Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 需 (Xū) |
| English Name | Waiting / Nourishment |
| Trigrams | Water over Heaven (坎上乾下) |
| Number | 5 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Waiting. If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
Clouds rise up to heaven: the image of Waiting. Thus the superior man eats and drinks, is joyous and of good cheer.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初九 | Bottom | Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 九二 | 2nd | Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 九三 | 3rd | Waiting in the mud brings about the arrival of the enemy. | Patience is required before moving forward |
| 六四 | 4th | Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit. | Patience is required before moving forward |
| 九五 | 5th | Waiting at meat and drink. Perseverance brings good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 上六 | Top | One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Confident patience; nourish yourself while waiting for the right moment
- Upper trigram Water (deep and flowing) over lower trigram Heaven (creative and strong)
- Embodies the qualities of patience, timing, nourishment and trust, preparation, faith
Keywords
PatienceTimingNourishmentTrustPreparationFaith
Divination & Prediction
★★★★☆Auspicious with Patience
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. Confident patience; nourish yourself while waiting for the right moment Channel the energy of patience and timing for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on nourishment to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels patience and timing. The Water trigram above suggests deep and flowing energy in your outer dealings, while the Heaven trigram below points to creative and strong foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on kidneys and ears and lungs and head. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody patience and timing. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes nourishment and trust. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate patience in all your actions
- Practice timing consistently
- Embrace nourishment as your guiding principle
- Develop trust through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of preparation
- Abandon faith under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 6. Sòng (讼) | Conflict — what happens when patience runs out |
| 9. Xiǎo Chù (小畜) | Small Taming — gentle restraint while accumulating |
| 48. Jǐng (井) | The Well — nourishment from a deep source |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “My job application has been pending for weeks. Should I follow up aggressively?”
You received Hexagram 5, Waiting. The judgment says: 'Waiting. If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings goo...' Confident patience; nourish yourself while waiting for the right moment This is a favorable sign. The energy of patience supports your intention. Move forward with nourishment, but remain mindful of proper timing.