Hexagram 53 for career: Development

漸 Jiàn · Career

Steady, staged advancement: the apprenticeship, the first responsibility, the recognition, the seniority. Each stage prepares the next. The reading warns against grabbing at a position two stages ahead; the goose that flies straight to the cloud heights has nowhere to land.

Mountain below, wind above: a tree on a mountain, growing slowly, visible from far away. Development describes progress that must be gradual, and the tradition's image is the wild goose migrating in stages: the shore, the cliff, the plateau, the tree, the summit, the cloud heights. The judgement is that the maiden is given in marriage, good fortune, persistence furthers, meaning that the process is like a proper courtship: it has stages, and each must be completed. The reading says the goal is reachable and the way to it is orderly patience. Skipping a stage does not shorten the journey; it ends it.

Advice: Advance in order, stage by stage, and complete each one before the next.
Warning: Skipping a stage does not shorten the journey; it ends it on the wrong ledge.

The changing lines, read for career

If your cast of Hexagram 53 had changing lines, these are what each one adds to a career question, and where each leads.

Line 1 · changes into 37 The Family
The wild goose gradually draws near the shore. The young son is in danger. There is talk. No blame. You are at the shore; go slowly and ignore the talk.
Line 2 · changes into 57 The Gentle
The wild goose gradually draws near the cliff. Eating and drinking in peace and concord. Good fortune. You are on safe ground; enjoy it and share it.
Line 3 · changes into 20 Contemplation
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 to fight off robbers. You have gone past your stage; defend what you have and do not advance further.
Line 4 · changes into 33 Retreat
The wild goose gradually draws near the tree. Perhaps it will find a flat branch. No blame. The position does not suit you; find the flat branch and rest there.
Line 5 · changes into 52 Keeping Still
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. You have reached the height; the fruit is delayed, not denied.
Line 6 · changes into 39 Obstruction
The wild goose gradually draws near the cloud heights. Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance. Good fortune. Your progress has become an example; that is its completion.

Hexagram 53 in full Love & relationships Money A decision

Ask the I Ching about your career

The topic is pre-selected. The hexagram is not: the coins decide it.

Ask the I Ching →