Above is Xun (Wind), below is Qian (Sky). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is ‘dense clouds, no rain’. When people come together, the development of their joint affair begins. However, any human community needs time for full integration and development, and such a process of joint activity starts from the small, with gradual exchange of information, ideas, energy.
On the other hand, any development and growth occur gradually, step by step. In the East, gradual (but not too rapid) forward movement is highly valued. It’s better to dedicate a few minutes to a task every day (without interruption), and then the progress will be evident after a year, rather than spending several days in a row, not waiting for visible improvements and giving up. In China, they say – do not fear growing slowly, fear not growing at all.
‘Dense clouds, no rain’ – is the metaphorical image of this hexagram. In this case, it speaks of accumulating strength. The metaphor of ‘the western side or outskirts’ suggests that full and swift development of the situation has not yet begun. On the other hand, the hexagram points to the opposition of a person to all that surrounds him and his resistance to the environment, to an obstacle that delays the full development of the situation, to the need for small steps and accumulating the small, and abstaining from truly large-scale actions.
To understand in what sense this hexagram speaks of an obstacle, it is necessary to consider the untranslatable play on words used in Xiao Chu. The word that means ‘obstacle’ here equally denotes ‘cultivation’. Indeed, obstacles, if overcome, serve as the best means of cultivation, accumulating experience, which will provide confidence and support in the future. The image of an obstacle in the Chinese text is expressed as follows. In China, rain clouds most often move from the east – from the sea. However, the creators of the I Ching text – the Zhou tribe, as legend has it – came from the west. Therefore, for the authors of the text, the west serves as a metaphor for the past. Hence, clouds coming from the west (from the past) will not bring the desired rain. It is necessary to gradually accumulate strength.
In all actions, this hexagram advises us to exhibit patience and caution. In business, it recommends preparing for new events. In marriage, it warns of temporary difficulties and suspicions. It is important not to retreat in the face of small adversities and difficulties. Minor events can teach great lessons.