19. Approach
Approach is hexagram 19 of the 64 in the I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes (in Chinese Lín, 臨).
What approaches brings opening with it, and with it the duty not to grow careless in good fortune.
Core image
This hexagram shows a movement of coming near. Something opens, something descends, something comes within reach. The atmosphere is favorable: there is access, contact, growing nearness. The field grows richer and more receptive. But for that very reason this time asks for measure.
Tension
Approach tempts one to ease. The moment something comes closer, people begin to think it is already theirs. But this hexagram points out that favorable movement is no possession. What approaches still has to be received, guided, and carried.
Distortion
Approach distorts when one nests early in the good fortune. Then openness becomes self-evident and care disappears. One already lives in the harvest while the work of carrying has yet to begin.
Stance
Receive the near widely and without cramp, but not carelessly. What comes closer also lays more bare. A favorable time especially asks for wakeful leadership. Whoever carries approach well spares it from decay.
Closing line
Good fortune often spoils not through enmity, but through too quick a familiarity.
Plain-language entrances.
Derived addresses for this hexagram. They help search and recognition, but do not change the source meaning.
hexagram 19 toenadering en groei
Hexagram 19 gaat over toenadering: groeiende nabijheid, invloed en verantwoordelijkheid in een open fase.
Changing lines of hexagram 19
- Line 1. At the start, approach shows itself in a pure first opening. That is a good sign, but no resting place yet. The first step especially must stay simple and clear.
- Line 2. Here the approach becomes truly favorable. What comes can be received honestly. That gives room for broad effect.
- Line 3. At this point one goes soft in enjoying the openness. One lets measure slacken because everything already seems favorable. This line warns against cozy carelessness.
- Line 4. Here approach can take concrete and right form. What was opened is now brought into shape. The favor takes on a body.
- Line 5. This line shows dignified approach from a central position. Not everything has to be done oneself; receiving well is the great art here. The strength lies in right relation, not in takeover.
- Line 6. When approach reaches its end, the shadow of later distance already appears. That does not make this line bad, but it does make it sober. Carry the favorable time in such a way that you do not summon its end ahead of time.
Related hexagrams
Frequently asked questions about hexagram 19
What does hexagram 19, Approach, mean in the I Ching?
What approaches brings opening with it, and with it the duty not to grow careless in good fortune. This hexagram shows a movement of coming near. Something opens, something descends, something comes within reach. The atmosphere is favorable: there is access, contact, growing nearness. The field grows richer and more receptive. But for that very reason this time asks for measure.
What does hexagram 19 (Approach) ask of you?
Approach tempts one to ease. The moment something comes closer, people begin to think it is already theirs. But this hexagram points out that favorable movement is no possession. What approaches still has to be received, guided, and carried.
Read what is in motion in your situation.
A hexagram only takes on meaning in relation to your own question. Ask one and read what appears.