Hexagram 44 · 姤

Heaven stands above wind, which moves beneath and reaches widely. A single yin line enters below five yang lines. Gou means meeting, especially an encounter whose influence can grow quickly. The image asks for awareness of a new force before familiarity turns into a binding commitment.

1. Line 1 · 初六

   系于金柅，貞吉，有攸往，見凶，羸豕，孚，蹢躅。

   Fastened to a metal brake. Constancy brings good fortune. Going anywhere reveals misfortune. A lean pig is truly eager to leap about.

   Six in the first place is new yin whose movement needs an early limit. The Small Image describes restraining its course, like setting boundaries around a tempting distraction before it takes over working hours.

2. Line 2 · 九二

   包有魚，无咎，不利賓。

   There is a fish in the wrapping. No blame. It is not beneficial to offer it to guests.

   Nine in the second place is central yang containing the new influence close by. The Small Image limits its extension, like testing an unfamiliar arrangement privately before recommending it to the whole organization.

3. Line 3 · 九三

   臀无膚，其行次且，厲，无大咎。

   The buttocks have no skin, and walking is hesitant. Danger, but no great blame.

   Nine in the third place is yang uncomfortable but not yet drawn into the encounter. The Small Image notes that freedom from attachment, like hesitating over an unsuitable invitation and retaining room to decline.

4. Line 4 · 九四

   包无魚，起凶。

   There is no fish in the wrapping. Misfortune arises.

   Nine in the fourth place is yang separated from the first yin with which it corresponds. The Small Image connects this with distance from people, like a manager losing useful contact by neglecting ordinary staff concerns.

5. Line 5 · 九五

   以杞包瓜，含章，有隕自天。

   Wrapping a melon with willow branches, keeping excellence within. Something falls from heaven.

   Nine in the fifth place is central and correct yang holding its quality quietly. The Small Image keeps its purpose attentive to a larger charge, like a leader providing patient protection while waiting for circumstances to clarify.

6. Line 6 · 上九

   姤其角，吝，无咎。

   Meeting with the horns. Humiliation, but no blame.

   Nine at the top is yang too distant and rigid for an easy encounter. The Small Image locates the difficulty at the extreme, like declining involvement appropriately but discovering that a harsh manner has made the exchange awkward.

Meet the new influence with attention rather than automatic acceptance. Set limits early, keep communication clear, and let commitment follow understanding.

• Nuclear乾1
• Inverted夬43
• Opposite復24
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