Hexagram 5：Waiting

The Meaning of Hexagram 5

Waiting (Nourishment), in the I Ching, highlights patience and perseverance for achieving success. It advocates waiting for the right time, embracing patience, sincerity, and steadfastness amidst challenges. This hexagram encourages maintaining a positive attitude, free from doubt and impatience, and emphasises gradual progress, relying on inner strength and personal beliefs.

Changing Lines in Hexagram 5

Changes in Line 1

You may be falling into an abyss—this is a time of difficulty. When all your plans are overturned, it’s best to yield gracefully. Remain cautious and alert; help will be arriving from some unknown corner. Keep an open mind and you will find your way out of your current challenges. And you can learn from the lessons in this situation. If a remedy does not soon present itself, remember: every trial that you survive makes you stronger. Good fortune awaits you.

Changes in Line 2

When the storm hits, it can behoove you to enjoy a glass of wine. In the midst of difficult situations, there often comes a temporary pause; use this interval to fortify your position, not by continuing to dwell on the swirl of events around you but by taking a moment of relaxation. Recharge your batteries by having fun rather than further draining them with worry.

If you are in a leadership position, allow the people on your team the time to take a break and enjoy life, which will increase the pleasure of their work. All work and no play defeats the purpose of work and weakens the commitments of others toward the goal. In personal matters, remember that everything cannot be done at once. If you do not take time for recreation and relaxation today, will tomorrow be any better?

Changes in Line 3

You may be isolated and in a vulnerable position. Although escape is essential, the only way out is to retain your composure and patience. There is no chance of great success now; survival is the immediate concern. New opportunities will come from the sacrifices you are willing to make. If necessary, keep out of sight in order to avoid direct confrontation. Sometimes, the only honorable course is to accept one’s fate and avoid the humiliation of railing against the inevitable.

Changes in Line 4

You feel stuck—as in mud—and your enemies may be feeling encouraged. You are in an exposed position. Be cautious and considerate in relationships, and be on guard. Be alert to shifting alliances. Such awareness can prevent harm.

Changes in Line 5

Strife can easily develop now. You may have to tolerate gossip, but in the end, if you remain calm and magnanimous, you will come out well. Things will resolve themselves.

Think of small grains of sand, which accumulate over time to form embankments or dykes across wetlands. Sand is more fragmentary than stone but harder than soil, and can be used to alter the texture of both. Like sand, you must be strong and accommodating even though others may blame you. Avoid being sucked into conflict; remain neutral.

Changes in Line 6

Troubling events may be looming, causing some apprehension. Avoid reacting prematurely; just keep your life in order. Do not try to alter the path that has been set for you at this time. Rest assured that you are heading in the right direction; do not become impatient or greedy. Even though a challenge may be looming, the skillful response is to make preparations, gaining strength for future battles. Let go of anxious thinking. Meditate. Remain open, alert, and prepared.