Hexagram 44 of 64
Coming to Meet 天风姤
☰☴ Heaven over Wind
Unexpected encounter; guard against small beginnings.
In the I Ching, Hexagram 44 is an unexpected encounter: something strong and attractive appears where you did not plan for it. The classical judgment uses the image of a powerful maiden and warns against taking such a match; read historically, it is a warning about a force that has not yet been tested, not a judgement about women or about any particular person.
Judgment
女壮，勿用取女。
The maiden is powerful. It is not fitting to marry such a maiden.
Image
天下有风，姤；后以施命诰四方。
Wind under heaven: coming to meet. The ruler issues commands and proclaims them to the four quarters.
The six lines
Read from the bottom line (the beginning) to the top line (the outcome). Each line gives the classical text, our English translation, and a plain-language reading.
初六：系于金柅，贞吉。有攸往，见凶，羸豕孚蹢躅。
Tied to a metal brake, steady perseverance brings good fortune. Going forward brings misfortune, like a weak pig, restless and stamping.
Restrain the pull to act. Holding steady now keeps you safe; rushing ahead only shows the weakness.
九二：包有鱼，无咎，不利宾。
Fish within the enclosure. No blame. Nothing favorable for a guest.
Keep what is yours within reach, and do not let outsiders take it. Hosting on your own terms works better.
九三：臀无肤，其行次且，厉，无大咎。
No flesh on the buttocks, and walking hesitantly. Danger, but no great blame.
Hesitation and a feeling of exposure. Caution avoids serious harm.
九四：包无鱼，起凶。
No fish within the enclosure. Trouble rises.
What you thought you had is gone. Without it, things turn against you.
九五：以杞包瓜，含章，有陨自天。
Wrapping a melon in willow leaves and keeping its beauty within. Something falls from heaven.
Keep your talents modest and held inside. A gift or fortune can arrive unexpectedly.
上九：姤其角，吝，无咎。
Meeting with the horns. Distress, but no blame.
Facing the matter head-on brings some embarrassment, but no fault.
In practice
Love and relationships
A sudden attraction, or a stranger who seems to offer everything. Slow down. Let time show whether the bond has real ground under it.
Work and decisions
An unexpected opportunity or challenge. Check the fundamentals before you commit; a strong start does not guarantee a strong finish.
Money
Be cautious of quick, attractive deals. Read the terms, and do not commit until you understand where the returns come from.
How to use this reading
Name the unexpected thing in front of you, and what evidence would show whether it is solid.
New to the method? Start with the six-line basics.
For cultural reflection only. This is not a prediction guarantee or professional advice.