同人
Hexagram 13 · 同人
Upper trigram: 乾 · Lower trigram: 離
Tong Ren (Fellowship): the hexagram of shared purpose. Reach beyond familiar circles and build cooperation without erasing differences.
The image
Heaven stands above fire, whose light rises toward the open sky. Strength and clarity can support a purpose larger than a private circle. Tong Ren means fellowship with people. Its open-country image asks for association that extends beyond kinship and faction.
Judgment
同人于野，亨。利涉大川，利君子貞。
Fellowship with people in the open country brings flourishing. It is beneficial to cross the great river. The exemplary person's constancy is beneficial.
The commentary connects clear understanding with strength and a response from the center. A community project often works better when participants unite around a public purpose rather than existing friendships alone.
Great Image
天與火，同人；君子以類族辨物。
Heaven together with fire: Fellowship. The exemplary person accordingly groups people by their kinds and distinguishes things.
Cooperation needs an understanding of differences as well as common ground. A team leader can match varied skills to suitable tasks without demanding that everyone work identically.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初九
同人于門，無咎。
Fellowship at the gate. No blame.
Nine in the first place begins with yang openness beyond the private threshold. The Small Image asks who could blame this, like welcoming a newcomer into a neighborhood discussion.
Line 2 · 六二
同人于宗，吝。
Fellowship only within the clan. Humiliation.
Six in the second place is central yin corresponding with the fifth, yet association becomes narrow. The Small Image criticizes this limitation, like reserving opportunities only for friends within an otherwise public group.
Line 3 · 九三
伏戎于莽，升其高陵，三歲不興。
Hiding armed men in the thicket, one climbs a high hill. For three years one does not rise to action.
Nine in the third place is yang caught in rivalry against firm opposition. The Small Image questions how it could proceed, like a colleague wasting effort monitoring competitors instead of developing a cooperative proposal.
Line 4 · 九四
乘其墉，弗克攻，吉。
Climbing the wall, one cannot bring oneself to attack. Good fortune.
Nine in the fourth place is yang able to reconsider an aggressive intention. The Small Image calls this a return to proper measure, like stopping a hostile email and requesting a direct conversation instead.
Line 5 · 九五
同人，先號啕而後笑。大師克相遇。
In fellowship, first loud weeping, then laughter. Great armies prevail and meet together.
Nine in the fifth place is central yang corresponding with the second yin across obstacles. The Small Image emphasizes inner uprightness, like partners resolving serious misunderstandings before they can work comfortably together.
Line 6 · 上九
同人于郊，無悔。
Fellowship in the outskirts. No regret.
Nine at the top is yang at a distance from the central association. The Small Image says its purpose remains unfulfilled, like maintaining cordial professional ties without yet finding close collaboration.
When asking about
Career
Shared purpose often makes diverse skills useful together. Build connections beyond your usual department or circle.
Love
Companionship tends to grow through common values and honest differences. Leave room for friendships and interests beyond the couple.
Money
Joint projects need transparent aims. Examine whether benefits and responsibilities are shared fairly.
Home
A household can feel more welcoming when different perspectives are heard. Extend ordinary hospitality beyond familiar visitors.
Study
Learning with people from different backgrounds can clarify assumptions. Divide tasks by strengths while comparing conclusions openly.
Health
Friendly company and shared routines may support mood. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Look for a purpose broad enough to include unfamiliar people. Respect differences, resist factional loyalty, and repair rivalry before asking for unity.
Related hexagrams
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Cast a hexagramReference content based on the I Ching classic, not a prediction.