#53
Development (Gradual Progress)
漸
— Jiàn
Upper trigram: Wind (Xùn) · Lower trigram: Mountain (Gèn)
Overall meaning
Hexagram Development symbolizes gradual progress in proper sequence. Upper trigram is Wind/Wood, lower is Mountain — a tree growing on the mountain, advancing step by step. This is the hexagram of marriage and of all matters that must proceed by ritual and order.
Judgment text (Thoán từ)
Development: the maiden is given in marriage — good fortune — perseverance furthers. Progress in proper order and ritual.
Line texts (6 lines)
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1
First Six: The wild goose gradually draws near the shore — the young son is in danger — there is talk, no blame. First step in a strange place — small criticism but no fault.
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2
Second Six: The wild goose gradually draws near the cliff — eating and drinking in peace and concord — good fortune. Past the first hard phase, settled and comfortable.
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3
Third Nine: The wild goose gradually draws near the plateau — the man goes forth and does not return — the woman carries a child but does not bring it forth — misfortune — it furthers one to fight off robbers. Advancing too fast leads to separation and disaster.
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4
Fourth Six: The wild goose gradually draws near the tree — perhaps it will find a flat branch — no blame. Find a firm footing in new conditions.
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5
Fifth Nine: The wild goose gradually draws near the summit — for three years the woman has no child — in the end nothing can hinder her — good fortune. Long lonely but in the end reunited — good fortune.
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6
Top Nine: The wild goose gradually draws near the cloud heights — its feathers can be used for the sacred dance — good fortune. Reaching the peak and becoming an example for others — good fortune.
Applications by topic
- Marriage
- Romance progresses by ritual and order. Don't rush — each right step leads to durable marriage. Follow custom and ritual.
- Career
- Progress by the right path, no leaping. Master basics before advancing. Patience and right order bring lasting success.
- Wealth
- Accumulate finance step by right step. No haste into ungrounded investments. Small firm steps better than reckless leap.
- Health
- Recovery takes time and stages. Cannot rush healing. Follow the protocol stage by stage.
- Lawsuit
- Proceed legally in proper order. Skip no step. Right steps build solid argument.
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