The Meaning of Hexagram #53

Hexagram #53: Wind over Mountain

Like a young sapling slowly reaching toward the sky, hexagram number 53 portends an incremental process toward new achievements. This is a time to put all your energy and attention directly on the step you are currently on. Too frequently we focus on the final destination without focusing on all the fascinating destinations along the way. Let each step be its own adventure and it's own goal. Now is the time to focus on today. Tomorrow will still come.

NOTE: Wondering how I Ching hexagram #53, "Mountain below Wind", can be applied to questions about your relationship? See our special Love I Ching interpretation for hexagram #53

Changing Lines in Hexagram #53

Changes in Line 1

"Wild Swan Swimming Toward Shore"

This is a time of new beginnings. The shore is only the first goal to reach while heading toward the high mountains. If you are just starting a new career/relationship, you may feel alone for a while. This is natural. Be all right with where you are.

Changes in Line 2

"Landing on Rock"

Like a swan that lands on a rock, you are on solid ground at this time. This is a symbol of safety in the middle of your long journey.

Changes in Line 3

"Landing on Dry Land"

This line is a sign that you have taken an incorrect turn. A wild swan needs marsh land, not dry land. Stop, rest and backtrack a little. Soon you will be heading in the proper direction again.

Changes in Line 4

"Wild Swan Landing in the Woods"

This is a time to be wise about where you are and who you are with. You have not lost your way; however, a high tree top is not suitable for a Swan. Proceed slowly and let your energy and clarity return.

Changes in Line 5

"Swan Landing on High Ground"

This is a sign of good fortune and a sign that you have reached an important goal. However, this is not the ultimate destination. Travel onward, lest you become isolated

Changes in Line 6

"Flying Above the Clouds"

This is a sign of a great task completed. With your success, you have become a beacon and a guiding light to others. But the wise person does not use success as a reason to lose their inspiration. Continue aspiring to greater and greater heights.

The 2 Trigrams Inside Hexagram #53

I Ching hexagram #53 is composed of two 3-line trigrams stacked above each other. The bottom three lines of hexagram #53 form the trigram for Mountain, while the top three lines form the trigram for Wind.

NOTE: A simple way to think about trigrams is that the hexagram's upper trigram symbolizes external forces or energies, and the lower trigram symbolizes internal forces or energies.

Hexagram #53's Lower Trigram of Mountain

The looming and majestic trigram of the mountain represents stillness and something immobile. The trigram of mountain is powerful, silent and eternal. Simultaneously, its effect is calming and non-combative. The trigram of mountain may also represent a 'third son' or the direction of northeast.

Hexagram #53's Upper Trigram of Wind

The mild mannered trigram of wind is associated with a light and easy energy. The trigram of wind is also known as a 'soft force': both subtle and lacking in strength, and yet persistent and unwavering. The wind trigram may also point to an 'eldest daughter' or the compass direction of southeast

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List of all possible changes for hexagram #53

A note on iFate's I Ching translation: This is not a direct translation of the original "Book of Changes" from 1000 BC. While multiple translations of the original text are available, they include many archaic references and can be difficult to understand for 21st century readers. iFate uses our own modern rewritings (two different editions) of the "Book of Changes" which makes interpreting I Ching readings far simpler. For iFate's additional contemporary re-writing of the original text, see our "Love I Ching" translation.