Hexagram 53: Gradual Progress
Outer trigram (upper)
Tốn
Wind · Wood
Inner trigram (lower)
Cấn
Mountain · Earth
Judgment
漸：女歸，吉，利貞.
Translation
Gradual Progress: a woman marrying into her husband's family — good fortune, favorable to hold to what is right.
Commentary
Xun (wind) sits above, Gen (mountain) below. Wind moves gradually across the mountain, advancing step by step — like a wild goose flying upward in stages. A marriage, with the woman entering her husband's family, should unfold gradually and follow proper ritual. Every undertaking should progress in its correct order, one step at a time.
Line Readings
Line 1 (yin)
初六：鴻漸于干，小子厲，有言，无咎.
Translation
The wild goose gradually approaches the riverbank. A young child is in danger; there is talk, but no fault.
Commentary
This yin line sits at the very bottom, just beginning — like a young goose reaching the riverbank, still inexperienced and facing risk. Although others may gossip, nothing wrong has actually been done, so there is no fault.
Line 2 (yin)
六二：鴻漸于磐，飲食衎衎，吉.
Translation
The wild goose gradually reaches a flat rock. It eats and drinks contentedly — good fortune.
Commentary
This yin line holds the central and correct position, advancing to solid, stable ground (the flat rock). Settled and at ease, it enjoys harmony and contentment — a favorable sign.
Line 3 (yang)
九三：鴻漸于陸，夫征不復，婦孕不育，凶，利禦寇.
Translation
The wild goose gradually reaches dry land. The husband goes off and does not return; the wife conceives but cannot carry the child to term — misfortune. It is favorable only for defending against invaders.
Commentary
This yang line is neither central nor correctly placed, advancing too hastily and out of proper sequence — like a bird climbing too high too soon. The marriage runs into trouble, and reckless advance brings misfortune. Only defensive action against an outside threat is favorable here.
Line 4 (yin)
六四：鴻漸于木，或得其桷，无咎.
Translation
The wild goose gradually reaches a tree. It may find a flat branch to rest on — no fault.
Commentary
This yin line holds a correct position, though not an ideal one — a tree is not a wild goose's natural perch. Still, it manages to find a level, peaceful spot. By adapting to circumstances, it avoids fault.
Line 5 (yang)
九五：鴻漸于陵，婦三歲不孕，終莫之勝，吉.
Translation
The wild goose gradually reaches a high hill. The wife does not conceive for three years, but in the end nothing can overcome her — good fortune.
Commentary
This yang line is central and correct, occupying the position of honor, but lines 3 and 4 stand between it and its true counterpart at line 2, so the two are kept apart for a long time. In the end, centrality and correctness prevail — a favorable outcome.
Line 6 (yang)
上九：鴻漸于陸，其羽可用為儀，吉.
Translation
The wild goose gradually reaches the highest heights. Its feathers can be used in ceremony — good fortune.
Commentary
This yang line stands at the very extreme of the hexagram, having risen above material concerns to reach a peak of moral character — its feathers, fit for ceremonial use, symbolize a life whose example can serve as a model for others. A favorable sign.