I Ching · Hexagram 56 The Wanderer
Hexagram 56 for career: The Wanderer
旅 Lǚ · Career
You are the outsider: new, temporary, without standing. Success is in small things. Be modest, reliable and reserved; do not throw your weight about, and do not entangle yourself in the disputes of the place. The inn is found by good conduct.
Mountain below, fire above: fire burning on a mountain, moving on as the grass is consumed, never staying. The Wanderer describes the condition of being away from home, without standing, dependent on the goodwill of strangers: a traveller, an outsider, someone whose position is temporary. The tradition's judgement is modest: success through smallness, persistence brings good fortune. The image adds the rule of conduct: the wise person is clear-minded and cautious in imposing penalties and does not prolong disputes. The reading says you are, in some sense, passing through, and that the way to do it well is with restraint, courtesy, care in choosing companions, and no expectation of the rights of a resident.
- Advice
- Behave as a good guest: modest, courteous, reserved, and careful about disputes and companions.
- Warning
- The wanderer who acts like a resident, or who laughs first and weeps later, loses the shelter that courtesy would have kept.
The changing lines, read for career
If your cast of Hexagram 56 had changing lines, these are what each one adds to a career question, and where each leads.
Line 1 · changes into 30 The Clinging
If the wanderer busies himself with trivial things, he draws misfortune on himself. Do not lower yourself to trivialities; it costs the little standing you have.
Line 2 · changes into 50 The Cauldron
The wanderer comes to an inn. He has his property with him. He wins the steadfastness of a young servant. Conduct yourself well and the inn, the means and the loyal helper follow.
Line 3 · changes into 35 Progress
The wanderer's inn burns down. He loses the steadfastness of his young servant. Danger. Do not interfere in what is not yours; you will lose your shelter and your helper.
Line 4 · changes into 52 Keeping Still
The wanderer rests in a shelter. He obtains his property and an axe. My heart is not glad. You are safe for now; do not mistake the shelter for home.
Line 5 · changes into 33 Retreat
He shoots a pheasant. It drops with the first arrow. In the end this brings both praise and office. Offer what the place values, skilfully, and you will be accepted.
Line 6 · changes into 62 Small Excess
The bird's nest burns up. The wanderer laughs at first, then must lament and weep. Through carelessness he loses his cow. Misfortune. Do not forget you are passing through; carelessness here loses everything.
Hexagram 56 in fullLove & relationshipsMoneyA decision
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