53 GRADUAL DEVELOPMENT

A tree on a mountain.

	Wind (wood) Gentle
	Mountain Keeping still

A tree on a mountain is the picture of gradual development; it grows slowly but it will be strong and long-lived.
The main theme in this chapter is how gradual development in a relationship can lead to a good marriage. Rapid development of a relationship usually leads to a peak and then a decline.

53 LINES

1) 6 at the start

a) The wild swan gradually gets near to the edge.
The young son is in danger. There is talk. No blame.

b) Righteous and without fault.

This person is exposed to some dangers and suffers some criticism from others who do not understand. There is no blame since they behave in a correct way to cope with their situation.

2) 6 in 2nd throw

a) The wild swan gradually approaches the cliffs.
Eating and drinking, feasting, happy, and contented.
Good fortune.

b) Not satisfied yet.

Here a relationship develops in a natural way; due to enjoyable shared experiences.

3) 9 at 3rd throw

a) The wild swan gradually draws near the highlands.
The man is beaten and does not return.
The woman is pregnant but miscarries.
Misfortune.
It is favourable to fight off robbers.

b) He attracts trouble, she loses the right way.

In this case, things go wrong; there has been an attempt to speed things up, instead of being satisfied with gradual development. An unstable situation develops as a result of this and everything goes wrong. You are advised that fighting robbers is justifiable, and sometimes necessary, but you should try to avoid risky situations, and schemes that plan to make a quick profit.

4) 6 in 4th throw

a) The wild swan gradually draws near the trees.
Perhaps it will land on your roof. No blame.

b) The yielding uses all possibilities.

Swans only land in trees when in a difficult situation. The meaning of this line is that while someone is in trouble a temporary safe resting place is a lucky find. A yielding and gentle attitude leads to the difficulties being gradually overcome. This is a setback but it cannot be avoided.

5) 9 in 5th throw

a) The wild swan gradually draws near to the summit.
For three years the wife has no child.
In the end nothing will prevent it.
Good fortune.

b) In the end, nothing will hinder good fortune, you attain your wish.

The person represented here is separated from another person by various dangers. These dangers do not last forever and their union is only delayed and not prevented.

6) 9 at the top

a) The wild swan gradually approaches the cloud heights.
Its feathers can be used for a sacred rite.
Good fortune.

b) They have a good attitude towards each other.

A relationship that sets a good example. Both partners have respect for each other and behave like it.