Hexagram 19 · 地泽临

Approach

Earth · Kun palace

Drawing near with substance; a favourable advance.

Meaning

Water above the lake: closely connected and rising. Approach indicates that something is coming toward you, or that the moment to move closer has arrived.

Decision Framework

Advance, and bring real substance.

Decision Guidance

Approach is a favourable and forward-looking reading. It suggests an opening: a counterpart is receptive, a season supports movement, or an opportunity is drawing near rather than receding.

What the hexagram insists on is substance. Approach works when you arrive with something real to offer — capability, information, genuine commitment — rather than with enthusiasm alone. It also carries a quiet warning that favourable approaches are seasonal. If you intend to advance, do it now, and bring what you would want to be judged on.

Judgment — Classical Text

元亨利贞。至于八月有凶。

EN Sublime success, perseverance furthers. By the eighth month there is misfortune.

The Six Lines — Classical Text

1. 初九：咸临，贞吉。

   EN Initial nine: approaching with influence; perseverance brings good fortune.

2. 九二：咸临，吉无不利。

   EN Nine in the second: approaching with influence — good fortune, nothing unfavourable.

3. 六三：甘临，无攸利。

   EN Six in the third: sweet-talking approach — nothing furthers.

4. 六四：至临，无咎。

   EN Six in the fourth: approaching fully — no blame.

5. 六五：知临，大君之宜，吉。

   EN Six in the fifth: approaching with wisdom — fitting for a great ruler; good fortune.

6. 上六：敦临，吉无咎。

   EN Topmost six: approaching with generosity — good fortune, no blame.

Keywords

I Ching hexagram 19, Approach hexagram, Lin hexagram meaning, hexagram for opportunity