Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 5
The Traveler becomes Treading Carefully
What this change means
Four lines move, the three lower ones and the fifth, and a lake now lies under Heaven. In the resulting hexagram, 10 Treading Carefully, two lines stay as they were, the fourth and the sixth, and they shape the advice. The fourth says you're entering a risky venture, but inner strength and firmness can carry you through. The sixth says that watching for favorable signs, and then acting decisively, leads to success. From the shifting ground of The Traveler, this becomes a delicate situation where conduct matters. Move with awareness and gentleness, and even possible rivals may give way. So don't rush the risk. Read the signs, wait for the right one, then commit with full firmness. Careful steps and a decisive moment belong together here.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still
You're getting involved in a risky venture, but your inner strength and firmness will help you succeed.
Stepping on the tiger's tail. Wary, wary; in the end, good fortune.
- Line 6 of 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still
If you watch for the favorable signs to know when to act, and then act decisively, you'll succeed.
Looking back over the steps taken, examining the signs. If it turns back on itself: great good fortune.
- The judgment of 56 The Traveler
It's a time of small achievements. Keep a light, flexible attitude. You may be facing a period of change, new places or situations that ask you to adapt while they settle: let go of attachments and be gracious as you make new connections and your situation takes hold.
Small success. For the traveler, constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 1 of 56 The Traveler
It's a time to act with dignity and focus on what really matters right now. Relaxing too much and not taking things seriously will bring trouble.
The traveler, small and niggling: so disaster is brought on.
- Line 2 of 56 The Traveler
You carry with you the resources you need to be secure wherever you are and whatever comes up. You'll draw help from simple, capable people.
The traveler reaches the inn, carries their goods close, and gains a young servant who is loyal.
- Line 3 of 56 The Traveler
If you lose your kindness now and turn irritable and aggressive, you'll bring on trouble.
The traveler burns down the inn and loses the young servant. Constancy is in danger.
- Line 5 of 56 The Traveler
If you can enjoy this passing situation and make the most of it, you'll achieve things.
Shoots a pheasant; one arrow is lost. In the end, renown and a mandate.
- The judgment of 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
10 Treading Carefully → 56 The Travelerlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
Other transformations of The Traveler
- 41Decreaselines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 42Increaselines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 7The Armylines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 63After the Endlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 8Unionlines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.