水地比
Hexagram 8 speaks to the bonds between people — alliance, loyalty, and the strength that comes from genuine unity. It asks whether the connections in a situation are solid, and whether you are aligned with the right people and the right cause.
比：吉。原筮元永贞，无咎。不宁方来，后夫凶。
亲比团结则吉。但须长久守正才无咎；归附要趁早，迟疑后到者有凶。
Interpretive translationHolding Together brings good fortune. Inquire of the oracle once again: sublimely enduring perseverance, no blame. Those who are uncertain gradually join; whoever comes too late meets with misfortune.
彖曰：比，吉也；比，辅也。下顺从也。原筮元永贞无咎，以刚中也。不宁方来，上下应也。后夫凶，其道穷也。
象曰：地上有水，比；先王以建万国，亲诸侯。
水在地上流，亲密无间；先王效法它，封建万国、亲近诸侯。
有孚比之，无咎。有孚盈缶，终来有他，吉。
象曰：比之初六，有他吉也。
Hold together in sincerity: no blame. Sincerity like a full earthen bowl — in the end there comes other good fortune.
比之自内，贞吉。
象曰：比之自内，不自失也。
Hold together inwardly. Perseverance brings good fortune.
比之匪人。
象曰：比之匪人，不亦伤乎。
You hold together with the wrong people.
外比之，贞吉。
象曰：外比于贤，以从上也。
Hold together outwardly also. Perseverance brings good fortune.
显比，王用三驱，失前禽。邑人不诫，吉。
象曰：显比之吉，位正中也。舍逆取顺，失前禽也。邑人不诫，上使中也。
Manifest holding together. The king uses beaters on three sides and forgoes game that runs off in front. The townspeople need no warning. Good fortune.
比之无首，凶。
象曰：比之无首，无所终也。
Holding together without a head. Misfortune.
Structure
Bi is formed by Water (Kan ☵) above Earth (Kun ☷). Water rests on the earth and flows into it — the image of things naturally coming together and finding their level. The earth supports and holds; the water fills and connects. Together they suggest organic unity rather than forced alliance.
Core meaning
The central theme of Bi is that belonging matters. People and situations need the right affiliations to function well. The hexagram asks whether the alliances in play are genuine and whether they are built on shared values rather than convenience or fear.
Bi also carries a timing element. The traditional text suggests that those who hesitate too long in joining may find the moment has passed. This is not about rushing — it is about recognizing when a genuine opportunity for connection is present and not letting it slip away through indecision.
In Liuyao readings, Bi often appears in questions about relationships, partnerships, team dynamics, or any situation where the quality of connection between people is central to the outcome.
In divination
When Bi appears, look at the quality of the relationships involved. Are they based on mutual respect and shared purpose? Is there a central figure or principle that others are genuinely rallying around? The hexagram is generally favorable when the bonds are authentic and the alignment is real.
It is less favorable when the connection is superficial, when loyalty is being demanded rather than earned, or when the querent is isolated and the question is about whether to join something larger.
Move from research into a real reading
If this page helped you frame the question, the next step is to run a reading with that same clarity.