需
XūUpper: Water · 坎 · Lower: Heaven · 乾
Judgment有孚，光亨。贞吉，利涉大川。
In plain wordsKeep faith, and there is clear success; staying on the right course is fortunate, and one may cross the great river. Waiting is not idleness: it means waiting with trust and preparation.
The imageWater above, heaven below: clouds gather in the sky but the rain has not yet fallen, and the earth waits to be refreshed.
A hint for youWhile the moment has not arrived, look after your body, resources and mood instead of fretting. Keep your word and stay prepared, then take the next step when conditions ripen.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初九需于郊，利用恒，无咎。The first line, undivided, shows its subject waiting in the distant border. It will be well for him constantly to maintain (the purpose thus shown), in which case there will be no error.
- 九二需于沙，小有言，终吉。The second line, undivided, shows its subject waiting on the sand (of the mountain stream). He will (suffer) the small (injury of) being spoken (against), but in the end there will be good fortune.
- 九三需于泥，致寇至。The third line, undivided, shows its subject in the mud (close by the stream). He thereby invites the approach of injury.
- 六四需于血，出自穴。The fourth line, divided, shows its subject waiting in (the place of) blood. But he will get out of the cavern.
- 九五需于酒食，贞吉。The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject waiting amidst the appliances of a feast. Through his firmness and correctness there will be good fortune.
- 上六入于穴，有不速之客三人来，敬之终吉。The topmost line, divided, shows its subject entered into the cavern. (But) there are three guests coming, without being urged, (to his help). If he receive them respectfully, there will be good fortune in the end.
Patient waiting; prepare while you wait
For entertainment and self-reflection only