I Ching · No.56 · Lü / The Wanderer

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (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.

Translation

Lü Hexagram. Small success. Divining on traveling is auspicious. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing fire; the lower trigram is Gen, representing mountain. Fire on the mountain, illuminating the hidden depths: this is the image of the Wanderer. The superior man, in accordance with this, is clear and cautious in administering justice and executing penalties, neither daring to abuse punishments nor delaying the cases.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The journey is destitute, drifting and unstable; small hopes can be achieved, but grand ambitions are hard to realize. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, matters undergo many changes, as if being in a foreign land. Small matters can succeed, but great matters are hard to accomplish; it is advisable to adhere strictly to routine.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Be cautious to prevent disasters; promotion is imminent.
• Wealth 财运: Conduct business abroad; do not accumulate stock.
• Household 家宅: Beware of fire; marriage will be finalized shortly.
• Health 身体: Excessive liver fire, a matter of life and death.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is not yet at its peak; one should observe with clarity and guard with caution. Even if disaster strikes, one can be freed from it immediately.
• Business 营商: It is advisable to trade abroad, selling goods as soon as they arrive, and not accumulating stock.
• Fame & Career 功名: Fire on the mountain has the image of light shining far and wide; promotion and employment are imminent.
• Warfare 战征: Must employ fire attacks.
• Household 家宅: Beware of fire.
• Marriage 婚姻: Can be completed shortly.
• Illness 疾病: It is an ailment of liver fire flaring upward. The condition is critical, and life or death is imminent; caution is advised.
• Litigation 讼事: Can be settled shortly.
• Travelers 行人: Will return soon.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl in the first half of the month, and a boy in the second half.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Li above). This hexagram is the opposite of the Feng hexagram (Abundance), serving as its inversed hexagram. Fire burns on the mountain, burning without stopping, the flames constantly spreading forward, like a traveler on the road, hurrying on their journey. Hence it is named Lü (The Wanderer).

• Overall Image 大象: Fire burns the mountains and fields, flames spreading everywhere, leaving nothing spared wherever they go. The flames are like a traveler, having no fixed dwelling place.
• Fortune 运势: All affairs are fluctuating and unstable. At this time, one must maintain faith and consult others' opinions, otherwise misfortune is certain.
• Career 事业: Currently in the stage of entrepreneurship and development, facing many difficulties. As long as one can adhere to the principle of balance and correctness, act according to the right path, pay attention to investigation, remain cautious in all aspects, and adapt to changing circumstances, the career can progress smoothly.
• Business 经商: The market situation is like a journey; unexpected events can happen at any time. Therefore, one must first adopt a cautious approach and avoid taking risks. However, one should not be overly timid, and especially avoid suspicion. Before developing a market, thorough investigation and research should be conducted.
• Seeking Fame 求名: According to the demands of the times, enrich your knowledge and abilities, constantly improve yourself, and strive to obtain help from others.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: There are many uncertain factors for both parties. If there are genuine feelings, let things develop naturally before making a decision. The marriage will be happy.
• Decision 决策: Life is in a state of constant change; one must have a long-term vision, establish grand ambitions, constantly enrich oneself, treat others and handle affairs with sincerity and humility, ignore temporary gains and losses, and make friends widely. The journey of life will be very smooth.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows the stranger mean and meanly occupied. It is thus that he brings on himself (further) calamity.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: The traveler is half-hearted, hesitating in advance and retreat, and finally leaves the lodging, bringing disaster upon themselves. The Image says: The traveler is half-hearted, indicating that they hit walls everywhere and are mentally exhausted.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, fortune is poor; one must guard against disasters. Officials possess talent but cannot receive important assignments from their superiors.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Gains are limited; it is advisable to practice self-cultivation.
• Wealth 财运: Small capital and meager profits; beware of disasters.
• Household 家宅: Be cautious to avoid disaster; marriage with a humble family.
• Health 身体: Treat the illness at its very onset.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Of humble origin and poor fortune, traveling alone as a guest, it is feared to be difficult to make a profit.
• Business 营商: Capital is minimal and the occupation is humble; disasters are hard to avoid.
• Fame & Career 功名: Even if obtained, it will be humble.
• Warfare 战征: Reckoning five hundred men as a brigade (Lü), the military strength is weak, resulting in defeat without victory.
• Household 家宅: The position is cramped and dirty, surely a household of humble status. Caution can prevent disaster.
• Marriage 婚姻: The Classic of Poetry says: 'Petty relations and in-laws do not obtain high office.' Thus it is known they are not from a prominent clan.
• Illness 疾病: There is minor distress; curable at the onset.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lî indicates that, (in regard to what it denotes), it will be advantageous to be firm and correct, and that thus there will be free course and success. Let (its subject) also nourish (a docility like that of) the cow, and there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Li Hexagram. Auspicious divination, smooth and prosperous. Raising a cow brings good fortune. The Image says: The sun rises today, and the sun rises tomorrow, continuing without pause; this is the image of Li. Observing this image, the nobility and princes illuminate the four quarters with an endless flow of light.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Clinging to light, being humble and advancing slowly; just and gentle, conforming and keeping to one's course brings good fortune. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should be humble and cautious, and progress steadily, then the future will be bright. Those who advance hastily or act on impulse will surely suffer losses.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Li below and Li above). Li means beauty and clinging (attachment); a single Yin line clings to the two Yang lines above and below. The hexagram symbolizes fire, hollow inside and bright outside. Li represents fire and brightness; the sun rises and sets repeatedly, running endlessly, with gentleness and compliance at heart.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows the stranger, occupying his lodging-house, carrying with him his means of livelihood, and provided with good and trusty servants.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: The traveler comes to the market, carrying wealth, and acquires a young servant. The divination is auspicious. The Image says: Obtaining a young servant and getting an auspicious divination; it seems there is no issue with this transaction.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, fortune turns for the better, and planning succeeds. Officials will become prominent.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is balanced and correct; both fame and wealth are obtained.
• Wealth 财运: Possessing proper ways of generating wealth, traveling without worries.
• Household 家宅: Dwelling temporarily is also a blessing; becoming a son-in-law married into a wealthy family.
• Health 身体: Falling ill during the journey, but receiving care from others.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Having both wealth and people, and the path of fortune is balanced and correct, naturally there are no worries.
• Business 营商: Obtaining wealth allows one to seek profit, and obtaining people allows one to work together. Traveling a thousand miles as a guest, one can be free of worry.
• Fame & Career 功名: This represents obtaining office by donating wealth.
• Warfare 战征: Wealth refers to military funds, and the 'young servant' refers to soldiers. With sufficient funds and strong troops, every attack will succeed.
• Household 家宅: It must be a temporary dwelling. Fortunately, funds are abundant, servants are obedient and upright, and the household is peaceful, so there will naturally be no blame or disaster.
• Marriage 婚姻: There is the image of becoming a son-in-law married into a wealthy family.
• Illness 疾病: Falling ill while traveling, fortunately there are servants to serve devotedly, allowing recovery through care.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Ting gives the intimation of great progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Ting (Cauldron) hexagram. Supreme good fortune, success. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Xun, and Xun is wood; the upper trigram is Li, and Li is fire. Thus, there is fire over wood: the image of the Cauldron. The superior man, by observing this image, emulates the three-legged stability of the cauldron, standing upright without leaning, thereby holding correct and maintaining his position, being relied upon and trusted by the sovereign, and fulfilling his mission.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Achieving success through failure, accomplishing tasks through others; all affairs proceed smoothly, rising rapidly in the world. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is currently at its peak; they can receive help from friends and achieve great accomplishments. Partnering or cooperating with others is even better.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Li above). Burning wood to cook food, transforming raw to cooked, meaning weeding out the old and bringing forth the new. The Cauldron is a precious treasure and a grand vessel, symbolizing the stability of three legs. Cooking food metaphorically represents abundant food, with no more difficulties or distress. On this basis, it is suitable to make changes and develop one's career.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, 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 Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: The traveler comes to the burning market, and the newly bought servant runs away in the chaos. Divination indicates danger. The Image says: The traveler coming to the burning market surely suffers loss. Since the traveler goes with the servant, it is natural for the servant to run away in the chaos.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, fortune turns bad, with many disasters and difficulties. Officials face the worry of leaving office.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is overturned, with many dangers and crises.
• Wealth 财运: No need to seek profit; guard against disasters early.
• Household 家宅: Beware of fire; difficult to grow old together.
• Health 身体: Children or servants are hard to preserve.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is overturned, with repeated ruin, extremely dangerous.
• Warfare 战征: Beware of fire attacks; especially worry about the army's morale disintegrating, causing them to flee without a fight.
• Business 营商: Guard against unexpected disasters; dangerous.
• Fame & Career 功名: Hopeless at present. It must be two years later, when reaching the fifth line which says 'in the end praise and command bring honor,' that one can win fame.
• Marriage 婚姻: Cannot be completed for the moment, and difficult to grow old together.
• Household 家宅: Beware of the disaster of Zhurong.
• Illness 疾病: The person themselves can recover, but children or servants are hard to preserve.
• Lost Items 失物: Must have been stolen by a servant.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Ȝin we see a prince who secures the tranquillity (of the people) presented on that account with numerous horses (by the king), and three times in a day received at interviews.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Chin (Progress). Marquis Kang used the fine horses bestowed by King Cheng to breed horses, mating them multiple times in a single day. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: 'The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing the sun; the lower trigram is Kun, representing the earth. The sun shines upon the earth, and all things are bathed in its glory'—this is the image of Chin. In accordance with this, the superior man brightens his own bright virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun rises above the earth, and all things progress; rewards are generous, and all plans succeed. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is like the rising sun, with booming fortune, abundant income, successful undertakings, and everything going as desired.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below and Li above). Li is the sun, representing brightness; Kun is the earth. The sun hangs high, illuminating the earth; the earth is humble and receptive, and all things grow. It is open, honest, gentle in its advance, and moving upward, symbolizing a flourishing and progressing career.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, 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 Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: The traveler returns to their lodging, and because they have earned much money, their mind is not at ease. The Image says: The traveler returning to the lodging; this is not the proper dwelling. Having earned much money, they fear robbery, so their mind is naturally not at ease.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, those abroad will achieve something, but there is a flaw in the perfection; distressing disputes and troubles will occur. Merchants will make a profit.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Temporarily in difficulty; wait until next year.
• Wealth 财运: Profits are limited, causing discontent in the heart.
• Household 家宅: The position is unsuitable; not the principal chamber.
• Health 身体: Depressed and unhappy.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Peak fortune has not arrived; what is obtained is only minimal.
• Business 营商: Trading abroad yields little profit, failing to meet expectations.
• Fame & Career 功名: Not obtained for the time being; wait until next year, and it will surely be accomplished.
• Warfare 战征: Can capture enemy provisions, but cannot win a major victory immediately.
• Marriage 婚姻: The dowry is quite generous, but it is as a concubine, not the legal wife.
• Household 家宅: The position is improper.
• Illness 疾病: It is a mental ailment, caused by depression due to unfulfilled desires.
• Lost Items 失物: Can be found.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

When one's resting is like that of the back, and he loses all consciousness of self; when he walks in his courtyard, and does not see any (of the persons) in it,--there will be no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Gen Hexagram. Shedding responsibilities and retiring from office, he is no longer seen among the court ranks. Seeking him in his courtyard, he is not found. The person goes far away, so there is naturally no disaster. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: This hexagram is formed by two Gen trigrams stacked together. Gen represents the mountain; thus, the image of Gen is mountains standing one upon another, deep and stable. The superior man observes this hexagram image, takes it as a warning, does not let his thoughts go beyond his position, and preserves himself through wisdom and prudence.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Stopping and obstructing, there is no further progress; content with one's lot and not being greedy, one must not force things. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, the road ahead is blocked; it is not advisable to advance rashly, but rather to keep watch and wait for an opportunity.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking the same trigrams (Gen below and Gen above). Gen represents the mountain; two mountains stacked together symbolize stillness. It is the opposite of the Zhen (Shock/Thunder) Hexagram. After a climax, a low tide inevitably follows, entering a phase of relative stillness of things. Still as a mountain, one should stop when it is time to stop, and act when it is time to act. Acting and stopping—that is, movement and stillness—must not miss their opportunities; they should be just right, with movement and stillness properly balanced, stopping where appropriate.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, 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 Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: Shooting a pheasant, hitting it with the first shot, the person thus wins a reputation for good marksmanship. The Image says: Finally winning a reputation for good marksmanship, praised by all, and known by superiors.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, they will receive help from elders, and matters will be accomplished.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Later fortune is excellent; congratulations are in order.
• Wealth 财运: Losing little but gaining much, winning both profit and fame.
• Household 家宅: Can be called beautiful and good; a match made in heaven.
• Health 身体: Posthumous award for sacrifice.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is gentle and smooth; small departs and great arrives, in the end there will be celebration.
• Business 营商: Although there is a small loss, there is a great gain, achieving both fame and wealth.
• Fame & Career 功名: Later fortune is prosperous, and fame reaches the superiors.
• Warfare 战征: There is the image of achieving success in one stroke.
• Household 家宅: Like a pheasant flying or a bird changing its feathers, it is worthy of praise for its beauty.
• Marriage 婚姻: Lines Two and Five respond to each other, praised by the world as a fine match.
• Illness 疾病: Likely facing arrows and stones, dying for loyalty, and obtaining the honor of a posthumous title.
• Pregnancy 六甲: There is the sign of the mulberry bow and mugwort arrows, joy of a baby boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Thun indicates successful progress (in its circumstances). To a small extent it will (still) be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Tun Hexagram. Success. A small advantage in perseverance. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, and Qian is Heaven; the lower trigram is Gen, and Gen is Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; Heaven is high and Mountain is distant—this is the image of Retreat. The superior man, observing this image, does not deal with inferior men by returning evil for evil, but adopts a strict attitude, resigning from office, content to withdraw and keep the inferior men at a distance.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Escape and retreat; what reaches its peak must decline. Strictly restrain speech and deeds; wait for an opportunity to rise again. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is suitable to retreat and not to advance. Defensive retreat can preserve oneself; acting rashly will bring disaster. One should be prudent in words and deeds, waiting for the right moment to act.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Qian above). Qian represents Heaven, and Gen represents Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; as the mountain rises high, Heaven retreats. Yin grows while Yang wanes; the inferior men gain influence, and the superior man retreats into retirement to preserve himself through wisdom, waiting for the opportunity to save the world.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, 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.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: The bird's nest is burned, the traveler first laughs and then wails. The ox is lost in Yi, inauspicious. The Image says: Rising to high rank as a traveler is extremely out of place; it is expected that the dwelling is burned. That cattle are looted in Yi, and no one comes to console, is only natural.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, things are first good then bad; one should move or build to avoid disaster, or may suffer eye disease, or encounter fire. Officials find it hard to retain their post, with the worry of gaining first and losing later.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Loss without gain; extreme joy breeds sorrow.
• Wealth 财运: Small profit and great loss, extremely dangerous.
• Household 家宅: Danger of a turned nest; joy first, sorrow later.
• Health 身体: Inauspicious for those born in the Year of the Ox.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune has reached its limit, high up and without companion; extreme joy brings sorrow, the way of misfortune.
• Warfare 战征: Guard against the danger of the camp being burned and plundered.
• Business 营商: Small profit first, then great loss, with misfortunes arriving one after another; highly critical and dangerous.
• Fame & Career 功名: Loss without gain.
• Household 家宅: Danger of a destroyed nest and piled eggs.
• Marriage 婚姻: Formed first and dispersed later; joy first and sorrow later, inauspicious.
• Illness 疾病: For those born in the Year of the Ox, it is bound to be inauspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl, child not surviving.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsiâo Kwo indicates that (in the circumstances which it implies) there will be progress and attainment. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. (What the name denotes) may be done in small affairs, but not in great affairs. (It is like) the notes that come down from a bird on the wing;--to descend is better than to ascend. There will (in this way) be great good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsiao Kuo hexagram. Success, this is a favorable divination. However, it is only suitable for small matters, not for great matters. A flying bird passes through the sky, leaving its voice by the ear, warning people: ascending leads to danger, while descending brings good fortune. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Gen, representing Mountain; the upper trigram is Zhen, representing Thunder. Thunder over the mountain is the image of Hsiao Kuo. The superior man, observing this image, stands in awe of the heavenly thunder and dares not commit transgressions. Thus, in his conduct, he does not exceed in humility; in mourning, he does not exceed in grief; in expenditure, he does not exceed in thrift; he only seeks moderation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Yin is compliant and Yang is trapped; gentleness and flexibility are in action. Maintain caution and self-control; rapid advance is unfavorable. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, all matters are unfavorable. It is suitable for small things, but not for great things. Furthermore, guard against disputes and litigation arising from one's own mistakes.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the overlapping of two different trigrams (lower Gen, upper Zhen). Gen is Mountain, and Zhen is Thunder. Thunder rumbles over the mountain, which cannot but inspire awe. Yang is great and Yin is small; the four Yin lines on the outside exceed the two Yang lines in the middle, hence it is called 'Hsiao Kuo' (Preponderance of the Small), indicating a small excess.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.