Hexagram 5: Waiting
Patient anticipation, nourishment
| Chinese | 需 (Xū) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☵ Water — The Abysmal (Water) |
| Lower trigram | ☰ Heaven — The Creative (Metal) |
| Keywords | patience, waiting, nourishment, sincerity |
| Opposite | Hexagram 35: Progress |
| Inverted | Hexagram 6: Conflict |
What does Hexagram 5 (Waiting) mean?
Waiting 需 (Xū) is hexagram 5 of the I Ching, formed by Water (The Abysmal) over Heaven (The Creative). Its theme is patient anticipation, nourishment, with key ideas of patience, waiting, nourishment, sincerity. The Judgment reads: “Waiting. If you are sincere, you have light and success.”
The Judgment of Waiting
Waiting. If you are sincere, you have light and success.
The Image of Waiting
Clouds rise up to heaven: the image of Waiting.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 5
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Nine at the beginning
“Waiting in the meadow — it furthers to abide in what endures. No blame.”
Danger is distant; remain calm and unhurried. Steadiness now prevents missteps later.
Nine in the second place
“Waiting on the sand — there is some gossip. The end brings good fortune.”
Minor irritations arise when patience is tested; hold course. The outcome justifies the waiting.
Nine in the third place
“Waiting in the mud brings the arrival of the enemy.”
Impatience draws you too close to danger before you are ready. Advancing carelessly invites attack.
Six in the fourth place
“Waiting in blood — get out of the pit.”
Caught in a dangerous situation; do not linger. Extricate yourself quickly without pride or hesitation.
Nine in the fifth place
“Waiting at meat and drink — perseverance brings good fortune.”
The moment of ease has arrived; enjoy it without losing vigilance. Perseverance preserves the gift.
Six at the top
“One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them and in the end there will be good fortune.”
What seems like falling into trouble brings unexpected help. Welcome the unlooked-for; grace comes through openness.
Will Waiting answer your question?
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