需
Hexagram 5 · 需
Upper trigram: 坎 · Lower trigram: 乾
Xu (Waiting): the hexagram of patient readiness. Nourish your strength, keep your word, and approach difficulties without rushing.
The image
Water stands above heaven, pictured as clouds rising into the sky. Strong movement below meets a difficult crossing ahead. Xu means waiting, especially the readiness that keeps strength intact. Clouds gather before rain, suggesting a pause with purpose rather than abandonment.
Judgment
有孚，光亨。貞吉，利涉大川。
There is sincerity: brightness and flourishing. Constancy brings good fortune. It is beneficial to cross the great river.
The commentary praises strength that does not plunge into danger. A team awaiting essential supplies can prepare carefully so that action becomes useful when conditions permit.
Great Image
雲上於天，需；君子以飲食宴樂。
Clouds rise above heaven: Waiting. The exemplary person accordingly eats, drinks, and enjoys peaceful leisure.
Waiting need not consume every available hour with worry. Sharing an ordinary meal while a decision is pending can preserve energy and perspective.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初九
需于郊，利用恆，无咎。
Waiting in the outskirts. It is beneficial to remain steady. No blame.
Nine in the first place is yang still distant from danger. The Small Image favors keeping ordinary steadiness, like maintaining normal work while an uncertain opportunity develops.
Line 2 · 九二
需于沙，小有言，終吉。
Waiting on the sand. There is a little talk against one, but good fortune in the end.
Nine in the second place has central yang breadth despite approaching difficulty. The Small Image accepts minor criticism, suggesting a project leader need not answer every complaint about a necessary delay.
Line 3 · 九三
需于泥，致寇至。
Waiting in the mud. One draws raiders near.
Nine in the third place pushes yang strength close to danger. The Small Image still values caution, like recognizing that a rushed negotiation has created pressure and stepping back to review terms.
Line 4 · 六四
需于血，出自穴。
Waiting amid blood. Coming out of the pit.
Six in the fourth place is yielding yin within the dangerous trigram. Listening and responsiveness matter in the Small Image, like accepting help to leave an escalating workplace confrontation.
Line 5 · 九五
需于酒食，貞吉。
Waiting with wine and food. Constancy brings good fortune.
Nine in the fifth place is central and correctly placed yang. The Small Image credits this balance, like a manager maintaining breaks and basic provisions through a demanding period of uncertainty.
Line 6 · 上六
入于穴，有不速之客三人來，敬之終吉。
Entering the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Treating them respectfully brings good fortune in the end.
Six at the top is yin meeting an unexpected arrival rather than controlling events. The Small Image finds no great error in respectful reception, like hearing unfamiliar colleagues before rejecting their assistance.
When asking about
Career
A pending decision often calls for preparation. Keep useful work moving while leaving the uncertain part open.
Love
Patience can give feelings room to become clear. Maintain kindness without demanding an immediate answer.
Money
Waiting may help clarify an unfamiliar commitment. Keep enough accessible resources for ordinary needs.
Home
Shared meals and predictable routines can steady an unsettled household. Avoid letting one pending matter dominate every conversation.
Study
Understanding often needs time between periods of effort. Alternate focused work with pauses for review.
Health
Regular meals, rest, and unhurried evenings can support daily rhythm. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Prepare what you can and preserve your strength. Let patience remain attentive, so you can recognize a suitable opening.
Related hexagrams
Weighing a decision? Cast a hexagram for your own question.
Cast a hexagramReference content based on the I Ching classic, not a prediction.