The Meaning of Hexagram #45

Hexagram #45: Lake over Earth

Like streams of water flowing together to form a lake, hexagram number 45 symbolizes assembling and uniting. This is a time to focus on teamwork and synergy. Don't attempt to do everything alone. Bring together those who share your goals and support your dreams. This is a time to venture out in your community or work with your family. It is also a time to "gather oneself together." This means concentrating on unifying forces within yourself. This is a time to be whole in yourself. An internal unity will translate into a solid team around you.

NOTE: Looking for answers about how I Ching hexagram #45, "Lake over Earth", is interpreted for love and romantic relationship questions? See our special Love I Ching interpretation for hexagram #45

Changing Lines in Hexagram #45

Changes in Line 1

"Setting Morals High"

When working with others, keep your standards high. Involve yourself in high

Changes in Line 2

"Proceeding with Sincerity"

Yield to your power of attraction and magnetism. This power will serve you well at this time. Your strength is your sincerity and this is the power that draws others to you.

Changes in Line 3

"Gathering with a Common Cause"

Don't gather together with the wrong people, lest your idea/cause/project will meet with strong objections. Secure those who share your vision. Put yourself in other people's shoes and you will succeed

Changes in Line 4

"Signs of Good Fortune"

Your desires will flourish at this time. Working unselfishly brings great success to all.

Changes in Line 5

"Sharing of Purpose"

Gathering with others will fuel and enhance the shared purpose. If everyone did not see eye

Changes in Line 6

"Proceeding through the Opposition"

Don't let naysayers block your team's progress. Let others sigh or weep as they see fit. Stay resolute to your vision.

The 2 Trigrams Inside Hexagram #45

I Ching hexagram #45 is composed of two 3-line trigrams mounted over and under one another. The lower 3 lines of hexagram #45 form the trigram for Earth, while the upper 3 lines form the trigram for Lake.

NOTE: A quick rule of thumb is that the upper trigram represents external energies, and the lower trigram represents internal energies.

Hexagram #45's Lower Trigram of Earth

The evenly divided trigram of Earth sometimes known as the trigram of the Receptive. Its characteristic traits are powerful devotion and a resilient bowing to external forces. The trigram of Earth may also reference the state of 'motherhood' or traditional female forces. The three unbroken lines may also indicate the direction of southwest

Hexagram #45's Upper Trigram of Lake

The blissful trigram representing the lake symbolizes happiness and clarity of thought and communication. Blissful tranquility is referenced here, along with a sense of calm and devotion. The blissful Lake may also point to a 'third daughter' or the map direction west.

Try a free I Ching Reading

iFate's completely free, online I Ching readings have been called "beautiful", "profoundly insightful", and have received high praise from all over the world.
Click here to consult the I Ching. »

List of all possible changes for hexagram #45

A note on iFate's I Ching translation: This is not a direct translation of the original "Book of Changes" from 1000 BC. While multiple translations of the original text are available, they include many archaic references and can be difficult to understand for 21st century readers. iFate uses our own modern rewritings (two different editions) of the "Book of Changes" which makes interpreting I Ching readings far simpler. For iFate's additional contemporary re-writing of the original text, see our "Love I Ching" translation.