Hexagram 7: The Army

Trigrams

Upper trigram: Kun (Earth) · Lower trigram: Kan (Water)

Judgment

Perseverance. Good fortune if led by an experienced person; no blame.

Image

Water within the earth: the army. The noble one nurtures the people and gathers the multitude.

Meaning of Hexagram The Army

The Army (師) is hexagram #7 of the 64 I-Ching hexagrams, formed by the upper trigram Kun (Earth) and lower trigram Kan (Water). It represents disciplined organization and strong leadership needed to mobilize collective effort. When this hexagram is cast, the querent should meditate on the judgment and image to grasp what the Yi is saying about the current situation.

The Six Lines Explained

First Line (Six at the Beginning)

"Shi chu yi lü — An army must set forth in proper order; if the order is not good, misfortune threatens"

Any large undertaking must begin with clear discipline; poor organisation brings misfortune. The opening line stresses principle and order from the very first step.

Second Line (Nine in the Second Place)

"Zai shi, zhong ji — In the midst of the army; good fortune, no blame; the king bestows a triple decoration"

In command, holding to centrality and correctness brings good fortune and repeated marks of trust from above. The only yang line, leading the five yin lines: the capable leader given full confidence.

Third Line (Six in the Third Place)

"Shi huo yu shi, xiong — Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon; misfortune"

A campaign that fails and brings back the dead. A warning against entrusting a great task to someone lacking the capacity and correctness for it, with serious consequences.

Fourth Line (Six in the Fourth Place)

"Shi zuo ci, wu jiu — The army retreats; no blame"

Withdrawing to a safe position when conditions turn against you is no fault. The wisdom of knowing your limits and pulling back before a stronger opponent to preserve your strength.

Fifth Line (Six in the Fifth Place)

"Tian you qin — There is game in the field; it furthers one to catch it; the eldest should lead the army, the younger transports corpses; perseverance brings misfortune"

When beasts ravage the field, action is warranted; but entrust the great task to the experienced. Given to the unqualified, even a righteous cause ends badly. The central lesson: choose the right person to carry responsibility.

Top Line (Six at the Top)

"Da jun you ming — The great prince issues commands, founds states, vests families with fiefs; inferior people should not be employed"

When victory is rewarded, do not hand lasting authority to petty people, whatever their momentary merit. Rewarding a contribution and entrusting long-term responsibility are two different matters.

The Transformed Hexagram

Shi has Kan (Water) below and Kun (Earth) above — the inverse of Bi, Holding Together (#8, the same trigrams reversed). With a moving line it changes accordingly: a moving second line (the only yang) turns Kan into Kun, giving Kun, The Receptive (#2). Identify the specific moving line to read the correct transformed hexagram.

Applications by Area of Life

Work & Career

A hexagram about organising, commanding and managing a team. Put capable people in charge (the second and fifth lines), set clear discipline from the outset, and know when to retreat if conditions turn.

Love & Relationships

Shi suggests the need for clear principles in a relationship, as in military discipline, rather than ambiguity. Know too who is genuinely trustworthy for the long term, and do not give your whole trust to the wrong person.

Health

The image of campaigning can point to a body fighting illness or heavy strain. Have a clear strategy for treatment; do not be casual or act hastily.

Wealth

A period for organised, well-planned investment rather than casual moves. Consult experienced people — a financial professional — instead of deciding alone.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Army

What does the hexagram Shi (The Army) mean?

Shi means the multitude, the army. It concerns the principles of organising and leading a large collective — discipline, choosing the right leader, and acting for a just cause.

Is casting Shi favourable?

It depends on your conduct. Discipline and the right people in charge (the second and fifth lines) make it very favourable; entrusting the task to the incapable (the third line) leads to failure.

Why does Shi warn against employing petty people even when they have merit?

Because, as the top line says, lasting administration requires enduring character and ability, not just a momentary achievement — a key principle for building a durable organisation.