Hexagram 5Waiting (Nourishment)
Upper : Water (Kan) - ☵Lower : Heaven (Qian) - ☰
"Waiting. If you are sincere, you possess illumination and success. Perseverance brings fortune. It is advantageous to cross the great waters."
The rain (water) resides in the clouds (heaven), yet it has not yet descended. One must learn to await the opportune moment. This is not a resigned, passive, or anxious waiting, but a confident anticipation. Danger lies ahead, strength resides within: hastening matters would lead to catastrophe. Utilize this pause to regain strength.
"The clouds ascend to heaven: the image of waiting. Thus the noble man eats, drinks, and is joyful and in good spirits."
Since one cannot compel the rain to fall, it is best to use this time of waiting to cultivate one's joie de vivre, nourishing oneself both physically and spiritually. Anxiety does not advance the cosmic clock.
Confronted with the impatience of the Ego, which seeks to control and obtain everything immediately, the Jungian Self teaches respect for natural cycles. The profound transformations of the unconscious require a prolonged period of incubation. Waiting is a test of faith in yourself and the universe. Do not allow anxiety to infest your mind; nourish your thoughts with positive things while awaiting the breakthrough.
This is the period of superposition of states, the gestation before the "quantum leap." You cannot force an electron to transition to a higher energy level before it has accumulated the necessary quantum of energy. Waiting is this phase of invisible accumulation. Release your grip on the "when" to focus on maintaining your own vibrational frequency.