Hexagram 5
Waiting (Nourishment)
需 (Xū)
Water over Heaven
Hexagram 5 depicts clouds (Water) in the sky (Heaven), gathering before the rain falls. It symbolizes a time of waiting. Danger or a need is present, but it is not yet time to act. One must wait patiently for the right moment, strengthening oneself and preparing for what is to come.
Key Concepts
The Judgment
This hexagram promises success if one can wait with the right attitude. Sincerity and inner conviction are key; they provide the light to see through the uncertainty. Waiting is not passive resignation but active, patient perseverance. When the time is right, this inner strength will make it possible to overcome great obstacles ("cross the great water").
The Image
Before the rain comes, there is nothing to do but wait. The superior person uses this inevitable pause constructively. Instead of becoming anxious, they relax, nourish themselves ("eat and drink"), and maintain a positive, cheerful attitude. This conserves energy and builds strength for the time of action that will surely follow.
Interpretation & Guidance
When you receive Hexagram 5, you are being told that now is a time for patience. A goal is in sight, but obstacles prevent immediate progress. Pushing forward aggressively would be a mistake. The best course of action is to stop, wait, and prepare. Trust that the situation will resolve in its own time.
Use this waiting period to strengthen your position. Gather resources, make plans, and nourish your body and spirit. Maintain a confident and calm demeanor. This is a test of your inner resolve. By waiting correctly, you ensure that when the opportunity to act finally arrives, you will be fully prepared to seize it successfully.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what is constant. No blame."
You are far from the source of danger or the center of action. The situation does not yet affect you directly. Remain calm, stick to your routine, and do not make any premature moves. By staying steady, you avoid making mistakes.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune."
The danger is getting closer, like the tide coming in over the sand. This proximity creates anxiety and may lead to criticism or conflict ("gossip"). Remain calm and patient. Do not let the words of others provoke you into rash action. If you hold firm, the situation will end well.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"Waiting in the mud brings about the arrival of the enemy."
You have waited too close to the danger and are now stuck. By placing yourself in a vulnerable position, you invite attack or mishap. This line warns that carelessness while waiting leads to misfortune. You must be proactive in seeking a safer position.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit."
This is the most dangerous position. You are in the midst of a bloody conflict or a dire situation from which you must escape. Waiting passively is no longer an option. You must accept the unavoidable and find a way out, even if it is difficult. This is a call to adapt to a serious crisis.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"Waiting at meat and drink. Perseverance brings good fortune."
You have found a safe and comfortable place to wait. The crisis will pass you by. Enjoy this period of calm, nourish yourself, and maintain your steady perseverance. You are secure, and your patience will be rewarded with a fortunate outcome. This is the ideal way to wait.
Six at the Top (上六)
Top line - Yin
"One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune."
The waiting is over, but you find yourself in an unexpected and difficult situation ("the pit"). However, unexpected help also arrives. Even if this help is not what you wanted or expected, treat it with respect. By adapting to the new reality and accepting help graciously, you can turn a bad situation into a good one.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In relationships, Hexagram 5 advises patience. If you are single, the right person has not yet arrived. Use this time to work on yourself. If you are in a relationship facing challenges, do not force a resolution. Give your partner and the situation space. Waiting with a calm, loving heart will strengthen the bond in the long run.
Career & Business (事业)
Professionally, this hexagram indicates a delay. A project is stalled, a promotion is not yet forthcoming, or a business deal is on hold. Do not get frustrated. Use this time to double-check your work, gather more information, and build your resources. When the green light appears, you will be in a much stronger position. Your patience now is an investment in future success.
Health & Wellness (健康)
In health, "Waiting" signifies a healing process that cannot be rushed. Your body needs time to recover and regenerate. The best medicine is patience, proper nourishment, and rest. Avoid extreme treatments or pushing your body too hard. Trust in the natural healing process and maintain a positive outlook.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, this is a time to hold your position. Do not make major new investments or liquidate existing ones out of anxiety. The market or your financial situation requires time to mature or stabilize. Wait for a clear opportunity. Use this time to save and build a cash reserve.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
This hexagram teaches one of life's most valuable skills: the art of active waiting. It is the practice of developing inner strength, trust, and patience in the face of uncertainty. Growth comes from realizing that you do not need to be in constant motion to be productive. Sometimes, the wisest action is to consciously and calmly do nothing at all.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing is clear: wait. Do not act. A pause is required. Your advice is to shift your focus from external action to internal preparation. Conserve your energy, maintain a positive attitude, and trust that the right moment for action will become apparent. Your strength lies in your ability to endure the delay with grace.
