Hexagram 44 · Line 5
Coming to Meet — 五九
Gou · Wu Jiu
The Line
A melon covered with willow leaves: hidden lines. Then from heaven something falls to one.
Interpretation
The melon, like the fish, is a symbol of the dark principle. It is sweet but rots easily, which is why it is covered protectively with willow leaves. The situation is such that a strong, high, self-contained person tolerantly shelters the lowly who are under their hand. They have the firm lines of order and beauty within themself. But they do not assert them. They do not trouble those below through outer appearance or tiresome admonitions, but leave them wholly free, in firm trust in the inwardly transforming power that dwells in a strong and pure personality. And behold! Fate is favorable. The lowly are influenced and fall to them like ripe fruit.