53. Jian | Gradual Development
- Line 1 (from bottom): yin (broken)
- Line 2 (from bottom): yin (broken)
- Line 3 (from bottom): yang (unbroken)
- Line 4 (from bottom): yin (broken)
- Line 5 (from bottom): yang (unbroken)
- Line 6 (from bottom): yang (unbroken)
渐：女归，吉。利贞。
Translation: 渐 / Gradual Development: 女归，auspicious。it is beneficial to remain upright。.
Reading note: This is the judgment of Jian (Gradual Development), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.
初六：鸿渐于干，小子厉，有言，无咎。
Translation: First Six: 鸿渐于干，小子danger; be vigilant，有言，no blame。.
Reading note: The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success; “danger” calls for vigilance.
六二：鸿渐于磐，饮食衎衎，吉。
Translation: Second Six: 鸿渐于磐，饮食衎衎，auspicious。.
Reading note: The second line often suggests a central and emerging position: no longer hidden, but not yet in command. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.
九三：鸿渐于陆，夫征不复，妇孕不育，凶。利御寇。
Translation: Third Nine: 鸿渐于陆，夫征不复，妇孕不育，misfortune。利御寇。.
Reading note: The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. “misfortune” marks serious risk.
六四：鸿渐于木，或得其桷，无咎。
Translation: Fourth Six: 鸿渐于木，或得其桷，no blame。.
Reading note: The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success.
九五：鸿渐于陵，妇三岁不孕，终莫之胜，吉。
Translation: Fifth Nine: 鸿渐于陵，妇三岁不孕，终莫之胜，auspicious。.
Reading note: The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.
上九：鸿渐于陆，其羽可用为仪，吉。
Translation: Top Nine: 鸿渐于陆，其羽可用为仪，auspicious。.
Reading note: The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.