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______ Hexagram Five:  
       Hsu / Calculated Waiting


Deep Waters in the Heavens:
Thunderclouds approaching from the west,
but no rain yet.
The Superior Person 
nourishes himself 
and remains of good cheer
to condition himself 
for the moment of truth.

Great success
if you sincerely 
keep to your course.
You may cross 
to the far shore.


Hexagram Five/Line One
No trouble in sight,
but vague anxieties
about what lies
beyond the horizon.
Whether real or not,
the threat 
has already won
your peace of mind.


Hexagram Five/Line Two
Taking your post 
in the sand, 
ceaselessly watching 
the far shore
for enemy movements,
you must endure 
the taunts and contempt 
of your comrades.
Good fortune 
in the end.


Hexagram Five/Line Three
Anxiety prods you 
to premature action.
Wading into the river,
you become mired 
in the bed of mud.
Not only does the enemy
realize you detect them,
but they see 
your vulnerability
as an opportunity 
to strike.

Hexagram Five/Line Four
The enemy is upon you.
You wait in blood,
preparing yourself 
for their blows;
but your own ability 
can see you through,
if you stand your ground
and maintain balance.

Hexagram Five/Line Five
You smile 
and join in the banquet,
relaxing and 
gaining perspective,
yet vigilant 
and prepared
for the next onslaught.
Such genuine grace 
under pressure
ensures victory 
and good fortune.


Hexagram Five/Line Six
The showdown comes, 
with the opponents 
too evenly matched.
Just as all hopes 
of survival are dashed,
three strangers appear.
They will tip the scales 
in favor of the contender
who recognizes them 
for what they are.

Copyright 1995-1996 Roger Norton Consulting. All rights reserved.