Hexagram 53: Development
Gradual progress, patience
| Chinese | 漸 (Jiàn) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☴ Wind — The Gentle (Wood) |
| Lower trigram | ☶ Mountain — Keeping Still (Earth) |
| Keywords | development, gradual progress, patience, growth |
| Opposite | Hexagram 54: The Marrying Maiden |
| Inverted | Hexagram 54: The Marrying Maiden |
What does Hexagram 53 (Development) mean?
Development 漸 (Jiàn) is hexagram 53 of the I Ching, formed by Wind (The Gentle) over Mountain (Keeping Still). Its theme is gradual progress, patience, with key ideas of development, gradual progress, patience, growth. The Judgment reads: “Development. The maiden is given in marriage. Good fortune. Perseverance furthers.”
The Judgment of Development
Development. The maiden is given in marriage. Good fortune. Perseverance furthers.
The Image of Development
On the mountain, a tree.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 53
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Six at the beginning
“The wild goose gradually draws near the shore. The young son is in danger. There is talk. No blame.”
The first tentative approach brings criticism and risk — this is normal for what is new and untested. Endure the commentary; there is no fundamental fault.
Six in the second place
“The wild goose gradually draws near the cliff. Eating and drinking in peace and concord. Good fortune.”
Secure ground reached through gradual progress; now nourishment and companionship become available. The foundation of peaceful community is established.
Nine in the third place
“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.”
Overreaching the natural pace of development breaks the cycle of growth. Defend against premature grasping that disrupts the gradual unfolding.
Six in the fourth place
“The wild goose gradually draws near the tree. Perhaps it will find a flat branch. No blame.”
Adaptability in finding footing where it was not designed to land — using what is available rather than insisting on the ideal — prevents mishap.
Nine in the fifth place
“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.”
Progress to the highest point takes time; apparent barrenness is part of the long development. Patience through the unproductive interval ultimately yields the full result.
Nine at the top
“The wild goose gradually draws near the cloud heights. Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance. Good fortune.”
The culmination of gradual development reaches beyond ordinary use into the realm of the sacred. What is fully developed becomes an inspiration and model for others.
Will Development answer your question?
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