Hexagram 53
Gradual Progress - The Wild Geese
渐
Meaning and Overview
The Jian (Gradual Progress) hexagram has the upper trigram Xun, representing wind and the eldest daughter, and the lower trigram Gen, representing mountain and the youngest son. The male below and female above signifies the ceremony of the groom fetching the bride. Therefore, this hexagram is about marriage conducted strictly according to the Six Rites of marriage. Its meaning is to proceed step by step and to observe the marriage regulations. Thus, the hexagram statement says: 'The maiden is given in marriage. Good fortune. Favorable to be steadfast.' The Great Image says: 'The superior man, by his residence, cultivates virtue and improves customs.' It can be seen that under the promotion of sages and superior men, the marriage system was widely popularized among the people, forming good folk customs. The Jian hexagram is a marriage hexagram and a relatively favorable one. The second and fifth lines, being central and correct and responding to each other, are both auspicious, indicating that in the way of marriage, observing the rites is most important. The top line is also auspicious, indicating that by observing the marriage rites, the outcome is good. The first line is without blame, the fourth line is without blame, but the third line is dangerous because after marriage, the husband goes on an expedition and does not return, the wife becomes pregnant but miscarries, and cannot raise the child.
Chinese Interpretation
《渐》卦上卦为巽为风为长女，下卦为艮为山为少子，男下女上，表示举行亲迎礼，因此，《渐》卦是严格按照六礼婚姻制度来谈婚论嫁的婚姻之卦，《渐》卦之义就是循序渐进、遵守婚礼规定举办婚事。因此，卦辞说“女归，吉，利贞”，嫁女，吉祥，利于遵守婚姻六礼。大象辞说：“君子以居，贤德善俗。”可见，当时婚姻制度在圣贤君子的推动下，应该在民间得到较大普及，形成良好的民风民俗了。《渐》卦是个婚姻卦，是个比较好的卦。六二爻与九五爻中正而应，都是吉祥、吉利之爻，表示婚姻之道，遵守礼制最为重要。上九爻亦吉祥，表示遵守婚姻礼制，结局很好。初六无咎，六四无咎，九三爻则因为结婚后，丈夫出征在外，妇孕流产，不能养育婴儿，因此，凶险。
Line Interpretations
These passages include the core hexagram statement, the six moving line texts, and traditional commentary where available. Read them as layered guidance: the early lines describe the root of the situation, while later lines reveal development, pressure, and outcome.
女归，吉，利贞。
女子出嫁，吉祥，利于遵礼制守正道。
The maiden is given in marriage. Good fortune. Favorable to be steadfast.
A woman marries. Auspicious. It is beneficial to abide by the rites and uphold the correct path.
初六，鸿渐于干，小子厉，有言，无咎。
初六爻，鸿雁缓缓地飞到了水边，小子遇上了危险，用语言告诫他，不会有过错。
The wild geese gradually approach the shore. The young son is in danger. There are words. No blame.
First six: The wild geese gradually approach the water's edge. The young son encounters danger. He is admonished with words. No fault.
六二，鸿渐于磐，饮食衎衎，吉。
六二爻，鸿雁缓缓地飞落在磐石上面，一边饮用磐石边的清水，一边吃着食物，显得快乐而满足，吉祥。
The wild geese gradually advance to the great rock. Eating and drinking, joyful and at ease. Good fortune.
Second six: The wild geese gradually alight on the great rock. They drink clear water and eat food, appearing joyful and content. Auspicious.
九三，鸿渐于陆，夫征不复，妇孕不育，凶；利御寇。
九三爻，鸿雁缓缓地飞到了高地，丈夫出征没有返回，妻子怀孕却流产了，凶险；利于抵御敌寇。
The wild geese gradually advance to the high plateau. The husband goes on campaign and does not return. The wife becomes pregnant but does not give birth. Misfortune. It is favorable to resist robbers.
Third nine: The wild geese gradually fly to the high ground. The husband goes on an expedition and does not return. The wife becomes pregnant but miscarries. Dangerous. It is beneficial to resist invaders.
六四，鸿渐于木，或得其桷，无咎。
六四爻，鸿雁缓缓地飞到了树上，或许能找到一根平直的枝丫栖息，没有过错。
The wild geese gradually advance to the tree. Perhaps they find a level branch. No blame.
Fourth six: The wild geese gradually fly to the tree. Perhaps they find a straight branch to perch on. No fault.
九五，鸿渐于陵，妇三岁不孕，终莫之胜，吉。
九五爻，鸿雁缓缓地飞到了山陵上，妻子三年没有怀孕，但最终没有人能取代她，吉祥。
The wild geese gradually advance to the hill. The wife is three years without becoming pregnant. In the end, nothing can prevail against her. Good fortune.
Fifth nine: The wild geese gradually fly to the hill. The wife remains childless for three years, but in the end no one can replace her. Auspicious.
上九，鸿渐于逵，其羽可用为仪，吉。
上九爻，鸿雁缓缓地飞到了大路上，它的羽毛可以用来作为礼仪中的装饰，吉祥。
The wild geese gradually advance to the great highway. Their feathers can be used as ornaments in the rites. Good fortune.
Top nine: The wild geese gradually fly to the main road. Their feathers can be used as adornments in ceremonies. Auspicious.