Hexagram 44
Gòu / Encountering - The Seductive Woman
姤
Meaning and Overview
In Hexagram Gou (Encountering), a single yin line occupies the first position, while in Hexagram Guai (Resolution), a single yin line occupies the top position; neither is auspicious. When yin occupies the top position, it oppresses the yang lines below; when yin occupies the first position, it continuously develops upward, gradually eroding the yang above. Therefore, the hexagram statement warns: 'The woman is strong; do not take such a woman as a wife.' Yin represents woman; as yin energy gradually grows and erodes the yang lines, yang represents man. A strong woman is unfavorable to man, so the warning advises against marrying such a domineering woman. The entire hexagram hinges on the first yin line (Chu Liu), which is the key. Thus, it advises that the first yin line must strictly restrain and discipline itself, leading to 'perseverance brings good fortune'; otherwise, 'misfortune will appear.' Based on the proximity of the other yang lines to the first yin line, their fortune or misfortune can be discerned. The fourth yang line (Jiu Si) corresponds directly to the first yin line, but the fifth yang line (Jiu Wu) occupies the ruler's position in the center, and the second yang line (Jiu Er) resides in the center of the lower trigram. In terms of relationship with the first yin line, Jiu Si cannot compete with Jiu Er and Jiu Wu. Hence, Jiu Si says: 'The bag has no fish; to act brings misfortune.' Fish alludes to the first yin line, as fish is a yin creature. Jiu Er, residing in the central position, is followed by the first yin line, so Jiu Er says: 'The bag has fish; no blame, but unfavorable to guests.' 'The bag has fish' means Jiu Er possesses the first yin line. 'Unfavorable to guests' indicates that other yang lines also desire to possess the first yin line, but since Jiu Er already has it, it is unfavorable to them. Jiu San has no hope regarding the first yin line and is in a difficult position. Jiu Wu, residing in the central position, embraces all things; when fruit ripens, it naturally falls, and Jiu Wu will obtain it. Shang Jiu, dwelling in a state of extremity, naturally has no hope with the first yin line. The text explains from another angle the interplay of hardness and softness. When hardness and softness encounter each other, if not handled properly, adverse consequences will arise. Therefore, the core of the Hexagram Gou lies in how to deal with unexpected encounters and temptations, emphasizing the use of the central and correct way, along with a cautious attitude, to resolve potential crises, thereby moving towards good fortune and avoiding misfortune.
Chinese Interpretation
《姤》卦一个阴爻居于初位，《夬》卦是一个阴爻居于上位，都不是好卦。阴居于上位会凌逼下面阳爻，阴居于初位会不断往上面发展，不断侵蚀上面的阳。因此，卦辞告诫“女壮，勿用取女”，阴为女，阴气渐渐生长，侵蚀阳爻，阳为男，女壮即对男子不利，因此告诫不要娶这种强势凌逼男人的女子为妻。整个《姤》卦初六爻是关键，因此告诫初六爻要严格管束自己、约束好自己，就会“贞吉”，否则，便会“见凶”。根据与初六爻的关系远近，可以看出其他阳爻的吉凶。九四爻与初六正应，但是九五爻是君位，居于中正之位，九二爻居于下卦之中，就与初六的关系而言，九四竞争不过九二、九五，因此，九四：“包无鱼，起凶。”鱼暗指初六，鱼为阴物。九二爻居于中位，初六顺承九二，所以九二爻说：“包有鱼，无咎，不利宾。”包有鱼，指九二拥有初六。不利宾，指其余阳爻也想拥有初六，因为九二已经拥有，所以对他们不利。九三则对初六毫无希望，处境艰难。九五爻居于中位，包容万物，成熟的果实自然会脱落，九五会获得。上九爻是居于穷困境地，于初六当然无望。辞从另外一个角度说明刚柔相刚柔相遇，若不能恰当处理，则会产生不利后果。因此，姤卦的核心在于如何应对突如其来的相遇与诱惑，强调以中正之道、谨慎之态来化解潜在的危机，方能趋吉避凶。
Line Interpretations
These passages include the core hexagram statement, the six moving line texts, and traditional commentary where available. Read them as layered guidance: the early lines describe the root of the situation, while later lines reveal development, pressure, and outcome.
女壮，勿用取女。
女子强壮，不要娶这种女子为妻。
The woman is strong. Do not take such a woman as a wife.
A woman who is strong and domineering should not be taken as a wife.
初六，系于金柅，贞吉。有攸往，见凶。羸豕孚蹢躅。
初六爻，车子装上那种用金属制作的刹车装置，牢固而可靠，非常安全，贞吉。反之，如果贸然前进，会有凶险。譬如那处于发情期的焦躁不安的瘦弱的母猪，它要东窜西跑，是十分危险的。
First yin: Tied to a metal brake. Perseverance brings good fortune. If there is any going forth, misfortune will appear. A lean pig is indeed agitated and restless.
First yin line: The cart is fitted with a metal brake, firm and reliable, very safe; perseverance brings good fortune. Conversely, if one rashly advances, there will be danger. For example, like a lean sow in heat, restless and agitated, running east and west—this is very dangerous.
九二，包有鱼，无咎，不利宾。
九二爻，厨房里有鱼，没有过错，不利于宾客。
Second nine: The bag has fish. No blame. Unfavorable to guests.
Second nine line: The kitchen has fish; no fault, but unfavorable to guests.
九三，臀无肤，其行次且，厉，无大咎。
九三爻，屁股上没有一块完好皮肤，行走起来东颠西颠的，形势严峻，但没有大的危险。
Third nine: The buttocks have no skin. His walking is hesitant and difficult. Perilous, but no great blame.
Third nine line: The buttocks have no intact skin; walking is unsteady and stumbling. The situation is severe, but there is no great danger.
九四，包无鱼，起凶。
九四爻，厨房里没有鱼，会有凶险。
Fourth nine: The bag has no fish. To act brings misfortune.
Fourth nine line: The kitchen has no fish; there will be misfortune.
九五，以杞包瓜，含章，有陨自天。
九五爻，因杞树长得高大挺拔，树上爬满了藤类植物，结满了瓜。这些瓜，个大壮实，营养丰富，成熟的时节自然而然地从树上掉了下来。
Fifth nine: Using a willow to wrap a melon. Containing inner splendor. Something falls from heaven.
Fifth nine line: Because the willow tree grows tall and straight, vines climb all over it, bearing many melons. These melons are large and robust, rich in nourishment; when ripe, they naturally fall from the tree.
上九，姤其角，吝，无咎。
上九爻，偶然遇上初六这样的女子，与其他男子发生争执，不胜，只好放弃，不会有危险。
Top nine: Encountering with horns. Regret, but no blame.
Top nine line: By chance encountering a woman like the first yin, he contends with other men but does not prevail, so he has to give up; there will be no danger.