44.mycal8 --Temptation (OCOD)

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Hexagram 44 – Coming to Meet
By: James Byrd

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I. The Oracle

A. Name and Structure
Hexagram 44 is Gou, translated as Coupling, Coming to Meet, or simply Meeting.

• Lower Trigram: Xun ☴ – Wind or Ground

• Upper Trigram: Qian ☰ – Heaven or Force

B. The Judgment

1. Coming to Meet. The maiden is powerful.

2. One should not marry such a maiden.

This is a cautionary tale wrapped in poetic symbolism—an encounter that feels fated but carries risk. There is strength in the encounter, but perhaps too much imbalance or instability for union.

C. The Image

1. Under heaven, wind:

   • The image of Coming to Meet.

   • Thus, the prince acts when disseminating his commands,
     Proclaiming them to the four quarters of heaven.

The image speaks of a powerful force (Heaven) being met and stirred by Wind—movement beneath the grand order, and messages carried far and wide. It evokes both the inevitability of encounters and the caution needed in their unfolding.

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II. My Interpretation – Liaison

It’s fitting that we reflect on this hexagram so close to Valentine’s Day. It warns against misplaced trust and the complexity of relationships, especially those built on appearances or impulse.

The phrase “The maiden is powerful” isn’t just about danger—it’s about attraction, charisma, and the potential for imbalance. To approach someone with overwhelming personal force—be it charm, intensity, or hidden motives—without clarity or alignment is to risk disharmony. Love, at its best, is a partnership rooted in equality and guided by the Divine.

Sometimes we feel stuck or pulled into encounters not of our choosing. But these moments offer a choice—to move forward with clarity and intention. Better days always await those who remain grounded in truth, kindness, and patience.

Let’s also reflect on humility. The line “one must bow down to speak to people anyway” reminds us: communication is about meeting others where they are. True connection comes from stepping down from ego, not elevating ourselves above others.

There’s also a quiet but critical message here about boundaries—especially physical ones. “To touch someone at any time is a sign of disrespect” underlines how vital it is to respect energy (Chi) and space. Energy moves both ways; casual contact may transmit more than intended. Even in ordinary places—at a checkout counter, for example—we are exchanging unseen currents.

Lastly, when considering behavior toward others, especially in moments of flirtation or boundary-testing:
“Always think—what would you not do?”
This principle of restraint is a compass in a world filled with temptation and miscommunication.

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Coming to Meet isn’t only about the people we encounter—it’s about the self we bring to every meeting.

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References

• Byrd, James (2018). The Future

• Huang, Kerson, and Rosemary (1987). I Ching

• Karcher, S. & Ritsema, R. (1995). I Ching: The Classic Chinese Oracle of Change

• Legge, James (2012). The I Ching: The Book of Changes

• Reifler, S. (1974). I Ching

• Van Over, R. (1971). I Ching

• Wilhelm, R., & Baynes, C.F. (1967). The I Ching, or Book of Changes

• Wilhelm, Hellmut & Richard Wilhelm (1995). Understanding the I Ching

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