Yi Jing · Chinese tarot
Encounter
Hexagram 44 of the Yi Jing · 姤 Gòu
The figure
Heaven above Wind: a single broken line arises beneath five solid ones, an unexpected meeting. The image of what slips in, to be received with lucidity.
What this figure illuminates
Encounter lights up the arrival of something or someone unexpected — an opportunity as much as a temptation. Everything depends on the lucidity with which you receive it, neither naive nor closed.
For a decision, the figure invites discernment: “what is arriving here — a chance to seize, or something that, growing, would take all the space?”.
The classical text
The Judgment
Coming to meet: a force, seeming slight, comes forward and grows strong. Do not bind yourself to what should not be given room.
The Image
Wind moves everywhere beneath the sky, reaching all things. Seeing this, the ruler gives out their commands and lets the word travel to the four quarters.
The Six Lines
- First line
Check the small intrusion at once, as a cart is braked to a metal block. Held fast: good fortune. Let it run, and it will not stay small.
- Second line
A fish kept in your own basket — hold the influence close, do not let it loose among others. No error.
- Third line
Unable to sit still, sore and hesitant. The position is uneasy, but hold back and you avoid great fault.
- Fourth line
Your basket is empty — you have lost hold of what you should have kept close. Estranged from your own, misfortune stirs.
- Fifth line
Like a tall tree quietly sheltering the fruit below, cover your brilliance and protect what is tender. What is meant for you descends as if from Heaven.
- Sixth line
You meet others stiffly, horns first, and are left alone for it. Cause for regret — but, holding to yourself, no real fault.
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
Is what's arriving a chance, or what would end up taking everything?
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