I Ching · No.05 · Hsü / Waiting (Nourishment)

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Hsü intimates that, with the sincerity which is declared in it, there will be brilliant success. With firmness there will be good fortune; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Translation

Hsü (Waiting) Hexagram. Captives are taken. Great good fortune, a favorable divination. It is beneficial to cross the great river. The Image says: The upper trigram of Hsü is Kan, representing clouds; the lower trigram is Qian, representing heaven. Clouds gather in the sky, waiting to bring rain, which is the image of the Waiting hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, eats and drinks, making merry, and waits for the right time to act.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The pit of Kan is ahead, obstructed and unable to advance; great vessels mature late, and the harvest comes afterwards. Minor misfortune: For those who get this hexagram, the timing is not yet ripe; patience is required to wait, as rushing forward will instead bring misfortune.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The opportunity is not yet ripe; wait patiently.
• Wealth 财运: Capital has not yet been gathered, unable to open the business.
• Household 家宅: Peace is a blessing.
• Health 身体: Regulate your diet; health is in sight.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Hsü means waiting. Clouds are in the sky, and Yin and Yang have not yet interacted; it is not yet time to battle. Qian represents the superior man and also the warrior, referring to the commander. Kan represents wine, hence 'eating, drinking, and making merry,' which means that in military movements, army provisions must be prepared first.
• Business 营商: Contemplating the line statements, it suggests the business of transporting grain or opening a tavern. 'Clouds rise up to heaven' means the clouds are above but the rain has not yet fallen, suggesting that capital is not yet gathered, hence it is called Hsü (Waiting).
• Fame & Career 功名: The wind and clouds have not yet met; there is still a need to wait.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable to regulate diet, find comfort in self-amusement; in time, recovery will happen naturally.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Kan above). The lower trigram is Qian, meaning strength and vigor; the upper trigram is Kan, meaning danger and pitfall. Meeting danger with strength, one should be stable and prudent, avoiding reckless action, observing the timing and waiting for changes; then where one goes will surely bring success.

• Overall Image 大象: Clouds rise to the sky but do not rain, an image of being unable to advance quickly and waiting for the right moment.
• Fortune 运势: The wise person must act by waiting for the right time; rushing forward will instead bring danger.
• Career 事业: The key lies in assessing the situation, waiting patiently, and achieving success in calmness. Never take risks, as haste makes waste. One must be full of self-confidence, fearless in the face of danger, and firmly adhere to the correct and central path, which will surely turn danger into safety. Even when the situation is favorable, one must remain vigilant in times of peace.
• Business 经商: At the beginning of action, the situation is difficult. One must create conditions and opportunities with great patience, act openly and uprightly, observe the timing, and wait for changes to achieve wishes. When the matter is close to success, one should be even more cautious, lest it fail at the final stage.
• Seeking Fame 求名: The opportunity is not yet ripe; one should wait patiently. At this time, one should hold firm to one's beliefs, not be shaken by idle gossip, strive to enrich oneself, and then seek help from reliable people to succeed.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Be prudent, never act hastily. Cultivate feelings gradually, treat each other with honesty and enthusiasm. Although changes may occur, there can still be a good ending. Both sides should understand the principle of overcoming hardness with softness.
• Decision 决策: The future is bright, with grand ambitions that can be realized. For this, one needs to accumulate strength, wait for the opportunity, and achieve success later in life. You possess a strong will and a calm mind. Difficulties and obstacles will be encountered on the way forward; you must be extremely cautious, calmly handle the slander of petty people, and remain composed in the face of disaster. Do not act rashly; choose your direction calmly. Being humble and frank, you will receive much help from others, leading to a successful career. Once the opportunity is ripe, everything will go smoothly.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject waiting in the distant border. It will be well for him constantly to maintain (the purpose thus shown), in which case there will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Waiting in the outskirts. It is beneficial to maintain constancy, no blame. The Image says: 'Waiting in the outskirts' means not rushing forward into danger. 'It is beneficial to maintain constancy, no blame' because waiting for the opportunity does not violate the normal principles.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: For those who get this line, it is advisable to keep to the old ways, then there will be no disaster. Officials must keep their regular duties and wait patiently for opportunities.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Must wait for a long time; maintaining constancy is key.
• Wealth 财运: Do not invest for now; goods are undamaged.
• Household 家宅: One can reside in the outskirts.
• Health 身体: Live in seclusion to recover from illness; in the end, there will be no major trouble.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The line says 'Waiting in the outskirts,' which means troops must encamp in the outskirts. Kan represents danger and difficulty, meaning there is danger ahead, hence the Image says 'not rushing forward into difficulty.' The first line is the start of the hexagram, indicating the first military campaign; 'constancy' and 'waiting' mean it is advisable to wait for a long time. Advancing after constancy will surely bring no blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: Belonging to the first line, it indicates seeking fame for the first time. The outskirts is a wild place, and 'waiting in the outskirts' means it is advisable to retreat to the countryside. Constant means long-lasting; 'beneficial to maintain constancy' means waiting for a long time before one can achieve benefit. The Image says 'not rushing forward into difficulty,' meaning not stepping into danger; 'not losing the normal state' means being able to keep one's constancy, hence no blame.
• Business 营商: The way of business takes constancy as profit. 'Waiting in the outskirts' indicates danger ahead; temporarily stack goods in the outskirts to wait for the right time to move. The Image says 'not losing the normal state,' showing that there is no loss of goods.
• Illness 疾病: 'Outskirts' refers to open fields; it means one should go to the countryside and live in seclusion to recover from illness. 'No blame' means the illness will cause no harm.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(Looking at) Ȝing, (we think of) how (the site of) a town may be changed, while (the fashion of) its wells undergoes no change. (The water of a well) never disappears and never receives (any great) increase, and those who come and those who go can draw and enjoy the benefit. If (the drawing) have nearly been accomplished, but, before the rope has quite reached the water, the bucket is broken, this is evil.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Well Hexagram. Rebuilding the town but not rebuilding the well amounts to doing nothing. People come and go to draw water from the well. If the well becomes dry and silted up, and instead of cleaning it, one breaks the water pitcher, this is an image of danger. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Xun, and Xun is wood; the upper trigram is Kan, and Kan is water. Water seeps down and trees grow: this is the image of The Well. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on the well water that nourishes people, thereby encouraging the people to be industrious and to exhort one another.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Still water connects to the source, and fortune is calm; do not change what you guard, and maintain the status quo. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should cultivate their character and nourish their nature, let things take their natural course, and face them with composure. Stillness brings benefit, while movement brings misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Xun below and Kan above) superimposed. Kan is water; Xun is wood. Trees obtain water and grow vigorously. People rely on the well for life, and the well is dug by people. They nourish each other; the well nourishes people with water, never running dry. People should adopt this virtue to be industrious and self-encouraging.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject waiting on the sand (of the mountain stream). He will (suffer) the small (injury of) being spoken (against), but in the end there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip, but in the end, good fortune. The Image says: 'Waiting on the sand' means sand is soft and difficult to traverse, leading to the mistake of delaying opportunities, and this fault lies in oneself. Although there is some gossip, the final result is still good.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune: For those who get this line, they will be disturbed by disputes. If they can treat others with generosity, the truth will reveal itself without argument. Officials will be troubled by rumors, but in the end, it will be auspicious.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Obstructed by rumors, but auspicious in the end.
• Wealth 财运: Cargo transport is blocked, but no harm to business.
• Household 家宅: Disputes and gossip.
• Health 身体: Be broad-minded, and naturally auspicious.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Kan represents ambush; contemplating the line image, it suggests that troops should be ambushed in desert lands. Or there may be errors due to spies, leading to minor setbacks, but it will end in good fortune.
• Fortune 时运: The character for sand (沙) is composed of 'water' (水) and 'few' (少), which is a place with little water where boats cannot travel. 'Waiting on the sand' implies that one's fortune is stuck. The second line corresponds to Yin, and is under the influence of the Winnowing Basket (Ji) constellation. The 'Shi Wei' says: 'The Winnowing Basket is the mouth of heaven, governing the venting of breath,' hence 'some gossip' refers to slander. However, waiting patiently leads to 'end in good fortune.'
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kî Ȝî intimates progress and success in small matters. There will be advantage in being firm and correct. There has been good fortune in the beginning; there may be disorder in the end.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ji Ji (After Completion). Success. This is a divination of small fortune. Good fortune at the beginning, but disorder will arise in the end. The Image says: The upper trigram is Kan, Kan is Water; the lower trigram is Li, Li is Fire. Water is above and Fire is below; water douses fire, which is the image of After Completion. In view of this, the superior man prepares for trouble in times of peace, preventing disaster before it happens.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Success in crossing over, persevere and hold oneself in respect; moving from great to small, ensure the continuation of prosperity. Small fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a sign of career success and achievement, but they must guard against the inevitable decline after reaching the peak. Retreat and defense bring good fortune; further advance brings misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Li below, Kan above). Kan is Water, Li is Fire; water and fire interact. Water is above fire, the force of water extinguishing the fire; the work of putting out the fire is successfully completed. 'Ji' means already; 'Chi' means accomplished. 'Ji Chi' (After Completion) means that things have already succeeded, but disorder will arise in the end.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows its subject in the mud (close by the stream). He thereby invites the approach of injury.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: Waiting in the mud. This brings about the arrival of the enemy. The Image says: 'Waiting in the mud' indicates that the mud is filthy and the environment is perilous, disaster is nearby. Although one brings about the arrival of the enemy by oneself, being solemn, cautious, and adapting to changes will keep one from harm.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: For those who get this line, they must guard against theft and also prepare against water disasters. Officials will be demoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Difficult to expect advancement; maintain oneself with caution.
• Wealth 财运: Unable to circulate; be careful of being deceived.
• Household 家宅: Marriage is hard to achieve; if achieved, it will be an unhappy match.
• Health 身体: Be careful of external injuries.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Nine in the third place resides at the end of the inner trigram, close to the outer trigram. Kan represents bandits and also disaster, hence it is said 'disaster is outside.' When enemies come to raid, it is the enemy's arrival; when I invite the enemy myself, it is 'bringing about the arrival of the enemy.' One must be cautious and maintain oneself, first placing oneself in an invincible position.
• Business 营商: 'Mud' suggests being stuck or rigid. The business of trade should flow and not be rigid. If one is rigid and unyielding, suspicion arises within, leading to external changes. Lax storage invites thieves, which brings about the enemy. How can one not be cautious!
• Fame & Career 功名: The line says 'Waiting in the mud.' Mud is the filth at the water's edge; waiting here means one will surely slide downward and can hardly expect advancement. Avoiding failure is only a narrow escape.
• Marriage 婚姻: The I Ching speaks of bandits and marriage together, meaning if they are bandits they are not a marriage match, but an unhappy couple. 'Waiting in the mud' is an image of not advancing; in terms of marriage, it will surely not succeed.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kieh intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) if the regulations (which it prescribes) be severe and difficult, they cannot be permanent.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Chieh (Limitation). Success. If one finds limitation painful, its good or bad fortune cannot be divined. The Image says: The lower trigram is Dui, which is the lake; the upper trigram is Kan, which is water. Water fills the lake, so one must build high dikes; this is the image of Chieh. The superior man, observing this image, establishes policy systems and confirms ethical principles.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Maintain self-control and moderation, stop at the right point; assess the timing and situation, know how to adapt. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is advisable to keep to one's place and avoid insatiable greed. Everything must be moderated and not taken to excess, and one should especially abstain from wine and sensual pleasures.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of different trigrams (Dui below, Kan above). Dui is the lake, Kan is water. The lake contains water, but its flow is limited; if there is too much, it will overflow. Therefore, there must be moderation, hence the name Chieh (Limitation). The Chieh hexagram is the opposite of the Huan hexagram; they are mutual inverse hexagrams, used in conjunction. Only when heaven and earth have measure can they remain ever-new; only when the state has regulation can it remain stable; only when the individual has self-control can they achieve perfection.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject waiting in (the place of) blood. But he will get out of the cavern.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit. The Image says: 'Waiting in blood' means waiting for an unpredictable fate to descend. The fourth line is under the intimidation of the fifth line, so it must obey the stronger and submit to control.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: For those who get this line, bad luck gradually departs, and peace is restored. Officials can retire safely. Scholars of national studies can rise to fame.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Only by exhausting one's efforts can one come out on top.
• Wealth 财运: Investing in mining is profitable.
• Household 家宅: Joy of moving to a new home.
• Health 身体: Nourish Qi and blood, harmonize Yin and Yang.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The fourth line is the start of Kan, and Kan is the trigram of blood; 'waiting in blood' means being wounded in battle. 'Getting out of the pit' means although wounded, one can still emerge from danger. The reason for escaping danger lies not in fierce competition, but in obedience and listening; obedience spares one from harm.
• Household 家宅: Speaking of waiting in blood and getting out of the pit, there is the image of emerging from a dark valley and moving to tall trees. Obedience brings harmony to the household, which is auspicious.
• Business 营商: Contemplating the line statement, it must mean mining. 'Getting out of the pit' brings profit.
• Fame & Career 功名: As the saying goes, one must exhaust one's heart and blood to stand out, hence the image of waiting in blood and getting out of the pit.
• Illness 疾病: It seems to be a symptom of vomiting blood; one must nourish Qi and blood, harmonize Yin and Yang, and then one can escape danger and live.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy. Although there are minor difficulties and dangers, a safe delivery is ultimately achieved.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwâi requires (in him who would fulfil its meaning) the exhibition (of the culprit's guilt) in the royal court, and a sincere and earnest appeal (for sympathy and support), with a consciousness of the peril (involved in cutting off the criminal). He should (also) make announcement in his own city, and show that it will not be well to have recourse at once to arms. (In this way) there will be advantage in whatever he shall go forward to.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kuai Hexagram. In the royal court, music is played and dances are performed. Someone cries out: 'An enemy is invading.' An order comes from the town: 'It is unfavorable to launch an attack; we must stand ready in strict defense.' Encountering this hexagram in divination, it is auspicious to travel abroad. The Image says: The upper trigram is Dui, which is the Marsh; the lower trigram is Qian, which is Heaven. This shows the waters of the marsh rising up to heaven, watering the earth; this is the image of the Kuai Hexagram. Seeing this image, the gentleman bestows benefits upon those below, not daring to claim credit or be arrogant, and takes this as a warning.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Dispel and decide, one must be resolute and firm; auspicious at first but ominous at last, be cautious and self-respecting. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, their great fortune is passing, and difficulties are approaching. They should heighten vigilance and be prudent in words and deeds.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below, Dui above). Qian is Heaven and Strength; Dui is Marsh and Joy. The moisture of the marsh rises, bursting forth as rain, falling upon the earth to nourish all things. Five yang lines displace one yin line; displacement is not difficult, resoluteness (the meaning of displacement/breakthrough) is enough. Therefore, it is named Kuai, which means decision/breakthrough.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject waiting amidst the appliances of a feast. Through his firmness and correctness there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: Waiting with food and wine. Perseverance brings good fortune. The Image says: Food and wine, a sign of good fortune, because the fifth line occupies the central position of the upper trigram, symbolizing that the person possesses the virtues of correctness and centrality, naturally choosing the good to dwell in, and remaining in a state of ease.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who get this line, goods will be abundant, food and clothing will not be lacking, and there will be the joy of marriage. Officials will receive generous emoluments.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Achieving success and fame, one can celebrate and make merry.
• Wealth 财运: Investing in the catering industry can yield profits.
• Household 家宅: Marriage is suitable.
• Health 身体: Regulate diet.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The line statement says 'waiting with food and wine,' which is the image of a victorious army returning and rewards being distributed, hence it is said 'perseverance brings good fortune.'
• Fame & Career 功名: It is the time for the Lu Ming banquet, auspicious.
• Business 营商: The fifth line interacts with Li; the earthly branch is Wu, corresponding to the Willow constellation. The adjacent stars include Jiuqi (Wine Flag) and Waichu (Outer Kitchen), governing banquets and dining, indicating it must be the tavern or grain business. Furthermore, Kan represents people and receiving, suggesting that business imports will yield a surplus, hence 'perseverance brings good fortune.'
• Marriage 婚嫁: When the fourth line of Hsü changes, it becomes Tai (Peace). The fifth line of Tai says: 'Emperor Yi marries off his younger sister; this brings blessing and supreme good fortune.' Furthermore, the third line of Tai says: 'There is blessing in eating,' which carries the meaning of 'waiting with food and wine.' Having blessings, therefore 'perseverance brings good fortune.' The Image says 'due to correctness and centrality,' referring to achieving the proper path of marriage.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy. Obtaining a son requires holding a banquet, which is true in both ancient and modern times, hence the line says 'waiting with food and wine.'

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Thâi (we see) the little gone and the great come. (It indicates that) there will be good fortune, with progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

T'ai Hexagram. From the small to the great, from the minute to the prosperous; auspicious and successful. The Image says: Heaven and Earth interact; this is the image of T'ai. The superior man, observing this image, regulates the laws of Heaven and Earth, assists in the transforming work of Heaven and Earth, and thereby governs the myriad people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The small departs and the great arrives; smooth, peaceful, and auspicious. When peace reaches its peak, it turns into obstruction; it is advisable to maintain and guard one's position. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, extreme adversity yields to peace, great fortune is at hand, and all things go smoothly, but one must guard against sorrow arising from extreme joy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Ch'ien below and K'un above). Ch'ien is Heaven and Yang; K'un is Earth and Yin. Yin and Yang interact, the upper and lower communicate, Heaven and Earth commune, and all things flourish. The reverse is ominous. All things in the universe undergo opposition and transformation; the peak of prosperity leads to decline, and decline turns back into prosperity. Therefore, those who adapt to the times achieve peace.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, divided, shows its subject entered into the cavern. (But) there are three guests coming, without being urged, (to his help). If he receive them respectfully, there will be good fortune in the end.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: Entering into the pit. There come three uninvited guests. Honor them, and in the end, good fortune. The Image says: Uninvited guests arrive, honor them, and in the end, good fortune. Because the entire hexagram is overly Yang and rigid, pressing down on the Yin and soft, but the top line is in a Yin position, which is appropriate, there is danger but no disaster, and no major loss.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: For those who get this line, it is advisable to be cautious, then worries will naturally disperse. Officials will have opportunities for promotion, but must guard against slanderous and corrupt people.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Rely on danger to defend oneself; reconciliation is to be prized.
• Wealth 财运: Sell when the price is right; do not store goods.
• Household 家宅: Maintain the household with proper ways; a young boy brings good fortune.
• Health 身体: The condition of the illness is perilous; do not rely on luck.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The top line is the end of Kan. The pit refers to the danger of Kan; 'entering into the pit' means relying on danger to defend oneself. 'Three people' refers to the three Yang lines of the inner trigram. 'Uninvited' means coming on their own, suggesting enemy troops surrounding from three sides. Having entered a dangerous place, it is not advisable to fight again; one should receive them with courtesy and seek reconciliation, hence it is said 'honor them, and in the end, good fortune.'
• Business 营商: Kan is the trigram of labor, where all things return, hence it is called entering the pit. The pit refers to a cave, meaning a place to store goods. 'Three people arrive' refers to buyers; receiving them with courtesy means selling when the price is right, hence 'in the end, good fortune.' However, Kan is a water pit, not suitable for storing goods; fortunately, the guests arrive and they are sold immediately, hence it is said 'although the position is not appropriate, there is no major loss.'
• Household 家宅: This house must be dark and damp, but fortunately there is sunlight coming from three sides, hence it is called auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: When the top line of Hsü changes, it becomes Xiao Xu (Small Accumulation). The top line of Xiao Xu says: 'For the woman, perseverance brings danger.' Referring to her as a wife implies a married woman, hence it is said 'not appropriate position'; because of 'perseverance brings danger,' it is 'in the end, good fortune.' 'Entering into the pit' has the meaning of living in the same room and dying in the same grave. 'Three people arrive' refers to matchmakers.
• Illness 疾病: Entering the pit is an image of misfortune; 'in the end, good fortune' means good fortune after the end, which is also bad for the illness.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy. Saying 'in the end, good fortune' means it must be a young boy to be auspicious.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsiâo Khû indicates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and success. (We see) dense clouds, but no rain coming from our borders in the west.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsiao Ch'u (The Taming Power of the Small) hexagram. Auspicious. Dense clouds gather in the western outskirts, but no rain falls. The Image says: The upper trigram is Sun, representing wind; the lower trigram is Ch'ien, representing heaven. The gentle wind blows across the earth, the grass and trees bend and rise, growing vigorously. This is the image of Hsiao Ch'u. The gentleman, observing this image, emulates the gentle wind that stimulates all things, cultivating his own virtue and character, and promoting moral teachings.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Weak in strength, progress is blocked; hide one's talents and bide one's time, advance with patience. Slightly inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their strength is weak, and their fortune fluctuates. It is advisable to build up strength and quietly wait for the right opportunity. Rushing forward brings danger, and everything must be advanced with patience.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Ch'ien below, Sun above): Ch'ien is heaven, Sun is wind. It symbolizes favorable weather and growing crops, hence the hexagram name Hsiao Ch'u (Lesser Nourishment / Small Taming). Strength is limited, and one must wait until developing to a certain stage before major achievements can be made.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.