Waiting
Wait with confidence; nourish your strength until the moment is ripe.
The Judgment
“If sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water.”
The Lines
Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).
Meaning
Clouds rise to heaven, yet the rain has not fallen. Waiting is not idleness but preparation held in trust that the right time will come.
Guidance
Hold your position with inner certainty; use the waiting to ready yourself rather than to worry.
When This Hexagram Appears
A period before conditions mature, when forcing the issue would fail but steady readiness will be rewarded.
FAQ about Hexagram 5
What does Hexagram 5, Waiting, mean?
Waiting (水天需, hexagram 5 of the I Ching). Clouds rise to heaven, yet the rain has not fallen. Waiting is not idleness but preparation held in trust that the right time will come.
What is the Judgment of the Waiting hexagram?
The Judgment reads: “If sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water.” Wait with confidence; nourish your strength until the moment is ripe.
What guidance does Hexagram 5 offer?
Hold your position with inner certainty; use the waiting to ready yourself rather than to worry.
When does the Waiting hexagram apply?
A period before conditions mature, when forcing the issue would fail but steady readiness will be rewarded.