What this hexagram is about
Heaven above, the lake below — to walk as though treading on a tiger's tail, the image of stepping on thin ice. It speaks of treading the ground with care and conducting oneself by propriety; in dangerous straits, it is caution and a sense of measure that keep one safe.
The Judgment 卦辞
履虎尾，不咥人，亨。
Treading on the tiger's tail — it does not bite the man. Success.
The Image 大象传
《象》曰：上天下泽，履；君子以辩上下，定民志。
Heaven above, lake below; so the noble person distinguishes high from low and settles the people's will.
Commentary on the Lines 小象传
素履之往，独行愿也。
Treading the plain, simple way — walking alone by one's own resolve.
The Six Lines (hover over the figure above)
Nine at the top视履考祥，其旋元吉。
Look back over the whole course of your conduct and weigh its omens of fortune and ill; if it proves complete and sound, there is great good fortune.
Nine in the fifth place夬履，贞厉。
To go forward with firm resolve; where firmness turns excessive, hold to what is right to guard against danger.
Nine in the fourth place履虎尾，愬愬终吉。
One treads on the tiger's tail, yet with wary dread, as though at the edge of an abyss; in the end, good fortune.
Nine in the third place眇能视，跛能履，履虎尾，咥人，凶。武人为于大君。
The half-blind think they see clearly, the lame think they can travel far; to push ahead so is to tread on the tiger's tail and be bitten — misfortune. This befalls the rash and overbold who usurp a place above their station.
Nine in the second place履道坦坦，幽人贞吉。
Treading the level highroad; the quiet, self-possessed one who holds to what is right meets good fortune.
Initial Six素履，往无咎。
To act with a plain and unassuming heart; to go forward brings no fault.