Hexagram 45 · 萃

The lake rests above earth, gathering water into a common place. Receptiveness below meets openness and joy above. Cui means gathering or assembling. Its image asks what gives a group a meaningful center and how its combined resources can be cared for responsibly.

1. Line 1 · 初六

   有孚不終，乃亂乃萃，若號一握為笑，勿恤，往无咎。

   Sincerity does not last: now confusion, now gathering. A cry, and a clasp of the hand turns it to laughter. Do not worry. Going brings no blame.

   Six in the first place is yin unsettled between competing connections. The Small Image calls its intention confused, like a new member resolving uncertainty through a direct, welcoming conversation rather than withdrawing into assumptions.

2. Line 2 · 六二

   引吉，无咎，孚乃利用禴。

   Being drawn in brings good fortune, without blame. With sincerity, a simple seasonal offering is beneficial.

   Six in the second place is central yin corresponding with the fifth yang. The Small Image says its center has not changed, like accepting an invitation to useful shared work without needing an elaborate public gesture.

3. Line 3 · 六三

   萃如，嗟如，无攸利，往无咎，小吝。

   Gathering with sighs. Nothing is beneficial. Going brings no blame, though a little humiliation.

   Six in the third place is yin without an easy corresponding connection. The Small Image finds receptiveness above, like someone on a group's margins making a modest approach despite feeling awkward.

4. Line 4 · 九四

   大吉，无咎。

   Great good fortune. No blame.

   Nine in the fourth place is yang gathering support from an imperfect position. The Small Image notes that mismatch, like a deputy whose influence needs to produce clear public benefit rather than compete with the appointed leader.

5. Line 5 · 九五

   萃有位，无咎。匪孚，元永貞，悔亡。

   Gathering in one's proper position. No blame. If trust is lacking, great and lasting constancy makes regret disappear.

   Nine in the fifth place is central and correct yang, but office alone does not secure trust. The Small Image finds its purpose not yet fully bright, like a new chair earning confidence through consistent fair decisions.

6. Line 6 · 上六

   齎咨涕洟，无咎。

   Sighing and lamenting, with tears and a running nose. No blame.

   Six at the top is yin not settled in its elevated position. The Small Image acknowledges that discomfort, like a member honestly expressing feeling excluded rather than pretending participation has been easy.

Give people a trustworthy reason to gather. Combine sincere welcome with clear responsibilities, and remember that belonging cannot be supplied by status alone.

• Nuclear漸53
• Inverted升46
• Opposite大畜26
• Previous姤44
• Next升46