Hexagram 44, Gòu (Coming to Meet): Line 1

姤卦初六 · 天风姤 · 中文版

初六:系于金柅,贞吉,有攸往,见凶,羸豕孚蹢躅。

The line (Legge)

The first SIX, divided, shows how its subject should be kept (like a carriage) tied and fastened to a metal drag, in which case with firm correctness there will be good fortune. (But) if he move in any direction, evil will appear. He will be (like) a lean pig, which is sure to keep jumping about.

Small Image commentary

'Tied and fastened to a metal drag:' - (this describes the arrest of) the weak (line) in its advancing course.

象曰:系于金柅,柔道牵也。

In plain words

Tied to a metal brake; steadfastness brings good fortune. If one goes anywhere, misfortune appears, like a lean pig restless and straining. The first line is the first yin line appearing below, and should be restrained early. The Small Image says the yielding way is held back.

Applying it to your situation

If you notice something starting to grow, this line suggests tying it down early. What small impulse should be reined in now?

Position

A broken (yin) line in the first place, which is a yang (odd) place, so it is not in its proper place. Its partner is line 4; one is yin and the other yang, so they respond to each other.

If this line moves

With this line moving alone, Gòu changes into Hexagram 1 Qián (The Creative). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·姤之乾.

The hexagram

Hexagram 44 Gòu (Coming to Meet). The Judgment: Gou shows a female who is bold and strong. It will not be good to marry (such) a female.

Next: Line 2

English text: James Legge, The Yi King (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882), public domain, as transcribed by the Chinese Text Project. Chinese: the received text. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction. Plain-English readings and position notes by this site.

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