The 44th Hexagram of the I Ching: Gòu (姤卦)
Symbolism of the Gòu Hexagram: The Image of Heaven and Wind
The Gòu Hexagram (姤卦) is a combination of two trigrams: Xùn (巽) below and Qián (乾) above. Qián represents Heaven, and Xùn represents Wind. When the wind blows across the Earth, it symbolizes the interaction of Yin and Yang, leading to the flourishing of all things. The wind moves through the air, touching everything, bringing about a sense of sudden encounters and unexpected events.
Explanation from Duàn Yì Tiānjī (断易天机)
In this hexagram, Qián is above and Xùn is below, with one Yin and five Yang lines. It represents a situation where Yin encounters Yang and softness overcomes hardness. The hexagram suggests the possibility of unexpected encounters or events, but warns against making hasty decisions, particularly in matters such as marriage. It is an opportune time to plan and strategize, and if fire is involved, it could lead to fortunate results.
Interpretation by Song Dynasty Scholar Shao Yong (北宋易学家邵雍)
When Yin predominates and Yang diminishes, good fortune starts to fade. Many obstacles may arise, so caution is advised. Those who draw this hexagram should be mindful of various challenges and be especially careful of romantic entanglements or scandals.
Interpretation by Taiwanese Scholar Fu Peirong (台湾国学大儒傅佩荣)
- Time and Fortune: This is a period of good fortune and widespread recognition.
- Financial Luck: Traveling far can bring profit.
- Family Life: Beware of sudden, strong winds; marriage will proceed well if based on integrity.
- Health: Be cautious about the risk of stroke.
Traditional Interpretation of the Hexagram
This hexagram combines Xùn (巽) below and Qián (乾) above. Qián represents Heaven, symbolizing power and strength, while Xùn represents Wind, symbolizing movement and change. The wind blows across the land, signifying the union of Yin and Yang, bringing vitality and growth to the world. Gòu (姤), meaning “encounter,” indicates a chance meeting or a sudden change. However, with five Yang lines and one Yin line, this union is not destined to last long.
Big Picture: The wind enters through every opening, touching everything in its path, symbolizing the inevitability of encounters. This hexagram represents unexpected meetings or changes that cannot be avoided.
Fortune: The dominant Yin energy suggests a time when good fortune may wane and obstacles arise. Caution is needed, particularly in personal relationships, where the risk of entanglement or scandal may be high. It’s important to proceed carefully and avoid rushing into things.
Career: While the timing may be favorable, there are hidden dangers. Yin and Yang are not in harmony, so one should align with stronger influences and form partnerships that can help overcome challenges. Early preparation and careful waiting for the right moment to act will lead to success.
Business: The market is transitioning from prosperity to decline, and the time is right to exit before the situation worsens. Pressing forward without caution could lead to danger. There are no trustworthy allies, and behind the scenes, small-minded individuals may try to cause trouble. It is crucial to maintain a clear mind, seek reliable partners, and wait for the right moment to re-enter the market.
Seeking Fame: The individual may have a sense of self-importance that distances them from others. They may face difficulties achieving their goals. It is important to align with those who are genuine and upright, relying on their support for success.
Marriage and Relationships: Careful scrutiny of the other person’s moral character is essential to avoid falling into love triangles or scandals. If both partners approach the relationship with sincerity and integrity, even difficult situations can be resolved.
Decision Making: It is a favorable time, with the potential for success in a conducive environment. However, one must not take reckless risks, as this could lead to failure. It is also essential to stay alert for any hidden schemers and prevent them from gaining power. Act swiftly to stop potential harm before it grows, even if it means isolating yourself from negative influences.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Gòu Hexagram
Yao Ci: Chū Liù (初六): “Tied to the copper axle, steadfastness brings good fortune; if one moves, misfortune will be seen. The weak pig struggles but is bound and cannot move.”
Explanation of the Yao Ci:
This line suggests that if one remains firmly bound, like a cart axle made of copper, the situation will lead to success. However, rushing forward without care will bring danger, much like a pig tied up, struggling but unable to escape.
Advice for this Line:
- A petty person will try to take advantage; cut off any potential for small-scale schemes early on.
- Act with calm and integrity for good fortune; any movement made in haste will lead to failure.
- Rumors may cause a lot of noise, but remain humble and rise above them.
- If you see danger, avoid moving forward; good news will eventually come to you.
- Move or act only at the right time—do not rush to make hasty decisions.
- The path ahead is dangerous and blocked, avoid rushing in and make sure no one else has already made the journey.
Transformation of the First Line of Gòu Hexagram
The movement of Chū Liù (初六) leads to the transformation into the Qián (乾) Hexagram, the 1st Hexagram of the I Ching. In this hexagram, Qián symbolizes Heaven, representing purity and strength. It suggests prosperity and growth, showing that those who follow the way of the universe with integrity and resilience will find success.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Gòu Hexagram
Yao Ci: Jiǔ Èr (九二): “There is fish in the bag; no harm will come. It is not favorable for inviting guests.”
Explanation of the Yao Ci:
The line implies that finding fish in a bag is a good omen and will not bring misfortune. However, this is not a suitable situation for entertaining guests, as the fish are not meant for sharing with others at this moment.
Advice for this Line:
- Do not be misled by superficial appearances; things that seem bright may not always be favorable.
- Stay upright and avoid actions that may harm you or others. Happiness will come when you stay grounded.
- If you meet others, keep your focus clear and pursue your goals with determination.
- The decisions you make should be your own, based on your needs, and will not lead to regrets if handled properly.
Transformation of the Second Line of Gòu Hexagram
The movement of Jiǔ Èr (九二) leads to the transformation into the Dùn (遁) Hexagram, the 33rd Hexagram of the I Ching. The Tùn Hexagram is composed of Gèn (艮) below and Qián (乾) above, with Qián representing Heaven and Gèn representing Mountain. This suggests that, when there are obstacles in the world and the power of Yin increases while Yang diminishes, the wise person should retreat and protect themselves, waiting for the right moment to emerge and take action.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Gòu Hexagram
Yao Ci: Jiǔ Sān (九三): “The buttocks are scraped, walking is slow; danger arises, but there will be no great harm.”
Explanation of the Yao Ci:
This line suggests that although you may face difficulty and struggle in your journey, you are not likely to suffer any significant harm. Like a person with a scraped backside, progress is slow, but danger is manageable.
Advice for this Line:
- Sometimes, moving forward is not the right choice. If you must act, do so cautiously to avoid small risks.
- Fear will not lead to disaster, but small obstacles may cause delays.
- Proceed slowly and carefully, seeking peace rather than rushing ahead.
- In times of danger, be cautious—rash action could result in harm.
Transformation of the Third Line of Gòu Hexagram
The movement of Jiǔ Sān (九三) leads to the transformation into the Sòng (讼) Hexagram, the 6th Hexagram of the I Ching. The Sòng Hexagram consists of Kǎn (坎) below and Qián (乾) above. Kǎn symbolizes danger, and Qián symbolizes strength. The conflict between these two forces leads to strife and legal disputes, indicating a time when caution and restraint are necessary to avoid unnecessary disputes and harm.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Gòu Hexagram
Yao Ci: Jiǔ Sì (九四): “There is no fish in the bag; misfortune arises.”
Explanation of the Yao Ci:
This line indicates that when there is no fish in the bag (symbolizing the lack of favorable circumstances or resources), misfortune will occur.
Advice for this Line:
- When the ruler and the people lose their positions, even the kitchen should not be focused on fishing.
- Once a crisis arises, be on alert; do not forget the treasures or lessons you have learned in the past.
- Those in power should connect with the people below; otherwise, the people’s hearts will scatter.
- When things start to go wrong, everything will fall apart.
- When things are lost, thoughts and plans will be split between two extremes.
- The clouds and mist are separating, and unresolved concerns will continue to linger.
Transformation of the Fourth Line of Gòu Hexagram
The movement of Jiǔ Sì (九四) leads to the transformation into the Xùn (巽) Hexagram, the 57th Hexagram of the I Ching. The Xùn Hexagram is made up of Xùn (巽), representing wind, on both the top and bottom. This symbolizes a strong, continuous wind that penetrates everywhere. Xùn also represents the qualities of flexibility, humility, and adaptability. When you adopt these attitudes and behaviors, success will naturally follow.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Gòu Hexagram
Yao Ci: Jiǔ Wǔ (九五): “Wrap the melon with a branch of the Qǐ (杞) tree, carrying virtue; it will fall from the sky.”
Explanation of the Yao Ci:
This line suggests that when you wrap a melon with the branches of the Qǐ (杞) tree (which symbolizes virtue and purity), good fortune will naturally come from the heavens. This indicates that the inner cultivation of moral character will lead to blessings and success.
Advice for this Line:
- Stay centered and act according to your highest principles; when you remain true to yourself, you will attract success.
- By holding to what is just, you will meet favorable circumstances—whether with monkeys, rabbits, oxen, or snakes, all will lead to good results.
- Treat others with respect, and success will follow as you align with those who share similar values.
- Cultivate loyalty and virtue, and blessings from heaven will naturally follow.
- As a rooster turns to the wind and a fish transforms into a dragon, great achievements will unfold through perseverance.
- When you are destined for greatness, your path to success will be smooth, and the road to fame will open.
Transformation of the Fifth Line of Gòu Hexagram
The movement of Jiǔ Wǔ (九五) leads to the transformation into the Dǐng (鼎) Hexagram, the 50th Hexagram of the I Ching. This hexagram consists of Xùn (巽) below and Lí (离) above. The Dǐng symbolizes a tripod cauldron, a symbol of stability and strength. It represents a time of transformation and renewal, as when cooking food, something raw is made into something refined and useful. This hexagram indicates the necessity of change and reform, especially in one’s career or business, to overcome difficulties and achieve prosperity.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Gòu Hexagram
Yao Ci: Shàng Jiǔ (上九): “The horns appear; there is reluctance, but no great harm.”
Explanation of the Yao Ci:
This line suggests that a difficult or unfavorable situation will arise, symbolized by the growth of horns. However, while the situation may be tough, it will not lead to major misfortune.
Advice for this Line:
- When your plans are blocked, do not become discouraged. Even if the situation is tough, it is not necessarily disastrous.
- If something seems out of reach, do not rush to force it; sometimes, waiting is the better option.
- There is uncertainty regarding what will or will not happen—be cautious and prepared for all possibilities.
- Be mindful of unexpected changes, and do not rely on assumptions or hope for things to unfold on their own.
Transformation of the Sixth Line of Gòu Hexagram
The movement of Shàng Jiǔ (上九) leads to the transformation into the Dà Guò (大过) Hexagram, the 28th Hexagram of the I Ching. The Dà Guò Hexagram is made up of Xùn (巽) below and Duì (兑) above. This hexagram suggests a situation where actions may exceed the limits, leading to excessive behavior and imbalance. It symbolizes the importance of knowing when to stop and when to push forward, as well as the need for balance between internal strength and external softness.