Drawing Near
lín · Earth over LakeUse the good season well, and remember that it will change.
元亨。利貞。至于八月有凶。
Strength is rising and drawing near, and things open up widely. Stay true. But a rising season does not last; by the eighth month the tide may turn, so prepare for it now.
The six lines
初九：咸臨，貞吉。
You draw near by moving others and being moved. Stay upright and this goes well.
九二：咸臨，吉无不利。
Again you meet others through shared feeling. This is a favorable place, and little stands against you.
六三：甘臨，无攸利。既憂之，无咎。
You approach with sweet words, and nothing good comes of it. If you grow troubled by this and change, the fault is gone.
六四：至臨，无咎。
You come all the way down to meet people in person. That closeness carries no fault.
六五：知臨，大君之宜，吉。
You lead by wisdom, knowing how to use others' strengths. This is how a great ruler draws near, and it is favorable.
上六：敦臨，吉无咎。
You approach with deep, honest warmth. It is favorable, and no blame attaches to it.
The I Ching is a tool for reflection. Do not use it as the basis for medical, legal or money decisions.