Xu 水天需
A time to wait
You are ready but the moment hasn’t arrived. Don’t be impatient; look after yourself while you wait.
What does I Ching hexagram 5 (Waiting) mean?
Clouds gathering in the sky, waiting for rain. The wisdom here is to prepare well and let the right moment come.
- Waiting in love
- Don’t rush. If you stay relaxed and wait, good news arrives.
- Waiting at work and with money
- Prepare thoroughly and wait for your timing.
- Advice
- Waiting is not laziness; it is preparation.
The judgment and the image
Judgment · Waiting
Very auspicious“Sincerity and bright success. Perseverance brings good fortune; it is fitting to cross the great river.”
The Image: Clouds rise to the sky: waiting. The noble person eats, drinks and enjoys the feast.
原文 · 有孚，光亨。貞吉，利涉大川。 / 雲上於天，需；君子以飲食宴樂。
The six lines of hexagram 5
Lines are read from the bottom up. When you cast a reading and a line is changing, its statement becomes the key message.
Line 1 · 初九
Auspicious“Waiting in the countryside; it is fitting to keep steady, and no blame.”
The danger is still far off. Stay calm and keep to your routine.
原文 · 需于郊，利用恆，无咎。
Line 2 · 九二
Auspicious“Waiting on the sand; some gossip, but a good end.”
Small criticism may reach you, but staying calm brings a good result.
原文 · 需于沙，小有言，終吉。
Line 3 · 九三
Neutral“Waiting in the mud; this invites the robbers to come.”
You are too close to the trouble, and it attracts harm. Be on guard.
原文 · 需于泥，致寇至。
Line 4 · 六四
Neutral“Waiting in blood; one gets out of the pit.”
You are in a dangerous spot. Stay flexible and you find a way out.
原文 · 需于血，出自穴。
Line 5 · 九五
Auspicious“Waiting with wine and food; perseverance brings good fortune.”
Enjoy the wait and keep your strength up. A relaxed attitude is lucky.
原文 · 需于酒食，貞吉。
Line 6 · 上六
Auspicious“Entering the pit; three unexpected guests arrive. Treat them with respect and in the end there is good fortune.”
Unexpected visitors or help may arrive. Welcome them politely and they turn out well.
原文 · 入于穴，有不速之客三人來，敬之終吉。
Related hexagrams
- Opposite hexagram (every line flipped): 35. Jin (Progress)
- Reversed hexagram (turned upside down): 6. Song (Conflict)
The classical text is in the public domain; the English translations and readings are our own, for reflection and entertainment.