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Hexagram 44: Coming to Meet

䷫ 姤 (Gòu) · Encounter. A sudden meeting; be wary of what comes.

encounter, temptation, influence, discernment

Lower trigram: Wind ☴ · Upper trigram: Heaven ☰

The judgment

Something unexpected comes to meet you, a single influence slipping in beneath a great deal of strength. It may be bold and charming, but it isn't wise to hand it the keys or bind yourself to it. Welcome the meeting while keeping your own judgment in charge.

The image

Wind below Heaven: the wind travels everywhere under the sky, touching all things. Make your intentions plainly known, the way a good leader sends word to every corner.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your casting, counting from the bottom.

• Line 1 (bottom): Put a firm brake on this early, as you would on a rolling cart. Even a scrawny pig can run riot if left alone; letting it run its course invites trouble.
• Line 2: There is a fish in your basket: the situation is in your keeping. Handle it gently yourself rather than passing it on to guests.
• Line 3: Rubbed raw where you sit, you find walking hard and you hesitate. Staying aware of the danger keeps you from serious harm.
• Line 4: The basket is empty of fish: you have lost touch with those you needed. Ignoring the people around you leaves you empty-handed.
• Line 5: A melon ripens out of sight beneath the shade of willow leaves. Keep your gifts quiet and let things mature; what is meant for you can drop into your hands in its own time.
• Line 6 (top): You meet the world with lowered horns, proud and aloof. It may feel lonely and awkward, but your distance harms no one.

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