I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 5: Waiting (Nourishment)
Hsu · 需
The strength that knows how to await the right moment. The rain will come when it must; nourish yourself while you wait.
- waiting
- trust
- nourishment
- patience
- Upper trigram
- Water 坎 · Depth
- Lower trigram
- Heaven 乾 · Creative Force
The Judgment
WAITING. If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water.
The Image
Clouds rise up to heaven. Thus the superior man eats and drinks, and remains joyous and serene.
Meaning
The hexagram 'Waiting (Nourishment)' carries the energy of Water (Depth/Danger) acting upon Heaven (Creative Force). This moment asks for balance between adapting outwardly and leading inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests deep emotions or uncertainty combined with bold initiative. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors risk management grounded in expansion and leadership. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Water above Heaven suggests a natural dynamic of depth/danger over creative force.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.
Nine in the 1st place
First position: the force is still hidden and unripe. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Heaven (Creative Force) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Waiting (Nourishment) — the matter is waiting: that is the theme this line is changing.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Waiting (Nourishment) — the matter is waiting: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 2nd place
Second position: centered strength, recognized from afar. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Heaven (Creative Force) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Waiting (Nourishment) — the matter is waiting: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Waiting (Nourishment) — the matter is waiting: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 3rd place
Third position: the dangerous threshold between low and high. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Heaven (Creative Force) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
End of the lower trigram — a critical transition. Excess enthusiasm here breeds mistakes. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Waiting (Nourishment) — the matter is waiting: that is the theme this line is changing.
End of the lower trigram — a critical transition. Excess enthusiasm here breeds mistakes. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Waiting (Nourishment) — the matter is waiting: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 4th place
Fourth position: prudent reserve beside power. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Water (Depth/Danger) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Waiting (Nourishment) — the matter is waiting: that is the theme this line is changing.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Waiting (Nourishment) — the matter is waiting: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 5th place
Fifth position: the place of the ruler. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Water (Depth/Danger) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Waiting (Nourishment) — the matter is waiting: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Waiting (Nourishment) — the matter is waiting: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 6th place
Sixth position: the ending that asks for release. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Water (Depth/Danger) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Waiting (Nourishment) — the matter is waiting: that is the theme this line is changing.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Waiting (Nourishment) — the matter is waiting: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 5 mean?
Waiting (Nourishment) (Hsu): The hexagram 'Waiting (Nourishment)' carries the energy of Water (Depth/Danger) acting upon Heaven (Creative Force). This moment asks for balance between adapting outwardly and leading inwardly.
What does hexagram 5 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests deep emotions or uncertainty combined with bold initiative. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 5 say about work?
At work, the energy favors risk management grounded in expansion and leadership. Consolidate your base.