Hexagram 56 changing to 35: The Wanderer to Progress

Where it starts: 56 The Wanderer

Fire on the mountain, passing on: the stranger in a strange place, who succeeds in small things by courtesy and reserve. 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.

Where it goes: 35 Progress

The sun rising over the earth: rapid, easy progress, and a leader who is rewarded and received three times a day. Earth below, fire above: the sun climbing above the land, light spreading. Progress is the hexagram of advance that meets no serious resistance, of the capable person recognised by an enlightened superior. The tradition's judgement is of a powerful prince honoured with horses in large numbers and received in audience three times in a single day. The reading says the way is open and the advance is favoured, and the image adds the condition: the wise person brightens their own virtue. Progress of this kind is sustained by clarity of character, not by the momentum alone.

The lines that move

1. Line 3

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

   The outsider who meddles in affairs not their own, and loses the shelter and the loyalty they had. Arrogance in a guest is punished quickly. The line is the warning line of the hexagram. Do not interfere in what is not yours; you will lose your shelter and your helper.

What is changing. The situation of The Wanderer is moving toward Progress. Behave as a good guest: modest, courteous, reserved, and careful about disputes and companions. As the change completes: Advance while the road is open, and keep your conduct as clear as the light.

love and relationships

Now: One of you is passing through, or the relationship is in a transitional, unsettled phase with no fixed home. Do not demand the rights of permanence. Be courteous, choose carefully whom you trust, and keep your reserve. The lines describe both the wanderer who finds a resting place and the one who burns it down. Then: Things are moving forward easily and being met with warmth. Enjoy the advance and keep your conduct clear. The lines warn against pressing on when the advance is not being received, and against advancing in the wrong spirit.

career

Now: 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. Then: Rapid, recognised progress: the right superior, the open road, the rewards arriving. Advance confidently and keep your character bright; the reading ties the durability of the progress to the clarity of the person making it.

money

Now: Travelling light. Keep your resources with you, do not invest in a place you are passing through, and avoid disputes that would cost more than they are worth. Small, careful gains. Then: Gains come easily and are recognised. Advance, but do not chase; the reading supports progress that follows from real merit and warns against grasping for more than is being offered.

decisions

Now: Choose the modest option that suits someone without standing. The reading rules out large commitments and prolonged conflicts. Decide as a guest would, with courtesy and an eye to moving on. Then: Take the forward option. The conditions favour advance and the door is open. Make the decision in the spirit of someone whose conduct can bear being seen in full daylight.