Skip to content
Daoa
The 64 figures

Yi Jing · Chinese tarot

Approach

Hexagram 19 of the Yi Jing · Lín

The figure

Earth above the Lake: the ground overlooking the joyous water, the rising tide. The image of approach, of what grows step by step.

What this figure illuminates

Approach lights up favorable moments drawing near, when influence grows. It is a spring: promising, but asking you to act while the season lasts, without taking the momentum as eternal.

For a decision, the figure invites you to seize an opening window: “this dynamic runs the right way — what do I commit to do with it before it closes?”.

The classical text

The Judgment

The great approaches: strong progress, and it furthers to stay upright. But in the eighth month misfortune comes — every rise has its turning.

The Image

The earth stands open above the lake. Seeing this, the noble person teaches without ceasing and supports the people without limit.

The Six Lines

  1. First line

    Approaching together, in good company. Held correct: good fortune.

  2. Second line

    Approaching together, and everything furthers. Good fortune.

  3. Third line

    Approaching with easy complacency furthers nothing. But grow watchful about it, and there is no error.

  4. Fourth line

    Approaching in the fullest, most open way. No error.

  5. Fifth line

    The approach of wisdom, as befits one who leads. Good fortune.

  6. Sixth line

    Approaching with honesty and a generous heart. Good fortune, and no error.

Daoa's wording, written after the classical reference translations, now in the public domain: James Legge (1882) and Charles de Harlez (1889).

A question to keep

What window is opening that you'd gain by seizing now?

Draw this figure for your question

Ask your question and do a free I Ching reading online, then receive a reading tied to your situation.

Other figures