East Almanac
English

19. Approach (临)

Line 1

If this line changes it transforms into 7. The Army (师)

Modern reading

Line 1 presents Initial Yang initiating an advance with mutual resonance and upright intent toward the fourth yin. Maintaining an uncorrupted heart and principled conduct favours good fortune right from the starting gate.

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I Ching / BaZi reading request (from eastalmanac.com).
Page: Hexagram 19 临 — Line 1.
Interpret through classical principles in two layers: 1) Structural Evidence: identify key line dynamics, changing line pivot, or element balance. 2) Actionable Verdict: direct answer to the inquiry in plain language, followed by 2–3 concrete next steps (action-verb first) and mindful cautions. Grounded wisdom for self-reflection. Source page:
https://eastalmanac.com/yijing/19/1

I Ching casting

As the foundational yang line of the lower Lake trigram, line 1 resonates directly with the receptive Fourth Yin above, generating an authentic shared impulse.

The Xiaoxiang commentary confirms that its good fortune arises because the inner intent walks an upright path, free from manipulation. Stay true to your original, ethical purpose, and your endeavors will naturally attract genuine backing.

Career

A new career chapter or enterprise opens with strong mutual rapport between you and senior stakeholders. Because this stage establishes your reputation, relying on transparent communication and rigorous adherence to standards will earn lasting respect.

Build your initial momentum on sheer integrity and reliable execution to ensure a smooth ascent.

Love & relationships

A blossoming romantic connection experiences immediate chemistry and sincere mutual attraction, setting an honest emotional baseline. Avoid theatrical pretenses or calculated maneuvers, as the natural alignment between your intentions is your greatest strength.

Express your true feelings with simplicity and care, allowing trust to take root naturally.

Wealth

Early-stage financial ventures and cooperative plans show sound prospects when founded upon transparent terms and mutual benefit. Sidestep speculative shortcuts or dubious schemes, focusing instead on clean agreements and steady, methodical contributions.

Stick strictly to transparent, well-vetted financial arrangements to cultivate steady material growth.

References

Original text

Line statement

1. The first line, undivided, shows its subject advancing in company (with the subject of the second line). Through his firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Small Image

‘The good fortune through the firm correctness of (the subject of the first line) advancing in company (with the subject of the second)’ is due to his will being set on doing what is right.

Classical commentary

Zhouyi BenyiLine statement

The hexagram has only two yang lines presiding over the four yin lines; hence both lines carry the image of 'approaching through influence.' Nine at the beginning is firm and attains correctness; hence its divination is 'perseverance brings good fortune.'

Yichuan YizhuanLine statement

'Xian' means influence. When yang grows, it moves and influences yin; the fourth line responds to the first, being the one influenced. Compared to correspondences in other hexagrams, this is especially weighty.

The fourth is close to the ruler's position, while the first attains a correct position; responding to each other, the first uses the correct Dao to be trusted by one in proper authority and can enact its aspirations.

Winning favor from the superior and carrying out its upright Dao, it achieves good fortune. The initial and top lines of other hexagrams rarely speak of attaining or losing position, because the significance of beginning and end takes precedence.

In Lin, however, the initial line attaining its position and dwelling in correctness is deemed crucial.

Whenever the text says 'perseverance brings good fortune,' in some cases it is already upright and auspicious; in some cases attaining rectitude yields good fortune; in some cases steadfastly guarding it yields good fortune—each depends on the situation.

Yichuan YizhuanSmall Image

What is called 'perseverance brings good fortune' means that the will of the ninth line lies in practicing rectitude. Residing in a yang position with a nine, and responding to the correctness of the fourth, its will is upright.

Zhouyi ZhuLine statement

'Xian' means influence. Influence means response. Having a response in the fourth line, it approaches through influence. The fourth line treads a correct position and oneself responds to it; this is one whose will practices rectitude.

Influencing compliance through firmness, with a will to practice rectitude, approaching things in this way brings good fortune through correctness.

Zhouyi ZhengyiLine statement

The correct commentary explains: Xian means influence. Having a response in the fourth line, it influences and presides over it; its will and conduct attain rectitude, hence 'perseverance brings good fortune.'

Zhouyi ZhengyiSmall Image

The correct commentary explains: 'Approaching through influence; perseverance brings good fortune: the will practices rectitude' explains the meaning of 'perseverance brings good fortune.'

Since the fourth line treads a correct position and oneself goes to respond to it, one's own will and intent proceed and return to rectitude.

Sources