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I Ching · Hexagram 5 Waiting

Hexagram 5 for decisions: Waiting

需 Xū · A decision

Delay the decision without anxiety. Gather what you need, stay steady, and decide when the situation has ripened. This is calculated waiting, not avoidance.

Heaven below, water above: clouds gathering, rain not yet falling. Waiting is not helplessness. The lower trigram is strength, and the reading describes strength that knows it cannot force the weather and therefore waits with calm and even enjoyment. The tradition's image is of someone nourishing themselves cheerfully while the situation ripens. Danger is ahead, in the water above, and the way through it is not to rush at it but to arrive at it prepared. The outcome is favourable if you are sincere and steady.

Advice
Wait with confidence and keep yourself strong while the situation ripens.
Warning
Rushing at the danger ahead, to end the discomfort of waiting, is how waiting turns into loss.

The changing lines, read for decisions

If your cast of Hexagram 5 had changing lines, these are what each one adds to a decision question, and where each leads.

  1. Line 1 · changes into 48 The Well

    Waiting in the meadow. It is best to stay with what lasts. Keep to your normal, steady course; the difficulty is not close.

  2. Line 2 · changes into 63 After Completion

    Waiting on the sand. There is some talk, but it ends well. Ignore the gossip and keep your composure.

  3. Line 3 · changes into 60 Limitation

    Waiting in the mud invites the robbers. You have advanced too soon; be very careful until you are on firm ground again.

  4. Line 4 · changes into 43 Breakthrough

    Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit. Do not fight the situation; stay calm inside it until it releases you.

  5. Line 5 · changes into 11 Peace

    Waiting with food and wine. Persistence is fortunate. Use the breathing space to restore yourself, and stay ready.

  6. Line 6 · changes into 9 Small Taming

    Falling into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive; honour them and it ends well. Welcome the unexpected arrivals; they are the way through.

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