The Meaning of Hexagram #56

Hexagram number 56 indicates a journey of discovery. It could be an outer journey to a new place or employment, or may reference a journey of self-discovery. This is a time to be sincere and extremely honest with yourself. What are you really looking for? Where do you think it will be found? Wandering over mountain tops, the wise person sees each step as a gift, and knows that home is always right where one stands. If you feel like staying, stay. If you feel like moving, move. Let your heart be your guide.

NOTE: Want to know how I Ching hexagram #56, "Mountain below Fire", is interpreted for questions about love, marriage and dating? See our special Hexagram #56 Love I Ching interpretation.

Changing Lines in Hexagram #56

Changes in Line 1

"Ignoring Trivial Concerns"

If you focus on trivial worries as you journey through life, this will lead to misfortune. There is no reason to get defensive at this time. Treat others with respect and they will treat you the same.

Changes in Line 2

"Your Needs are Met Easily"

There will be sufficient funds, food, shelter and friendships to help you on your journey. Relax. This is a time when you are touched by grace.

Changes in Line 3

"The Burning Inn"

Extend kindness to strangers on the path. The image of the burning Inn implies you have over

Changes in Line 4

"Visiting a Small Shelter"

This line means to be grateful for even the simplest pleasures in life. Limit your desires to that which you can really use. Travel lightly.

Changes in Line 5

"Shooting an Arrow Straight On"

This image implies a situation where you will be praised for your talents. You will make friends easily, even if you are in a new land

Changes in Line 6

"The Burning Nest"

This will be a time when you lose your resting place. Though unfortunate, the wise person continues on, trusting that this loss is all for the best in the end.

The 2 Trigrams Inside Hexagram #56

I Ching hexagram #56 is built out of two 3-line trigrams layered above one another. The lower 3 lines of hexagram #56 form the trigram for Mountain, while the upper 3 lines form the trigram for Fire.

NOTE: A quick rule of thumb is that the upper trigram references external forces or energies, while the bottom trigram references internal forces or energies.

Hexagram #56's Lower Trigram of Mountain

The looming and majestic trigram of the mountain represents stillness and something immobile. The trigram of mountain is powerful, silent and eternal. Simultaneously, its effect is calming and non-combative. The trigram of mountain may also represent a 'third son' or the direction of northeast.

Hexagram #56's Upper Trigram of Fire

The warming trigram representing fire is sometimes known by the more classical names, 'Attachment' or 'Dependence'. The fire trigram is associated with illumination and something that is both adapted and a source of warmth and security. Fire may also point to a 'second daughter' or possibly the compass direction of 'south'.

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List of all possible changes for hexagram #56

A note on iFate's I Ching translation: This is not a direct translation of the original "Book of Changes" from 1000 BC. While multiple translations of the original text are available, they include many archaic references and can be difficult to understand for 21st century readers. iFate uses our own modern rewritings (two different editions) of the "Book of Changes" which makes interpreting I Ching readings far simpler. For iFate's additional contemporary re-writing of the original text, see our "Love I Ching" translation.