Hexagram 53 · Line 1
Development — 初九
Jian Gradual · Chu Jiu
The Line
The wild goose gradually draws near the shore. The young son is in danger. There is talk. No blame.
Interpretation
The individual lines all have the gradual passage of the wild goose as their image. The wild goose is the symbol of conjugal faithfulness. It is said of her that after the death of her mate she does not join with another. The first line shows the first station on the passage of the water birds from water to the heights. The shore is reached. The situation is that of a solitary young person who wants to begin to make their way in life. Because they have no one who comes to meet them, their first steps are slow and hesitant, and they are surrounded by danger. Naturally they are much criticized. But precisely the difficulties bring it about that they do not overhasten themselves, and their progress succeeds.