Hexagram 10

Lǚ, Treading

Hex.10 is is complementary to hex.11

Gua Poem:
Stepping on the tiger's tail. He does not bite man. Expansion.

The great image says: Above is Heaven, below is the Marsh: treading. The noble one discriminates between high and low. He gives the ambitions of the people the suitable position.

The character lu treading, or simply shoes, is an image of a 'formal' person, a road, a foot and a boat-like shoe. It is about conduct, rites, holding an office: the way you behave among others. More about Lu

If you receive Lu as primary or relating hexagram, it is important that you or your surroundings behave in an ethical way.

The trigrams: Lake below Heaven. Lake is the openness to others, contact. Heaven means this happens according to the laws of Heaven: in an honest way, with the right timing.

If no lines change: either the situation is such that you cannot do anything or change much about it, or there is no need for it and things simply are the way they are.

If all lines change: Hex.10 is not the opposite of 11, it is complementary. A 'time of 11' doesn't need your reigns, rather an openness of mind to see the blessings and opportunities which you find on your path.
(hex.1's 2 Field)

Top line: Observe the steps. Forefather sacrifice. His return: eminent auspiciousness.
Do not just fill in your duties or perform your rituals, but look always for the signs of their meaning. They are the omens which reveal the sense of life. If one can integrate these signs, sometimes small and hardly visible but always rich, in his soul, his life will be meaningful and rewarding. (About the steps of the ancestor see HERE)
(hex.10 its 58 Interaction about discernment in communication) Mirror

Line 5: Decisive treading. Determination: danger.
When one's treading is strong and clear and decisive, one summons danger, but one also creates lasting values. The soft and half way is safer, but has only a short life with few accomplishments. Do not always show your convictions right away though. Be decisive but not irresponsible. Explore the situation, the ambiance, the feelings of the others. Find in every situation anew the best course of action.
(hex.10 its 38 Squinting about being similar and yet different) Mirror

Line 4: Stepping on the tiger's tail. Panic, panic. The end is auspicious.
If you are doing something big or dangerous, then first of all make sure if it makes sense to do it. Risk your life for a real goal, or if you feel you have to. If the goal is not big enough, then it is better to be a scaredy-cat.
(hex.10 its 61 Inner truth about staying true to yourself) Mirror

Line 3: Squinting, able to observe. Limping, able to walk. Tailing the tiger, he bites man, pitfall. A soldier acting like a great chief.
As long as one acts within one's abilities, no tiger will bite. A small thing done in a great way is great, a great thing done in a small way is small.
Adapt your actions to what is possible or not, what is smart, what is good in a situation, and what is within your abilities.
(hex.10 its 1 Timing about acting right according to the time) Mirror

Line 2: Walking the way, calm and frank. Hermit’s determination, auspicious.
To live a real life means to be faithful to oneself and to follow one's own road. Out of reach of society this road is straight, but in the world of people one will have to defend it. Hold on to it, always.
(hex.10 its 25 Natural about the freedom of living without intention) Mirror

Bottom line: Plain white shoes. To proceed is without fault.
Moving simple and without pretensions, pure in your intentions and not needing anyone or leaning on anything not your own. That is the way to lead your life without being impaired or restricted.
(hex.10 its 6 Contention with advice when not to contend) Mirror

More about the lines and their characters