Approach

Upper trigram: Earth (receptive, nourishing) · Lower trigram: Lake (joyous, sharing)

Judgment

Earth above the lake: the high approaches and bends toward the low. This hexagram speaks of approach, growth and the beginning of a fruitful period. Still, when the eighth month comes the situation may change; so using the good time with awareness and not losing measure is suggested. When approaching others, the wish to listen matters as much as the wish to teach.

Image

The earth above the lake, approach. The noble-minded are inexhaustible in teaching people, and embrace and protect them with boundless patience.

Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)

1. 1Line 1 (from the bottom)Approaching together: walking in a shared direction. Uniting around a right aim brings good results.
2. 2Line 2 (from the bottom)Approaching together is read as favourable: everything is favorable. Mutual support continues in this line.
3. 3Line 3 (from the bottom)Approaching with sweet talk is not favorable. Yet noticing this and feeling concern can keep the mistake from growing.
4. 4Line 4 (from the bottom)Complete approach: sincere and direct. No error; making real contact is valuable.
5. 5Line 5 (from the bottom)Wise approach: like a great leader, entrusting the right people with authority. This stance brings both knowledge and peace.
6. 6Line 6 (from the bottom)Generous approach: favourable, no error. Helping with lasting warmth enriches a person.