Hexagram 7
The Army
师 (Shī)
Earth over Water
Hexagram 7 shows water held within the earth. This symbolizes a multitude of people (water) gathered and organized within a structure (earth). It represents an army—a disciplined, unified force acting with a single purpose under the command of a strong and trusted leader.
Key Concepts
The Judgment
This hexagram deals with the organization of power. For any collective action to succeed, two things are essential: unwavering discipline and perseverance from the group, and a single, experienced, and virtuous leader (the "strong man") to guide them. When these conditions are met, a group can achieve great things without fault.
The Image
The image is of an underground spring, a source of water that nourishes the whole land. A true leader is like this. They earn the loyalty of the people not through force, but by nurturing them, understanding their needs, and winning their hearts through generosity. This is how a leader builds a strong, willing following.
Interpretation & Guidance
When you receive Hexagram 7, you are called to a situation that requires great discipline and organization. This is not about personal ambition, but about leading or participating in a collective cause. You must have a clear, righteous goal. Success depends entirely on structure and leadership.
If you are in a leadership role, you must be experienced, selfless, and have the full trust of those you lead. If you are a member of the group, your role is to follow with discipline and trust in the leadership. Any undertaking of this kind requires careful planning and unwavering commitment from everyone involved.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"An army must set forth in proper order. If the order is not good, misfortune threatens."
Discipline is paramount from the very beginning. Any collective enterprise must start with clear rules and a solid structure. Without this initial order, chaos and failure are inevitable.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"In the midst of the army. Good fortune. No blame. The king bestows a triple decoration."
This is the ideal leader. They are positioned perfectly within the group, have the full trust of the highest authority ("the king"), and lead with experience and moderation. This brings great success and recognition.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"The army may lead corpses in the wagon. Misfortune."
A terrible omen. It indicates a massive failure in leadership. Either there are too many people trying to lead, creating division, or the leader has led the group to ruin. This path leads only to disaster.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"The army retreats. No blame."
This line shows the wisdom of strategic retreat. Recognizing that conditions are unfavorable and pulling back to conserve strength is not a sign of weakness but of excellent leadership. There is no shame in avoiding a battle that cannot be won.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"There is game in the field. It is favorable to catch it. Let the eldest lead the army. The younger will lead corpses. Perseverance brings misfortune."
There is an enemy to be dealt with, but it is absolutely critical that the most experienced person is put in charge. If an unqualified or junior person is given command, they will lead the group to disaster, even if the cause is just.
Six at the Top (上六)
Top line - Yin
"The great prince issues commands, founds states, vests families with fiefs. Inferior people should not be employed."
The struggle is over and victory has been achieved. The leader's final duty is to establish a new, peaceful order and reward the worthy. It is crucial at this stage to give power and position only to deserving people, not to opportunists.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This hexagram is not typically about romantic love. If applied to family or community life, it suggests the need for structure and organization. A family works best when roles are clear and everyone works together for the common good, often following the lead of the most experienced family members. It warns against internal divisions.
Career & Business (事业)
In your career, this hexagram points to a large project or leading a team. Success depends on your ability to organize, delegate, and maintain discipline. You must have a clear vision and the trust of both your superiors and your subordinates. Be a fair and generous leader who empowers your team.
Health & Wellness (健康)
For health, "The Army" symbolizes the body's immune system fighting off an invader. It calls for a disciplined approach to health: a strict regimen of diet, exercise, and rest. You must organize all your resources to combat illness effectively. Following the expert advice of a doctor (the "general") is key.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, this suggests a need for a highly disciplined and organized approach to your budget and investments. It may also point to a business venture that requires mobilizing a large amount of capital and personnel. Careful, strategic planning is essential for success.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
This hexagram teaches the power of self-discipline. Personal growth comes from organizing the different parts of your life—your habits, your time, your goals—into a cohesive force. You must become the "strong leader" of your own life, guiding all your energies toward a worthy, singular purpose.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time is right for organized, collective action, but only if the leadership is sound and the discipline is strong. The advice is to focus
