Hexagram 19: Approach

Written by Orbitarot · Sources: James Legge, The Yi King (The I Ching), 1882 (judgment and lines); plain readings our own · Updated October 7, 2026

Hexagram 19 in plain words

Earth sits above the lake. The earth borders the lake from above, close to the water, like someone coming near to look after and guide others. Two strong lines rise from below and push upward, showing strength on the increase. Tradition links this hexagram to the twelfth month, when the light begins to return, and says that the wise person is tireless in teaching and limitless in care for others.

In your situation, things are opening up. You may be approached by people, or you may be moving closer to someone or something important. This is a good time to start, to support others, and to use your influence kindly. The way you approach matters: openly, sincerely, and with goodwill. Pressure, flattery, or manipulation spoil the good conditions. The old text also warns of trouble arriving by the eighth month, meaning that a time of growth will not last forever. That is not a threat but a reason to act while the season is right and to build things that can endure when conditions turn.

The judgment

Lin (indicates that under the conditions supposed in it) there will be great progress and success, while it will be advantageous to be firmly correct. In the eighth month there will be evil.

Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigram for) the waters of a marsh and that for the earth above it form Lin. The superior man, in accordance with this, has his purposes of instruction that are inexhaustible, and nourishes and supports the people without limit.

From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).

In plain words: The earth rises over the lake, close to the water on every side. Approach others with patience that does not run out, and keep teaching and caring for them without setting limits.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.

Line 1 (bottom)

The first NINE, undivided, shows its subject advancing in company (with the subject of the second line). Through his firm correctness there will be good fortune.

You approach together with others. Moving forward in partnership, while staying correct, brings good fortune.

Line 2

The second NINE, undivided, shows its subject advancing in company (with the subject of the first line). There will be good fortune; (advancing) will be in every way advantageous.

You approach together with others, and things go well. Good fortune: everything you set your hand to helps.

Line 3

The third SIX, divided, shows one well pleased (indeed) to advance, (but whose action) will be in no way advantageous. If he become anxious about it (however), there will be no error.

You approach too comfortably, with easy talk and little substance. Nothing comes of it; if you see this and regret it, the fault fades.

Line 4

The fourth SIX, divided, shows one advancing in the highest mode. There will be no error.

A complete and sincere approach. Meeting people openly, with your whole heart, is free of blame.

Line 5

The fifth SIX, divided, shows the advance of wisdom, such as befits the great ruler. There will be good fortune.

A wise approach, fit for a leader. Choose good people and let them do their work; good fortune.

Line 6 (top)

The sixth SIX, divided, shows the advance of honesty and generosity. There will be good fortune, and no error.

A generous, warm-hearted approach. Sharing what you know with those who need it brings good fortune and no blame.

Related hexagrams

All three relations have traditional Chinese names (cuo gua for the opposite, zong gua for the inverse, hu gua for the nuclear). Many modern readers use the opposite as the shadow side of a situation, the inverse as the same moment seen from the other side, and the nuclear hexagram as its inner core.

If one line changes

With a single changing line, hexagram 19 turns into:

Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.

Hexagram 19 in love and relationships

In love, this hexagram is a warm sign: someone may be coming closer, or a bond is deepening. Approach openly and kindly, and let the closeness grow without pressure.

Hexagram 19 for work and decisions

At work, this is a time of opportunity and expanding influence. Start or grow a project, mentor others, and act while the conditions are favorable.

Questions