The power of gathering together is represented by a rally, where each individual’s strength is magnified by the collective power of a community. For instance, 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 group events or undertakings. The guiding force of a shared vision is essential to align unified forces and keep your people advancing toward a common goal.
Another image is that of a lake or basin filling with water. Just as the fullness of the lake can bring good fortune to all in its realm, it can also overflow, leading to disaster. In a time of gathering together, it is essential that precautions against unforeseen dangers be considered, along with efforts to advance the common good 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 more powerful—even if, in some ways, we are also more vulnerable.
Any time of gathering together is a time of potentially great power, which can be either positive or negative. Everything is magnified when masses of people join together for a single purpose. When many people unite behind a single goal or strong vision, it is wise to take personal precautions, protecting your reasonable self-interests, because these can easily be lost in the melee of the crowd.
Changing Line Interpretations
Line 1 (bottom line)
Right now, a group needs to recognize its need for clear direction and strong leadership. Finding the right leader will bring good fortune. A suitable person who is a potential center of strength and purpose is already present. Such a gifted individual should be approached and asked to take a leadership position. As soon as this overture to the right person is made, general distress will disappear.
Line 2
During times of gathering, secret forces may be at work beneath the surface. Strong, magnetic impulses are best understood by asking the question: what is it that is drawing people together? Before joining in, it is best to first learn the answer. One doesn’t need to have grand designs to achieve a gathering; those involved need only understand each other intuitively. Any heartfelt offer should be enough.
Yielding to magnetic forces of popular attraction—once they are known to be benevolent—is sometimes necessary and good. In such situations, the usual precautions and formalities associated with meeting new people and developing new relationships may be dispensed with.
Line 3
If unity within a certain group is desirable but you are an outsider, begin by aligning yourself with the leader of the group. Even if this feels awkward or humiliating at first, go ahead and take the initiative. Consider the development of a relationship with the leader a strategic necessity, and take direct action to achieve it.
Line 4
When you take on a temporary or subordinate leadership role in service to an even more qualified leader, supreme good fortune results. To play such a role with dignity is a sign of maturity and balance, and bodes well for you in the future—providing you play your part with discretion and respect.
Line 5
When people rally around a person because of their confidence in him or her, that is an excellent alignment. However, if they rally because of the leader’s raw power and influence, it can become a reason for regret. Few situations provide a better opportunity for combining personal advancement with contributions to the general welfare than that moment when others look to you for guidance and direction.
Be aware of the possibility that they are not so much attracted by your competence as they are by what they perceive to be your potential for power. This kind of sycophancy is regrettable, so be on the lookout for it. The only sustainable way to gain the confidence of people is to intensify your own commitment to competence and high performance standards. In this way, you renounce the role of petty influence and make greater progress in the long run.
Line 6 (top line)
When a person’s good intentions toward others are rebuffed, it is only natural that sadness and regret result. Even so, expressing your true feelings may bring others to their senses, resulting in good fortune after all. (Then again, it may not.)
