Hexagram 56 of 64
The Wanderer旅
Fire on the mountain. The noble person applies penalties clearly and carefully, and does not keep cases open.
- Upper
- Fire
- Lower
- Mountain
- Order
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小亨，旅貞吉。
Judgment: Small success. For the traveler, steadiness brings good fortune.
山上有火，旅；君子以明慎用刑，而不留獄。
Image: Fire on the mountain. The noble person applies penalties clearly and carefully, and does not keep cases open.
In plain words
The situation: You are away from home with no base.
What you can do: Be careful and courteous, and stay out of trouble.
For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.
The six lines
- 上九鳥焚其巢，旅人先笑後號咷。喪牛于易，凶。The bird burns its nest. The traveler first laughs, then cries out. The ox is lost at the border. Misfortune.In shortArrogance burns your own nest; laughter turns to wailing as you lose your footing.
- 六五射雉一矢亡，終以譽命。Shooting a pheasant, one arrow is lost. In the end comes praise and rank.In shortA small cost at first earns you a good name in the end.
- 九四旅于處，得其資斧，我心不快。The traveler finds a place to stay and gains money and an axe. My heart is not glad.In shortYou have a place and means for now, yet your heart is uneasy.
- 九三旅焚其次，喪其童僕，貞厲。The traveler's inn burns down, and the young servant is lost. Steadiness brings danger.In shortActing harshly abroad costs you shelter and helpers; it is risky, so soften.
- 六二旅即次，懷其資，得童僕貞。The traveler reaches an inn, carrying money, and gains a loyal young servant. Steady.In shortAway from home, you find lodging, keep your means, and gain loyal help.
- 初六旅瑣瑣，斯其所取災。The traveler fusses over small things. This brings disaster.In shortBeing petty while away from home only invites trouble.
Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.