Hexagram 10, Line 3

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line presents a potent image of overreaching and recklessness. The individual described is handicapped—"one-eyed" and "lame"—symbolizing a limited perspective and impaired ability. Despite these clear deficiencies, they attempt a dangerous task: treading on the tiger's tail. Their ambition far outstrips their capability. The result is inevitable and harsh: the tiger turns and bites, signifying misfortune and painful consequences. The final sentence, "This is how a warrior acts for his great prince," is not praise. It describes a person with a warrior's brute force and blind determination, but lacking the wisdom, circumspection, and skill of a true leader. They mistake stubbornness for strength and charge forward based on a rigid will, ignoring their own limitations and the clear dangers of the situation. This line is a stark warning against hubris, impulsivity, and acting without a realistic assessment of one's own abilities and the context of the situation.

Guidance for Action

This is a critical moment for self-assessment. You must honestly evaluate your capabilities and your understanding of the current situation. Do not allow ego, ambition, or a rigid sense of duty to push you into action for which you are unprepared. You may have a limited view ("one-eyed") or be proceeding on a weak foundation ("lame"). To charge forward now is to invite a painful setback. Stop. Re-evaluate your plan, your resources, and your blind spots. Acknowledging your limitations is not weakness; it is the highest form of wisdom in this context. Do not be the "warrior" who acts with brute force. Instead, be the strategist who waits, gathers more information, seeks counsel, and only proceeds when the path is clear and their own strength is sufficient.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line warns against forcing an issue based on a limited, one-sided perspective. You may feel you are "seeing" the problem, but you are likely "one-eyed," missing your partner's point of view entirely. Pushing forward with demands, accusations, or ultimatums ("treading on the tiger's tail") is extremely risky. Your partner, feeling threatened and misunderstood, is likely to "bite back" with anger, defensiveness, or withdrawal, causing significant damage to the relationship. This is not a time for bold, "warrior-like" confrontation. It is a time to humbly admit you don't have all the answers and to stop walking on a "lame" leg of faulty assumptions. Acknowledge your own part in the dynamic and seek to understand, not to conquer.

For Career & Business

This line points to a dangerous situation at work where you may be tempted to take on a project, challenge a superior, or make a bold move that is beyond your current skill set or authority. You might believe your determination and hard work are enough, but you are operating with limited information or capability. This is the "warrior" mentality—acting with blind loyalty or ambition without strategic foresight. Proceeding this way will likely lead to failure, reprimand, or damage to your professional reputation ("the tiger bites"). Step back immediately. Do not overestimate your influence or understanding of the complex dynamics at play. It is better to appear cautious and ask for guidance than to appear foolish and reckless.

For Financial Matters

This is a major red flag against any form of speculative or impulsive financial action. You may think you've spotted an opportunity, but your vision is "one-eyed"—you are not seeing the full picture, especially the risks. Acting on this limited information is like treading on the tail of a volatile market. The potential for a sudden, sharp loss ("the tiger bites") is extremely high. This line warns against get-rich-quick schemes, high-leverage trades, or investing in something you don't fully understand. Your will to make money is strong, but your foundation of knowledge and strategy is "lame." Adhere to caution, stick to proven strategies, and do not let ego drive your financial decisions.