Hexagram 19 changing to 7: Approach to The Army

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: 7 The Army

Organised collective effort under a capable, principled leader: discipline turns a crowd into a force. Water below, earth above: a reservoir stored under the ground, strength held in reserve among ordinary people. The Army is about organisation for a serious purpose. It needs a leader who is experienced and, above all, trusted, and it needs discipline that the people accept because the cause is just. The tradition's judgement is that persistence and an experienced leader bring good fortune without blame. The reading asks who is leading, whether the cause deserves the effort, and whether the ranks are in order before anything moves.

The lines that move

1. Line 1

   Joint approach. Persistence brings good fortune.

   Someone in a low position rising together with others, welcomed by those above. The line favours approaching together rather than alone, and asks that the approach be made in earnest. Rise with your allies and mean it.

What is changing. The situation of Approach is moving toward The Army. Act generously and attentively while the time is favourable, and secure the gains before it turns. As the change completes: Put an experienced, trusted person in charge, agree the purpose, and act with discipline.

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 relationship or family under strain that needs structure and a shared purpose. Someone has to take responsible charge, with the consent of the others. Order given kindly holds; order imposed does not.

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: Team leadership, a campaign, a large coordinated effort. The reading favours the experienced leader and the disciplined team, and warns against putting the wrong person in charge to keep the peace.

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: Resources held in reserve and deployed in an organised way. Not the moment for scattered spending. A clear plan, executed with discipline, is what the reading supports.

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 as a commander: who leads, what the objective is, what order is needed. If the cause is not worth the discipline it requires, the reading says not to march.