臨
Hexagram 19 · 臨
Upper trigram: 坤 · Lower trigram: 兌
Lin (Approach): the hexagram of attentive growth. Draw near with generosity, guide without condescension, and remember changing conditions.
The image
Earth stands above the lake, forming a broad shore beside open water. Two yang lines grow upward beneath receptive lines. Lin means approach, including the attention of someone who comes near to guide. Its expanding movement asks for generosity joined to awareness of limits.
Judgment
元亨。利貞。至于八月有凶。
Great beginning and flourishing. Constancy is beneficial. When the eighth month arrives, there is misfortune.
The commentary describes strength gradually growing while reminding readers that growth also turns toward decline. Like a teacher using a productive term well, one can value a favorable phase without reading the classical month as a personal disaster date.
Great Image
澤上有地，臨；君子以教思无窮，容保民无疆。
Earth above the lake: Approach. The exemplary person accordingly teaches with inexhaustible thought and embraces and protects the people without bounds.
Helpful guidance combines patient explanation with care for those learning. A supervisor who remains available for questions makes authority feel near without constantly taking over.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初九
咸臨，貞吉。
Approaching in mutual response. Constancy brings good fortune.
Nine in the first place is growing yang corresponding with the fourth yin. The Small Image stresses an upright purpose, like a new mentor approaching a learner with clear and respectful intentions.
Line 2 · 九二
咸臨，吉无不利。
Approaching in mutual response. Good fortune; nothing is unfavorable.
Nine in the second place is central yang corresponding with the fifth yin. The Small Image resists mere passive obedience, like an experienced assistant contributing judgment instead of simply echoing a manager's wishes.
Line 3 · 六三
甘臨，无攸利。既憂之，无咎。
A sweet approach. Nothing is beneficial. Once one becomes concerned about this, there is no blame.
Six in the third place is yin out of position, relying on pleasing words. The Small Image allows correction of that fault, like a teacher replacing empty encouragement with specific, useful feedback.
Line 4 · 六四
至臨，无咎。
A wholehearted approach. No blame.
Six in the fourth place is correctly placed yin corresponding with the first yang. The Small Image credits its fitting position, like a senior colleague giving direct attention to someone ready to learn.
Line 5 · 六五
知臨，大君之宜，吉。
A wise approach, fitting for a great ruler. Good fortune.
Six in the fifth place is central yin relying on the second line's firm ability. The Small Image defines good rule through central conduct, like a director trusting specialists rather than managing every detail personally.
Line 6 · 上六
敦臨，吉无咎。
A generous approach. Good fortune, no blame.
Six at the top is yin still directing its concern inward toward those below. The Small Image praises that intention, like a retired teacher continuing to offer measured support without demanding control.
When asking about
Career
An expanding role often calls for accessible leadership. Guide others patiently and make use of capable support.
Love
Drawing closer tends to work best through genuine attention. Avoid promises made only to please.
Money
An easier phase can support careful planning. Leave room for conditions to change rather than assuming continued expansion.
Home
Patient involvement can strengthen family cooperation. Help without taking every decision away from others.
Study
Regular access to a teacher can be especially useful. Ask for specific guidance while building independent judgment.
Health
A supportive routine may make busy periods more balanced. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Approach people with warmth and practical attention. Use a growing opportunity well while preparing calmly for its eventual change.
Related hexagrams
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