Hexagram 44: Coming to Meet (姤 Gòu) — I Ching Guide

Q: What is I Ching Hexagram 44 (姤 Coming to Meet)?

I Ching Hexagram 44, 姤 (Gòu), represents Coming to Meet. It is formed by Heaven (乾 Qián) above, Wind (巽 Xùn) below. The core teaching of this hexagram is captured in its Judgment: 'Coming to Meet. The maiden is powerful. One should not marry such a maiden....'

Q: What does the Image of Hexagram 44 mean?

The Image states: 'The wind blows under heaven: the image of Coming to Meet. Thus does the prince act when disseminating his commands and proclaiming them to the four quarters of heaven.' This teaches that the superior person responds to the hexagram's situation by cultivating the corresponding inner quality.

Q: How do the six lines of Hexagram 44 develop its meaning?

The six lines trace a progression through the hexagram's situation. Starting from the bottom (Line 1) through Line 6, each position reveals a different aspect of how Coming to Meet manifests — from initial stirrings to the final outcome. Key lines include the ruler of the hexagram and the culminating line.

Q: What is the relationship between Hexagram 44 and other hexagrams?

Hexagram 44 (Coming to Meet) follows Hexagram 43 in the traditional King Wen sequence, forming a meaningful progression. Its nuclear hexagram and opposite/complementary hexagram provide additional dimensions of meaning.

Oriens

姤

Gòu — Hexagram 44

Coming to Meet

Heaven (乾 Qián) above, Wind (巽 Xùn) below

Published July 22, 2026 · By Oriens

Summary

I Ching Hexagram 44, 姤 (Gòu), represents Coming to Meet. Formed by Heaven (乾 Qián) above, Wind (巽 Xùn) below, this hexagram teaches about coming to meet. The core message: Coming to Meet. The maiden is powerful. One should not marry such a maiden..

Key Takeaways

Hexagram 44 is formed by Heaven (乾 Qián) above, Wind (巽 Xùn) below, combining two of the eight trigrams into a unique archetypal situation
The Judgment reveals the hexagram's core teaching through a concise, oracular statement
The six lines trace a progression from initial conditions through to the culmination and outcome
The Image connects the natural symbolism of the trigrams to the conduct of the superior person
This hexagram's wisdom applies to modern situations involving

The Judgment

Coming to Meet. The maiden is powerful. One should not marry such a maiden.

— I Ching, Coming to Meet

The Image

The wind blows under heaven: the image of Coming to Meet. Thus does the prince act when disseminating his commands and proclaiming them to the four quarters of heaven.

— I Ching, Image

The Six Lines

Line 1: Line 1: It must be checked with a brake of bronze. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one lets it take its course, one experiences misfortune. Even a lean pig has it in him to rage around.

Line 2: Line 2: There is a fish in the tank. No blame. Does not further guests.

Line 3: Line 3: There is no skin on his thighs, and walking comes hard. If one is mindful of the danger, no great mistake is made.

Line 4: Line 4: No fish in the tank. This leads to misfortune.

Line 5: Line 5: A melon covered with willow leaves. Hidden lines. Then it drops down to one from heaven.

Line 6: Line 6: He comes to meet with his horns. Humiliation. No blame.

Modern Application

Hexagram 44 is about encounters with forces — especially subtle, seductive ones — that grow powerful if unchecked. The wind beneath heaven represents a nascent influence spreading beneath the established order. The 'powerful maiden' symbolizes something attractive but potentially dangerous if given too much rein. The hexagram teaches vigilance at the moment of first contact — the brake of bronze that checks the lean pig before it rages. In modern terms, Coming to Meet applies to the first signs of trouble in relationships or organizations, the seduction of flattery, and the wisdom of addressing problems when they are still small.

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