I Ching

The power of gathering together is represented by a rally, where each individual’s strength is magnified by the power of the community as a whole.  History has shown that mass movements can bring about stable, ordered and durable conditions for the better.  This reading may be pointing to an auspicious time for large undertakings.  But the guiding force of a shared vision is essential to hold the forces of unity together, and keep them advancing toward a common goal.

Another image for this situation is that of a lake filling with water.  Just as the fullness of the lake can bring good fortune to all in its sphere, it can also overflow, leading to calamity.  Thus in a time of gathering together it is essential that precautions against unforeseen danger be considered along with efforts to advance along a clearly-charted course.  Much of human misfortune comes from unexpected events for which we are ill prepared; when gathered together with others, we are both more powerful and, in some ways, more vulnerable.

Any time of unity is a time of potential greatness.  But that greatness can be both positive and negative.  Everything is magnified when masses of people unite for a single purpose.  When many people unite behind a single goal or strong vision, it is wise to take personal precautions, and to protect your own reasonable self-interests, because these can easily be lost in the crowd.

1. There is a crying need for strong leadership.  A suitable person – already present as a potential center of strength and purpose – stands in the midst of the crowd; that person should be approached, and asked to take the lead position.  The group needs to recognize its need for help.  Finding the right leader brings good fortune.
2. During times of popular unity, secret forces are often at work.  These strong, magnetic forces are best understood by asking, what is it that is actually drawing people together? Before joining in, it is essential that you know the answer.
   Yielding to magnetic forces of popular attraction, once they are understood and known to be benevolent, is often necessary and good; in such situations, the usual precautions and formalities associated with meeting new people and developing new relationships can be dispensed with.
3. If unity with a certain group is desirable, but you remain an outsider, the first step is to align yourself with the leader of the group.  Even if this at first feels awkward or humiliating, take the initiative! Consider the development of a relationship with the leader a strategic necessity, and take direct action to achieve it.
4. When one takes on a temporary or subordinate leadership role in service to a greater leader, supreme good fortune! To play such a role properly is a sign of maturity and balance, and bodes well for you in the future, providing you can play the part properly.
5. When people rally around you, expecting you to provide leadership, not to act brings misfortune.  Indeed, few situations provide a better opportunity for combining personal advancement with contributions to the general welfare of others – than the moment when others look to you for guidance and direction.  But beware, of the possibility that others are not so much attracted by your competence as they are by what they perceive to be your potential for influence over still others.  This kind of sycophancy is regrettable, so be on the lookout for it.  The only way to really gain the confidence of such people is to intensify your own commitment to competence, and high performance standards.  In this way you will be renouncing the role of petty influence in your own career – and thereby make greater progress in the long run.
6. When a person’s good intentions toward others are rebuffed, it is only natural that sadness and regret be the result.  Expressing your true feelings may bring the others to their senses – resulting in good fortune for all.  Then again, it may not.