Hexagram 57 · 巽为风

The Gentle Wind

Wood · Xun palace

Persistent, subtle penetration; gentle influence that lasts.

Meaning

Wind doubled: continual, penetrating, unobtrusive influence. The Gentle concerns the power of steady, adaptable persuasion.

Decision Framework

Influence persistently, gently, and repeatedly.

Decision Guidance

The Gentle Wind is the hexagram of subtle, enduring influence. It appears when the situation will not yield to a direct push but will eventually yield to consistent, patient application.

Wind works by continuing and by fitting into every gap. Practically, that means repeated small communications, willingness to adjust your approach, and doing the follow-up work that others skip. The hexagram also requires a clear direction underneath the flexibility: gentleness that has no aim is only drift. Decide what you want, then wear the situation down by returning to it.

Judgment — Classical Text

小亨，利有攸往，利见大人。

EN Small success. It is favourable to set out; meeting the great person furthers.

The Six Lines — Classical Text

初六：进退，利武人之贞。
EN Initial six: advancing and retreating — the warrior's perseverance furthers.
九二：巽在床下，用史巫纷若，吉无咎。
EN Nine in the second: the gentle is under the bed — using many priests and magicians: good fortune, no blame.
九三：频巽，吝。
EN Nine in the third: repeated gentleness — regret.
六四：悔亡，田获三品。
EN Six in the fourth: regret vanishes — hunting yields three kinds of game.
九五：贞吉悔亡，无不利。
EN Nine in the fifth: perseverance brings good fortune and regret vanishes — nothing unfavourable; without a good beginning there is a good end; before the change, three days; after the change, three days: good fortune.
上九：巽在床下，丧其资斧。
EN Topmost nine: the gentle is under the bed — losing goods and axe: perseverance brings misfortune.

Keywords

I Ching hexagram 57, The Gentle Wind hexagram, Xun hexagram meaning, hexagram for gentle influence