All hexagrams · ← 9 · 11 →
履 10 · Lǚ · Treading Carefully
Heaven over Lake — upper Qián 乾 (creative, strong, initiating); lower Duì 兌 (joyous, open, exchanging)
Hexagram 10, Treading Carefully (Lǚ, 履), is Heaven over Lake. Treading on the tiger’s tail. Delicate circumstances; conduct and courtesy matter.
The situation
Treading on the tiger’s tail. Delicate circumstances; conduct and courtesy matter.
The counsel
Move with awareness of your position and others’. Simplicity and respect carry you through.
The six lines
Line 1 — Simple conduct. Proceed without blame.
Line 2 — The quiet path of the retiring person. Good.
Line 3 — The one-eyed sees, the lame walks; they overreach. Misfortune.
Line 4 — Treading the tiger’s tail with caution. It ends well.
Line 5 — Resolute conduct, aware of danger.
Line 6 — Review your path and its signs. Good if you have been consistent.