I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 10: Treading
Lu · 履
Walking a delicate situation with tact and good manners. Right conduct passes even through danger.
- conduct
- prudence
- courtesy
- calculated risk
- Upper trigram
- Heaven 乾 · Creative Force
- Lower trigram
- Lake 兌 · Joy
The Judgment
TREADING. Treading upon the tail of the tiger; it does not bite the man. Success.
The Image
Heaven above, the lake below. Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low, and steadies the mind of the people.
Meaning
The hexagram 'Treading' carries the energy of Heaven (Creative Force) acting upon Lake (Joy). This moment asks for balance between leading outwardly and communicating inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests bold initiative combined with pleasure and exchange. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors expansion and leadership grounded in sales and partnerships. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Heaven above Lake suggests a natural dynamic of creative force over joy.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.
Nine in the 1st place
First position: the force is still hidden and unripe. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Treading — the matter is conduct: that is the theme this line is changing.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Treading — the matter is conduct: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 2nd place
Second position: centered strength, recognized from afar. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Treading — the matter is conduct: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Treading — the matter is conduct: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 3rd place
Third position: weakness at a point that demands strength. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Treading — the matter is conduct: that is the theme this line is changing.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Treading — the matter is conduct: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 4th place
Fourth position: the minister at the ruler’s side. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Heaven (Creative Force) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Treading — the matter is conduct: that is the theme this line is changing.
Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Treading — the matter is conduct: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 5th place
Fifth position: the place of the ruler. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Heaven (Creative Force) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Treading — the matter is conduct: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Treading — the matter is conduct: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 6th place
Sixth position: beyond the summit, the excess. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Heaven (Creative Force) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Treading — the matter is conduct: that is the theme this line is changing.
The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Treading — the matter is conduct: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 10 mean?
Treading (Lu): The hexagram 'Treading' carries the energy of Heaven (Creative Force) acting upon Lake (Joy). This moment asks for balance between leading outwardly and communicating inwardly.
What does hexagram 10 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests bold initiative combined with pleasure and exchange. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 10 say about work?
At work, the energy favors expansion and leadership grounded in sales and partnerships. Consolidate your base.