19. Approach 臨
Lin · Lake over Earth
The Judgment
Approach brings strong progress and rewards those who stay aligned with what is right. A favorable phase is opening and your influence is growing, so step forward and engage. But remember that no rising tide lasts forever; act well now, because conditions will eventually turn, and what you build during this opening will matter when they do.
The Image
Like the earth resting above a lake's depths, the wise person teaches and guides without limit, and protects and supports people without end.
What it means
This is a hexagram of momentum building in your favor. An opportunity is drawing near, your capacity to make an impact is increasing, and the wise response is to move toward it actively rather than waiting passively. Engagement, not retreat, fits the moment.
With growing influence comes the choice of how to wield it. The strongest form of approach combines authority with genuine care, the way a good leader or teacher draws closer to people to support and develop them rather than to dominate. Influence used generously compounds; influence used selfishly erodes.
There is a quiet warning folded into the optimism. Favorable seasons are temporary. Use this window with intention, plant what you want to harvest, and stay aware that a turn will come. Acting with foresight now keeps you steady when the easy phase passes.
Love and relationships
A warm, open phase invites you to move closer and engage more fully; lead with genuine care rather than pressure, and the connection deepens.
Career and decisions
Your influence and opportunities are rising, so step forward decisively now while the window is open, and use the goodwill you build to prepare for tougher times ahead.
The six lines
- 1. Six at the beginning
You approach in step with another in a shared, sincere effort. Staying true to your principles keeps this engagement sound.
When changing: Shows that joining forces honestly at the outset sets a strong foundation.
- 2. Six in the second place
You move forward together and the prospects are good. Even when you cannot see the whole future, acting with integrity carries you through.
When changing: Confirms that confident, principled engagement is well-timed even amid uncertainty.
- 3. Six in the third place
Approaching too casually or with shallow ease invites problems. Recognize the slip, take it seriously, and the difficulty can be corrected.
When changing: Warns that careless, complacent engagement must be caught and corrected quickly.
- 4. Nine in the fourth place
You approach in a thorough, well-prepared way, leaving no gaps. This careful, complete engagement is without fault.
When changing: Indicates that diligent, comprehensive effort now is exactly right.
- 5. Nine in the fifth place
You lead with wisdom, delegating to capable people and trusting them. This measured approach befits a strong, secure position.
When changing: Suggests that wise leadership through trusted others, not micromanaging, fits the moment.
- 6. Six at the top
You approach with generosity and depth of character, offering more than is required. Such open-hearted engagement brings good outcomes.
When changing: Marks a return to involvement driven by genuine generosity rather than obligation.
Related hexagrams
臨 Approach
Cast this for your questionOn-page guidance is original modern synthesis for reflection, informed by the public-domain Legge text. It is not a reproduction of any copyrighted translation, and not a prediction.