I Ching hexagram
53. Gradual Progress
漸Jiàn
Wind over Mountain
Also called Development, The Symbol of Progressive Advance, Gradual Development, Infiltrating, Advancing, Growth, Developing, Gradualness, Dialectical Progression, Step by Step, "The slower the stronger." -- D.F. Hook
Hexagram 53, Gradual Progress (漸 Jiàn) is formed by Wind over Mountain. It is also known as Development, The Symbol of Progressive Advance, Gradual Development, Infiltrating, Advancing, Growth, Developing, Gradualness. The judgment is James Legge. The six lines are R.L. Wing — the same texts used in a reading on this site.
The judgment
James Legge
Gradual Progress shows the good fortune attending the marriage of a young lady. Firm correctness brings advantage.
The six lines
R.L. Wing · line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yin
Your position is one of the classic beginner. Criticism is now unavoidable, however -- it can be used to your advantage in refining your skills. You can lay down the early foundations for later successes.
- Line 2Yin
You are in a secure position. The activities that lie on the road ahead will further consolidate your development. You may feel free to share your good fortune and security with others.
- Line 3Yang
If you provoke a conflict or make a bold and forceful advance, you will place yourself and those close to you in danger. This is a foolish risk indeed. You would be much wiser to allow things to develop naturally and, instead, secure what you have.
- Line 4Yin
You must remain flexible now. It may be necessary to sidestep difficulties, yield to obstacles, or retreat from danger. These, of course, are only temporary measures. The important thing is to maintain your safety now so that you can develop the conditions for later successes.
- Line 5Yang
As you gain an ever greater position of influence, you become more and more a target for attack. Deceitful people may slander you, or you may even be misjudged by those closest to you. Because you are isolated, nothing meaningful can be accomplished. Eventually communications will be established and good fortune will follow.
- Line 6Yang
As you achieve the greatest heights in your upward climb, you become an example for others. You are emulated by those who admire you, and this in itself is the greatest praise. There is good fortune for all concerned.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 53 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings.