Hexagram 19 of 64 · King Wen sequence

Approach

临 · lín

Above: Earth
Below: Lake

Earth above the lake: the ground comes down to the water — a rising presence, and a season with a visible deadline.

The bank slopes down to meet the water: someone with standing draws near, and the nearness is favourable. Approach is the hexagram of a rising season — access opens, the ground comes to you, and the text is emphatic about the calendar.

Two notes, both about time. The approach peaks in the eighth month and turns — so start while it is spring, not when the signs peak. And approach joyfully: the position you are gaining is easier to hold if you were seen arriving glad rather than grinding.

Questions this hexagram asks

Which door is opening toward me right now — and am I moving?
What will this season look like in the eighth month, and am I ready for the turn?
Where am I under-claiming an approach I earned?

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