Hexagram 10 · 天泽履

Treading

Metal · Gen palace

Careful conduct near power or risk.

Meaning

The lake below heaven, still water under a strong force. Treading describes moving safely through a situation where one wrong step is costly.

Decision Framework

Advance carefully, with correct conduct.

Decision Guidance

Treading is the hexagram of conscious care. It appears when you must continue forward but the footing is genuinely narrow, whether that is a powerful counterpart, a sensitive negotiation, or a commitment that would be costly to unwind.

The recommendation is not to stop but to behave impeccably. Observe the conventions of the situation, keep your word, and avoid provocation even when you have the upper hand. The classical text attaches good fortune to the person who treads the tiger's tail without being bitten, which is a description of discipline rather than luck.

Judgment — Classical Text

履虎尾，不咥人，亨。

EN Treading on the tiger's tail; it does not bite — success.

The Six Lines — Classical Text

1. 初九：素履往，无咎。

   EN Initial nine: walk plainly forward — no blame.

2. 九二：履道坦坦，幽人贞吉。

   EN Nine in the second: the path is level and broad; the solitary one's perseverance brings good fortune.

3. 六三：眇能视，跛能履，履虎尾，咥人凶。

   EN Six in the third: one-eyed yet able to see, lame yet able to walk — treading the tiger's tail, it bites: misfortune.

4. 九四：履虎尾，愬愬，终吉。

   EN Nine in the fourth: treading the tiger's tail with apprehension — the end is good fortune.

5. 九五：夬履，贞厉。

   EN Nine in the fifth: resolute treading; perseverance brings danger.

6. 上九：视履考祥，其旋元吉。

   EN Topmost nine: review your steps and examine the omens; the full circle brings supreme good fortune.

Keywords

I Ching hexagram 10, Treading hexagram, Lu hexagram meaning, hexagram for careful action