I Ching Hexagram 19: Approaching (臨)
Overview
The Chinese word lin has a range of meanings that is not exhausted by any single word of another language. The ancient explanations in the Book of Changes give as its first meaning, "becoming great." What becomes great are the two strong lines growing into the hexagram from below; the light-giving power expands with them. The meaning is then further extended to include the concept of approach, especially the approach of what is lower. Finally the meaning includes the attitude of condescension of a man in high position toward the people, and in general the setting to work on affairs. This hexagram is linked with the twelfth month (January-February), when after the winter solstice, the light power begins to ascend again.
The Judgment — Wilhelm/Baynes Translation
APPROACH has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, . There will be misfortune.
— Richard Wilhelm & Cary F. Baynes, The I Ching or Book of Changes (Princeton University Press, 1950)
The Image — Wilhelm/Baynes Translation
The earth above the lake: The image of APPROACH. Thus the superior man is inexhaustible In his will to teach, And without limits In his tolerance and protection of the people.
— Richard Wilhelm & Cary F. Baynes, The I Ching or Book of Changes (1950)
Commentary
The earth borders upon the lake from above. This symbolizes the approach and condescension of the man of higher position to those beneath him. The two parts of the image indicate what his attitude toward these people will be. Just as the lake is inexhaustible in depth, so the sage is inexhaustible in his readiness to teach mankind, and just as the earth is boundlessly wide, sustaining and caring for all creatures on it, so the sage sustains and cares for all people and excludes no part of humanity.
The Six Lines — Complete Commentary
Each line represents a stage in the unfolding situation. A line becomes "changing" when it transforms during divination.
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Line 1
Joint approach. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The good begins to prevail and to find response in influential circles. This in turn is an incentive to men of ability. IT is well to join this upward trend, but we must not let ourselves be carried away by the current of the time; we must adhere perseveringly to what is right. This bring good fortune. -
Line 2
Joint approach. Good fortune. Everything furthers.
When the stimulus to approach comes from a high place, and when a man has the inner strength and consistency that need no admonition, good fortune will ensue. Nor need the future cause any concern. He is well aware that everything earthly is transitory, and that a descent follows upon every rise, but need not be confused by this universal law of fate. Everything serves to further. Therefore he will travel the paths of life swiftly, honestly, and valiantly. -
Line 3
Comfortable approach. Nothing that would further. If one is induced to grieve over it, One becomes free of blame.
Things are going well for a man: he achieves power and influence. But in this lies the danger that he may relax, and confident of his position, allow the easygoing, careless mood to show itself in his dealings with other people. This would inevitably be harmful. But there is possibility of a change of mood. If he regrets his mistaken attitude and feels the responsibility of an influential position, he frees himself of faults. -
Line 4
Complete approach. No blame.
While the three lower lines indicate rise to power and influence, the three upper lines show the attitude of persons in higher position toward those of lower rank for whom they procure influence. Here is shown the open-minded approach of a person of high rank to a man of ability whom he draws in to his own circle, regardless of class prejudice. This is very favorable. -
Line 5
Wise approach. This is right for a great prince. Good fortune.
A prince, or anyone in a leading position, must have the wisdom to attract to himself people of ability who are expert in directing affairs. His wisdom consists both in selecting the right people and in allowing those chosen to have a free hand without interference from him. For only through such self-restraint will he find the experts needed to satisfy all of his requirements. -
Line 6
Great hearted approach. Good-hearted approach. Good fortune. No blame.
A sage who has put the world behind him and who in spirit has already withdrawn from life may, under certain circumstances, decide to return once more to the here and now and to approach other men. This means great good fortune for the men whom he teaches and helps. And for him this great hearted humbling of himself is blameless.
♥ Hexagram 19 Approaching — Love & Relationships
Hexagram 19, Approaching (臨, lín), brings a profound and timely message to love and relationships. The interplay of THE RECEPTIVE over THE JOYOUS — EARTH resting upon LAKE — creates a dynamic that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities you face in your relationships. This hexagram invites careful reflection on how its ancient wisdom applies to the most pressing questions of emotional connection.
The I Ching has been consulted for thousands of years precisely because its symbolic language, developed through centuries of careful observation of natural and human patterns, cuts through surface circumstances to reveal deeper truths. When Hexagram 19 Approaching appears in response to questions about partnership, it brings the combined wisdom of its two trigrams: the qualities of EARTH above and LAKE below, interacting to create a specific and meaningful moment in the cycle of change.
★ Hexagram 19 Approaching — Career & Work
Hexagram 19, Approaching (臨, lín), brings a profound and timely message to professional life and career development. The interplay of THE RECEPTIVE over THE JOYOUS — EARTH resting upon LAKE — creates a dynamic that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities you face in your work. This hexagram invites careful reflection on how its ancient wisdom applies to the most pressing questions of professional growth.
The I Ching has been consulted for thousands of years precisely because its symbolic language, developed through centuries of careful observation of natural and human patterns, cuts through surface circumstances to reveal deeper truths. When Hexagram 19 Approaching appears in response to questions about career path, it brings the combined wisdom of its two trigrams: the qualities of EARTH above and LAKE below, interacting to create a specific and meaningful moment in the cycle of change.
◆ Hexagram 19 Approaching — Money & Finances
Hexagram 19, Approaching (臨, lín), brings a profound and timely message to financial matters. The interplay of THE RECEPTIVE over THE JOYOUS — EARTH resting upon LAKE — creates a dynamic that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities you face in your resources. This hexagram invites careful reflection on how its ancient wisdom applies to the most pressing questions of material abundance.
The I Ching has been consulted for thousands of years precisely because its symbolic language, developed through centuries of careful observation of natural and human patterns, cuts through surface circumstances to reveal deeper truths. When Hexagram 19 Approaching appears in response to questions about financial security, it brings the combined wisdom of its two trigrams: the qualities of EARTH above and LAKE below, interacting to create a specific and meaningful moment in the cycle of change.
☤ Hexagram 19 Approaching — Health & Wellbeing
Hexagram 19, Approaching (臨, lín), brings a profound and timely message to health and wellbeing. The interplay of THE RECEPTIVE over THE JOYOUS — EARTH resting upon LAKE — creates a dynamic that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities you face in your body and mind. This hexagram invites careful reflection on how its ancient wisdom applies to the most pressing questions of physical vitality.
The I Ching has been consulted for thousands of years precisely because its symbolic language, developed through centuries of careful observation of natural and human patterns, cuts through surface circumstances to reveal deeper truths. When Hexagram 19 Approaching appears in response to questions about wellness journey, it brings the combined wisdom of its two trigrams: the qualities of EARTH above and LAKE below, interacting to create a specific and meaningful moment in the cycle of change.
☯ Hexagram 19 Approaching — Spiritual Growth
Hexagram 19, Approaching (臨, lín), brings a profound and timely message to spiritual development. The interplay of THE RECEPTIVE over THE JOYOUS — EARTH resting upon LAKE — creates a dynamic that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities you face in your inner life. This hexagram invites careful reflection on how its ancient wisdom applies to the most pressing questions of spiritual growth.
The I Ching has been consulted for thousands of years precisely because its symbolic language, developed through centuries of careful observation of natural and human patterns, cuts through surface circumstances to reveal deeper truths. When Hexagram 19 Approaching appears in response to questions about the path of wisdom, it brings the combined wisdom of its two trigrams: the qualities of EARTH above and LAKE below, interacting to create a specific and meaningful moment in the cycle of change.
△ Hexagram 19 Approaching — Business & Strategy
Hexagram 19, Approaching (臨, lín), brings a profound and timely message to business and commerce. The interplay of THE RECEPTIVE over THE JOYOUS — EARTH resting upon LAKE — creates a dynamic that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities you face in your enterprise. This hexagram invites careful reflection on how its ancient wisdom applies to the most pressing questions of commercial success.
The I Ching has been consulted for thousands of years precisely because its symbolic language, developed through centuries of careful observation of natural and human patterns, cuts through surface circumstances to reveal deeper truths. When Hexagram 19 Approaching appears in response to questions about business ventures, it brings the combined wisdom of its two trigrams: the qualities of EARTH above and LAKE below, interacting to create a specific and meaningful moment in the cycle of change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hexagram 19 Approaching mean?
The hexagram as a whole points to a time of joyous, hopeful progress. Spring is approaching. Joy and forbearance bring high and low nearer together. Success is certain. But we must work with determination and perseverance to make full use of the propitiousness of the time. And on thing more: spring does not last forever. In the eighth month the aspects are reversed. Then only two strong, light lines are left; these do not advance but are in retreat (see next hexagram). We must take heed of this
Is Hexagram 19 a yes or no?
The I Ching does not provide simple yes or no answers. Hexagram 19, Approaching, offers guidance about the quality and direction of the current moment. Consult the judgment and image texts above for specific direction relevant to your question.
What are the changing lines in Hexagram 19?
Changing lines indicate points of transformation within your reading. Each of the six lines in Hexagram 19 carries its own meaning — see the complete line commentary above for detailed guidance on each position.
Have a question about this hexagram?
Get a Personalized Approaching ReadingSources
- Wilhelm, Richard & Baynes, Cary F. The I Ching or Book of Changes. Princeton University Press, 1950.
- Legge, James. The I Ching: Book of Changes. Dover Publications, 1963.
- Huang, Alfred. The Complete I Ching. Inner Traditions, 1998.
Commentary
The hexagram as a whole points to a time of joyous, hopeful progress. Spring is approaching. Joy and forbearance bring high and low nearer together. Success is certain. But we must work with determination and perseverance to make full use of the propitiousness of the time. And on thing more: spring does not last forever. In the eighth month the aspects are reversed. Then only two strong, light lines are left; these do not advance but are in retreat (see next hexagram). We must take heed of this change in good time. If we meet evil before it becomes reality-before it has even begun to stir-we can master it.