Yi Jing · Chinese tarot
Gradual Progress
Hexagram 53 of the Yi Jing · 渐 Jiàn
The figure
Wind above the Mountain: the tree growing slowly on the rock, growth by stages. The image of gradual development.
What this figure illuminates
Gradual Progress lights up what is built step by step, over time. Nothing solid grows at once; patience is not an endured slowness, it is the rhythm of the living.
For a decision, the figure invites you to accept the right tempo: “am I letting this thing ripen at its pace, or do I want to skip stages at the risk of weakening it all?”.
The classical text
The Judgment
Gradual progress: like the courtship that leads to marriage in due form — good fortune. It furthers to be firm and correct.
The Image
A tree grows tall on the mountain, slowly, one ring a year. Seeing this, the noble person builds worthy character and gently betters the ways of others.
The Six Lines
- First line
The wild geese reach the water's edge — the first, exposed step. Newly arrived, you meet some danger and some blame, but there is no error.
- Second line
The geese reach the broad rock, where they eat and rest in company and ease. A secure stage — good fortune, shared.
- Third line
The geese stray onto the dry flatland, out of their element — the man marches off and does not come back, the bond breaks. Misfortune; but standing together against what threatens still protects.
- Fourth line
The geese reach the tree and find a flat branch to perch on — an odd resting place, but a safe one. Make do, and no error.
- Fifth line
The geese reach the high hill. For a long time the union seems barren, misunderstood by others — but in the end nothing can prevent its fruit. Good fortune.
- Sixth line
The geese rise to the cloud-heights, their feathers fit to grace a sacred dance. The gradual way, followed to the end, becomes a model. Good fortune.
Daoa's wording, written after the classical reference translations, now in the public domain: James Legge (1882) and Charles de Harlez (1889).
A question to keep
Are you letting this ripen at its pace, or skipping stages?
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