Hexagram 44 of 64
姤
Coming to Meet
Gòu
Upper Trigram
乾
Heaven
Creative, Strong
Sky · Father
Lower Trigram
巽
Wind
Gentle, Penetrating
Wind/Wood · Eldest Daughter
The Judgment
Coming to Meet. The maiden is powerful. One should not marry such a maiden.
One yin line at the bottom, five yang above — an inferior force is beginning to infiltrate from below. What appears as a welcome encounter may be a temptation or distraction. One must not yield to what appears attractive but is ultimately subversive.
The Image
Under heaven, wind — the image of Coming to Meet. Thus does the prince act when disseminating his commands and proclaiming them to the four quarters of heaven.
Wind penetrates everywhere beneath heaven. The ruler uses this moment of wide reach to clarify their decrees and values throughout the realm.
The Six Lines
Line 1
It must be checked with a brake of bronze. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one lets it take its course, one experiences misfortune.
The infiltrating inferior force must be stopped at the very beginning. Once it takes hold, it is far harder to remove.
Line 2
There is a fish in the tank. No blame. Does not further guests.
The inferior element is contained — under observation and control. Keep it contained; do not offer it wider access.
Line 3
There is no skin on his thighs, and walking comes hard. If one is mindful of the danger, no great mistake is made.
Movement is painful because the foundation is compromised, but conscious awareness of the danger prevents serious error.
Line 4
No fish in the tank. This leads to misfortune.
The inferior element has escaped containment and spread beyond control. Loss follows.
Line 5
A melon covered with willow leaves. Hidden lines. Then it drops down to one from heaven.
The good that is concealed and ripening without display, protected until ready — this matures to its full perfection in its own time.
Line 6
He comes to meet with his horns. Humiliation. No blame.
Meeting the situation with hardness and conflict — inevitably repelling rather than connecting. The outcome is humiliating but not morally blameworthy.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.