Hexagram 44: Coming to Meet
Hexagram
44. Coming to Meet · Gou
Structure of the sign
The hexagram indicates a situation in which the dark principle, after having been eliminated, secretly and unexpectedly intrudes again from within and below. Of its own accord the female comes to meet the men. It is an unfavorable and dangerous situation because of the possible consequences, which must be recognized in time and prevented thereby. The hexagram is assigned to the fifth month (June-July), because with the summer solstice the dark principle gradually begins to ascend again.
The Judgment
Coming to Meet. The maiden is powerful. One should not marry such a maiden. The rise of the inferior is depicted under the image of a bold girl who lightly gives herself away and thereby usurps power. This would not be possible if the strong and light did not on its part also come to meet her. The inferior looks so harmless and flattering that one takes pleasure in it. It appears so small and weak that one imagines one can jest with it without concern. Thus the inferior man rises only because the superior man considers him harmless and lends him power. If he were resisted from the very beginning, he could never attain influence. But the time of coming to meet also has another aspect worthy of attention. Although the coming to meet of the weak toward the strong must not be the rule, it has nonetheless at times a great significance. When heaven and earth come to meet each other, all creatures prosper. When prince and helper come to meet each other, the world is set in order. A mutual coming to meet between principles destined for each other and dependent upon each other is necessary. Only it must be free from impure ulterior motives, otherwise it is of evil.
The Image
Under heaven is the 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. The situation is similar to that in the hexagram 'Contemplation' (No. 20). There the wind blows over the earth; here it blows under heaven. Both times it reaches everywhere. But while there the wind on the earth below yielded the image of the ruler taking note of conditions, here the wind blows from above; this points to the influence that the ruler exercises through his commands. Heaven is far from things on earth, but sets them in motion through the wind. The ruler is far from the people, but sets them in motion through his commands and the expressions of his will.
The 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. Even a lean pig has it in him to rampage around. When an inferior element has crept in, it must be checked immediately and energetically. By consistently checking it, evil effects can be avoided. If it is allowed to run its course, misfortune is sure to follow. One must not be misled by the insignificance of that which creeps in into taking it too lightly. As long as a pig is still young and lean, it cannot romp around much, but when it has eaten its fill and grown strong, its true nature asserts itself if it has not been restrained beforehand.
Line 2▶ ruling line
There is a fish in the tank. No blame! Not furthering for guests. The inferior element is not violated, but kept under gentle control. Then nothing evil is to be feared. One must only take care that it does not come together with outsiders, because if let loose it would unfold its bad qualities without restraint.
Line 3
There is no skin on the thighs, and walking comes hard. If one is mindful of the danger, no great mistake is made. Inwardly one is tempted to become involved with the bad element that offers itself. This is a very dangerous situation. Fortunately one is prevented from doing so by circumstances. One would like to, but cannot. This gives rise to a painful indecision in action. But if one becomes clear about the danger of the situation, one will at least avoid greater mistakes.
Line 4
No fish in the tank. This leads to misfortune. The inferior people must be tolerated so that they remain well-disposed. Then one can also make use of them when they are needed. If one becomes estranged from them and does not meet them halfway, they turn away, and one does not have them at one's disposal when they are needed. But then one has only oneself to blame.
Line 5▶ ruling line
A melon covered with willow leaves: hidden lines. Then it falls to one from heaven. The melon, like the fish, is a symbol of the dark principle. It is sweet, but rots easily, which is why it is protectively covered with willow leaves. The situation is such that a strong, elevated, well-grounded man tolerantly protects the lowly who are under his hand. He has the firm lines of order and beauty within himself. But he does not display them. He does not burden those below with outward show or tiresome admonitions, but leaves them entirely free, in firm reliance on the inwardly transforming power inherent in a strong and pure personality. And lo! Fate is favorable. The lowly are influenced and fall to him like ripe fruit.
Line 6
He comes to meet with his horns. Humiliation. No blame. When a man has retired from the world, the hustle and bustle of the world often becomes intolerable to him. Often there are people who in noble pride keep away from everything vulgar and brusquely rebuff it wherever it comes to meet them. Such men are blamed as proud and unapproachable, but since they are no longer bound to the world through duties of action, this is not of great consequence. They know how to bear the aversion of the crowd with equanimity.
Below ☴ Wind (Sun)
- Direction
- SE
- Element
- Wood · Wind
- Attributes
- Gentle · Penetrating · Gradual · Persevering
- Family
- Eldest Daughter
Above ☰ Heaven (Kien)
- Direction
- NW
- Element
- Heaven · Metal
- Attributes
- Creative · Strong · Untiring · Luminous
- Family
- Father