44. Coming to Meet (姤 Gòu)

Trigrams

Above

☰ Qián (Heaven)

Below

☴ Xùn (Wind)

Symbolic Meaning

姤 (Gòu) represents an unexpected encounter or meeting. This hexagram speaks of sudden developments or the arrival of someone or something unexpected. Success comes from being prepared and handling the encounter with care.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"姤，女壯，勿用取女。"
(Gòu, nǚ zhuàng, wù yòng qǔ nǚ.)

"Coming to Meet. The woman is strong. Do not marry such a woman."

This hexagram advises caution when dealing with unexpected encounters, especially if the situation involves a strong or dominant force. The reference to not marrying such a woman speaks to the need for careful consideration and not rushing into commitments.

Image

Original Chinese:
"天下有風，姤。後以施命誥四方。"
(Tiān xià yǒu fēng, gòu. Hòu yǐ shī mìng gào sìfāng.)

"Wind beneath heaven: The image of Coming to Meet. The superior person announces their commands to the four corners of the world."

The image of wind beneath heaven represents a message or announcement being carried far and wide. The superior person, like the wind, spreads their influence and communicates clearly with others.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"繫于金柅，貞吉。有攸往，見凶，牽羊悔亡，聞言不信。"
(Xì yú jīn nì, zhēn jí. Yǒu yōu wǎng, jiàn xiōng, qiān yáng huǐ wáng, wén yán bù xìn.)

"Tied with a metal brake. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one continues, they meet with misfortune. Pulling a sheep, regret disappears. Hearing words but not believing them."

This line speaks of restraint, symbolized by the metal brake. While perseverance brings good fortune, pushing forward too forcefully leads to misfortune. By taking things slowly and reflecting, regret disappears. It warns against disbelief in helpful advice.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"包有魚，無咎，不利賓。"
(Bāo yǒu yú, wú jiù, bù lì bīn.)

"There is fish in the bag. No blame. It is not favorable to act as a host."

This line describes an unexpected gain (symbolized by fish in the bag), which brings no blame. However, it advises against acting as a host or assuming leadership at this time, as this may not be favorable.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"臀无膚，其行次且，牽羊悔亡，聞言不信。"
(Tún wú fū, qí xíng cì qiě, qiān yáng huǐ wáng, wén yán bù xìn.)

"The buttocks have no flesh. One walks with difficulty. Pulling a sheep, regret disappears. Hearing words but not believing them."

This line speaks of challenges and difficulties in moving forward, symbolized by the lack of flesh. By making the necessary effort and following advice, regret disappears. However, disbelief in good advice can prolong difficulties.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"包無魚，起凶。"
(Bāo wú yú, qǐ xiōng.)

"The bag is empty. Misfortune rises."

This line describes a situation where nothing is gained (the bag is empty). It warns that misfortune may arise if one acts without considering the risks or if expectations are too high. It advises caution in managing resources and expectations.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"以杞包瓜，含章，有隕自天。"
(Yǐ qǐ bāo guā, hán zhāng, yǒu yǔn zì tiān.)

"Wrapping melons in willow leaves. Containing brilliance. There is a fall from heaven."

This line describes containing something precious (symbolized by the melon) with something fragile (willow leaves). It speaks of great potential, but also the risk of loss or failure. It advises protecting what is valuable and being cautious of outside forces.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"姤其角，吝，無咎。"
(Gòu qí jiǎo, lìn, wú jiù.)

"Meeting with horns. There is regret, but no blame."

This line describes an encounter with conflict or opposition, symbolized by horns. While there may be regret or difficulty, there is no blame if one handles the situation with care. It advises caution and avoiding unnecessary confrontation.