Hexagram 13
Fellowship with Men
同人 (Tóng Rén)
Heaven over Fire
Hexagram 13 combines the trigram of Heaven (Ch'ien) above and Fire (Li) below. Fire's nature is to flame upwards towards the heavens. This symbolizes a natural, shared impulse towards clarity, consciousness, and higher principles. It represents people coming together in the light of a common, universally understood goal, transcending individual differences.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The judgment points to success found in public, transparent community. True fellowship is not about secret societies or exclusive cliques, but about open-hearted association under a shared, clear purpose. This kind of unity creates the strength needed to undertake great challenges ("cross the great water"). Success requires the steadfast perseverance of a person with high ideals, one who can lead and inspire others toward this common vision.
The Image (象传)
The image of fire reaching for heaven inspires the wise leader. Just as fire illuminates and heaven provides order, the leader brings clarity and structure to the community. They "organize the clans" by grouping people according to their natural affinities and shared interests, and "distinguish the things" by clarifying goals, roles, and principles. This creates a well-ordered and harmonious society where everyone can work together effectively.
Interpretation & Guidance
When you receive Hexagram 13, it's a powerful signal to focus on community and collaboration. Your success now depends on your ability to unite with others. This is a time to be open, inclusive, and to put the group's interests ahead of your own. Seek out like-minded individuals and build alliances based on shared values and a transparent, noble purpose.
The hexagram encourages you to take on ambitious projects that require collective effort. It promises that with the right kind of fellowship, even the most daunting tasks can be accomplished. Avoid secrecy, mistrust, and exclusionary behavior. Let clarity and a spirit of universal brotherhood guide your actions. Communicate your vision clearly and inspire others to join you in the open field of common endeavor.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"Fellowship with men at the gate. No blame."
This indicates the beginning of a union. The fellowship is still at the threshold, limited to those immediately around you. As long as the intentions are open and not exclusive, this is a correct and blameless start. It's the first step toward a wider community.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"Fellowship with men in the clan. Humiliation."
This is a warning against forming selfish, exclusive cliques. A union based only on personal connections or narrow self-interest is too limited. It leads to partisanship and ultimately brings humiliation and regret. True fellowship must be broader and more inclusive.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"He hides weapons in the thicket; he climbs the high hill. For three years he does not rise up."
Mistrust has poisoned the potential for fellowship. There is suspicion and a desire to ambush or gain an advantage over others. This attitude prevents any true union from forming and leads to a long period of stagnation and isolation. One must lay down their arms to move forward.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"He climbs up on his wall; he cannot attack. Good fortune."
A moment of wisdom prevails. You are tempted to engage in conflict but realize its futility. By choosing not to fight and instead seeking reconciliation, you turn a potentially bad situation into one of good fortune. This is a crucial step back toward the path of fellowship.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"Men bound in fellowship first cry out and lament, but afterward they laugh. After great struggles they succeed in meeting."
This is the heart of the hexagram. True, deep community is not formed easily. It requires overcoming significant barriers, misunderstandings, and difficulties (the crying and lamenting). But through perseverance, these struggles are conquered, and the resulting union is profound and joyful (the laughing). Great victories are achieved when people finally come together.
Nine at the Top (上九)
Top line - Yang
"Fellowship with men in the meadow. No remorse."
The goal of a wider community has been reached, but you are on its outskirts, in the "meadow" rather than the city center. This fellowship is peaceful and without conflict, but it lacks deep, active involvement. While not the most dynamic position, it is a state of peace and brings no cause for regret.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In love, this hexagram emphasizes a union based on shared ideals, values, and a common vision for the future, not just passion. It's about being partners in a larger sense. If there are difficulties or misunderstandings, they must be worked through with open communication to achieve a deeper, more joyful bond. This is a very favorable sign for relationships that are a true partnership.
Career & Business (事业)
This is an excellent time for teamwork, joint ventures, and large-scale collaborative projects. Success comes from open communication and shared goals. Avoid office politics, cliques, and secrecy. Focus on building a strong, unified team. Your ability to bring people together and lead them toward a common objective is your greatest asset right now.
Health & Wellness (健康)
Health is achieved through harmony and integration. This could mean finding a support group, joining a fitness class, or simply connecting with friends to improve well-being. It is about creating a community around your health goals. It also suggests harmonizing the different aspects of your life—work, family, self—to reduce stress and promote holistic health.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, this indicates success through partnership. Consider joint ventures, syndicates, or even crowdfunding. Transparency is crucial in all dealings. Pooling resources with others who share your vision can lead to success in ambitious financial undertakings. Avoid secretive or overly complex deals.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
Growth comes from transcending the ego and recognizing your connection to the wider human community. It's a call to find your purpose within a group and work for a cause greater than yourself. This hexagram teaches the power of synergy and the joy of shared achievement, moving you from an individualistic to a collective mindset.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time is now for building community and undertaking large, collaborative projects. Be open, inclusive, and transparent in all your dealings. Don't be discouraged by initial difficulties or disagreements; they are part of the process of forming a strong, lasting union. Your primary task is to find or create a common ground upon which all can stand together.
