Hexagram 56 — Lu, The Wanderer

56. Lu - The Wanderer
Above (in front): Li - The Clinging (Fire)
Below (behind): Kên - Keeping Still (Mountain)




The Judgement for the Current Situation

The Wanderer. Success through smallness.
Perseverance brings good fortune
To the wanderer.


The Image for the Current Situation

Fire on the mountain:
The image of The Wanderer.
Thus the superior man
Is clear-minded and cautious
In imposing penalties,
And protracts no lawsuits.

The Lines

Please remember: I Ching lines are counted upwards (starting at the bottom line)!

Top line:

The bird's nest burns up.
The wanderer laughs at first,
Then must needs lament and weep.
Through carelessness he loses his cow.
Misfortune.

Fifth line:
He shoots a pheasant.
It drops with the first arrow.
In the end this brings both praise and office.

Fourth line:
The wanderer rests in a shelter.
He obtains his property and an ax.
My heart is not glad.

Third line:
The wanderer's inn burns down.
He loses the steadfastness of his young servant.
Danger.

Second line:
The wanderer comes to and inn.
He has his property with him.
He wins the steadfastness of a young servant.

Bottom line:
If the wanderer busies himself with trivial things,
He draws down misfortune upon himself.