🌀 Hexagram 45: Gathering Together
by James Byrd

I. The Oracle

A. Overview
Hexagram Forty-Five follows its course as it attempts to garner speech and influence others at a crucial gathering.
I think they already know that.

“Gathering Together. The King approaches his temple.
Everything is now favorable. All is good.
Success. Perseverance furthers in the long term.
Bringing great offerings creates good fortune.
It furthers one to undertake something.”

B. The Image

Lake above the Earth — the image of Gathering Together.
It is a good time to meet with the great man.
Thus, the superior man renews his weapons, in order to meet the unforeseen.

II. My Interpretation

“Stay the Course”

It is very wise that one cares for oneself as one might care for another.
Illness can, at some point, spread to the caregiver.

Gatherings are good for keeping all prominent stakeholders in the loop, but there’s always the half chance of contracting some kind of contagious bug. You know — that thing mosquitoes do.

Still, all is well, because someone brought a very valuable gift to the table.
Could it be knowledge?
Or is it that, over time, the caregiver has overcome most societal illusions — and to that extent, endured?

Now, remember — to expect illness is one matter. But don’t accept mal-directed public sentiment that mandates those terms. That’s not the way the bus, in reality, is headed.

Look into your crystal ball and find somewhere auspicious to go.
And remember — there will always be strategic responsibilities and slowly eating away at that will be small malaise attacks upon your shining merits. In your judgments: Be reasonable.

Above all, think of the results of being sincere to the end with your original intentions — not wavering from your responsibilities. That other path? Just a mirage.

Stay the course.
Be true to yourself and the people you care for.
Never mislead.

References

Byrd, James (2018). The Future