Hexagram 7

The Army

地水师 · 师 · Shī | Earth over Water

Discipline and a trusted commander turn a crowd into a force.

DisciplineLeadershipOrganizationStrategy

Upper trigram

坤 · Earth

Lower trigram

坎 · Water

The Judgment

“Perseverance, and a strong, experienced leader, bring good fortune without blame.”

The Lines

Six at the beginningAn army must set out by discipline; otherwise, however good the cause, misfortune.

Nine in the second placeIn the midst of the army, good fortune, no blame. The king bestows his command three times.

Six in the third placeThe army may carry corpses home in the wagon. Misfortune.

Six in the fourth placeThe army retreats and camps. No blame.

Six in the fifth placeThere is game in the field; it helps to seize it with a word. No blame. Let the elder lead the army; if the younger leads, the wagon carries corpses. Perseverance brings misfortune.

Six at the topThe great ruler issues commands, founding states and families. Do not employ inferior people.

Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).

Meaning

Water hidden within the earth—great strength held in reserve. Collective effort succeeds only under clear order and responsible leadership.

Guidance

Organize with discipline and put a capable, just person in charge; act for a worthy cause, not for gain.

When This Hexagram Appears

Mobilizing a group toward a hard goal, where structure and trusted leadership decide the outcome.

FAQ about Hexagram 7

What does Hexagram 7, The Army, mean?

The Army (地水师, hexagram 7 of the I Ching). Water hidden within the earth—great strength held in reserve. Collective effort succeeds only under clear order and responsible leadership.

What is the Judgment of the The Army hexagram?

The Judgment reads: “Perseverance, and a strong, experienced leader, bring good fortune without blame.” Discipline and a trusted commander turn a crowd into a force.

What guidance does Hexagram 7 offer?

Organize with discipline and put a capable, just person in charge; act for a worthy cause, not for gain.

When does the The Army hexagram apply?

Mobilizing a group toward a hard goal, where structure and trusted leadership decide the outcome.

Related Hexagrams

Opposite Hexagram

No. 13 · Fellowship

Every line changed to its opposite — the mirror situation.

Reversed Hexagram

No. 8 · Holding Together

The same figure turned upside down — the view from the other side.