Lin
Approach
The Image
The earth above the lake: the image of Approach. Thus the superior person is inexhaustible in the will to teach and without limits in the tolerance and protection of the people.
The Judgment
Approach has supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune. Something positive is approaching, but be mindful that every advance carries within it the seed of its eventual retreat.
Description
Lin depicts two strong yang lines entering from below, pushing upward into the yin lines above. This is the image of approach, advance, and growing influence. Spring is coming; the light is returning; the creative force is gaining ground. The hexagram speaks to a time when positive conditions are developing and influence is expanding.
The warning about the eighth month reminds us that every advance eventually reaches its peak and begins to recede. This is not cause for anxiety but for wisdom: the favorable time invites building structures and relationships that will endure when the tide turns. The classical reading is that the wise person does not try to prevent the cycle from turning but ensures that the gains made during the advance are preserved.
Deeper Meaning
Lin teaches the art of using favorable conditions wisely. When things are going well, there is a temptation toward complacency or the assumption that good times will last indefinitely.
The classical counsel of this hexagram is active engagement during the period of advance: building reserves, strengthening relationships, and deepening understanding while conditions are favorable. The approach is real and is to be embraced, but with awareness that it is one phase of a larger cycle.
Life Areas
Love & Relationships
Approach in love is traditionally read as a sign that something beautiful is developing. A new relationship deepening, an existing bond strengthening, or the conditions for love becoming increasingly favorable — these are the classical readings of Lin in romantic context.
The traditional counsel is to embrace the positive movement openly while also investing in the foundation of the relationship so it can endure beyond the initial period of growth. Love tended during the approach, in the classical understanding, survives the inevitable challenges that follow.
Career & Work
Lin in career matters is read traditionally as a period of expanding influence, growing opportunity, and professional advancement. Visibility increases; efforts gain recognition. The classical counsel is to use the momentum to establish oneself, build alliances, and create structures that will sustain the position. Leadership responsibilities and the mentoring of others are described as natural expressions of this phase. The approach, in this reading, is an invitation to step into a larger role.
Health
Approach in health readings is classically read as indicating improving vitality, recovery from illness, or the beginning of a health practice that will bear significant fruit. Energy is returning; the body is responding positively. The traditional counsel under this hexagram is to use the upswing to establish habits that will sustain health long-term — to build strength while conditions favor it.
Advice
The hexagram counsels embracing the approach with gratitude and intention. The classical reading is that this favorable period is for building, strengthening, and deepening — not for trivial pursuits. Generosity with growing influence, especially the teaching and protecting of those who need it, is traditionally named as the right use of this time. The cycle, in the classical understanding, will turn; preparation accompanies the celebration.
Changing Lines
Changing lines in Lin describe different qualities of approach and advance: from the joint approach that draws strength from companionship to the approach that reaches its highest expression in wisdom and generosity. The eighth month warning threads through each line, reminding you to use the time of advance wisely.
I Ching Study Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does I Ching Hexagram 19 (Lin) mean?
Hexagram 19, Lin (臨), translates to "Approach." It is composed of Earth/Lake and associated with the Earth element. Lin teaches the art of using favorable conditions wisely. When things are going well, there is a temptation toward complacency or the assumption that good times will last indefinitely.
What is the advice of Hexagram 19 (Lin)?
The hexagram counsels embracing the approach with gratitude and intention. The classical reading is that this favorable period is for building, strengthening, and deepening — not for trivial pursuits. Generosity with growing influence, especially the teaching and protecting of those who need it, is traditionally named as the right use of this time.
What does Lin mean for love and relationships?
Approach in love is traditionally read as a sign that something beautiful is developing. A new relationship deepening, an existing bond strengthening, or the conditions for love becoming increasingly favorable — these are the classical readings of Lin in romantic context.
What does Lin mean for career?
Lin in career matters is read traditionally as a period of expanding influence, growing opportunity, and professional advancement. Visibility increases; efforts gain recognition. The classical counsel is to use the momentum to establish oneself, build alliances, and create structures that will sustain the position.
What do the changing lines mean in Hexagram 19?
Changing lines in Lin describe different qualities of approach and advance: from the joint approach that draws strength from companionship to the approach that reaches its highest expression in wisdom and generosity. The eighth month warning threads through each line, reminding you to use the time of advance wisely.