I-Ching Hexagram 44
姤 Coming to Meet
Also known as Encountering
A single yin line appearing beneath five yang — the return of the dark. The figure warns of seductive encroachment: a small weakness, a charming corruption, a compromise that seems harmless.
meeting · temptation · encroachment
The Story
A farmer found a single rotten apple in the basket from the orchard. He might have tossed it out with a shrug. Instead he checked every apple, found two more with soft spots, and climbed the tree to inspect the branch. He cut one diseased limb before the sickness reached the trunk. His neighbors, who ignored the first rotten apple in their own baskets, lost half their trees by autumn. Encroachment begins charmingly small. The moment to check it is the moment you first see it — before the small has become the whole.
The Judgment
The maiden is powerful. One should not marry such a maiden.
The Image
Under heaven, wind: the image of coming to meet. Thus does the prince act when disseminating their commands and proclaiming them to the four quarters of heaven.
Interpretation
A single yin line appearing beneath five yang — the return of the dark. The figure warns of seductive encroachment: a small weakness, a charming corruption, a compromise that seems harmless. Check it now while it is small, or it will grow.
Trigrams
The Six Lines
- First (Bottom) It must be checked with a brake of bronze. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one lets it take its course, one experiences misfortune. Stop the intrusion at the first moment; unchecked it will consume.
- Second There is a fish in the tank. No blame. Does not further guests. Contain the problem privately; do not expose it publicly.
- Third There is no skin on the thighs, and walking comes hard. If one is mindful of the danger, no great mistake is made. Uncomfortable progress; vigilance avoids worse.
- Fourth No fish in the tank. This gives rise to misfortune. Losing contact with a subordinate — and thereby losing knowledge — has consequences.
- Fifth A melon covered with willow leaves. Hidden lines. Then it drops down to one from heaven. Quiet dignity, inwardly prepared; the answer comes from above when ripe.
- Sixth (Top) He comes to meet with his horns. Humiliation. No blame. Confronting with ineffectual aggression; awkward but not blameworthy.