Hexagram (萃卦) is composed of Duì (兑) below and Kūn (坤) above. Duì represents the Lake or Marsh, symbolizing water, while Kūn represents Earth, symbolizing receptivity and nourishment. This arrangement symbolizes water accumulating on the earth, creating a lake that nourishes everything around it, leading to abundant growth and prosperity. However, just as water can nourish crops, it can also flood and cause destruction, so this hexagram reminds us to be prepared for potential overflows.
From another perspective, Duì symbolizes joy, and Kūn represents receptivity. This combination indicates that when Earth follows the natural order, it will bring about happiness and joy, leading to a gathering of positive energy.
Interpretation from Duàn Yì Tiānjī (断易天机)
The Cuì Hexagram is formed by Duì (兑) above and Kūn (坤) below, representing a gathering of water on Earth to nourish all living things, which benefits the people. When this hexagram appears, it is favorable to meet influential people, and making offerings using large livestock is also auspicious.
Interpretation by Song Dynasty Scholar Shao Yong (北宋易学家邵雍)
This hexagram represents abundance and prosperity, where things are gathering and flourishing. It is a time of good fortune, where one is likely to receive help from influential people, leading to success. Prosperity and wealth are assured, but one should remain cautious and vigilant.
Interpretation by Taiwanese Scholar Fu Pei-Rong (台湾国学大儒傅佩荣)
- Timing: Peaceful times should not be taken for granted, as preparing for potential dangers will ensure worry-free success.
- Financial Luck: There are signs of wealth accumulation, with both growth and dispersal present.
- Home Life: Be cautious of water damage to your home; maintain personal integrity and care.
- Health: Be mindful of excess fluid in the chest and abdomen, and take steps to manage it.
Traditional Interpretation of the Cuì Hexagram
The Cuì Hexagram consists of Duì (兑) below and Kūn (坤) above. The image is of water gathering on Earth, which nourishes and strengthens the growth of crops. This symbolizes prosperity, unity, and cooperation. However, it also warns that excessive accumulation of water could lead to flooding and crisis. The key is to act with humility, follow natural laws, and work in harmony to avoid potential conflicts.
Big Picture
Cuì represents gathering or unification. When water collects in a marsh, it nourishes and helps things grow. Similarly, when people work together, they can create something prosperous and beneficial for all. This hexagram encourages cooperation, unity, and careful management to avoid the potential dangers of over-expansion.
Fortune
This hexagram indicates good fortune and prosperity, especially when one receives guidance from elders or influential figures. However, it also advises caution in handling financial matters to avoid disputes or conflicts.
Career
Success and prosperity are on the horizon, but competition will be fierce, and there will be many who vie for the same opportunities. Be cautious of becoming complacent, as success can lead to downfall if one becomes arrogant. Focus on humility and steady progress while seizing new business opportunities. Leadership and integrity will be key to sustaining long-term growth.
Business
This hexagram suggests the importance of collaboration and sincerity in business dealings. Helping others and working together will ensure prosperity. As markets evolve, bold and careful expansion is advised. Stay prepared, avoid unnecessary risks, and look for reliable partners to foster growth.
Seeking Fame
Relying solely on personal effort may not yield the desired outcome. It’s essential to seek help and support from others. By combining your efforts with the right conditions and assistance, you will be able to reach your ideal goals.
Marriage and Relationships
Do not rush into relationships; take the time to understand one another deeply. Mutual love and respect will bring lasting happiness and fulfillment.
Decision Making
This hexagram suggests strong leadership abilities, but it emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration. Be open-minded, and keep your vision broad. Lead with integrity, staying true to your principles while being patient and considerate with others. When faced with opposition, reflect on yourself and learn from the experience. If you approach life with a balanced and humble mindset, peace and success will follow.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Cuì Hexagram
Line Text:
Chū liù (初六): Yǒu fú bù zhōng, nǎi luàn nǎi cuì; ruò hào, yī wò wéi xiào; wù xù, wǎng wú jiù.
Translation:
“If sincerity towards the divine is not maintained consistently, various troubles will arise and gather together. People will cry out loudly, but a simple handshake can turn anger into laughter. There is no need to worry; if you proceed, there will be no misfortune.”
Explanation:
This line suggests that when one’s sincerity is fleeting, disorder and confusion may arise. However, resolving conflicts or anger is not difficult—simple gestures of goodwill, like shaking hands or showing kindness, can restore harmony. There is no need to worry if you proceed with your actions, as there is no disaster awaiting you.
Reminder when this line is cast:
- You may feel distracted and unable to fully focus on your path. Your life may feel incomplete, and your actions may not be entirely successful.
- Like an ox trying to walk through water, you may face difficulties, and your way may seem unclear.
- What starts with one mind may be divided into two, and what begins as a single task may multiply into more.
- Success will not come easily, and you will need to maintain both physical and mental balance to overcome obstacles.
Changing Hexagram for Line 1
When Chū liù (初六) changes, it becomes The 17th Hexagram: Zé Léi Suí (泽雷随).
This hexagram is formed by Zhèn (震), representing thunder (movement), and Duì (兑), representing the lake or joy. It symbolizes the movement that brings joy and indicates the importance of following the natural order and the way of things. In this hexagram, Suí (随) refers to following and aligning with others, allowing mutual cooperation based on principles and strength of character.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Cuì Hexagram
Line Text:
Liù èr (六二): Yǐn jí, wú jiù; fú nǎi lì yòng niè.
Translation:
“Retreating and yielding brings good fortune, with no harm; with sincerity in your heart, even small offerings can bring good results.”
Explanation:
This line emphasizes that humility and retreating in the face of challenges will bring favorable results. As long as you are sincere, even small gestures, like minor ritual offerings, will be seen as meaningful and bring blessings. It reflects the power of inner sincerity over outward actions.
Reminder when this line is cast:
- Abundant prosperity and success are achievable through sincerity and humility.
- When you align with your path, happiness and recognition will naturally follow.
- The appearance of influential figures or the recognition of your efforts can lead to good fortune.
- Keep your intentions pure, and even small efforts will be met with divine favor.
- If sorrow arises, do not dwell on it, as change is coming, and fortune will eventually smile upon you.
Changing Hexagram for Line 2
When Liù èr (六二) changes, it becomes The 47th Hexagram: Zé Shuǐ Kùn (泽水困).
This hexagram is formed by Kǎn (坎), representing danger or obstacles, and Duì (兑), representing joy or satisfaction. It symbolizes a time of being trapped or limited by circumstances, where progress may feel difficult, but perseverance and adherence to the right path will lead to success and freedom from adversity.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Cuì Hexagram
Line Text:
Liù sān (六三): Cuì rú jiē rú, wú yōu lì; wǎng wú jiù, xiǎo lìn.
Translation:
“Gathering leads to sighs, with no benefit; however, acting will not result in disaster, though there will be some small difficulties.”
Explanation:
This line suggests that while coming together may initially seem like a burdensome or unproductive effort, action itself will not lead to disaster. However, small troubles may arise along the way. It encourages taking action despite the initial obstacles, as it will ultimately lead to progress.
Reminder when this line is cast:
- There is a sense of frustration or dissatisfaction as you strive to move forward.
- Seeking help or relying on others may not yield quick results, but there is no major harm in continuing.
- Your parents or mentors might provide guidance during this time, but you may feel overwhelmed by challenges.
- Positive news may come from an unexpected source, and change is on the horizon, so remain open.
- Even though things might feel strained, they are not without hope. With the right approach, you can overcome obstacles.
Changing Hexagram for Line 3
When Liù sān (六三) changes, it becomes The 31st Hexagram: Zé Shān Xián (泽山咸).
This hexagram is formed by Gèn (艮), representing the mountain (stillness), and Duì (兑), representing the lake (joy). It symbolizes the interaction between the static and the dynamic, where influence and attraction are mutual, and success is achieved through reciprocal action and communication.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Cuì Hexagram
Line Text:
Jiǔ sì (九四): Dà jí, wú jiù.
Translation:
“Great fortune, no misfortune.”
Explanation:
This line signifies that only when everything aligns perfectly in great fortune and prosperity can one avoid misfortune. It reflects an auspicious time, where good things are in place, and no harm will come as long as the favorable conditions are maintained.
Reminder when this line is cast:
- While the situation may seem favorable, be cautious of springtime dreams or illusions that might seem perfect but bring unforeseen troubles.
- Like a cow grazing under the stars, everything seems calm, but potential complications may be approaching, as not all is settled.
- Though the moon may be full and flowers bloom again, do not relax your vigilance.
- If you stop, things will pause; do not take sudden action or destructive measures.
Changing Hexagram for Line 4
When Jiǔ sì (九四) changes, it becomes The 8th Hexagram: Shuǐ Dì Bǐ (水地比).
This hexagram is formed by Kūn (坤), representing the Earth, and Kǎn (坎), representing water. The water relies on the Earth, just as the Earth nourishes water—illustrating mutual support and interdependence. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation, humility, and unity, symbolizing the principle of harmonious interdependence. This hexagram is the opposite of the Shī (师) hexagram, and they complement each other, conveying the idea of mutual support, loyalty, and collective strength.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Cuì Hexagram
Line Text:
Jiǔ wǔ (九五): Cuì yǒu wèi, wú jiù, fěi fú; yuán yǒng zhēn; huǐ wáng.
Translation:
“When the gathering is in its rightful place, there will be no misfortune, though there is a lack of sincerity. If one steadfastly adheres to righteousness and promotes virtue, regret will vanish.”
Explanation:
This line suggests that when the right people gather in the right place, fortune will favor them, even if there is a lack of sincerity initially. However, true success lies in maintaining steadfast principles and adhering to righteousness, which will prevent regret. It emphasizes the importance of integrity and moral fortitude to ensure long-term success and peace of mind.
Reminder when this line is cast:
- Having kept a low profile for many years, now is the time to rise and shine like the full moon in the sky.
- Like waiting for the rooster’s crow to signal the dawn, your reputation will spread far and wide, and your name will reach all corners.
- When leaders come together in harmony, great fortune will be achieved.
- Stay on the righteous path to avoid difficulties or stagnation.
- Be mindful of the ups and downs of life—communication can stir up confusion or misunderstanding.
- Though the journey may be long and filled with uncertainty, good news and recognition will eventually come.
Changing Hexagram for Line 5
When Jiǔ wǔ (九五) changes, it becomes The 16th Hexagram: Léi Dì Yù (雷地豫).
This hexagram is formed by Kūn (坤), representing the Earth, and Zhèn (震), representing thunder (movement). Thunder strikes in due course, signaling the return of spring and new beginnings. The movement, based on harmony and proper timing, is a source of joy and prosperity. This hexagram is the complementary opposite of Qiān (谦), promoting interaction and mutual encouragement.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Cuì Hexagram
Line Text:
Shàng liù (上六): Jī cí tī xī, wú jiù.
Translation:
“Sadness and sighs, crying and shedding tears, but there is no misfortune.”
Explanation:
This line suggests a moment of deep emotional turmoil and sadness, where one might feel overwhelmed with grief and despair. However, despite these emotions, no real harm or misfortune will come from them. It reflects the cyclical nature of emotions, where feelings of sorrow may arise but ultimately do not lead to negative outcomes.
Reminder when this line is cast:
- Joy may turn into sorrow unexpectedly, and what seemed like a joyful period may turn melancholic.
- Tears shed in sorrow will not result in major setbacks, but the situation still requires careful management and self-awareness.
- The unexpected might still happen—like a dragon flying from the sky—and though the storm is difficult, it may ultimately bring transformation.
- There may be hidden challenges to face, and the route will be full of uncertainty. Move forward cautiously and use external forces or opportunities to aid your progress.
Changing Hexagram for Line 6
When Shàng liù (上六) changes, it becomes The 12th Hexagram: Tiāndì Pǐ (天地否).
This hexagram is formed by Kūn (坤), representing the Earth, and Qián (乾), representing Heaven. It symbolizes a period of blockage and difficulty, where the forces of Heaven and Earth are not in alignment, causing stagnation and obstacles. This hexagram conveys the idea of a time when things are at their lowest point, but it also suggests that change will eventually come as conditions shift. The ebb and flow of fortune, where one extreme leads to the other, highlights the importance of patience and resilience.