Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 渐 (Jiàn) |
| English Name | Development / Gradual Progress |
| Trigrams | Wind over Mountain (巽上艮下) |
| Number | 53 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Development. The maiden is given in marriage. Good fortune. Perseverance furthers.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
On the mountain, a tree: the image of Development. Thus the superior man abides in dignity and virtue, in order to improve the mores.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初六 | Bottom | The wild goose gradually draws near the shore. The young son is in danger. There is talk. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 六二 | 2nd | The wild goose gradually draws near the cliff. Eating and drinking in peace and concord. Good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 九三 | 3rd | 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. | Unfavorable; exercise caution and restraint |
| 六四 | 4th | The wild goose gradually draws near the tree. Perhaps it will find a flat branch. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 九五 | 5th | 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. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 上九 | Top | The wild goose gradually draws near the cloud heights. Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance. Good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- The wild goose gradually advancing; proper development in stages
- Upper trigram Wind (gentle and penetrating) over lower trigram Mountain (still and grounding)
- Embodies the qualities of gradual progress, development, patience and propriety, marriage, growth
Keywords
Gradual progressDevelopmentPatienceProprietyMarriageGrowth
Divination & Prediction
★★★★☆Auspicious
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. The wild goose gradually advancing; proper development in stages Channel the energy of gradual progress and development for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on patience to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels gradual progress and development. The Wind trigram above suggests gentle and penetrating energy in your outer dealings, while the Mountain trigram below points to still and grounding foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on thighs and immune system and hands and back. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody gradual progress and development. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes patience and propriety. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate gradual progress in all your actions
- Practice development consistently
- Embrace patience as your guiding principle
- Develop propriety through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of marriage
- Abandon growth under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 54. Guī Mèi (归妹) | Marrying Maiden — hasty vs gradual union |
| 32. Héng (恒) | Duration — sustaining gradual progress |
| 37. Jiā Rén (家人) | The Family — the destination of proper development |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “We want to grow our startup. Should we scale fast or grow gradually?”
You received Hexagram 53, Development. The judgment says: 'Development. The maiden is given in marriage. Good fortune. Perseverance further...' The wild goose gradually advancing; proper development in stages This is a favorable sign. The energy of gradual progress supports your intention. Move forward with patience, but remain mindful of proper timing.