Tong Ren · Fellowship
同人卦 · 天火同人
- Shared purpose
- Teamwork
- Openness
- Unity
The Judgment
Thung Zăn (or 'Union of men') appears here (as we find it) in the (remote districts of the) country, indicating progress and success. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to maintain the firm correctness of the superior man.
同人于野，亨。利涉大川，利君子贞。
The Image
Heaven together with fire: fellowship. The noble one, in the same way, organises the clans and tells things apart.
天与火，同人；君子以类族辨物。
Plain-language reading
Your situation
This is a time to work with others towards a shared aim. Tong Ren is fire shining up into the sky, open and honest, a symbol of people gathering around a common purpose. You may be looking for partners, building a team or hoping to be accepted within a circle.
Where to put your effort
Connect with people openly and fairly. Step outside your small circle and look for kindred spirits in a wider world. Avoid cliques and only trusting people you already know; that narrows your path. Spell out the common goal, look for common ground while respecting differences, and the strength of the group will far exceed any individual.
Four areas of life
- Career
- Friends support you and promotion goes smoothly.
- Wealth
- Joint ventures are profitable; you can push ahead.
- Family
- Joy throughout the household.
- Health
- Dry heat; consider a second opinion.
Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.
The six lines
Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.
Nine at the beginningThe first line, undivided, (shows the representative of) the union of men just issuing from his gate. There will be no error.Moving
初九：同人于门，无咎。
Image：Fellowship at the gate: who could blame that?
- Career
- Things are smooth for now; do business away from home.
- Wealth
- Not good for opening a shop; travelling trade works.
- Family
- Family members get along.
- Health
- Rest somewhere else and you will be fine.
Nine in the third placeThe third line, undivided, (shows its subject) with his arms hidden in the thick grass, and at the top of a high mound. (But) for three years he makes no demonstration.Moving
九三：伏戎于莽，升其高陵，三岁不兴。
Image：Troops hidden in the undergrowth: the enemy is strong. Not rising for three years: how could one act?
- Career
- Focus quietly for three years before trying again.
- Wealth
- Developing land or forests will profit in three years.
- Family
- Guard against theft.
- Health
- Trouble with walking.
Nine in the fourth placeThe fourth line, undivided, (shows its subject) mounted on the city wall; but he does not proceed to make the attack (he contemplates). There will be good fortune.Moving
九四：乘其墉，弗克攻，吉。
Image：Climbing the wall but unable to attack: it is not right. The good fortune lies in turning back when trapped.
- Career
- Stand still and hold back; that brings good fortune.
- Wealth
- Hold your goods rather than selling; you will profit.
- Family
- Repair the house and its walls.
- Health
- Risky, but ultimately harmless.
Nine in the fifth placeIn the fifth line, undivided, (the representative of) the union of men first wails and cries out, and then laughs. His great host conquers, and he (and the subject of the second line) meet together.Moving
九五：同人，先号啕而后笑，大师克相遇。
Image：Fellowship starts with weeping: being central and upright. The great armies meet: they must overcome each other.
- Career
- Hard work pays off and your wish is fulfilled.
- Wealth
- Small setbacks, then great profit.
- Family
- No need to panic; all will be well.
- Health
- Danger first, safety after.
Nine at the topThe topmost line, undivided, (shows the representative of) the union of men in the suburbs. There will be no occasion for repentance.Moving
上九：同人于郊，无悔。
Image：Fellowship in the meadow: the aim is not yet achieved.
- Career
- A quiet place where nothing stands in your way.
- Wealth
- Setting up business on the outskirts: no profit yet.
- Family
- Smooth and free of trouble.
- Health
- A very grave sign.
Related hexagrams
Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.
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