53 · Gradual Development (JIÀN)
A wild goose moves from bank to rock, dry land, tree, hill, and high ground. Gradual Development is not slowness for its own sake: each stage needs a fitting place and a sound relationship to others. An ancient marriage image in the judgment speaks to ordered commitment in its historical setting. The lines include comfort, separation, defense, and eventual reunion; progress is real only when its foundations can bear it.
The judgment
Gradual Development: a woman's marriage is auspicious; steadfastness is beneficial.
The judgment uses an ancient marriage custom as its image of an orderly transition. It does not prescribe modern gender roles or promise a result. It asks whether a commitment has the right timing, preparation, and enduring ground.
Original Chinese text
漸：女歸吉，利貞。
The six lines
- 初六 · Line 1 — A wild goose advances to the bank. A young one faces danger; there are words, but no blame.
Original Chinese
鴻漸于干，小子厲，有言，无咎。
- 六二 · Line 2 — A wild goose advances to the broad rock; eating and drinking in ease. Auspicious.
Original Chinese
鴻漸于磐，飲食衎衎，吉。
- 九三 · Line 3 — A wild goose advances to dry land. The husband goes on a campaign and does not return; the wife is pregnant but does not bring forth. Misfortune; it is beneficial to guard against raiders.
Original Chinese
鴻漸于陸，夫征不復，婦孕不育，凶；利禦寇。
- 六四 · Line 4 — A wild goose advances to a tree; perhaps it finds a level rafterlike branch. No blame.
Original Chinese
鴻漸于木，或得其桷，无咎。
- 九五 · Line 5 — A wild goose advances to the hill. A woman does not conceive for three years; in the end none can defeat this. Auspicious.
Original Chinese
鴻漸于陵，婦三歲不孕，終莫之勝，吉。
- 上九 · Line 6 — A wild goose advances to the high land; its feathers can be used for ceremony. Auspicious.
Original Chinese
鴻漸于陸，其羽可用為儀，吉。