44. Coming to Meet
Gou (Coming to Meet) shows wind under heaven. A single Yin line enters from below and meets five strong men. The famous 'powerful maiden'. It stands for a principle that looks harmless but has enormous power: temptation, influence, or a fateful encounter. It is a situation in which one has to be careful. Not everything that glitters or smiles nicely is good for you. It can lead you off your path ('distraction'). On the other hand: Some encounters change one's life for the better if one handles them well.
Coming to Meet. The girl is mighty. One should not marry (not tie oneself down).
Influence
Gou shows how the 'soft' (Yin) can infiltrate or influence the 'hard' (Yang).
Operative Resources
Discernment. Knowing whom to open the door to.
System Blocks
Delusion – Not recognizing the wolf in sheep's clothing.
System-Hacks
Stay master of your own house.
- No: Say no today to a request that isn't good for you.
- Check: Critically examine a new acquaintance/idea.
Image
Beneath heaven is the wind: the image of Coming to Meet. So the prince proclaims his commands to all four directions.
Shadow Challenge
Shadow: Distraction – Getting involved with the wrong thing. Losing control to base impulses (intoxication, affairs, bad habits).
Strategy
Be vigilant. Check every encounter. Don't let yourself get carried away right away. Manage the influence instead of ignoring it.
The Lines
- Beginning: Brake (Control)Tie it fast to a metal brake. Persistence brings good fortune. If one lets it run, misfortune follows. Even a lean pig has a tendency to run wild. Nip it in the bud! Stop the negative right away.
- Level 2: Containment (Safety)In the container there is a fish. No fault. Not beneficial for guests. You keep the 'evil' under control but don't let it near others.
- Level 3: Hindrance (Protection)No skin on the thighs, and walking is a struggle. Danger. No great fault. You are tempted to join in but are prevented by circumstances. You got lucky.
- Level 4: Loss (Distance)In the container there is no fish. Misfortune. You have lost contact with your base. Estrangement.
- Level 5: Protection (Preservation)Wrapping the melon in willow leaves. Hidden radiance. Then it drops into one's lap from heaven. You protect what is beautiful and noble.
- Conclusion: Pride (Withdrawal)He comes toward others with his horns. Shame. No fault. You withdraw stubbornly. Alone, but upright.
Reflection Journal
- What temptation am I currently exposed to, and is it healthy for me?
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