Hexagram 56
The Wanderer (Lǚ)
Above: Fire · Below: Mountain
Away from home, caution comes first
Video
The judgment
When away from home, small matters go well. Keeping to what is right brings good fortune.
The Image: Fire on the mountain: the wanderer. So the noble person is clear-minded and careful in applying penalties, and does not let cases drag on.
From the ancient texts
Shao Yong
Poor and stranded on the road, drifting and unsettled. Small hopes can be met; grand ambitions are hard to reach.
Jiao’s Forest of Changes
Nets spread on all four sides; the birds have nowhere to fly. The campaign is exhausted, hungry and without food.
Nets on every side, and the birds have nowhere to fly; the war drags on until there is nothing left to eat.
Takashima
- On fortune: luck is not at its peak. Be clear-sighted and careful, and even if trouble comes, you can get free of it quickly.
- On trade: it is good to trade abroad — sell as goods arrive, and don't let them pile up.
Five common questions
Timing
Luck not at its peak; watch closely and take care
Health
Take care on the road; eat light
Money
Sell as goods arrive; don't let stock pile up
Home
Take care when traveling; home is the root
Love
A quick match; keep faith across the distance
The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.
The six lines
- Six at the beginning: The wanderer fusses over trifles; this is how he brings misfortune on himself.
- Six in the second place: The wanderer reaches an inn, keeps his money close, and finds a faithful young servant.
- Nine in the third place: The wanderer's inn burns down, and he loses his young servant. Persisting is dangerous.
- Nine in the fourth place: The wanderer finds a place to stay and gets his money and his axe back, but his heart is not glad.
- Six in the fifth place: He shoots a pheasant and loses one arrow; in the end he gains praise and position.
- Nine at the top: The bird's nest burns. The wanderer laughs at first, then weeps and wails. He loses his ox too easily. Misfortune.
Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.