Hexagram 44: Coming to Meet

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 44 in plain words

Heaven sits above the wind. Wind travels everywhere under the sky, touching everything it meets. One yielding line has slipped in beneath five strong ones, the first sign of a darker influence returning. Tradition says that the woman here is powerful, and one should not marry such a person, meaning that what arrives so easily should not be embraced without thought.

The meeting is not always bad. When heaven and earth meet, all things flourish; and a ruler who spreads their commands like wind can reach every corner of the land. But the hexagram is mostly a caution about influences that start small and quietly gain control: a habit, a flattering offer, a charming person with an agenda, or a compromise that seems harmless. The wise response is to stay open and courteous, while keeping the new element in its proper place. Watch, check, and set limits early, because it is much easier to restrain something at the beginning than after it has spread. This is a hexagram about discernment in moments of attraction.

The judgment

Kâu shows a female who is bold and strong. It will not be good to marry (such) a female.

Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigram representing) wind and that for the sky above it form Kâu. The sovereign, in accordance with this, delivers his charges, and promulgates his announcements throughout the four quarters (of the kingdom).

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

In plain words: Wind moves under heaven and reaches every corner. A message travels far now, so say clearly what you mean and make sure it reaches everyone concerned.

The six lines

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

Line 1 (bottom)

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.

Check the new influence firmly, as with a bronze brake on a cart. Let it run free and it goes badly; even a thin pig will soon rampage.

Line 2

The second NINE, undivided, shows its subject with a wallet of fish. There will be no error. But it will not be well to let (the subject of the first line) go forward to the guests.

There is a fish in the tank, under your control. That is fine, but do not hand it on to guests; keep the matter contained.

Line 3

The third NINE, undivided, shows one from whose buttocks the skin has been stripped so that he walks with difficulty. The position is perilous, but there will be no great error.

Your thighs have no skin and walking is hard. You are uneasy and cannot move freely, but if you stay aware of the danger there is no great mistake.

Line 4

The fourth NINE, undivided, shows its subject with his wallet, but no fish in it. This will give rise to evil.

There is no fish in the tank. You have lost touch with the people you depend on, and that leads to trouble.

Line 5

The fifth NINE, undivided, (shows its subject as) a medlar tree overspreading the gourd (beneath it). If he keep his brilliant qualities concealed, (a good issue) will descend (as) from Heaven.

A melon is shaded by willow leaves; your quality is hidden but intact. Keep your good qualities quiet, and what you hope for falls as if from heaven.

Line 6 (top)

The sixth NINE, undivided, shows its subject receiving others on his horns. There will be occasion for regret, but there will be no error.

You meet others with your horns, proud and aloof. That is somewhat embarrassing, but no real harm comes of it.

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 44 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 44 in love and relationships

In love, a strong attraction may appear suddenly. Enjoy it, but keep your eyes open: check whether the person and the pull are good for you before giving them a central place in your life.

Hexagram 44 for work and decisions

At work, a new offer, partner or idea may look appealing. Look closely at the terms and the motives, and set clear boundaries before you commit.

Questions