Trigrams
☲☶ – Fire above, Mountain below
Meaning
Represents the situation of the wanderer or traveler — far from home, in unfamiliar territory. The stranger must be careful, modest, and unobtrusive. Do not linger too long or make great demands. Small success comes to those who wander with dignity and self-restraint.
Interpretation
- In unfamiliar situations, be modest and careful — do not overstep.
- Build a solid position step by step; do not rush or demand too much.
- The wanderer's power lies in mobility and adaptability, not in putting down deep roots.
Six Yao (Lines) with Classical Quotes
1st Yao (初爻)
旅琐琐，斯其所取灾。
English: The wanderer is petty and mean — this is how they bring disaster upon themselves. Being trivial and self-centered as a wanderer invites trouble.
Luck Level: Misfortune
2nd Yao (二爻)
旅即次，怀其资，得童仆，贞。
English: The wanderer arrives at the inn, carrying their valuables, finding a young servant. Correct. Finding a safe resting place, with resources intact and good help at hand.
Luck Level: Neutral
3rd Yao (三爻)
旅焚其次，丧其童仆，贞厉。
English: The wanderer's inn is burned — they lose their young servant. Persistence brings danger. Careless behavior as a stranger results in the loss of all that was gained.
Luck Level: Caution
4th Yao (四爻)
旅于处，得其资斧，我心不快。
English: The wanderer is at a resting place, with an axe in hand — but the heart is not happy. Having material security but inner dissatisfaction in the wandering condition.
Luck Level: Caution
5th Yao (五爻)
射雉，一矢亡，终以誉命。
English: Shooting a pheasant — one arrow, it is gone. In the end, praise and a mandate. A single decisive action brings recognition and appointment, despite the apparent loss.
Luck Level: Good
6th Yao (上爻)
鸟焚其巢，旅人先笑后号哷；丧牛于易，凶。
English: The bird burns its own nest — the wanderer first laughs, then wails and weeps. Losing the cow in easy territory — misfortune. Careless overconfidence leads to the destruction of one's own base.
Luck Level: Misfortune