I Ching · No.44 · Kou / Coming to Meet

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

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

Translation

Kou Hexagram. Dreaming of an injured woman. In divination, encountering this hexagram is unfavorable for marrying a woman. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, which is heaven; the lower trigram is Xun, which is wind. Thus, wind blowing under heaven is the image of the Kou Hexagram. Recognizing this, the ruler emulates the wind blowing over all things to disseminate teachings throughout the world and make proclamations to the four quarters.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Yin grows and Yang declines, great fortune wanes in the middle; many obstructions, exercise caution to guard against them. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, Yin is strong and Yang is weak, and all affairs are unfavorable. One should act with caution, and pay special attention to amorous disputes.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently in good fortune, renown spreads across the four seas.
• Wealth 财运: Upon reaching distant places, profits will naturally be gained.
• Household 家宅: Beware of strong winds; the marriage attains correctness.
• Health 身体: Beware of wind-stroke.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune prevails, enabling one's name to be known in all directions.
• Warfare 战征: Military orders are swift; rewards are guaranteed to be trusted, and punishments are sure to be executed. There is momentum to sweep across the world.
• Business 营商: In pursuit of trade and profit, it is suitable to transport goods to distant regions, yielding profits wherever one goes.
• Fame & Career 功名: An image of one's name spreading across the four seas.
• Marriage 婚姻: What is valued in a marriage ceremony lies in the command of the parents and the words of the matchmakers, just as state affairs rely on royal decrees. When it obtains correctness, then it can be practiced throughout the world.
• Household 家宅: Beware of the danger that this residence may be collapsed by the wind.
• Illness 疾病: For children, it is infantile convulsions; for adults, liver-wind. Guard against numbness of the limbs or spasms of the hands and feet.
• Litigation 讼事: This lawsuit implicates many and cannot be settled for the time being.
• Lost Items 失物: The thief has fled far away like the wind; it is difficult to recover the item.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Qian above). Qian is heaven, and Xun is wind. There is wind under heaven, blowing across the earth; Yin and Yang intermingle, and all things flourish. The Kou Hexagram is the opposite of the Guai Hexagram, forming an inversed pair. Kou means to mate or meet, where Yin and Yang encounter each other. However, with five Yang lines and one Yin line, they cannot coexist for long.

• Overall Image 大象: Wind penetrates everywhere. Wherever it blows, every exposed object encounters it, implying a chance meeting.
• Fortune 运势: Yin grows and Yang wanes; pay attention to amorous disputes, as various affairs are obstructed. One should act with caution.
• Career 事业: Conform to the times and follow the proper order. However, there are latent crises due to the disharmony of Yin and Yang. It is essential to align with the strong, build connections in various ways to enhance your influence, prevent petty persons from taking unfair advantage, and strive for an improvement in the situation. Prepare all matters early, wait for the opportunity, and act immediately once it ripens.
• Business 经商: The market is turning from a thriving state toward decline, so it is wise to disengage early; forcing development is dangerous. There is no assistance from upright people, while petty people are plotting in the dark. In response, you must maintain a clear mind, seek reliable partners, and patiently bide your time to plan for the future redevelopment of business activities.
• Seeking Fame 求名: One's character is not very sociable, and with an excessively high self-regard, one inevitably falls into difficulties and remains unfulfilled. One should seek the support of sincere and upright people, achieving success under their backing.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Strictly scrutinize the moral character of the other party to avoid getting involved in 'triangular' entanglements. If husband and wife treat each other with sincerity, danger can be turned into safety.
• Decision 决策: Auspicious. One can develop smoothly in a favorable environment, but one must never take risks, lest it produce the opposite effect. Secondly, guard constantly against betrayal by petty people nearby. For this reason, stop evil before it gains momentum; it is better to be isolated than to associate with petty people.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, 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. the first line) go forward to the guests.

Line Text (Translation)

First Six: Tied to a bronze brake-bar with a fine, soft cord. This is an auspicious omen for divination. If one has a destination in mind, misfortune will surely be encountered, like a lean pig that is reluctantly dragged back. The Image says: Tied to a bronze brake-bar with a fine, soft cord means that the soft is restrained by the hard, symbolizing the weak relying on the strong to obtain good fortune.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mediocre. For those who obtain this line, they may receive help from patrons or good friends to acquire wealth and progress. Women will have the joy of childbirth. For those in poor circumstances, guard against illnesses, lawsuits, and worries, or unchaste behavior in women. Officials have the worry of being demoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Maintaining the status quo is acceptable; one should not act rashly.
• Wealth 财运: Suitable for opening a shop, unfavorable for traveling merchants.
• Household 家宅: Preserve the family reputation; the husband manages external affairs while the wife manages domestic ones.
• Health 身体: Weakness; rest quietly.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The current path of fortune is restricted; one must not act rashly, for rash action will surely bring misfortune.
• Warfare 战征: The first line marks the beginning of sending forth the army. The image of Xun is yin and soft, so military strength must be weak. It is evident that defending firmly is auspicious, while rash advancement is disastrous.
• Business 营商: Favorable for stationary merchants, unfavorable for traveling merchants.
• Fame & Career 功名: It is suitable only to maintain the old ways.
• Marriage 婚姻: The Jiujia Commentary on the Yi says: 'A thread tied to a brake-bar is like a woman bound to a man.' Placing the husband correctly inside brings good fortune.
• Household 家宅: Beware of the shame of lax moral standards in the inner quarters of this residence.
• Illness 疾病: This illness is a condition of weak Yin; it is advisable to rest quietly at home.
• Lost Items 失物: It must be bound by a cord; search for it immediately and it will be found, but it cannot be recovered after some days.
• Travelers 行人: The traveler must be entangled with a woman abroad and cannot return immediately.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Supreme good fortune and smooth progress, a favorable divination. The Image says: Heaven's movement is strong and vigorous, running without cease. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on heaven and strengthens himself ceaselessly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Strong, vigorous, and flourishing, the work of growth and development; everything goes smoothly, but guard against being too strong. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, heaven's movement is strong and vigorous, and one makes oneself strong ceaselessly. It is an image of achieving both fame and wealth; one should seize opportunities and strive for results. If a woman obtains this hexagram, there is a suspicion of being overly rigid and upright.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Ch'ien below, Ch'ien above). It symbolizes heaven, represents the dragon (a superior man of virtue and talent), and also symbolizes pure Yang and vigor, indicating prosperity and strength. The Ch'ien hexagram is based on the principle of the adaptation and transformation of all things. With 'sublimity, success, furtherance, perseverance' (Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen) as the hexagram statement, it indicates good fortune and smooth progress, teaching people to abide by the virtue of the Way of Heaven.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, 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

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Two: There is fish in the kitchen. Divination of this line brings no disaster, but it is unfavorable for hosting guests. The Image says: There is fish in the kitchen; having fish but no meat is an image of modest comfort, thus it is unsuitable to host grand banquets.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mediocre. For those who obtain this line, there is financial fortune, and women will have the joy of pregnancy. Officials have hopes of promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Keeping away from petty people will naturally bring benefit.
• Wealth 财运: Goods are abundant, and profits are in hand.
• Household 家宅: Managed by a woman; the marriage can be realized.
• Health 身体: Suffering incidental disaster.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: In life, how can everyone we meet be a gentleman? One must carefully accommodate and protect oneself, so as not to be harmed by petty people, and then one will naturally be without blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: The fish has the potential to transform into a dragon. 'The wrapper contains fish' means the fish is already captured in the wrapper, so advancement is assured. 'Unfavorable for guests' means the benefit must belong to oneself.
• Business 营商: 'The wrapper' is an image of containing wealth, and the contents are fish. Fish also symbolize abundance, indicating that goods are full and profits are substantial. 'Unfavorable for guests' means that the profit cannot be stolen by outsiders.
• Warfare 战征: Ma Rong says: 'Fish are creatures with scales, which are symbols of weapons.' Being able to wrap the fish indicates one who is good at deploying troops. 'Unfavorable for guests' means guests refer to the enemy, and the enemy will surely be defeated.
• Marriage 婚姻: The fish is a yin element. Enclosing yin with yang means the marriage will be accomplished.
• Household 家宅: The fish is a yin element, symbolizing a woman. This household must be run by a woman.
• Illness 疾病: Beware of suffering incidental disaster.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Thun indicates successful progress (in its circumstances). To a small extent it will (still) be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Tun Hexagram. Success. A small advantage in perseverance. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, and Qian is Heaven; the lower trigram is Gen, and Gen is Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; Heaven is high and Mountain is distant—this is the image of Retreat. The superior man, observing this image, does not deal with inferior men by returning evil for evil, but adopts a strict attitude, resigning from office, content to withdraw and keep the inferior men at a distance.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Escape and retreat; what reaches its peak must decline. Strictly restrain speech and deeds; wait for an opportunity to rise again. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is suitable to retreat and not to advance. Defensive retreat can preserve oneself; acting rashly will bring disaster. One should be prudent in words and deeds, waiting for the right moment to act.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Qian above). Qian represents Heaven, and Gen represents Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; as the mountain rises high, Heaven retreats. Yin grows while Yang wanes; the inferior men gain influence, and the superior man retreats into retirement to preserve himself through wisdom, waiting for the opportunity to save the world.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, 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.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Three: The buttocks are injured, and walking is difficult. Divining this line indicates danger, but there is no great disaster yet. The Image says: Walking is difficult, because there is no one to support.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, there are many disasters. Officials will face setbacks or demotions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Danger arises from suspicion; remain calm and do not act rashly.
• Wealth 财运: How can one profit when hesitating and indecisive?
• Household 家宅: Renovate the residence; delay will lead to completion.
• Health 身体: Unable to sit or stand easily; seek medical diagnosis and treatment.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune is weak and hesitant in all matters, hence there is danger with every movement.
• Warfare 战征: Wanting to advance but failing to do so, danger arises from suspicion, and victory cannot be achieved. It is fortunate that there is no major defeat.
• Business 营商: Transporting goods is slow; how can profits be made?
• Fame & Career 功名: Must still wait patiently with delay.
• Marriage 婚姻: Delay will lead to completion.
• Household 家宅: The walls and rooms at the back of this house must have collapsed, which is highly dangerous; renovating them will avoid blame.
• Illness 疾病: This illness must involve ulceration of the lower body, making sitting and walking uncomfortable. Treating it will bring no blame.
• Litigation 讼事: Guard against being flogged or beaten with staves.
• Lost Items 失物: The item is already damaged; it can be recovered after a delay.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sung intimates how, though there is sincerity in one's contention, he will yet meet with opposition and obstruction; but if he cherish an apprehensive caution, there will be good fortune, while, if he must prosecute the contention to the (bitter) end, there will be evil. It will be advantageous to see the great man; it will not be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sung (Conflict). Although there is profit to be made (capturing prisoners), one must remain vigilant and cautious. The matter is auspicious in the middle, but dangerous in the end. Divining this, it is favorable to see great men, but unfavorable to cross the great river. The Xiang (Image) Commentary says: The upper trigram is Qian, representing Heaven; the lower trigram is Kan, representing Water. Heaven and water move in opposite directions, going their separate ways, which is contrary to reason. This is the image of Sung. Reflecting on this image, the superior man takes heed to prevent conflict, being extremely cautious at the very beginning of planning any enterprise.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Heaven is high and water is deep, reaching far but not in intimacy. Be cautious in planning and retreat to defend; with respect and awe, there will be no misfortune. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, body and mind are unsettled, things are mostly unfavorable, and there are many disputes and lawsuits with others. It is advisable to cultivate character, nurture nature, and act with caution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below and Qian above). It is the opposite of the Hsü (Waiting) hexagram, making them reciprocal 'Zong' hexagrams. Qian represents strength and vigor, while Kan represents danger and entrapment. Strength and danger, vigor and danger, oppose each other, inevitably generating conflict. Conflict is not a good thing; one must be prudent and cautious.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Four: No fish in the kitchen. In divination, setting things in motion will surely bring misfortune. The Image says: The line 'no fish in the kitchen' indicates that the person will surely meet with misfortune. This is because Nine Four is a Yang line occupying a Yin position, like a ruler who has lost their position of authority and is alienated from the people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, there are many disturbances of right and wrong, and it is unfavorable for the longevity of the elderly. Officials will face damage and many difficulties.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Having not yet obtained the proper fortune, broaden your mind.
• Wealth 财运: No grain in the bag, no profit to be made.
• Household 家宅: Beware of disasters in secluded locations; there may be no descendants.
• Health 身体: Deficiency-fire is difficult to cure, extremely dangerous.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The strong changes into the soft; the path of fortune is improper, and one's capacity is shallow and narrow, hence there is much misfortune.
• Warfare 战征: The commander's capability is meager and cannot contain the troops; guard against the disaster of a mutiny.
• Business 营商: 'No fish in the wrapper' presents an image of an empty purse; how can profits be made?
• Fame & Career 功名: Fish delight in obtaining water, and people delight in obtaining fame. Without fish, the water dries up; without fame, people are impoverished, hence it is unlucky.
• Marriage 婚姻: The way of marriage emphasizes bearing children. 'No fish in the wrapper' means there is no pregnancy. Misfortune.
• Household 家宅: The Image says 'alienated from the people.' This residence must be in a place far from other dwellings, a solitary village. Fearing unforeseen disasters.
• Illness 疾病: The fish is a yin symbol. Having no fish means Yin is extremely depleted and Yang cannot contain it; it will surely be fatal.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sun intimates that (under the conditions which it denotes) there will be some little attainment and progress. There will be advantage in movement onward in whatever direction. It will be advantageous (also) to see the great man.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sun Hexagram. Small success. It is beneficial to have a destination, and beneficial to see great men. The Image says: This hexagram is formed by doubling the Sun trigram; Sun represents wind, thus the continuous wind follows, blowing incessantly. This is the image of Sun. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the incessantly blowing wind, thereby repeatedly clarifying teachings, repeatedly issuing government decrees, and instilling the great principles of social order.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Submissive and accommodating, acting with humility; gaining help from noble people, benefits lie in distant places. Small good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram experience fluctuating fortune; it is advisable to adapt to circumstances and act with humility, which will bring unexpected gains.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Sun below, Sun above). Sun is wind; two winds are superimposed, the continuous wind never ends, penetrating everywhere. Sun means submission. A humble attitude and behavior will lead to success in all endeavors.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, 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.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Five: A melon covered with willow leaves, concealing its beauty. It falls from heaven. The Image says: The hidden beauty mentioned in the line statement of Nine Five refers to the line occupying the central position of the upper trigram, symbolizing a person holding the virtue of balance and correctness. Falling from heaven indicates that noble aspirations and actions cannot be implemented, so one sacrifices one's life to die for their ideals.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mediocre. For those who obtain this line, they will receive assistance from patrons, experience unexpected joy, and women will have the joy of pregnancy. Officials will become pillars of the state.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: With an open mind, fame and success will naturally manifest.
• Wealth 财运: Wood products should yield great profits.
• Household 家宅: A balanced and correct residence; the marriage is auspicious.
• Health 身体: Fever mixed with cold; seek a good doctor quickly.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune is central and correct; within one's capability, one can naturally encompass all things. Although auspiciousness is not explicitly mentioned, it is obvious.
• Business 营商: Although the business is limited to timber, melons, and fruits, the scope is very broad, so great wealth will naturally be obtained.
• Fame & Career 功名: The fifth line occupies the position of honor, so fame and success will manifest naturally; yet advancement, retreat, honor, and disgrace should all be accepted as fate.
• Warfare 战征: An imposing formation, a grand banner—this is the army of a king. Those who rebel are executed, and those who submit follow, with a momentum to sweep and clear everything before them.
• Marriage 婚姻: An image of continuous descendants.
• Illness 疾病: An image of heat wrapping cold.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Ting gives the intimation of great progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Ting (Cauldron) hexagram. Supreme good fortune, success. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Xun, and Xun is wood; the upper trigram is Li, and Li is fire. Thus, there is fire over wood: the image of the Cauldron. The superior man, by observing this image, emulates the three-legged stability of the cauldron, standing upright without leaning, thereby holding correct and maintaining his position, being relied upon and trusted by the sovereign, and fulfilling his mission.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Achieving success through failure, accomplishing tasks through others; all affairs proceed smoothly, rising rapidly in the world. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is currently at its peak; they can receive help from friends and achieve great accomplishments. Partnering or cooperating with others is even better.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Li above). Burning wood to cook food, transforming raw to cooked, meaning weeding out the old and bringing forth the new. The Cauldron is a precious treasure and a grand vessel, symbolizing the stability of three legs. Cooking food metaphorically represents abundant food, with no more difficulties or distress. On this basis, it is suitable to make changes and develop one's career.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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

Line Text (Translation)

Top Nine: Meeting at its horns. Humiliating, but there is no great disaster. The Image says: 'Meeting at its horns' is because the Top Nine Yang line occupies the very end of the hexagram, symbolizing a person in a state of exhaustion and distress.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, planning and undertakings are arduous, and they are isolated and helpless. Officials will see their fame and success manifest greatly, but their good fortune is about to end. Scholars who make diligent progress can achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fame and success manifest greatly, but the fortune is nearing its end.
• Wealth 财运: With careful calculation, the profits will be very abundant.
• Household 家宅: Beware of house corners; a couple of disparate ages.
• Health 身体: An illness in the head; seeking medical treatment can cure it.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune has reached the top, and the fortune is also exhausted.
• Business 营商: Competitors strive for profit. 'Meeting at the horns' means being able to obtain the primary profit. Although there is regret for the merchants, 'regret brings no blame'.
• Fame & Career 功名: An omen of outstanding talent and prominence. Tradition says that the Kuixing (Star of Literature) has horns; 'meeting at its horns' means encountering the Kuixing, which is highly favorable for fame and success.
• Warfare 战征: Striving with strength and competing for victory both show images of warfare. The character for 'horn' consists of 'knife' and 'use' below it; this battle involves great slaughter and is the disaster of exhausting military force.
• Illness 疾病: Likely a sore on the head; treating it will bring no blame.
• Marriage 婚姻: The top occupies the extreme of Qian; reaching the top and returning below, it must be an old man seeking a young wife.
• Lost Items 失物: The item was originally in a high place; when exhausted it returns below, so search in a low place to find it.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Reaching the limit and returning; giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tâ Kwo suggests to us a beam that is weak. There will be advantage in moving (under its conditions) in any direction whatever; there will be success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram of Da Guo (Preponderance of the Great). The ridgepole sags under the weight. There is advantage in having a direction to go, and progress. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, representing a lake; the lower trigram is Xun, representing wood. With Dui above and Xun below, the lake waters submerge the wooden vessel; this is the image of Preponderance of the Great. The superior man, observing this image, takes warning that a heavy vessel will capsize; realizing that when encountering disaster and change, one should maintain integrity without yielding, remain securely in retirement without seeking office, and keep oneself quiet, detached, and content.

Shao Yong's Commentary

With abundant Yang and scarce Yin, the situation is on the verge of collapsing; both root and branch are weak, so one must act according to one's capability. Misfortune: Those who get this hexagram will experience restlessness of body and mind, things going against their wishes, yet they force their way forward, leading to times of great regret. Beware of legal disputes and water hazards.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Dui above). Dui represents the lake and joy; Xun represents wood and obedience. The waters of the lake submerge the boat, resulting in a great mistake. The Yin and Yang lines are unbalanced, with Yang being large and Yin being small. It indicates extraordinary action and a state of excess, strong within and gentle without.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.