Lu :: Treading

Treading on the tiger's tail: one is not bitten: Offerings

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6 :: first

Walking with plain shoes. No harm.

Humility guards against misfortune. Plain shoes represent unpretentious actions. Your innocence creates a kind of safety in a dangerous situation.

9 :: second

Smooth path. It is auspicious for the recluse.¹

You are walking along a level road. Your action has an inner clarity and sincerity that is inspired by contemplation (recluse). Stay tuned to these inner promptings.

6 :: third

The blind and lame can see and walk, but treading on the tiger's tail, they are bitten. There is disaster for the warrior.

A minor impertinence can be forgiven, but persevering in pretense and aggression results in disaster. Your behavior puts you at grave risk (tiger). Don't exaggerate your strength or underestimate your opponent.

9 :: fourth

Treading on the tiger's tail. Caution! It is ultimately auspicious.

By entering a very dangerous situation with circumspection and extreme cau-tion, you are able to succeed in the end. You may safely enter a dangerous situation (tiger's den) if you possess awareness, a well-informed strategy and a focused plan of escape.

9 :: fifth

Torn shoes. Danger.

You overestimate yourself and cannot reach your goal, but if you use your resources carefully you can escape danger. If you do not persist in going for-ward, you will not lose all. Your shoes are torn but you end up with no real injury.

6 :: top

Reflect on your actions. Read the omen. There is great good fortune.

How do we overcome danger? Think carefully, divine the auspices, review precedents and follow them carefully. When you act with clarity, sincerity and inspiration anything is possible. Good fortune inspires generosity. Selfish tangents are disastrous.

Image

Generally, the weak follow the strong (tiger). But from time to time the weak unexpectedly take the lead. Lu is the situation where the strong (tiger) give the weak (fawn) an unexpected freedom. When a tiger is not hungry or provoked (tread upon) it allows its usual prey to play safely nearby. Clarity and sincerity are the only defense against the unpredictable dangers represented by the tiger.²

Auspices

The weak, inexperienced or naive may succeed when given the freedom and daring to lead. Unique circumstances lead to an unexpected or unusual out-come. The process contains danger because you do not have the power to create success with certainty. Everything depends on exactly how you conduct your-self. Humility, caution, fear-management, and contemplation bring success.

Good for following superiors, using standard protocols and decorum in new ways.

Bad for distant travel, initiating projects, long-term planning, moving home, and marriage.

Comment

Lu advises against audacity and aggression when you lack insight in a situation. When Lu is divined you should be realistic, read the omen carefully and develop a clear plan before you take action. There is formidable danger all around but it has unexpectedly passed you by. Meticulous plans and precise action can shield you from risk.

Other Correspondences

Business: Cautious mergers, franchising your idea or product, and hiring consultants.

Disharmonies: Bone, tendon and ligament injury, qi deficiency, and skin rashes.

Prognosis: Good. The patient has challenged immunity and/or weak constitu-tion. He/she must carefully follow the physician's advice or the illness will get worse.