Trigrams
☴☶ – Wind above, Mountain below
Meaning
Represents steady, gradual development like the wild goose that advances step by step, never skipping a stage. Progress that is natural and stage-by-stage is lasting. Like a proper marriage that follows all the correct steps, what is done properly endures.
Interpretation
- Proceed step by step, not skipping necessary stages of development.
- Patient and proper progress is more lasting than rapid but unstable advance.
- Each stage of growth has its own value and should not be rushed.
Six Yao (Lines) with Classical Quotes
1st Yao (初爻)
鸿渐于干，小子厉，有言，无咎。
English: The wild goose approaches the shore — the young man is in danger, there is talk, but no blame. The first step into the world brings exposure and some difficulty, but no lasting harm.
Luck Level: Caution
2nd Yao (二爻)
鸿渐于磐，饮食坎坎，吉。
English: The wild goose approaches the cliff rock — eating and drinking with contentment. Good fortune. Finding a secure place to rest and nourish oneself; a stage of comfort and consolidation.
Luck Level: Good
3rd Yao (三爻)
鸿渐于陆，夫征不复，妇孕不育，凶；利御寇。
English: The wild goose approaches the highland — the husband goes and does not return, the wife conceives but does not bear. Misfortune. But it is beneficial to resist invaders. Misalignment of roles and timing leads to failure, but defense is still necessary.
Luck Level: Misfortune
4th Yao (四爻)
鸿渐于木，或得其桃，无咎。
English: The wild goose approaches the tree — perhaps it finds a flat branch, no blame. Finding an unexpected but suitable resting place in an unusual situation.
Luck Level: Neutral
5th Yao (五爻)
鸿渐于陵，妇三岁不孕，终莫之胜，吉。
English: The wild goose approaches the hilltop — the wife for three years does not conceive, but in the end nothing can prevail against them. Good fortune. Prolonged difficulty that ultimately resolves in the natural order's favor.
Luck Level: Good
6th Yao (上爻)
鸿渐于逢，其羽可用为仪，吉。
English: The wild goose approaches the highland — its feathers can be used as ornaments for ceremonies. Good fortune. Reaching the highest stage, one's qualities and achievements become a model and ornament for others.
Luck Level: Good