Hexagram 5: Xu

 

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Hexagram 5: Xu

"The Future: 2020"

By: James Byrd

I. The Oracle

A. Hexagram 5
Hexagram 5 is named Xu or Attending. It is also known as Arriving, Waiting, or Moistened. The lower trigram is Qian: representing force or heaven, and the upper trigram is Kan: representing gorge or water.

B. The Judgment

1. Waiting. If you are sincere,
   You have light and success.
2. Perseverance brings good fortune.
3. It furthers one to cross the great water.

C. The Image

1. Clouds rise up to heaven:
   The image of Waiting.
2. Thus, the superior man eats and drinks,
   And is joyous and of good cheer.

II. My Interpretation

A. "Waiting"
Now is a good time to just "kick-back" and embrace inactivity for the moment. For now, stay out of the mainstream of things. This hexagram advises us to wait until success is a certainty. When unexpected guests arrive, treat them with reverence; this act alone can strengthen your position.

I envision someone waiting on the banks of a great river or sea. Standing on sand provides stability, whereas standing on mud would cause one to become bogged down, preventing them from eventually crossing the great stream. Let your waiting be based on fair judgment and a solid foundation, thereby avoiding injury and criticism due to unrealized expectations, which are somewhat subdued.

For now, be willing to wait things out. Do not let your hopes, expectations, and fears overshadow the reality of successful and overdue outcomes. Eat and be merry but live in the moment.