Hexagram Image: [Upper Trigram: Qián (Heaven), Lower Trigram: Duì (Lake)]

Upper Trigram: Qián (Heaven) Lower Trigram: Duì (Lake)

Judgment: Lǚ: Treading on the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success.

Symbolism: Careful conduct, proper behavior, dignity with joy, proceeding with caution

Meaning of the Hexagram

The Lǚ hexagram symbolizes treading or conduct. The character “Lǚ” represents walking, treading, or conducting oneself. This hexagram is composed of the lower trigram Duì (Lake) and the upper trigram Qián (Heaven), symbolizing heaven above the lake, like walking carefully on thin ice, requiring both joy (lake) and strength (heaven).

On a philosophical level, the Lǚ hexagram explores the wisdom of proper conduct and careful progress. True wisdom is not just knowing what to do but how to proceed with appropriate caution and dignity. The Lǚ hexagram reminds us that navigating dangerous or delicate situations requires both confidence and caution, joy and respect, to achieve success.

Analysis of the Judgment

“Lǚ: Treading on the tail of the tiger” presents a vivid image of a dangerous situation requiring careful handling—stepping on a tiger’s tail puts one in peril, yet it is possible to navigate this danger.

“It does not bite the man” indicates that despite the danger, harm can be avoided through proper conduct.

“Success” confirms that careful treading in difficult situations leads to positive outcomes.

Overall, the judgment emphasizes that even in dangerous or delicate situations, success is possible through proper conduct, careful progress, and the right balance of confidence and caution, thus transforming potential danger into safe passage.

Line Statements

Initial Nine: Simple conduct. Progress without blame.

• Symbolism: Simple conduct, progress without blame
• Interpretation: Simple conduct. Progress without blame
• Application: Suggests that in the initial stage of a delicate situation, straightforward and uncomplicated behavior is the appropriate approach, allowing for progress without incurring blame or problems

Nine in the Second Place: Treading a smooth, level course. The perseverance of a dark man brings good fortune.

• Symbolism: Treading smooth level course, dark man’s perseverance brings fortune
• Interpretation: Treading a smooth, level course. The perseverance of a dark man brings good fortune
• Application: Describes the benefit of finding a balanced and even path through difficulties, suggesting that consistent, steady progress with perseverance brings good fortune, especially for those who work diligently without seeking the spotlight

Six in the Third Place: A one-eyed man is able to see. A lame man is able to tread. He treads on the tail of the tiger. The tiger bites the man. Misfortune. Thus does a warrior act on behalf of his great prince.

• Symbolism: One-eyed man seeing, lame man treading, tiger biting man
• Interpretation: A one-eyed man is able to see. A lame man is able to tread. He treads on the tail of the tiger. The tiger bites the man. Misfortune. Thus does a warrior act on behalf of his great prince
• Application: Warns against overestimating one’s abilities in dangerous situations, suggesting that proceeding with significant limitations (like impaired vision or mobility) in high-risk scenarios leads to misfortune, though such sacrifice may sometimes be necessary in service to a greater cause

Nine in the Fourth Place: Treading on the tail of the tiger. Caution and circumspection lead ultimately to good fortune.

• Symbolism: Treading tiger’s tail, caution and circumspection leading to fortune
• Interpretation: Treading on the tail of the tiger. Caution and circumspection lead ultimately to good fortune
• Application: Emphasizes that in the most dangerous moments, extreme caution and careful attention to every detail are essential for navigating safely, suggesting that such mindful approach ultimately leads to good fortune

Nine in the Fifth Place: Resolute conduct. Perseverance with awareness of danger.

• Symbolism: Resolute conduct, perseverance with danger awareness
• Interpretation: Resolute conduct. Perseverance with awareness of danger
• Application: Describes the ideal approach to difficult situations—moving forward with determination and confidence while maintaining full awareness of potential dangers, suggesting that this balanced approach allows for effective progress through challenges

Top Nine: Look to your conduct and consider the favorable signs. When everything is finished, supreme good fortune comes.

• Symbolism: Looking to conduct, considering signs, supreme fortune when finished
• Interpretation: Look to your conduct and consider the favorable signs. When everything is finished, supreme good fortune comes
• Application: Advises reflection on one’s behavior and attention to signs of progress or warning, suggesting that such mindful awareness throughout a challenging process leads to the highest good fortune upon completion

Interpretation Guide Table

Hexagram Transformations

Derived Hexagram: Varies depending on changing lines Mutual Hexagram: Dà Yǒu hexagram Opposite Hexagram: Guān hexagram Nuclear Hexagram: Jiàn hexagram

Najia and Five Elements

The Lǚ hexagram has the upper trigram Qián which belongs to metal, and the lower trigram Duì which belongs to metal as well. In the Najia system, Qián trigram is assigned to Qián Palace Jiǎ Zǐ, and Duì trigram is assigned to Duì Palace Dīng Yǒu.

In terms of Five Elements relationships, both the lower trigram Duì and the upper trigram Qián are metal, creating a double metal influence. This reinforcement of the same element symbolizes strength and firmness (metal’s qualities), but also suggests the need for flexibility and caution when dealing with such concentrated energy. This also echoes the theme of treading described in the Lǚ hexagram, suggesting that navigating powerful situations requires both the strength and dignity of metal, but also the awareness that too much rigidity without caution can lead to danger, like treading on a tiger’s tail.

Modern Application Examples

1. Workplace Navigation: A professional navigating a sensitive workplace situation receives the Lǚ hexagram. This reminds them that even in potentially dangerous office politics (“Treading on the tail of the tiger”), harm can be avoided through proper conduct (“It does not bite the man”), leading to success. “Initial Nine: Simple conduct…” suggests that in the early stages of this situation, straightforward and uncomplicated behavior is best, avoiding complex schemes or politics. “Nine in the Second Place: Treading a smooth, level course…” encourages them to find a balanced path through the workplace challenge, maintaining steady progress with perseverance rather than seeking dramatic solutions. “Six in the Third Place: A one-eyed man…” warns against proceeding with significant blind spots or limitations in understanding the situation, as this could lead to workplace “injury.” “Nine in the Fourth Place: Treading on the tail of the tiger…” emphasizes that in the most sensitive aspects of the situation, extreme caution and attention to every detail of communication and behavior are essential. “Nine in the Fifth Place: Resolute conduct…” describes the ideal approach—moving forward with determination and confidence while maintaining full awareness of potential pitfalls and office politics. “Top Nine: Look to your conduct…” advises them to regularly reflect on their behavior and pay attention to feedback and warning signs throughout the process. Overall, the Lǚ hexagram advises them to navigate the workplace situation with straightforward behavior, balanced approach, awareness of limitations, careful attention to details, confident yet cautious progress, and regular reflection, thus transforming a potentially dangerous situation into a successful outcome.

2. Relationship Development: A person navigating a new relationship receives the Lǚ hexagram. “Treading on the tail of the tiger” relates to the delicate nature of new relationships, where missteps can cause harm. “It does not bite the man. Success” encourages them that despite the risks of vulnerability, positive outcomes are possible through proper conduct. “Initial Nine: Simple conduct…” suggests that in the early stages of the relationship, straightforward and authentic behavior is best, avoiding games or manipulation. “Nine in the Second Place: Treading a smooth, level course…” encourages them to find a balanced approach to the relationship, neither rushing nor holding back excessively, and persevering with patience. “Six in the Third Place: A one-eyed man…” warns against proceeding with significant blind spots about their partner or themselves, as this could lead to emotional injury. “Nine in the Fourth Place: Treading on the tail of the tiger…” emphasizes that in the most vulnerable moments of the relationship, extreme care with words and actions is essential. “Nine in the Fifth Place: Resolute conduct…” describes the ideal approach—moving forward with confidence and authentic intention while maintaining awareness of emotional boundaries and potential relationship pitfalls. “Top Nine: Look to your conduct…” advises them to regularly reflect on their behavior in the relationship and pay attention to how their partner responds. Overall, the Lǚ hexagram perfectly describes healthy relationship development: authenticity, balanced pacing, awareness of blind spots, careful handling of vulnerability, confident yet mindful engagement, and regular reflection. It advises them to approach their relationship with these principles, thus building a connection that is both deep and safe.

3. Career Transition: A person making a significant career change receives the Lǚ hexagram. “Treading on the tail of the tiger” relates to the inherent risks of changing careers. “It does not bite the man. Success” encourages them that despite these risks, positive outcomes are possible through proper conduct. “Initial Nine: Simple conduct…” suggests that in the beginning of their career transition, straightforward and methodical steps are best, avoiding overly complex or risky strategies. “Nine in the Second Place: Treading a smooth, level course…” encourages them to find a balanced approach to the transition, making steady progress with perseverance rather than dramatic leaps. “Six in the Third Place: A one-eyed man…” warns against proceeding with significant gaps in skills or knowledge without addressing them, as this could lead to career setbacks. “Nine in the Fourth Place: Treading on the tail of the tiger…” emphasizes that in the most critical moments of the transition, such as interviews or first impressions at a new job, extreme attention to detail and careful preparation are essential. “Nine in the Fifth Place: Resolute conduct…” describes the ideal approach—moving forward with determination and confidence while maintaining awareness of challenges and potential pitfalls in the new career. “Top Nine: Look to your conduct…” advises them to regularly reflect on their professional development and pay attention to feedback throughout the transition process. Overall, the Lǚ hexagram advises them to approach career transition with methodical steps, balanced pacing, addressing skill gaps, careful preparation for critical moments, confident yet mindful progress, and regular reflection, thus transforming a potentially risky career change into a successful new chapter.