Hexagram 19: Approach
By Wendy Zhang, Founder of Solacely · Updated
臨 · Lín
Supreme success. Persistence is favorable. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.
The judgment
元亨。利貞。至于八月有凶。
Supreme success. Persistence is favorable. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.
The image
澤上有地，臨；君子以教思无窮，容保民无疆。
Above the lake lies the earth: approach. The noble person is tireless in teaching and caring, and boundless in embracing and protecting the people.
Earth rises above the Lake, like a bank overlooking water and drawing near to it. It pictures a strong, joyful force growing from below and a caring presence reaching down to meet it.
What Approach means
Lin shows two strong lines advancing from below, like the light returning as days lengthen. The theme is approach: growing influence and the stronger drawing near to the weaker with care, as a leader approaches the people or a teacher approaches a student. The judgment promises great success while warning that the eighth month brings misfortune; good seasons turn, so make the most of this one and do not grow complacent. The Image calls for tireless teaching and generous protection. For you, this hexagram suggests that your influence is rising and conditions are favorable to move forward, offer guidance and deepen relationships. Lead with warmth and respect. Use the time well, since favorable conditions do not last indefinitely. Avoid laziness, sweet talk without substance, and assuming the good period will continue forever.
In love and relationships
Connection is growing. If partnered, closeness deepens through warmth and genuine attention. If single, someone may be approaching, or you may feel bold enough to approach someone. Act now while the energy is good, and stay sincere rather than flattering.
At work
Your influence and opportunities are growing. This is a good time to take on more, mentor others or make a pitch. Approach colleagues and clients with genuine care. Plan for a slower season later, since this window of momentum will not stay open forever.
The six lines
Read a line when it is a changing line in your cast (a 6 or a 9).
咸臨，貞吉。
Approaching together. Persistence brings good fortune.
At the start, this strong line advances in step with another, drawing others with it. Your influence works through connection rather than force. Stay steady and principled as you move forward. Good fortune comes from approaching people and opportunities together, with integrity and a shared sense of purpose.
咸臨，吉无不利。
Approaching together. Good fortune, and nothing that is not favorable.
This strong central line connects naturally with the ruler in line five. Everything favors your advance. Your character and timing align with what is needed. Move forward confidently, knowing that the support you need is already present and that your influence can do real good.
甘臨，无攸利。既憂之，无咎。
A sweet, easy approach. Nothing is favorable. Once you are troubled by it, no blame.
This weak line at the top of the joyful lake approaches with charm and easy words rather than substance. Flattery and casual promises do not hold up. If you notice you have been coasting on pleasantness, correct it. Recognizing the problem and changing course removes the blame.
至臨，无咎。
Approaching in full. No blame.
This yielding line is correctly placed and responds directly to the strong line at the bottom. You meet others fully and wholeheartedly, without reservation. That complete, sincere engagement brings no blame. Go toward people with genuine presence, offering what you can without holding back. Presence matters more than position.
知臨，大君之宜，吉。
Wise approach, as befits a great ruler. Good fortune.
As the yielding ruler, you lead by knowing whom to trust and delegating wisely. You rely on capable people below rather than micromanaging. This is the wisdom of a great leader. Choose the right helpers, give them room and good fortune will follow. Knowing what you do not need to do yourself is a form of wisdom.
敦臨，吉无咎。
Generous, greathearted approach. Good fortune and no blame.
At the top, though outside the main action, you approach others with deep generosity and kindness. You offer support and wisdom without needing anything back. This open-hearted engagement brings good fortune. Your warmth makes a real difference, even from the edges. Kindness offered freely tends to come back in unexpected ways.
Advice
Move forward while conditions favor you, and approach others with real care and teaching. Prepare for the season to turn.
A question to reflect on
Who or what am I being called to approach with more care and attention right now?