Hexagram 56 of 64
The Wanderer
旅 · Lǚ
Li (Fire) · Gen (Mountain)
The Judgment
Lü intimates that (in the condition which it denotes) there may be some little attainment and progress. If the stranger or traveller be firm and correct as he ought to be, there will be good fortune.
The six lines
Line 1
The first SIX, divided, shows the stranger mean and meanly occupied. It is thus that he brings on himself (further) calamity.
Line 2
The second SIX, divided, shows the stranger, occupying his lodging-house, carrying with him his means of livelihood, and provided with good and trusty servants.
Line 3
The third NINE, undivided, shows the stranger, burning his lodging-house, and having lost his servants. However firm and correct he (try to) be, he will be in peril.
Line 4
The fourth NINE, undivided, shows the traveller in a resting-place, having (also) the means of livelihood and the axe, (but still saying), 'I am not at ease in my mind.'
Line 5
The fifth SIX, divided, shows its subject shooting a pheasant. He will lose his arrow, but in the end he will obtain praise and a (high) charge.
Line 6
The sixth NINE, undivided, suggests the idea of a bird burning its nest. The stranger, (thus represented), first laughs and then cries out. He has lost his ox(-like docility) too readily and easily. There will be evil.
Core themes
- travel
- impermanence
- modesty abroad
- caution
Classical text: James Legge's translation (1882, public domain), shown in English. Translations are on their way.