Hexagram 44
KouComing to Meet
Heaven (Qian) · Wind (Xun)
The image
Under heaven, 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.
This hexagram in one line
This hexagram indicates a situation in which the principle of darkness, after having been eliminated, furtively and unexpectedly obtrudes again from within and below. Of its own accord the female principle comes to meet the male. It is an unfavorable and dangerous situation, and we must understand and promptly prevent the possible consequences. The hexagram is linked with the fifth month [June–July], because at the summer solstice the principle of darkness gradually becomes ascendant again.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Wind follows beneath heaven
Hexagram Judgment
COMING TO MEET. The maiden is powerful. One should not marry such a maiden.
The rise of the inferior element is pictured here in the image of a bold girl who lightly surrenders herself and thus seizes power. This would not be possible if the strong and light-giving element had not in turn come halfway. The inferior thing seems so harmless and inviting that a man delights in it; it looks so small and weak that he imagines he may dally with it and come to no harm. The inferior man rises only because the superior man does not regard him as dangerous and so lends him power. If he were resisted from the first, he could never gain influence. The time of COMING TO MEET is important in still another way. Although as a general rule the weak should not come to meet the strong, there are times when this has great significance. When heaven and earth come to meet each other, all creatures prosper; when a prince and his official come to meet each other, the world is put in order. It is necessary for elements predestined to be joined and mutually dependent to come to meet one another halfway. But the coming together must be free of dishonest ulterior motives, otherwise harm will result.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Heaven (Qian)
- Heaven · Creative
- Wind (Xun)
- Wind · Penetrating
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Coming to Meet means meeting. The soft meets the hard. One should not marry such a maiden because one cannot grow old with her. When heaven and earth meet, all creatures settle and take shape. When the hard is in the middle and correct, the great way of the whole world operates. The meaning of the time of Coming to Meet is great indeed.
Coming to Meet means meeting. The soft meets the hard. One should not marry such a maiden because they cannot grow old together. When heaven and earth meet, all creatures settle and take shape. When the hard is in the middle and correct, the great way operates.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Under heaven, 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 here resembles that in hexagram 20, Kuan, CONTEMPLATION (VIEW). In the latter the wind blows over the earth, here it blows under heaven; in both cases it goes everywhere. There the wind is on the earth and symbolizes the ruler taking note of the conditions in his kingdom; here the wind blows from above and symbolizes the influence exercised by the ruler through his commands. Heaven is far from the things of earth, but it sets them in motion by means of the wind. The ruler is far from his people, but he sets them in motion by means of his commands and decrees.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram LoveHexagram 44 (Coming to Meet) in Love: I Ching Guidance for RelationshipsWhat does Hexagram 44 (Coming to Meet) reveal about love and relationships? The rise of the inferior element is pictured here in the image of a bold girl who lightly surrenders herself and thus seizes power. This would not be possible i... Explore how the I Ching guides emotional connection, dating, and partnership dynamics.
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 44 (Coming to Meet) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 44 (Coming to Meet) mean for your career? The rise of the inferior element is pictured here in the image of a bold girl who lightly surrenders herself and thus seizes power. This would not be possible i... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What does Kou / Coming to Meet mean in the I Ching?
The rise of the inferior element is pictured here in the image of a bold girl who lightly surrenders herself and thus seizes power. This would not be possible i...
How should I study Hexagram 44 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. If an inferior element has wormed its way in, it must be energetically checked at once. By consistently checking it, bad effects can be avoided. If it is allowed to take its course...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Coming to Meet means meeting. The soft meets the hard. One should not marry such a maiden because they cannot grow old together. When heaven and earth meet, all creatures settle and take shape. When the hard is in the mi...
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.