What this hexagram is about
A tree upon the mountain, growing little by little — the image of gradual advance. Let matters proceed in order, step by sure step, as a bride goes forth according to rite: not to be hurried, and not to be thrown into disorder.
The Judgment 卦辞
渐，女归吉，利贞。
The maiden is given in marriage — good fortune. Favorable to persevere.
The Image 大象传
《象》曰：山上有木，渐；君子以居贤德善俗。
A tree grows on the mountain, by slow degrees; so the noble person abides in worthy virtue and betters the customs of the people.
Commentary on the Lines 小象传
小子之厉，义无咎也。
The young one's danger — by what is right, no fault.
The Six Lines (hover over the figure above)
Six at the top鸿渐于陆，其羽可用为仪，吉。
The wild geese advance, mounting high into the cloud-paths, their feathers set in such fair order they may serve as ceremonial ornament — orderly in advance and retreat, fit to be a model; good fortune.
Nine in the fifth place鸿渐于陵，妇三岁不孕，终莫之胜，吉。
The wild geese advance, alighting on the high ridge; husband and wife are kept apart, for years without issue, yet in the end the crooked cannot prevail — and at last, good fortune: holding to the right and awaiting union.
Nine in the fourth place鸿渐于木，或得其桷，无咎。
The wild geese advance, alighting in the trees, where they may find a steady bough to rest upon — choosing a safe place; there is no fault.
Six in the third place鸿渐于陆，夫征不复，妇孕不育，凶，利御寇。
The wild geese advance, alighting on the high ground — having lost their support, pressing on against right: the husband marches off and does not return, the wife conceives but cannot bring the child to term — misfortune; it serves only to ward off invaders.
Six in the second place鸿渐于磐，饮食衎衎，吉。
The wild geese advance, alighting on the great rock, eating and drinking at peace and ease — good fortune; the gradual way has found its safe place.
Initial Nine鸿渐于干，小子厉，有言，无咎。
The wild geese advance, alighting at the water's edge; like a youth first venturing out, the footing is precarious and some censure cannot be avoided — yet in the end there is no fault.