Hexagram 19: Approach
Drawing near, becoming great
| Chinese | 臨 (Lín) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☷ Earth — The Receptive (Earth) |
| Lower trigram | ☱ Lake — The Joyous (Metal) |
| Keywords | approach, advance, leadership, greatness |
| Opposite | Hexagram 33: Retreat |
| Inverted | Hexagram 20: Contemplation |
What does Hexagram 19 (Approach) mean?
Approach 臨 (Lín) is hexagram 19 of the I Ching, formed by Earth (The Receptive) over Lake (The Joyous). Its theme is drawing near, becoming great, with key ideas of approach, advance, leadership, greatness. The Judgment reads: “Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers.”
The Judgment of Approach
Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers.
The Image of Approach
The earth above the lake.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 19
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Nine at the beginning
“Joint approach. Perseverance brings good fortune.”
Moving forward together with others in a spirit of mutual support is the ideal beginning for any undertaking.
Nine in the second place
“Joint approach. Good fortune. Everything furthers.”
Collaborative momentum carries all projects forward. The synergy of aligned effort removes obstacles.
Six in the third place
“Comfortable approach. Nothing that would further. If one is induced to grieve over it, one becomes free of blame.”
Approaching with ease and without true engagement leads nowhere. Genuine concern about one's shallowness is the first step to depth.
Six in the fourth place
“Complete approach. No blame.”
Full, wholehearted engagement without reservation is correct. Holding nothing back in sincere approach is blameless.
Six in the fifth place
“Wise approach. This is right for a great prince. Good fortune.”
True leadership approaches through understanding rather than force. The wise ruler assigns the right people to the right roles.
Six at the top
“Great-hearted approach. Good fortune. No blame.”
Magnanimous, open-hearted engagement — the approach of the sage — brings the finest outcomes.
Will Approach answer your question?
Cast the three coins yourself — the I Ching reading is free, no account needed.
Cast the I Ching →