I Ching
Hexagram 44 — The Encounter Gou
Classical meaning
Meeting. The woman is powerful. It is not fitting to take her as a wife.
姤。女壯。勿用取女。
Image: Under the sky blows the wind: the image of meeting. The superior man maintains discernment and does not yield to sudden impulse.
It describes a sudden encounter with unexpected forces — caution and discernment are vital.
- Meeting
- Caution
- Seduction
- Prudence
- Attention
The six lines
Line 1. The Encounter – Restrained by a metal bridle. Uprightness brings fortune. Advancing will lead to misfortune. A lean pig still insists on moving forward. Restrain impulses at the outset. Premature encounters may entail hidden risks.
Line 2. The Encounter – There is fish wrapped in a package. No guilt. But it is not favorable as a guest. Accept what comes naturally. Do not cling to appearances or the pursuit of prestige.
Line 3. The Encounter – Buttocks without flesh, walking is difficult. Danger, but without great fault. Accept temporary limitations. Excessive effort may worsen the situation.
Line 4. The Encounter – The package does not contain fish. Misfortunes arise. Do not trust appearances. If there is a lack of real substance, the outcome will be unfavorable.
Line 5. The Encounter – A young shoot wrapped in cassia branches. Inner brilliance is concealed. There is a descent from the heavens. Maintain virtue even under disguise. Accept what destiny brings from above.
Line 6. The Meeting – Horns appear at the meeting. Regrettable, yet without fault. Accept that some situations cannot be avoided. Caution prevents greater losses.
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