Gradual Progress 漸
Gradual Progress is like a tree growing slowly on the mountain. Moving patiently, step by step and in the right order, brings results that last.
Judgment
The young woman is given in marriage in the proper way. This brings good fortune. It serves you not to stray from the right path.
Image
A tree grows on the mountain. The wise person stands firm in virtue and, over time, improves the customs of the people.
What does Gradual Progress mean?
A tree on the mountain grows slowly, but its roots are strong. It stands up to the wind and, over the years, gives shade. This sign describes progress that comes step by step, not in a hurry. The old text compares it to the process of a young woman's marriage: every stage has its order and its proper way. Skipping steps makes both relationships and work fragile. What rises fast often falls just as fast. What moves slowly grows a little sturdier with each step and never has to turn back.
The lines describe the wild goose rising little by little from the shore to the rock, then to the hilltop and the clouds. Each position is a new situation and a new test. For you, what matters now is to live fully on the step where you stand. Expecting quick results can make you impatient, yet what lasts is what ripens with time. You cannot earn trust, reputation, and skill in a day. Take a small but right step every day. Influence others not by force but through your own consistent conduct. A tree does not try to convince anyone. It simply grows and, in time, becomes part of the landscape.
What to do now
Today, just take the next right step and leave the rest to time.
Love and relationships
Your relationship is moving forward on firm steps, or it should be. Go at your own pace without skipping stages, getting to know each other. Decisions like marriage or moving in together call for maturity, not haste.
Work and money
This is a time of steady rise in your career. Moving gradually with a promotion, growth, or investment is safer. Rather than taking a big leap all at once, build a solid foundation.
The lines
If a line changed (red) in your reading, read only that line. Lines are counted from the bottom up.
- First line
The wild goose slowly nears the shore. You are young and inexperienced, and people may talk about you. But if you do not rush, there is no blame.
- Second line
The wild goose nears the rock and eats and drinks in peace. You have found a safe place. Sharing this ease brings good fortune.
- Third line
The wild goose nears the flat hilltop. The man goes and does not return, the woman conceives but does not give birth. Rushing ahead brings misfortune. Now is the time to protect yourself, not to attack.
- Fourth line
The wild goose nears the tree and may find a flat branch. Even in a place that does not suit you, flexibility and humility can give you a safe foothold.
- Fifth line
The wild goose nears the summit. For three years the woman bears no child. Though misunderstandings seem to have kept you from your goal, in the end nothing can stand in the way.
- Top line
The wild goose rises toward the clouds, and its feathers can adorn the sacred dance. A path brought to completion becomes an example for others. Good fortune.
Trigrams
gentle, penetrating
still, resting
Related hexagrams
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