Hexagram 19 changing to 24: Approach to Return

Where it starts: 19 Approach

A favourable time approaching, and the reminder that it will pass: use it before the eighth month. Lake below, earth above: the earth leaning over the water, the higher approaching the lower with care. Approach describes a rising time, spring coming, the strong lines entering from below and growing. The judgement is very favourable and it contains a warning: in the eighth month there is misfortune. The season will turn. The reading asks you to act now, generously and attentively, as someone in authority approaches those they are responsible for, and to keep the coming turn in mind so that the gains are secured before it arrives.

Where it goes: 24 Return

The turning point: light returns after the darkest day, and the beginning must be treated gently. Thunder below, earth above: movement stirring under the ground at the winter solstice. One yang line has entered at the bottom beneath five yin lines. Return is the turning point, the first day of the light's recovery, and the tradition treats it with great tenderness: the ancient kings closed the passes at the solstice and let everything rest. The reading says the turn has come, that the old cycle is over and a new one is beginning, and that the beginning is small and must not be forced. Friends come without blame; going and coming is without error; the way returns in seven days.

The lines that move

1. Line 2

   Joint approach. Good fortune; everything furthers.

   The rising time recognised and supported from above. Everything works because the movement is in season. The line is nearly unconditional in its promise. The conditions are with you; move.

What is changing. The situation of Approach is moving toward Return. Act generously and attentively while the time is favourable, and secure the gains before it turns. As the change completes: Welcome the turn, begin small, and rest while the new cycle gathers strength.

love and relationships

Now: Things are growing and the time to invest in them is now. Approach the other person with care and generosity. The reading's warning is that a good season is not permanent: use it to build what will last past it. Then: A return: of warmth, of contact, of someone, or of your own feeling. It is real and it is young. Do not test it with demands. Let the new beginning grow at its own pace and rest with it.

career

Now: Rising influence and opportunity. Engage fully, teach and protect the people you are responsible for, and secure the gains. The eighth month is a real deadline: what is not established by then may be lost. Then: The low point has passed and a new cycle is beginning. Do not launch everything at once. Take the first small step, let the momentum build naturally, and rest while it does. The tradition closes the passes for a reason.

money

Now: A growing phase. Invest, build and act while conditions favour it, and set aside for the turn. Do not assume the rise continues indefinitely. Then: Recovery begins, small at first. Do not rush to make up losses; the return to strength follows its own timing. Reinvest gently and let the cycle carry you.

decisions

Now: Act now on the opportunity; delay wastes a favourable season. Choose the option that uses the rising conditions while they last and does not depend on them lasting. Then: Decide for the fresh start, and decide to make it gently. The reading favours returning to your own proper path over any dramatic new direction. Small first, and in season.