Hexagram 53 · 风山渐
Development
Wood · Gen palace
Slow, ordered progress; the right sequence matters.
Meaning
Wind on the mountain: gradual, visible growth. Development describes advancement that occurs through proper stages in the proper order.
Decision Framework
Advance in order; do not skip stages.
Decision Guidance
Development is a favourable hexagram about gradual, well-sequenced progress. It appears when movement is happening, but only if the stages are respected.
The classical text is unusual in how specific it is: it approves of steady advancement under the correct conditions and warns strongly against shortcutting. The image is of a tree growing on a mountain, where time and order are what make the result stand. Practically, this favours the candidate who takes the proper position before wanting the authority, the project that builds groundwork before scaling, and the relationship that develops rather than declares.
Judgment — Classical Text
女归吉，利贞。
EN The woman's marriage brings good fortune; perseverance furthers.
The Six Lines — Classical Text
初六：鸿渐于干，小子厉，有言无咎。
EN Initial six: the wild goose advances to the shore — the young one is in danger; there is talk, but no blame.
六二：鸿渐于磐，饮食衎衎，吉。
EN Six in the second: the wild goose advances to the rock — eating and drinking in peace: good fortune.
九三：鸿渐于陆，夫征不复。
EN Nine in the third: the wild goose advances to the dry land — the husband goes and does not return; the wife is with child and does not bear: misfortune; useful to defend against robbers.
六四：鸿渐于木，或得其桷，无咎。
EN Six in the fourth: the wild goose advances to the tree — perhaps it finds a flat branch: no blame.
九五：鸿渐于陵，妇三岁不孕。
EN Nine in the fifth: the wild goose advances to the hill — the wife is three years without child; in the end nothing prevents it: good fortune.
上九：鸿渐于陆，其羽可用为仪，吉。
EN Topmost nine: the wild goose advances to the heights — its feathers can be used for the ritual: good fortune.
Keywords
I Ching hexagram 53, Development hexagram, Jian hexagram meaning, hexagram for gradual growth