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Hexagram 57: The Gentle Wind

䷸ 巽 (Xùn) · Gentle penetration. Persistent, subtle influence.

gentleness, persistence, influence, penetration

Lower trigram: Wind ☴ · Upper trigram: Wind ☴

The judgment

Like wind that keeps blowing until it reaches every corner, gentle and steady influence achieves what force cannot. Small, consistent efforts carry you far. Have a clear direction, and seek out people who can see further than you.

The image

Wind following Wind, one breeze after another. Explain your purpose clearly and repeat it gently, then follow through.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your casting, counting from the bottom.

• Line 1 (bottom): Forward, then back, then forward again: indecision wears you down. Borrow a soldier's discipline and choose a direction.
• Line 2: Something hidden is at work beneath the surface. Bring it into the light, with help if you need it, and the trouble clears.
• Line 3: You weigh it and weigh it again until the chance has passed. Too much deliberation becomes its own embarrassment.
• Line 4: Regret falls away. Modesty joined with energy brings in a rich harvest, much like a successful hunt.
• Line 5: The start was rough, but it can still end well. Think it through before the change and review it afterwards.
• Line 6 (top): You have probed too deep and spent your strength and your means. Pressing further would only hurt, so stop and recover.

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