Hexagram 7: The Army

卦辭

The Judgment is brief: the army needs steadiness, and with a mature, experienced leader there is good fortune and no mistake. In ancient China, raising troops was a grave matter, so the classics stress two conditions. The cause must be right, and the command must rest with someone seasoned and trustworthy, whom people follow willingly. The broader lesson applies to any group effort: discipline, a legitimate purpose, and capable leadership turn a crowd into a force that can accomplish something difficult without causing harm.

象曰： Earth over Water

Earth above, water beneath: groundwater collecting quietly in the soil. Early Chinese commentators linked this to the old practice of keeping soldiers among the farmers, ready when needed. From the image, the classics draw a lesson for the noble person: be generous with people and nourish the community, since loyalty built in quiet times is what holds a group together under pressure.

Hexagram 7 in love and relationships

In relationships, The Army can point to a partnership that needs structure, shared goals, and clear roles, or to tension that feels like a battle. The tradition favors discipline and fairness over drama. Decide together who handles what, keep promises, and avoid letting outside voices take command of your relationship. It is traditionally less suited to casual romance than to committed teamwork.

事業與財運

For work, this is a strong hexagram for managing teams, running large projects, or working within a well-organized institution. 成功 traditionally depends on clear rules, experienced leadership, and a purpose people believe in. If you lead, earn loyalty through fairness. If you follow, choose a leader worth following. In money matters, it favors discipline and planning over speculation.

如果你問的是一項決定

As an answer, The Army leans toward yes if the cause is sound and you have the right people and plan in place. It leans toward no if you would be acting alone, impulsively, or for questionable reasons. Organization is the deciding factor.

六爻

爻線由下往上計算。起卦得到六或九的變爻時，請閱讀該爻的文字。

1. Line 1 (bottom) · yin

   The army must set out in good order; if discipline is poor, misfortune follows. As a changing line, it stresses getting the rules, roles, and plan right from the very start, since a sloppy beginning undermines everything after.

2. Line 2 · yang

   In the midst of the army: good fortune, no mistake, and the king bestows honors three times. As a changing line, it points to trust and recognition when you lead from within the group and keep the confidence of those above you.

3. Line 3 · yin

   The army may come home carrying corpses in its wagons: misfortune. Traditionally this also points to divided command, with too many people in charge. As a changing line, it warns against confused leadership and overreaching beyond your competence.

4. Line 4 · yin

   The army retreats and makes camp: no mistake. Withdrawing from a position you cannot hold is not failure. As a changing line, it suggests a tactical pause or retreat to regroup, which the classics consider sensible.

5. Line 5 · yin

   There is game in the fields, and it is right to go after it: no mistake. Let the eldest lead the army; if the younger meddle, corpses fill the wagons. As a changing line, it favors decisive action under one experienced leader.

6. Line 6 (top) · yin

   The great ruler issues commands, founding states and granting family estates; petty people should not be employed. As a changing line, it suggests rewarding people fairly after success, while not handing real power to those without character.

The 易經 is offered here as a traditional tool for reflection and entertainment. A reading describes a situation and its tendencies, not a fixed outcome, and is not medical, legal or financial advice.