䷄ Waiting xū
Core Meaning
The Waiting hexagram emphasizes the wisdom of waiting. Clouds gather in the heaven; though rain has not yet fallen, it will eventually come. At this time, one should not act rashly, but like the superior person, feast and relax, waiting calmly. Strong and not陷(陷, trapped), knowing peril lies ahead but patiently accumulating strength.
The Judgment
Having sincerity, there will be brilliant success, and perseverance brings good fortune. It is beneficial to cross the great river.
Interpretation:
The Waiting hexagram symbolizes waiting. With sincerity in one's heart, there will be brilliant success, and upholding the right path brings good fortune. It is beneficial to cross great rivers.
The Image
Clouds ascend to the heaven: Waiting. The superior person feasts and relaxes.
Structure
Water above, Heaven below. Clouds gather in the heaven. Heaven signifies strength and vigor, Water signifies peril and obstruction, symbolizing the need to wait for the opportune moment.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial Nine: Waiting in the outskirts. It is beneficial to persist. No blame.
Nine in the Second: Waiting by the sand. There may be some gossip, but in the end, good fortune.
Nine in the Third: Waiting in the mud. Bandits arrive.
Six in the Fourth: Waiting in blood. One emerges from the cave.
Nine in the Fifth: Waiting at a feast with wine and food. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Top Six: Entering into the cave. Three uninvited guests arrive. Treat them with respect, and in the end, good fortune.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
Career is in a phase of accumulating strength, poised for action. From the outskirts to the sand, to the mud, to blood, indicates that the closer one gets to the goal, the more challenging it becomes. However, as long as one maintains sincerity and patience, 'it is beneficial to cross the great river,' and difficulties will eventually be overcome. Nine in the Fifth: 'waiting at a feast with wine and food', signifies that the time is ripe for celebration and harvest.
❤️ Relationships
Relationships require patient cultivation; do not rush them. 'Waiting in the outskirts' suggests maintaining a distance to observe. 'Some gossip, but in the end, good fortune' indicates minor disagreements do not affect the overall situation. 'Uninvited guests' reminds us to treat others with courtesy and sincerity.
🎯 Decision Making
The most important thing at present is to wait. Peril lies ahead, do not act rashly. 'Waiting in the mud, bandits arrive' warns us that struggling in the mire will only bring misfortune. Maintain a strong mindset and accumulate strength while waiting.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest danger is losing patience. 'Waiting in the mud' is followed by 'waiting in blood'; the more anxious one becomes, the more easily one falls into predicament. Learn to remain calm while waiting, and not deviate from the normal course of action.
Applicable Scenarios
The Waiting hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
Jiang Taigong's fishing by the Wei River, waiting for an enlightened ruler, embodies the wisdom of the Waiting hexagram. At eighty years old, he remained calm and self-possessed, like 'waiting at a feast with wine and food'. He finally met King Wen of Zhou, achieving great accomplishments. This is the best interpretation of 'Having sincerity, there will be brilliant success, and it is beneficial to cross the great river'.
Related Hexagrams
Based on the connections between hexagrams, the following are also worth exploring:
Deepen Your Understanding
This interpretation provides a foundational understanding of the Waiting hexagram. For a deeper comprehension, consider:
- • Reading commentaries from classical scholars and modern interpreters
- • Studying the hexagram's position within the overall sequence of the 64 hexagrams
- • Reflecting on how its wisdom applies to your current life situation
- • Exploring the changing lines and their resulting hexagrams in divination
Authoritative Resources
Want to explore the I Ching more deeply? These authoritative resources provide scholarly perspectives: