I Ching, Yijing or Zhou Yi
"Oracle of the moon": © 2000 LiSe
Yi Jing, Oracle of the Moon
The image of hexagram 07
Shī, leading, the leader, army
What does it mean, 'inner' and 'outer' Trigram (popup)
Water below Earth: Within the Earth Water it will affect the masses, deep instincts, feelings or territory. Water has no conscience or empathy. In all circumstances it continues to be itself, always going in the direction it must go.
Water is yielding, but also opportunistic and incredibly strong. It is the "Way of Water" of Laozi. Here it is also the medium which affects the deep feelings and instincts of one's 'earth', the sense of beauty and one-ness with creation but also survival at all costs.
Ideogram of the hexagram name: the left part is rolling, waving. The right part is maybe a banner, but it can also mean turn around an axis, or the (rank-indicating) skirt of a military leader or a master.
Shi means: example, master, tutor, to imitate; a specialist (med., music, paint or divining), local administration chief, superior in rank, high functionary, army, multitude, division in Chinese army.
The 'Great Image' says: Water in the middle of the earth: Legion. The noble one tolerates the common people and watches over the crowds.
Hex.7 is the contrast of 13, which is about recognizing each other. In an army the individual does not matter, your duty is only about you or the leader.
Hex.7 is not only about an army or its leader, but also about discipline and organisation, of others but also of your own talents and assets. One has to be a good leader of one's own legion. For becoming a specialist, one has to organize knowledge, skills, energy and materials similar to leading the divisions of an army. Inspire all parts to act perfectly in seamless cooperation. It will inspire others to follow you.
Fight for your life and make good plans. Look at the world and choose the best way to survive. When you are young, you can create the circumstances for a strong individual life. When you are old, you can defend your spiritual life against all attacks.
Organize all your abilities, so you can defend your boundaries. Great talents which have no rules will get wasted. But all the things you can or learned, your talents and abilities and assets – organize them, make clear rules and be a good leader. Have the guts to act worthy of yourself. Then you can defend your territory and make a place where you and your people are safe, happy and prospering.