Hexagram Image: [Upper Trigram: Kǎn (Water), Lower Trigram: Qián (Heaven)]

Upper Trigram: Kǎn (Water) Lower Trigram: Qián (Heaven)

Judgment: Xū: Success. Perseverance furthers. It is good to cross the great water. The judgment of waiting. Sincerity brings supreme good fortune.

Symbolism: Patience, timing, nourishment, anticipation

Meaning of the Hexagram

The Xū hexagram symbolizes waiting and timing. The character “Xū” represents waiting, anticipation, and nourishment. This hexagram is composed of the lower trigram Qián (Heaven) and the upper trigram Kǎn (Water), symbolizing clouds rising from heaven, like rain that is anticipated but has not yet fallen, representing the need for patience and proper timing.

On a philosophical level, the Xū hexagram explores the wisdom of waiting and timing. True wisdom is not rushing into action but understanding when to wait and when to act. The Xū hexagram reminds us that waiting is not passive resignation but active preparation, requiring confidence, inner strength, and proper timing to achieve success.

Analysis of the Judgment

“Xū: Success” indicates that waiting can lead to success, emphasizing the power of patience and proper timing.

“Perseverance furthers” means that perseverance is beneficial, suggesting that waiting requires persistent patience and determination.

“It is good to cross the great water” suggests that significant undertakings are favored, indicating that waiting prepares one for major challenges and transitions.

“The judgment of waiting” emphasizes the central theme of the hexagram—the wisdom of waiting.

“Sincerity brings supreme good fortune” concludes that genuine sincerity during the waiting period leads to the highest good fortune, suggesting that waiting with the right attitude is crucial.

Overall, the judgment emphasizes that waiting with perseverance, readiness for significant action, and sincere attitude leads to success, thus transforming waiting from passive delay into active preparation.

Line Statements

Initial Nine: Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame.

• Symbolism: Waiting in meadow, abiding in endurance, no blame
• Interpretation: Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame
• Application: Suggests that in the initial stage of waiting, one should remain in a position of readiness and maintain endurance, emphasizing that this patient approach is without fault

Nine in the Second Place: Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune.

• Symbolism: Waiting on sand, some gossip, end brings fortune
• Interpretation: Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune
• Application: Describes waiting in a somewhat precarious position (sand) with minor difficulties (gossip), but reassures that patience will ultimately lead to a good outcome

Nine in the Third Place: Waiting in the mud brings about the arrival of the enemy.

• Symbolism: Waiting in mud brings enemy arrival
• Interpretation: Waiting in the mud brings about the arrival of the enemy
• Application: Warns against waiting in unfavorable circumstances (mud), suggesting that improper waiting can attract difficulties and opposition

Six in the Fourth Place: Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit.

• Symbolism: Waiting in blood, getting out of pit
• Interpretation: Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit
• Application: Depicts a dangerous waiting situation that requires immediate exit, emphasizing that sometimes waiting must be abandoned in favor of decisive action

Nine in the Fifth Place: Waiting at meat. Perseverance brings good fortune.

• Symbolism: Waiting at meat, perseverance brings fortune
• Interpretation: Waiting at meat. Perseverance brings good fortune
• Application: Represents waiting in a position of nourishment and sustenance, suggesting that persevering in such favorable waiting conditions leads to good fortune

Top Six: One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune.

• Symbolism: Falling into pit, three uninvited guests, honoring brings fortune
• Interpretation: One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune
• Application: Describes an initially difficult situation that unexpectedly turns favorable through the arrival of help, suggesting that even in challenging waiting circumstances, openness to unexpected assistance can lead to a positive outcome

Interpretation Guide Table

Hexagram Transformations

Derived Hexagram: Varies depending on changing lines Mutual Hexagram: Sòng hexagram Opposite Hexagram: Lín hexagram Nuclear Hexagram: Dùn hexagram

Najia and Five Elements

The Xū hexagram has the upper trigram Kǎn which belongs to water, and the lower trigram Qián which belongs to metal. In the Najia system, Qián trigram is assigned to Qián Palace Jiǎ Zǐ, and Kǎn trigram is assigned to Kǎn Palace Rén Zǐ.

In terms of Five Elements relationships, the lower trigram Qián is metal, and the upper trigram Kǎn is water. Metal generates water, symbolizing productive support and nourishment (metal’s generation of water). This also echoes the theme of waiting described in the Xū hexagram, suggesting that waiting is like the process of metal generating water—a natural, productive process that requires time but leads to nourishment and growth, like clouds (metal) eventually producing rain (water).

Modern Application Examples

1. Career Decision: A professional considering a career change receives the Xū hexagram. This reminds them that timing is crucial in career transitions (“Xū: Success”), and patience is necessary (“Perseverance furthers”). “It is good to cross the great water” suggests that this significant career change is favored, but proper preparation is essential. “Sincerity brings supreme good fortune” emphasizes that authentic motivation during this waiting period is crucial for success. “Initial Nine: Waiting in the meadow…” suggests that in the early stage of career transition, they should maintain a position of readiness and endurance, continuing to perform well in their current role while preparing for the change. “Nine in the Second Place: Waiting on the sand…” acknowledges that there may be uncertainty and even some workplace gossip during this transition period, but reassures that patience will lead to a good outcome. “Nine in the Third Place: Waiting in the mud…” warns against waiting in unfavorable circumstances, such as a toxic work environment, suggesting they should improve their current situation while waiting for the right opportunity. “Six in the Fourth Place: Waiting in blood…” indicates that if their current position becomes truly detrimental, they should not hesitate to leave even before the ideal next opportunity arises. “Nine in the Fifth Place: Waiting at meat…” represents waiting in a position of sustenance, suggesting that if their current role still provides good compensation and development, persevering there while preparing for transition is fortunate. “Top Six: One falls into the pit…” suggests that even if they encounter difficulties during transition, unexpected help may arrive, emphasizing the importance of networking and remaining open to assistance. Overall, the Xū hexagram advises them to approach career transition with patience and proper timing, maintain performance while preparing, manage uncertainty, improve unfavorable conditions, know when to exit harmful situations, appreciate current benefits, and remain open to unexpected opportunities, thus achieving a successful career change.

2. Investment Strategy: An investor developing a strategy receives the Xū hexagram. “Xū: Success” encourages them that patient investing leads to success. “Perseverance furthers” reminds them that consistent, disciplined investing over time is beneficial. “It is good to cross the great water” suggests that significant investment moves are favored, but only with proper preparation and timing. “Sincerity brings supreme good fortune” emphasizes that authentic understanding of investments rather than following trends is crucial for success. “Initial Nine: Waiting in the meadow…” suggests that in the early stage of investing, they should establish a solid position and maintain endurance, perhaps through consistent contributions to stable investments. “Nine in the Second Place: Waiting on the sand…” acknowledges that there may be market volatility and financial news that causes concern during waiting periods, but reassures that patience will lead to good returns. “Nine in the Third Place: Waiting in mud…” warns against waiting in unfavorable investment vehicles or market conditions, suggesting they should adjust their portfolio if fundamentals deteriorate. “Six in the Fourth Place: Waiting in blood…” indicates that if investments become seriously threatened, they should not hesitate to exit positions even before ideal conditions for selling. “Nine in the Fifth Place: Waiting at meat…” represents waiting while investments are still providing good returns or dividends, suggesting that persevering with profitable positions is fortunate. “Top Six: One falls into the pit…” suggests that even if they encounter investment difficulties, unexpected opportunities may arise, emphasizing the importance of maintaining liquidity to capitalize on sudden opportunities. Overall, the Xū hexagram perfectly describes successful investing: patience, discipline, preparation for significant moves, authentic understanding, stable foundations, tolerance of volatility, adjustment to changing conditions, decisive action when necessary, appreciation of current returns, and readiness for unexpected opportunities. It advises them to approach investing with these principles, thus achieving financial success through strategic waiting.

3. Relationship Development: A person in the early stages of a relationship receives the Xū hexagram. “Xū: Success” directly points to the potential for relationship success through patient development. “Perseverance furthers” emphasizes that consistent effort and patience in the relationship will be rewarded. “It is good to cross the great water” suggests that significant relationship steps (like commitment or living together) are favored, but only with proper preparation and timing. “Sincerity brings supreme good fortune” emphasizes that authentic feelings and honest communication during the development phase are crucial for relationship success. “Initial Nine: Waiting in the meadow…” suggests that in the early stage of the relationship, they should maintain a position of readiness and endurance, allowing the connection to develop naturally without forcing it. “Nine in the Second Place: Waiting on the sand…” acknowledges that there may be uncertainty and even some social gossip during the development period, but reassures that patience will lead to a good outcome. “Nine in the Third Place: Waiting in mud…” warns against waiting in unfavorable relationship circumstances, such as unresolved conflicts or incompatibilities, suggesting they should address issues rather than hoping they’ll resolve themselves. “Six in the Fourth Place: Waiting in blood…” indicates that if the relationship becomes truly harmful or toxic, they should not hesitate to exit even before finding another partner. “Nine in the Fifth Place: Waiting at meat…” represents waiting in a nourishing relationship, suggesting that if the connection is already providing emotional sustenance, persevering in its development is fortunate. “Top Six: One falls into the pit…” suggests that even if they encounter relationship difficulties, unexpected support may arrive, emphasizing the importance of being open to advice or assistance from friends or counselors. Overall, the Xū hexagram advises them to approach relationship development with patience and proper timing, allow natural evolution, manage uncertainty, address issues promptly, exit harmful dynamics, appreciate current benefits, and remain open to support, thus building a healthy and lasting relationship.