Xu

Judgment

需 有孚 光亨 貞吉 利涉大川

Because the traveler gains something, he will greatly prosper. The point is auspicious. It would be beneficial to cross a large river.

Interpretation

The hexagram "需" (Xu) is the fifth hexagram in the I Ching, also known as "The Book of Changes." Here is an explanation in English:

Hexagram Xu (Waiting)

有孚 (You Fu): Sincerity, faith

光亨 (Guang Heng): Great success, brightness

貞吉 (Zhen Ji): Uprightness brings good fortune

利涉大川 (Li She Da Chuan): Advantageous to cross the great river

Interpretation: Hexagram Xu represents the concept of waiting. It emphasizes the importance of patience and having faith or sincerity during times of waiting. Great success and brightness will come to those who are sincere and remain steadfast. Being upright and maintaining integrity will bring good fortune. It is advantageous to wait for the right moment before taking action, such as crossing a great river, which symbolizes overcoming significant challenges.

This hexagram teaches that sometimes, the best course of action is to be patient and trust that the right opportunities will arise. It encourages maintaining faith and integrity while waiting for the right moment to act.

初九 需于郊,利用恒,无咎

Initial Nine: Waiting in the outskirts, it is beneficial to persist, no blame.

'Su' means 'to be wet' and corresponds to 'seup.' 'Gyo' refers to the outskirts of a town, indicating a flat and wide field. 'I-yong' is similar to 'ieo,' meaning continuation. 'Hang' means 'always' and corresponds to 'sang.' A traveler walking through the vast fields outside the town encounters rain and gets wet. Though there is no immediate shelter, if they continue walking without stopping, they will eventually find a place to take cover. It is best to proceed as planned. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation where a traveler gets wet in the fields. However, the rain will not last all day. Even in difficult circumstances, one must push forward without hesitation. The matter inquired about in divination will be beneficial and free of blame.

九二 需于沙,小有言,終吉

Nine Second: Waiting in the sand, a small matter will be spoken, in the end, good fortune.

The character "Person" refers to a sandbank, and "Set
Language" means a small mistake. "Proprietary" means making a small mistake. A traveler, walking through a sandy field, accidentally steps into a puddle and gets wet, but this is a minor issue with no major consequence. The person drawing this hexagram is currently in a situation where they are like the traveler who steps into the puddle. A small mistake is made, but it is not a significant problem. The work they are asking about will ultimately be successful.

九三 需于泥,致寇至

Nine Third: Waiting in the mud, the enemy arrives.

The person is in a difficult environment, bringing trouble upon themselves by summoning thieves into the situation. The person should be cautious and avoid inviting disaster. The situation is fraught with risk, and the matter in question is best avoided.

六四 需于血,出自穴

Six Fourth: Waiting in blood, coming out of a hole.

The term "Su Woo Hyul" refers to a person covered in blood, and "Hyul" refers to a wound. The traveler is injured by thieves and escapes from the danger. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation where they are about to face serious danger but will ultimately avoid disaster. The outcome will be determined by the person's resolve and ability to judge the situation correctly.

九五 需于酒食,貞吉

Nine Fifth: Waiting with food and drink, perseverance brings good fortune.

A traveler indulges in food and drink until their clothes are soaked, a naturally auspicious sign. The task at hand will be fortunate, as you will feast on delicacies, eat to your fill, and drink to your heart’s content.

上六 入于穴,有不速之客三人來,敬之,終吉

Top Six: Entering a hole, there are three unexpected guests coming, respect them, in the end, good fortune.

The traveler hides in a cave when three unwelcome guests arrive, and guarding against them prevents trouble, but ignoring them risks a bloody escape. The task at hand will face unexpected threats; treat them lightly and problems grow, but handle them carefully and fortune awaits.