Hexagram 5
Waiting (Nourishment)
需 (Xū)
Water over Heaven
Hexagram 5, Waiting, consists of the trigram for Water situated above the trigram for Heaven. This configuration symbolizes clouds gathering in the sky that have not yet released their rain, indicating a time of necessary waiting and preparation. The strength of Heaven below pushes upward, but it is confronted by the danger of the abyss above. This dynamic suggests that while the potential for success is present, the time is not yet ripe for direct action. One must cultivate patience, nourish the body and spirit, and wait for the opportune moment to advance without anxiety or agitation.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (卦辞)
Translation: "Waiting. If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water."
Hexagram 5 teaches the profound wisdom of active waiting rather than passive idleness. It describes a situation where danger lies ahead, represented by the water trigram, but internal strength, represented by heaven, provides the capacity to endure. This is not a time for giving up or retreating, but rather for gathering your resources and maintaining a positive spirit while the obstacles clear. True waiting involves an inner confidence that things will work out in due time. By maintaining sincerity and truthfulness in your intentions, you generate a light that guides you through the period of delay, ensuring that your eventual action will be successful and well-timed.
The reference to crossing the great water suggests that once the period of waiting is over, you will be empowered to undertake significant and perhaps risky enterprises. However, this capability depends entirely on how you utilize the time of waiting. If you spend this time in anxiety or frustration, you deplete the energy needed for the crossing. Instead, you are encouraged to nourish yourself physically and spiritually, eating and drinking with enjoyment. This cheerful acceptance of the present moment transforms the waiting period into a reservoir of strength, preparing you to face the challenges that will inevitably arise when the time for action finally arrives.
The Image (大象传)
君子以饮食宴乐。
Translation: "Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. Thus the superior man eats and drinks, is joyous and of good cheer."
The image depicts clouds rising into the sky, hovering above but not yet condensing into rain. This visual metaphor perfectly captures the tension of potentiality that has not yet manifested into reality. The moisture is there, the promise of rain exists, but the atmospheric conditions are not yet right for it to fall. In nature, one cannot force the clouds to rain; one must simply wait for the natural cycle to complete itself. This teaches us that there are cosmic laws and timings that operate beyond human control, and wisdom lies in aligning oneself with these natural rhythms rather than fighting against them in vain.
Consequently, the superior person uses this interval not for worry but for replenishment and joy. By eating, drinking, and finding cause for celebration, you strengthen your internal constitution. This is not hedonism, but a strategic preservation of vitality. If you fret about the drought while the clouds are still gathering, you will be too exhausted to tend the fields when the rain finally comes. Therefore, the most productive action during a time of waiting is to cultivate a sense of peace and enjoyment, ensuring that your spirit remains high and your body remains strong for the work that lies ahead.
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 endures. No blame."
The danger is still far away, like a storm on the distant horizon. At this early stage, it is crucial not to panic or rush forward prematurely. You are in the open meadow, a place of relative safety, where you can continue your daily life without immediate threat. By sticking to your regular duties and maintaining a calm, steady existence, you avoid creating unnecessary problems. Patience here is easy to maintain if you do not let your imagination create non-existent perils.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune."
You have moved closer to the danger, symbolized by the sands of the riverbank. The situation is becoming more uncertain, and others may begin to criticize your inaction or misunderstand your motives. This gossip can be irritating, but it is not physically harmful. The key is to remain calm and not react defensively to the chatter of others. If you maintain your composure and refuse to be provoked into rash action, the situation will eventually resolve itself favorably, proving your patience was justified.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"Waiting in the mud brings about the arrival of the enemy."
Impatience has driven you too close to the danger, and now you are stuck in the mud of the riverbank. This precarious position invites attack and makes you vulnerable to external threats. You have advanced prematurely and now face the consequences of your rashness. The only way to mitigate this situation is to exercise extreme caution and seriousness. By acknowledging your vulnerability and avoiding any further provocative moves, you may escape the worst effects of this exposure, though the situation remains critical.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit."
The situation has escalated to a point of direct conflict or injury, symbolized by blood. You are now in the thick of the danger, perhaps trapped in a pit of despair or actual crisis. However, this line is yielding, suggesting flexibility. Instead of fighting a losing battle or struggling violently, the advice is to withdraw and disengage. By accepting the situation and calmly extricating yourself from the immediate danger, you can survive. Composure in the face of crisis is your only salvation.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"Waiting at meat and drink. Perseverance brings good fortune."
This is the ruler of the hexagram, representing a pause amidst the danger where one finds respite. Even in the midst of difficult times, there are moments of peace that must be utilized for recovery. You are encouraged to enjoy the present moment, gathering strength through nourishment and rest. This ability to find joy and relaxation despite the surrounding pressure is the mark of true leadership and strength. By persevering in this positive attitude, you ensure ultimate success and the resolution of difficulties.
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 the situation has taken a strange turn. You seem to have exhausted your options and fallen into difficulty. However, help arrives from an unexpected quarter in the form of three uninvited guests. Initially, they may seem strange or even threatening, but they hold the key to your liberation. By treating these unexpected developments or people with respect and courtesy rather than suspicion, you turn a potential disaster into a fortunate outcome. Flexibility and humility save the day.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In the realm of romantic relationships, Hexagram 5 advises a period of patience and restraint. You may be eager to move the relationship to the next level or to find a partner, but the timing is not yet right. Rushing things now could lead to misunderstandings or rejection. It is essential to allow the connection to develop organically, like a flower blooming in its own time. Trust that if the bond is meant to be, it will survive this period of waiting.
For those currently in a relationship, this hexagram suggests that you might be facing a plateau or a period of stagnation. Instead of forcing excitement or drama to create movement, use this time to simply enjoy each other's company in a relaxed manner. Share meals, enjoy leisure activities, and nourish the friendship underlying the romance. This shared tranquility builds a deep reservoir of trust and affection that will sustain you through future challenges.
If you are single and searching, do not let anxiety or desperation cloud your aura. The "waiting" here implies active preparation of your own life. Focus on becoming the best version of yourself, cultivating joy and stability independently. When you are content within yourself, you naturally attract the right person without frantic effort. The uninvited guests mentioned in the lines suggest that love often arrives when you least expect it, so keep an open heart.
Career & Business (事业)
In business and career matters, this hexagram indicates that immediate advancement is currently blocked or delayed. You may have launched a project or applied for a promotion, but results are not forthcoming. This is not a sign of failure, but a signal that market conditions or organizational dynamics need time to align. Pushing harder right now will only lead to exhaustion and potential mistakes. It is a time to hold your ground and conserve your resources.
Use this interim period to refine your skills, improve your strategies, and strengthen your professional network. Just as the superior man eats and drinks to nourish himself, you should "nourish" your business or career foundation. Review your plans, train your team, or organize your workspace. These preparatory actions may seem small, but they are crucial for ensuring that you are fully ready to capitalize on opportunities when the blockage finally clears and momentum returns.
Be wary of office gossip or minor setbacks during this time, as indicated by the second line. Do not let temporary lulls in activity make you insecure or reactive. Maintain a professional, confident demeanor, and trust in the work you have already done. Your ability to remain calm and productive during slow periods will be noticed by leadership and will eventually position you as a steady hand capable of managing complex situations with grace.
Health & Wellness (健康)
Regarding health, Hexagram 5 emphasizes the vital importance of rest, nutrition, and stress management. If you have been pushing your body too hard, this is a clear warning to slow down before you face burnout. The image of clouds waiting to rain suggests that your body needs to accumulate energy reserves. It is an excellent time to focus on your diet, ensuring you are getting proper nourishment, and to prioritize high-quality sleep to repair your system.
If you are currently dealing with an illness or a chronic condition, this hexagram counsels patience with the healing process. Recovery often happens in plateaus rather than a straight line. Do not become frustrated if you do not see immediate results from a treatment. Your body has its own wisdom and timing. Give it the support it needs through gentle care and avoid aggressive interventions that might shock your system more than help it.
Mental health is equally important here. The anxiety of waiting can manifest as physical tension or digestive issues. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to keep your mind from racing ahead to worst-case scenarios. Enjoying simple pleasures, like a good meal or a walk in nature, acts as medicine for the spirit. By keeping your spirits high and your stress low, you create the optimal internal environment for physical health and long-term vitality.
Financial Matters (财运)
In financial matters, Waiting suggests that this is not the time for high-risk investments or speculative ventures. The market conditions may be volatile or unclear, represented by the danger in the water trigram. It is better to keep your capital liquid and safe rather than tying it up in uncertain schemes. Patience is your greatest asset now; do not be tempted by promises of quick returns, as they are likely to lead to losses.
Instead of seeking new income streams aggressively, focus on managing what you already have. Review your budget, cut unnecessary expenses, and consolidate your savings. This is the "nourishment" phase of finance—building a safety net that allows you to sleep soundly at night. By strengthening your financial foundation now, you ensure that you have the resources available to strike effectively when a truly profitable opportunity presents itself in the future.
If you are waiting for a payment, a loan approval, or a financial settlement, delays are to be expected. Do not panic or harass the other parties involved, as this might cause further resistance. Trust that the transaction will complete in its own time. Use this time to educate yourself about financial management or investment strategies so that when the funds do arrive, you possess the wisdom to manage them effectively and grow your wealth.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
Hexagram 5 is a profound teacher of emotional maturity and self-discipline. It challenges you to confront your relationship with time and control. We often equate waiting with wasting time, but this hexagram reframes it as a period of active cultivation. The lesson is to learn how to be at peace with uncertainty. By mastering the art of waiting without anxiety, you develop a core of inner strength that is unshakable by external circumstances.
This period invites you to explore what truly nourishes your soul. Are you dependent on external validation or constant activity to feel worthy? Use this pause to reconnect with hobbies, study philosophy, or engage in creative pursuits simply for the joy of it. This "eating and drinking" of the spirit builds a reservoir of happiness that is self-generated. When you are full of your own joy, you become less reactive to the world's delays.
Finally, consider the concept of "uninvited guests" as aspects of your shadow self or unexpected life lessons. Personal growth often comes in packages we did not order and initially do not want. By welcoming these difficult lessons with humility and an open mind, you transform obstacles into stepping stones. The wisdom gained during times of stagnation is often far deeper and more transformative than what is learned during periods of rapid, easy progress.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing indicated by Hexagram 5 is one of delay and necessary pause. It is not a "no," but a definite "not yet." The conditions for success are gathering, like clouds, but they have not yet reached the saturation point required for rain. Attempting to force a conclusion now would be like trying to harvest fruit that is still green. You must respect the natural gestation period of your goals and allow events to unfold.
The advice is to remain alert but relaxed. Do not fall asleep at the wheel, but do not rev the engine unnecessarily. Keep your eyes on the horizon and be ready to move when the signal changes. The transition from waiting to action can happen suddenly, so your preparation during the lull is critical. Maintain your equipment, your health, and your plans in a state of readiness so that you can launch immediately when the time is right.
Ultimately, this hexagram promises success to those who can wait with faith and good cheer. The phrase "perseverance brings good fortune" is key. It is not just about enduring time, but about the quality of your endurance. If you can maintain a positive, hopeful, and constructive attitude throughout the delay, the outcome will be even better than you anticipated. Trust the process, enjoy the interim, and look forward to the crossing of the great water.