56. The Wanderer (旅 Lǚ)

Trigrams

Above

☲ Lí (Fire)

Below

☶ Gèn (Mountain)

Symbolic Meaning

旅 (Lǚ) represents the wanderer, one who travels and is not rooted in a single place. This hexagram speaks of a time when one must adapt to unfamiliar circumstances, relying on resourcefulness and resilience. Success comes from knowing when to move on and how to navigate changing environments.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"旅，小亨，旅貞吉。"
(Lǚ, xiǎo hēng, lǚ zhēn jí.)

"The Wanderer. Small success. Perseverance brings good fortune to the wanderer."

This hexagram advises that while traveling or navigating unfamiliar situations, success comes from perseverance and adaptability. Although the progress may be small, by remaining flexible and resourceful, good fortune follows.

Image

Original Chinese:
"山上有火，旅。君子以明慎用刑，而不留狱。"
(Shān shàng yǒu huǒ, lǚ. Jūn zǐ yǐ míng shèn yòng xíng, ér bù liú yù.)

"Fire on the mountain: The image of The Wanderer. The superior person is clear-minded and careful in the use of punishment, avoiding holding prisoners for long."

The image of fire on the mountain represents a time of transience and impermanence. The superior person, like the wanderer, remains clear-minded and cautious, taking decisive action but not becoming too attached to any single place or situation.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"旅瑣瑣，斯其所取災。"
(Lǚ suǒ suǒ, sī qí suǒ qǔ zāi.)

"The wanderer is distracted by trivial matters. This invites misfortune."

This line describes a wanderer who becomes overly concerned with small, insignificant details, losing sight of the bigger picture. It advises staying focused and avoiding distractions, as these lead to misfortune.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"旅即次，懷其資，得童僕貞。"
(Lǚ jí cì, huái qí zī, dé tóng pú zhēn.)

"The wanderer finds lodging and carries their belongings. A servant is gained through perseverance."

This line describes a wanderer who finds a place to rest and secures their resources. By remaining diligent and careful, they also gain help or support. It advises being resourceful and not neglecting practical needs while traveling.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"旅焚其次，喪其童僕，貞厲。"
(Lǚ fén qí cì, sàng qí tóng pú, zhēn lì.)

"The wanderer’s lodging burns down. Their servant is lost. Perseverance brings danger."

This line describes a situation where the wanderer’s temporary lodging is destroyed, and their support is lost. It advises caution, as continuing in the same way leads to further danger. It may be time to change course or re-evaluate the situation.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"旅于處，得其資斧，我心不快。"
(Lǚ yú chù, dé qí zī fǔ, wǒ xīn bù kuài.)

"The wanderer rests in their place and obtains tools. Yet, the heart is not content."

This line speaks of a wanderer who finds temporary success or security, symbolized by obtaining tools. However, despite these gains, they feel unsettled or discontent. It advises recognizing that material success may not bring true satisfaction.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"射雉，一矢亡，終以譽命。"
(Shè zhì, yī shǐ wáng, zhōng yǐ yù mìng.)

"Shooting a pheasant. The first arrow misses, but in the end, praise is received."

This line describes initial failure, but eventual success. Although the first attempt may not succeed (symbolized by the missed arrow), perseverance leads to praise and recognition. It advises not giving up after early setbacks.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"鳥焚其巢，旅人先笑後號咷，喪牛于易，凶。"
(Niǎo fén qí cháo, lǚ rén xiān xiào hòu háo táo, sàng niú yú yì, xiōng.)

"The bird burns its nest. The wanderer laughs first, then cries out in grief. The ox is lost at the border. Misfortune."

This line speaks of a situation where one’s temporary success is destroyed, symbolized by the burned nest. The wanderer’s initial joy turns to grief as they realize their loss. It advises avoiding reckless actions and recognizing the fragility of the situation.