Hexagram 5 of 64
需
Waiting
Xū
Upper Trigram
坎
Water
Abysmal, Dangerous
Water · Middle Son
Lower Trigram
乾
Heaven
Creative, Strong
Sky · Father
The Judgment
Waiting. If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers to cross the great water.
Danger lies ahead, but the creative force within is genuine. The solution is not to rush forward but to wait with confidence. Nourish yourself and trust that the right moment will come.
The Image
Clouds rise up to heaven — the image of Waiting. Thus the superior person eats and drinks, is joyous and of good cheer.
The clouds must gather before rain falls. While waiting, the wise person maintains their strength by enjoying the simple pleasures of life, neither anxious nor idle.
The Six Lines
Line 1
Waiting in the meadow. It furthers to abide in what endures. No blame.
Danger is distant. Stay grounded in ordinary life and do not create problems by rushing or imagining threats.
Line 2
Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune.
Tension begins to build. Minor irritations arise. Remain calm and centered; the outcome will be favorable.
Line 3
Waiting in the mud brings about the arrival of the enemy.
Anxious, premature movement puts you in a vulnerable position. Impatience creates the very danger one fears.
Line 4
Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit.
You are now in real danger. Do not fight or force the situation. Withdraw and preserve yourself.
Line 5
Waiting at meat and drink. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Even in the midst of difficulty, take time for nourishment and rest. Maintain your strength and equilibrium.
Line 6
One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them and in the end there will be good fortune.
Unexpected help comes from an unexpected source. Welcome it with generosity, even if it arrives in strange form.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.