Hexagram 53
Development (Gradual Progress)
渐 (Jiàn)
Wind/Wood over Mountain
The image is of a tree growing on a mountain. The growth of such a tree is slow, steady, and almost imperceptible from day to day. Yet, over time, it becomes a great and influential landmark. This symbolizes development that is patient, organic, and follows a correct, natural sequence. It is progress that is well-rooted and which has a lasting, positive influence on its surroundings.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The Judgment uses the metaphor of a formal, traditional marriage. For such a union to be successful, all the correct steps—engagement, sending of gifts, the ceremony—must be followed in the proper sequence. Nothing is rushed. This hexagram teaches that development of any kind (a career, a project, a relationship) is most successful when it proceeds patiently and step-by-step. This careful, methodical approach requires perseverance and leads to lasting good fortune.
The Image (象传)
The Image shows that a tree on a mountain, by its slow and steady growth, becomes a landmark that improves the entire landscape. Likewise, the superior man does not try to force change upon society. Instead, he focuses on patiently cultivating his own character and virtue. By consistently abiding in this state of dignity, he becomes a stable example that has a gradual, positive, and improving influence on the culture and customs around him.
Interpretation & Guidance
This hexagram is a call for patience and a methodical approach. Whatever you are undertaking, do not rush. Success will not come overnight, but through slow, steady, step-by-step progress. Follow the correct procedures and respect the natural sequence of things. This is especially important in relationships, which should be allowed to develop organically. Your patient and persistent efforts will lead to solid and lasting results. Focus on your own character; by improving yourself, you will positively influence the world around you.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"The wild goose gradually draws near the shore. The young son is in danger. There is talk. No blame."
At the beginning of any new endeavor, the situation is uncertain. There may be risks and gossip. By proceeding cautiously and taking small, deliberate steps, you navigate this initial uncertainty without blame.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"The wild goose gradually draws near the cliff. Eating and drinking in peace and concord. Good fortune."
Through gradual progress, you have now reached a safe and stable position. This is a secure resting place on your journey. You can relax, enjoy the fruits of your labor, and share them generously with others. It is a time of peace and good fortune.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"The wild goose gradually draws near the plateau. The man sets forth and does not return... Misfortune. It is favorable to fight off robbers."
You have advanced too quickly and recklessly, leaving your community behind. This rashness leads to separation, stagnation, and danger. You are isolated and vulnerable. You must actively defend your position from those who would take advantage of your mistake.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"The wild goose gradually draws near the tree. Perhaps it will find a flat branch. No blame."
You find yourself in a precarious and unsuitable position. However, with wisdom and adaptability, you can find a temporary but safe solution—a "flat branch" to rest on. It is not a permanent home, but it is a blameless and clever way to navigate a difficult stage.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"The wild goose gradually draws near the summit... In the end nothing can hinder her. Good fortune."
You are near the goal, but final union and success are preceded by a long period of misunderstanding or separation. You must endure this final test of patience. In the end, your success is assured and cannot be stopped. This leads to great good fortune.
Top Nine (上九)
Top line - Yang
"The wild goose gradually draws near the clouds in the sky. Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance. Good fortune."
You have successfully completed your journey and reached the pinnacle. Your development is complete. You have become a shining example to others, and your achievements serve as a source of inspiration and order for the entire community. This is a sign of ultimate success and honor.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This is the quintessential hexagram for the healthy development of a relationship. It strongly advises against rushing things. A lasting union is built through a slow, steady, and proper courtship, where each stage is honored. Let trust and intimacy grow organically, step by step. A relationship that develops patiently, like a tree on a mountain, will be strong, stable, and bring enduring good fortune.
Career & Business (事业)
In your career, Development counsels a step-by-step approach. Do not try to skip ranks or take risky shortcuts. Focus on performing your current role with dignity and virtue, and advancement will come naturally and steadily over time. For a business, this favors organic growth over aggressive expansion. Develop projects in a careful, sequential manner to ensure a solid foundation for success.
Health & Wellness (健康)
This hexagram indicates that healing and the achievement of health goals will be a gradual process. There are no miracle cures. Lasting well-being is built through the patient, consistent application of healthy habits. Follow a step-by-step plan for recovery or fitness, and do not get discouraged by the slow pace. Steady progress is the surest path to health.
Financial Matters (财运)
The path to wealth here is slow and steady. This hexagram favors conservative, long-term strategies, such as consistent saving and patient investing. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes and speculative ventures. Building your financial security step by step, like building a strong foundation, will lead to lasting prosperity.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
The core lesson of Development is the virtue of patience and proper sequence. True and lasting growth of character is not a sudden event but a slow, organic process. By focusing on "abiding in dignity and virtue" in your daily life, you gradually and surely improve yourself. This steady self-cultivation, in turn, has a powerful and positive influence on the world around you. Lasting impact comes from patient, persistent effort.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
This is a time for patience. Do not rush. The situation calls for a slow, steady, and methodical approach. Follow the proper steps and procedures in all that you do. Trust that gradual progress will lead to the most stable and enduring success. Take things one step at a time.
