I Ching / Hexagrams / The Army

7. The Army

ShīThe Army / Collective Force

DisciplineLeadershipOrganizationStrategyCollective effort

Trigrams

Upper: Earth
ReceptiveGroundEarth
Lower: Water
AbysmalRainWater

The Judgment

The Army. The army needs perseverance and a strong leader. Good fortune without blame.

The Image

Earth above water — water stored within the earth, an underground reservoir. The army is the people's strength held in reserve, led by a just commander.

Interpretation

This hexagram speaks of organized collective effort under disciplined leadership. Whether you are the leader or a member of the collective, the message is the same: success requires structure, discipline, and a clear chain of command. The army is not a mob — it moves with purpose, follows strategy, and serves a cause larger than any individual. If you must mobilize resources or people, do so with integrity.

Advice

Organize your resources and people. Lead with discipline and moral authority. If you're part of a team, support the leadership structure. This is not the time for lone wolves — collective effort under clear direction is what succeeds.

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