Hexagram 53 · 漸

Wind, pictured as wood, stands above mountain. A tree gains height from a stable slope through gradual rooting and growth. Jian means gradual advance, distinct from Obstruction in hexagram 39. Its migrating geese describe stages of development that need suitable places to settle.

1. Line 1 · 初六

   鴻漸于干，小子厲，有言，无咎。

   The wild goose advances to the shore. The young one faces danger and criticism. No blame.

   Six in the first place is yin at an exposed early stage without correspondence. The Small Image separates difficulty from fault, like a beginner receiving criticism while still finding an appropriate place to learn.

2. Line 2 · 六二

   鴻漸于磐，飲食衎衎，吉。

   The wild goose advances to the rock. Eating and drinking in ease. Good fortune.

   Six in the second place is central and fitting yin corresponding with the fifth yang. The Small Image says nourishment is not received idly, like enjoying support earned through a dependable contribution to shared work.

3. Line 3 · 九三

   鴻漸于陸，夫征不復，婦孕不育，凶；利禦寇。

   The wild goose advances to the high ground. The husband goes away and does not return; the wife becomes pregnant but does not bring forth. Misfortune. It is beneficial to ward off raiders.

   Nine in the third place is yang advancing beyond its group into an unsuitable relationship. The Small Image favors mutual protection; these family images can illuminate a project pushed ahead without adequate support, rather than predict family events.

4. Line 4 · 六四

   鴻漸于木，或得其桷，无咎。

   The wild goose advances to the tree. Perhaps it finds a level branch. No blame.

   Six in the fourth place is fitting yin adapting to unfamiliar footing. The Small Image credits responsiveness, like a newcomer finding a workable role in an organization whose methods initially feel awkward.

5. Line 5 · 九五

   鴻漸于陵，婦三歲不孕，終莫之勝，吉。

   The wild goose advances to the hill. For three years the wife does not become pregnant. In the end nothing can prevail against them. Good fortune.

   Nine in the fifth place is central yang corresponding with the second yin despite separation. The Small Image sees the intended union attained, like patient collaborators maintaining a sound purpose through delays; this is not fertility guidance or a timetable.

6. Line 6 · 上九

   鴻漸于陸，其羽可用為儀，吉。

   The wild goose advances to the high ground. Its feathers can be used as ceremonial ornaments. Good fortune.

   Nine at the top is yang whose completed progress becomes an example. The Small Image stresses an order that cannot be confused, like an experienced craftsperson leaving work whose quality can guide later learners.

Give each stage a sound place to stand. Let patience serve real development, and change your footing when the next step lacks support.

• Nuclear未濟64
• Inverted歸妹54
• Opposite歸妹54
• Previous艮52
• Next歸妹54