Hexagram 5 · ䷄
This is a time to wait with trust. The situation has not yet matured, but if you stay centered and upright, success will come. Because the moment is not empty b...
Judgment
This is a time to wait with trust. The situation has not yet matured, but if you stay centered and upright, success will come. Because the moment is not empty but full of potential...
Image
Clouds gathering in the sky suggest conditions forming before the rain arrives. The noble person waits without agitation, keeping life orderly and spirit untroubled.
Lines
You wait at the edge of untamed wilderness. Maintaining correct principles during this uncertainty brings no error. Simply continue to wait. Resting at the hill, you strengthen you...
If you are sincere, there is radiant success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great river.
This is a time to wait with trust. The situation has not yet matured, but if you stay centered and upright, success will come. Because the moment is not empty but full of potential, crossing a major difficulty is still possible.
Waiting means that danger lies ahead. Firmness and strength do not sink into danger; therefore one is not exhausted. In Waiting there is sincerity, radiant success, and good fortune through perseverance, because one holds the central and correct place. It furthers one to cross the great river, for going forward brings achievement.
Waiting does not mean passivity; it means recognizing that danger is ahead and not rushing into it. Strength held in reserve, together with sincerity and self-command, makes eventual progress possible.
Clouds rise up to heaven: the image of Waiting. The noble person eats, drinks, and remains cheerful and at ease.
Clouds gathering in the sky suggest conditions forming before the rain arrives. The noble person waits without agitation, keeping life orderly and spirit untroubled.
Waiting at the edge of the wilderness. It is beneficial to remain correct. No error.
You wait at the edge of untamed wilderness. Maintaining correct principles during this uncertainty brings no error. Simply continue to wait.
Small Image
At the edge of the wilderness, one remains correct and waits for the proper time.
Waiting in the open country means not rushing ahead before the time is ripe.
Waiting at the hill. Perseverance brings deliverance. Entering the cavern, no error.
Resting at the hill, you strengthen yourself. With patience and perseverance, deliverance will come. Entering the cave-like shelter brings no error.
Small Image
Waiting at the hill shows one has strayed from the proper path but still seeks guidance.
Waiting on the sand shows some movement toward danger, though disaster is not yet fixed.
Waiting in the midst of battle. Danger. Yet no error.
You find yourself surrounded by conflict, yet waiting brings danger but no blame. Continue to wait with awareness.
Small Image
In the midst of battle, danger surrounds, yet maintaining correct waiting brings no error.
Waiting in the mud means danger is drawing near.
Waiting while wine and food arrive, honored guests arriving.
While you wait, provisions arrive. Those of noble character gather around you naturally, honoring your virtue.
Small Image
Wine and food arrive as one waits with proper virtue, honored guests approach naturally.
Waiting amid food and drink shows one remains centered and at ease.
Waiting at the pass, danger. A companion's trust must be awaited. This is proper.
At the mountain pass, danger threatens. You must await a trusted companion before proceeding. This is the proper course.
Small Image
At the strategic pass, danger demands patience. Trust must be established before proceeding.
Waiting in blood means one has yielded and withdrawn from danger.
An honored guest arrives, humble rites employed. Three guests come, accept them with courtesy.
A distinguished guest arrives seeking alliance. Using humble courtesy, you receive them well. When three guests come, welcoming each properly brings good fortune.
Small Image
Honored guests arrive with humility, and three guests come—receiving them properly brings good fortune.
Unexpected guests arriving shows that respectful readiness turns risk toward good fortune.
What does Hsü / Waiting mean in the I Ching?
This is a time to wait with trust. The situation has not yet matured, but if you stay centered and upright, success will come. Because the moment is not empty b...
How should I study Hexagram 5 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. You wait at the edge of untamed wilderness. Maintaining correct principles during this uncertainty brings no error. Simply continue to wait. Resting at the hill, you strengthen you...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Waiting does not mean passivity; it means recognizing that danger is ahead and not rushing into it. Strength held in reserve, together with sincerity and self-command, makes eventual progress possible.
Primary text: Zhouyi / I Ching, including the Judgment, Image, line texts, and related commentaries.
Translation basis: public-domain and modern study references, with AI used only as a learning aid.