履
LǚUpper: Heaven · 乾 · Lower: Marsh · 兑
Judgment履虎尾，不咥人，亨。
In plain wordsHe treads on the tiger's tail and it does not bite him: success. Even a risky position can be passed safely with courtesy, care and a gentle manner.
The imageHeaven above, lake below: the high and the low are clearly ordered, like someone walking carefully behind a tiger.
A hint for youWith people or settings that put you under pressure, politeness and restraint often work better than head-on force. Check the ground at each step, and do not rush to show off.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初九素履，往无咎。The first line, undivided, shows its subject treading his accustomed path. If he go forward, there will be no error.
- 九二履道坦坦，幽人贞吉。The second line, undivided, shows its subject treading the path that is level and easy;—a quiet and solitary man, to whom, if he be firm and correct, there will be good fortune.
- 六三眇能视，跛能履，履虎尾，咥人，凶。武人为于大君。The third line, divided, shows a one-eyed man (who thinks he) can see; a lame man (who thinks he) can walk well; one who treads on the tail of a tiger and is bitten. (All this indicates) ill fortune. We have a (mere) bravo acting the part of a great ruler.
- 九四履虎尾，愬愬终吉。The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject treading on the tail of a tiger. He becomes full of apprehensive caution, and in the end there will be good fortune.
- 九五夬履，贞厉。The fifth line, undivided, shows the resolute tread of its subject. Though he be firm and correct, there will be peril.
- 上九视履考详，其旋元吉。The sixth line, undivided, tells us to look at (the whole course) that is trodden, and examine the presage which that gives. If it be complete and without failure, there will be great good fortune.
Careful steps; mind your conduct
For entertainment and self-reflection only