The Army
The Disciplined Multitude
Earth over Water: water gathered within the earth, the massed host held to a single purpose by one commander.
Shi places Kun, the Receptive Earth, above Kan, the Abysmal Water, and the Image is of water in the middle of the earth: a great mass concealed beneath an ordinary surface, as an army is drawn out of a settled people. The single whole line in the second place is read as the general, holding the five yielding lines to a common purpose. The Judgement asks for perseverance and a strong man, and promises good fortune without blame, while the Ten Wings add that the superior man increases his masses by generosity towards the people.
Light
Stands for organised strength, competent command, and collective effort directed to a lawful end. Discipline joined to generosity is what holds a body of people together.
Shadow
Warns of force misused, divided command, and a following that degenerates into a mob. The closing line cautions that when rewards are apportioned, inferior people should not be employed.
