Hexagram 19 · 临 · Lín
Approach
- Element:
- Earth over Lake
- Key themes:
- approach, influence, leadership, progress, opportunity
Image
The earth above the lake, symbolizing the approach of a powerful and nurturing influence.
Overall message
Hexagram 19 represents the concept of approach and the influence that comes with it. It emphasizes the importance of taking initiative, building trust, and maintaining a balanced and harmonious approach. Success comes from acting with confidence and leadership while remaining considerate and open to learning.
Embrace the opportunities that come with approaching a new situation or influence. Act with confidence and leadership, but remain nurturing and considerate. Success comes from taking initiative while maintaining a balanced and harmonious approach.
Classical text (Legge, 1882)
Judgment. Lin (indicates that under the conditions supposed in it) there will be great progress and success, while it will be advantageous to be firmly correct. In the eighth month there will be evil.
Image. (The trigram for) the waters of a marsh and that for the earth above it form Lin. The superior man, in accordance with this, has his purposes of instruction that are inexhaustible, and nourishes and supports the people without limit.
From James Legge's translation of the I Ching (Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI, 1882). Public domain.
The six lines
Line 6 · Reflection and Wisdom
The period of approach comes to an end. Reflect on your actions and gain wisdom.
Reflect on your experiences and learn from them. Use this wisdom to guide future actions.
Line 5 · Harmonious Approach
Your approach is harmonious and well-received. Success is within reach.
Maintain a balanced and considerate approach. Your harmonious actions will lead to success.
Line 4 · Expanding Influence
Your influence expands. Take on a leadership role with confidence.
Step into a leadership role with confidence. Use your influence wisely and responsibly.
Line 3 · Overcoming Challenges
Challenges may arise as you approach. Stay determined and adaptable.
Face challenges with determination and flexibility. Stay focused on your goals.
Line 2 · Building Influence
Your influence begins to grow. Build trust and rapport.
Focus on building strong relationships. Your influence will grow through trust and mutual respect.
Line 1 · Initial Approach
The beginning of approaching a new situation. Be open and receptive.
Approach with an open mind and a positive attitude. Be ready to learn and adapt.
Related hexagrams
Opposite: If every line of this hexagram were inverted (yang to yin and vice versa), you would have Hexagram 33 · 遯 · Dùn. This is the hexagram's structural counterpart — the situation it could become if every dynamic flipped.
Nuclear: The hexagram hidden inside this one, built from lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5, is Hexagram 24 · 复 · Fù. The nuclear hexagram describes the inner pattern that produced this situation — what is going on underneath.
If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:
- Line 1 changing → Hexagram 7 · 师 · Shī
- Line 2 changing → Hexagram 24 · 复 · Fù
- Line 3 changing → Hexagram 11 · 泰 · Tài
- Line 4 changing → Hexagram 54 · 归妹 · Guī Mèi
- Line 5 changing → Hexagram 60 · 节 · Jié
- Line 6 changing → Hexagram 41 · 损 · Sǔn