The "gathering" hexagrams: 8, 13, 45

[liquidity]

How do you understand the similarities and differences between these hexagrams?

My general impression is that 8 in my experience has generally been more an 'internal' kind of union -- referring to integration of emotions, and one's outlook and receptivity to others. In a way it shares that focus on psychological union with 37.

13 is the most explicitly and truly social -- it really is referring to common social activities and the friendships and rivalries that emerge there.

45 is something more like a gathering for a 'holy purpose' and has to do with gatherings around vocation or mission or higher calling.

Your thoughts and experiences?

 

[Liselle]

In Hilary's book she has a section for each hexagram called "Key Questions," two or three questions which she explains are what Yi might be asking you when it gives you the hexagram.

Here they are for those three, to compare. Thinking about them they seem to summarize or give hints about the differences.

8
Where do you belong?
Is this a good fit?
Do you choose to join?

13
What are the unique contributions?
Where is the common ground?
How will your life change if your group expands?

45
What is asked of you?
What are you investing in?

 

[moss elk]

hi liquidity,

In 8 there is Seeking Union, seeking to bond.
(this comes up often in relationship type readings, think of a single cupids arrow, and one joining another, or one joining a group.)

In 45 the king goes to his temple to gather himself together, to gather the ancestors,
while the army gathers outside. (Think of a bundle of arrows made ready for use, and that is referred to in the Image)

13 is a bit different.
There are really no marriages or other activities pointed out,
it is more about the existence of fellowship and pointing out where,
which tells us what it is about.
(13.2 kissing cousins, 13.5 battlefield combatants drop the issue and laugh...etc)

 

[my_key]

To try to understand what's going on in a hexagram it can be useful to explore whats going on behind it too.

8 - Seeking Union: This hexagram comes from a perspective of starting with the individual and even their internal processes and working outwards. How does this person form relationships (seek union) starting with themselves and then working outwards to other individuals and beyond that with groups. Perhaps, more than that it draws attention to how do they make their relationships successful and lasting or not.

This activity is driven by the nuclear force of 23 - Stripping Away, The judgement for 8 says something like it doesn't matter where you are right but you ought to know that if you want good relationships you have to build up inside you the things that make you good at making lasting relationships. Encouraged to strip away the things that are holding you back there's a good chance that you'll slowly climb aborad. However if you cannot change and adopt the 'superior' ways then you arrive too late then you will be met with misfortune.

13 - Fellowship with Men (People): This one I see more as commenting on the type and nature of the relationship and how the the benefits of being in a group can boost you and help you to achieve goals easier. Ranging from friendships to specifically joining with a group for mutual influence and specific benefits.

The nuclear of this is 44 - Encounter or Coming to Meet. Where there is the potential for temptations and other negative influences to come into the equation. You have to learn how to cope with this and negotiate within the relationship so that they do not totally overwhelm or ruin your relationship with the other. There is cut and thrust and nip and tuck evident in how the relationship evolves and mastering the skills in these arenas will help you. A 'superior' person within 13's realms sees things for what they are and is not led astray keeping his and any group chaos at bay. In 13 there is opportunity for recognising that assertive behaviour within the relationship will nip negative things in the bud and keep things on track.

45 - Gathering Together: This hexagram seems to be more about dealing with the masses ( the ancestors) and the larger ideals in life. It holds a picture of unity and a strong sense of connection to their deepest beliefs - one's spiritual relationship or perhaps even our relationship with the unknown. Images of the king approaching his temple and not only making an offering but making 'great offerings', big and numerous, in order to receive the qualities required for walking inside 45. The lines warn of he hazards of not taking this relationship seriously and making the appropriate commitments.

Behind this are the gentle tweakings coming from 53 - Gradual Progress. An energy oozing with slow, steady development. The One Tree growing slowly atop the mountain spreading it's leaves of calmness, balanced growth, and a gentle persistence that promotes the success of what is gathering together. Additionally there is the image of the faithfulness of the Wild Geese and their commitment to long lasting relationship.

So in a nutshell how do I'd understand the similarities and differences between these hexagrams.
What's the same is that they are all about relationship and what is different are the sphere's in which the relationship is occurring.
8 - relationship with self
13 - relationship with other
45 - relationship with the unknown.

...or it may be nothing like this at all.