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Hexagram 56: The Wanderer

䷷ 旅 (Lǚ) · The traveler. Stay modest and cautious in unfamiliar places.

travel, transition, modesty, caution

Lower trigram: Mountain ☶ · Upper trigram: Fire ☲

The judgment

You are the traveler, passing through places that are not your home. Small, steady steps succeed here. Be courteous, keep your needs simple and hold to your own principles. A stranger who stays modest and careful finds welcome wherever the road leads.

The image

Mountain below and Fire above: a fire races over the mountain and does not stay. Think things through, weigh them with care, and settle disagreements quickly instead of letting them linger.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your casting, counting from the bottom.

• Line 1 (bottom): Fussing over petty things on the road wins you no respect. Keep your dignity and don't get lost in small grievances.
• Line 2: You arrive at an inn with your belongings and find a loyal helper. Inner calm keeps you safe and well supported.
• Line 3: Through arrogance or meddling, the inn burns down and your helper walks away. Mind your conduct far from home.
• Line 4: You have shelter and the means to defend yourself, but your heart is not at ease. A place to stay is not the same as being home.
• Line 5: With one well-aimed arrow you bring down the pheasant. A fitting gift or skill opens doors and earns you a place.
• Line 6 (top): The bird's nest burns: you laugh at first, then you grieve. Careless pride costs you your gentleness and your home.

← 55. Abundance · 57. The Gentle Wind →