Trigrams
☷☵ – Earth above, Water below
Meaning
Represents organized collective force, discipline, and leadership. Like an army, any large undertaking requires unity, clear command, and moral authority. Victory comes through order and righteous purpose, not brute force.
Interpretation
- Success requires discipline, clear hierarchy, and unified purpose.
- Leadership must be experienced, just, and trusted by all.
- After achieving the goal, reward those who served and be cautious about assigning power to unworthy individuals.
Six Yao (Lines) with Classical Quotes
1st Yao (初爻)
师出以律，否臧，凶。
English: The army departs with proper discipline. If not done correctly, misfortune follows. Strict adherence to principles is essential from the very start.
Luck Level: Misfortune
2nd Yao (二爻)
在师中，吉，无咎，王三锡命。
English: Being in the middle of the army — good fortune, no blame. The king bestows triple honours. The trusted general in the center holds the key to success.
Luck Level: Good
3rd Yao (三爻)
师或舆尸，凶。
English: The army perhaps carries corpses in wagons. Misfortune. Taking on a mission beyond one's capability leads to disaster.
Luck Level: Misfortune
4th Yao (四爻)
师左次，无咎。
English: The army retreats to the left flank. No blame. A tactical withdrawal to regroup is not defeat; it preserves strength.
Luck Level: Neutral
5th Yao (五爻)
田有禽，利执言，无咎；长子帅师，弟子舆尸，贞凶。
English: There is game in the field; it is useful to take hold with firm words, no blame. Let the eldest son lead the army; if a lesser son takes charge instead, disaster follows. The right leader must be chosen.
Luck Level: Caution
6th Yao (上爻)
大君有命，开国承家，小人勿用。
English: The great ruler issues commands: open the nation, establish the clans. Do not employ petty people in positions of authority. Govern wisely after victory.
Luck Level: Neutral