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Friday, October 31, 2008
Splitting Apart / Deterioration:
"Splitting apart. It does not further one to go anywhere."
"In political affairs and matters
of power the time may be thought of as a rapid Deterioration or overthrow. There exists now an abundance of incompetent persons in positions of authority to help bring this about."
R.L. Wing.
Legg, writing in 1854, translates this hexagram as: "In political
life, the fashion of the times changes as the seasons. If one waits, a change for the better will appear shortly."
How about Tuesday, election day here in the USA?
The Yi is
telling us that the structure that is in place now will soon split apart. Because a major change is coming, it is not a good
time to start out on a significant venture of your own. Better to wait for the "change for the better" that
is coming shortly, and then chart your personal course in light of the new conditions.
Right
now, be like the image suggested by the hexagram, formed from the trigram Mountain over the trigram Earth: still, strong and
unmoving.
We received one changing line, Line 4. We'll look at the specific
advice in that line tomorrow.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
When we change Line 6 in After Completion, from yin to yang, our correspondent receives the future message The Family or The
Clan.
No. 37, The Family
"The Family. The
perseverance of the woman furthers."
As his future message, this means that our correspondent needs to shift his focus from the relationship that is over.
His future lies in other relationships. "The perseverance of the woman" refers not to a specific woman, but to the
concept that nurturing and feeling are the qualities that will serve him best in the future.
"Try to see all organizations, whether familial, social, or political,
as FAMILY groups and then determine your most comfortable position within them. If you hold to this natural aspect
of your character and understand the ensuing duties and responsibilities, you can more easily achieve your goals."
R.L. Wing
Wing adds this important
caveat, "Be certain, however, that you are not involved in carrying out a role for which you are unsuited, or a role
that has been cast upon you. This will rob your life of meaning."
This is a warning to our correspondent not to jump into a set role when he turns his attention to a group situation.
Too often we unthinkingly accept the role that primarily fits the expectations and agendas of others - "the
role that has been cast upon you." He needs to find a situation that is supportive of him, and has a role he can
fulfill that is truly right for him.
His original main readings indicated ultimate success. The Yi is telling him, with this future
message, the way to find it.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
From 63, After Completion, Line 6:
"He gets his head in the water. Danger."
The main message, After Completion, told our correspondent that the relationship
that was the subject of his question is essentially over, and that the
important task for him now is to turn his attention to
the new direction his life needs to take. [For his original question and main reading, see
Tuesday's Daily Yi.]
Receiving Line 6 as a changing line tells him that
there is considerable danger in "looking back" and hesitating just at the time a transition to a new stage of life
is almost complete. In other words, if it's over, it's over, and it's best to focus on the solid ground
waiting for him ahead. If he stops and looks back,
he may be swept back into the current - and he may even "go under."
The Yi is warning that he needs to move forward, without
looking - or turning - back. His readings have also contained significant portents of "success." We'll
look at what he needs to do to align himself with this trend toward success when we look at his future reading tomorrow.
11:12 am edt
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Our correspondent asked a follow-up question: "I also asked if she would be happy with me or want to be with me. I tossed the coins, the results were
7,8,7,8,7,6." No. 63, After Completion: "After Completion. Success in small matters.
Perseverance furthers.
At the
beginning, good fortune,
At the end disorder." First,
a caveat about the I Ching: It is a general rule of the I Ching that you can't ask questions for other people, or questions specifically about what other people will do. You are asking the Yi about
where you are in the grand scheme of things. We will view his question in that light.
And the answer, as the name of the hexagram, After Completion, suggests, is: This relationship is essentially over. The Wilhelm
translation puts it this way: "The transition from the old to the new time is already accomplished." Acceptance
of that, as a fact of life, is what is necessary now. Our correspondent needs to turn his attention to the new direction his
life needs to take. Taking small steps in that new direction will bring success.
A common problem is starting out in
that new direction, but being drawn back to old, familiar patterns. The Yi recognizes that, and is warning against returning
to the "disorder."
This reading came with one line of specific advice, Line 6, which is about
that tendency to look back. We look at that tomorrow.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Today we're looking
at a question from a correspondent: "I have this lady that I really like,
and asked the question, will she be the person for me? I have known her for a year and a half and now she had
moved away and thinks she has found another person to be with. (She seems to meet way too many guys.) I am older than her
by 20 years and have deep feelings for her but I don’t think they are the same for her, like they used to be. I tossed
the coins and came up with the following: 8,7,7,8,8,7." No. 18, Work
on What Has Been Spoiled / Decay / Repair:
"Work on What
Has Been Spoiled
Has supreme success.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Before the starting point,
three days.
After the starting point, three days."
Receiving Decay
means that our correspondent is stuck in a situation that has not only stopped moving forward, but is now stagnant and starting
to rot.
The fact that he received no changing lines is significant. It means that this particular relationship is, in essence, going
nowhere. He needs to concentrate, instead, on the advice given in the main message.
The main message tells him that he needs to spend some significant time facing
this situation squarely, and deciding how he is to 'work on what has been spoiled.' That is the meaning
of 'Before the starting point, three days; After the starting point, three days.'
Ideally, he would spend three full days analyzing the problem,
one day resolving to repair the damage, and three days watching carefully to see that the attitudes or behaviors that caused
the problem do not return.
This will be hard to do, except on a week-long meditation retreat. But the
use of "days" is just a metaphor for setting aside a significant amount of time where his focus is on looking at
how he got to this point, what he needs to do to change direction, and then resolving to keep moving in the new direction.
The ultimate outlook, however, is good. Doing this necessary work will result in supreme success - a long-term outcome that will make the work worthwhile. ......................
Our correspondent asked a follow-up question, with another toss of the
coins. We'll look at that reading tomorrow.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The Taming Power of the Great / Restraint / Potential
Energy:
“The
Taming Power of the Great.
Perseverance furthers. Not eating at home
brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water."
The Image:
"Heaven within the mountain: The
image of The Taming Power of the Great. Thus the superior man acquaints himself with many sayings
of antiquity And many deeds of the past, In order to strengthen his character
thereby."
Restraint - the title of our correspondent's
future reading pretty much says it all. She is being advised - again - that there is
great potential in this new relationship, but it needs to be entered into with some restraint.
And that goes against her nature.
"This hexagram denotes a time of a storehouse of power
and energy being available to you. It is important that you keep a clear, cool head, as it would be all too easy to dissipate
this great fund of energy by impulsive and thoughtless actions." Marshall. This is exactly what the Yi has advised
her in the main message and changing lines she received. [For her original question and the
Yi's advice, see Wednesday - Saturday's Daily Yi.]
"Not eating at
home brings good fortune" does not, unfortunately, mean that it's a good day to eat out. (Personally, I believe every
day is a good day to eat out!) It means that the future will be a good time for her to share her virtues with others.
So what she needs to do, rather than worrying about booking a hall for the wedding reception, is to focus on helping this
man with the difficult situation he faces with his mother.
The Image, formed from Heaven
within the Mountain, sends a message of "hidden treasures and contained power." And the "many sayings
of antiquity?" The Yi is clearly telling her that she will benefit by continued consultation of the I Ching. And
following its advice.
.......
Tomorrow we'll
look at a reading for a correspondent with an altogether different type of relationship problem.
.................................................................
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Return / The Turning Point,
Line 6:
"Missing the return. Misfortune.
Misfortune from
within and without.
If armies are set marching in this way,
One will in the end suffer a great defeat,
Disastrous
for the ruler of the country.
For ten years
It will not be possible to attack again."
Let's recap: Changing Line 2 told our correspondent that a Quiet Return -
a small, quiet step in a new direction - would ensure good fortune. Changing Line 3 warned her of the danger in returning
to old patterns of behavior.
Changing Line 6 describes what will happen if she obstinately forges ahead using her usual style - a head-long rush - instead
of the slow, one-step-at-a time approach advised by her main message. [For her
original question and main message, see Wednesday's Daily Yi, posted at bookofchanges.org.]
The Turning
Point is a window of opportunity to change, and it is brief. The Yi is telling her that If she insists on "attacking"
this relationship - as she has done in the past relationships - the result will be nothing short of disastrous. And another opportunity
for a fulfilling relationship won't come again for a long, long time. ..................... We'll look at our correspondent's
future reading tomorrow.
10:24 am edt
Friday, October 24, 2008
Return / The Turning Point, Line 3:
"Repeated return. Danger. No blame."
Receiving this line is a sign that our correspondent is in danger of reverting to old patterns of behavior, patterns that
have not been successful for her in the past. [For the original question and main message,
see Wednesday's Daily Yi.]
This will not necessarily be fatal. But it's no help, either. She admits that her actions in the past may have short-circuited potentially
good relationships, but views the problem as the others' "commitment phobias," rather than her pushing for too
much, too soon. Line 3 tells her that This Turning
Point is not a sure thing. Conditions are right for improvement in her situation, but this relationship may not
be able to grow and eventually blossom if she tries to force it.
.....................
We'll look at Line 6 for advice on another potential pitfall tomorrow.
2:11 pm edt
Thursday, October 23, 2008
No. 24, Return / The Turning Point, Line 2:
"Quiet return. Good fortune."
"Quiet return," for our correspondent [for
the question that was asked, and her main reading, see yesterday's Daily Yi], means starting
in this new direction without a great deal of fanfare.
Her main message told her that meeting this man is a turning point in her life. Being an enthusiastic person by nature, and,
having received confirmation from the Yi that this guy is, indeed, the man for her, she is
already planning the wedding!
Receiving Line 2 is specific advice
that she need to cool it. A quiet first step - re-orienting her outlook to include this man in her life - and being
ready to accept where that may lead, will ensure continued good fortune. ................
The Yi has more specific advice for her. We'll look at the
second of her three changing lines tomorrow.
10:18 am edt
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Today we're doing a reading for a correspondent
who says, "I just met the greatest guy! We were both stuck in the airport waiting for our flight. We hit it off
so well, it was like we had known each other forever! The problem is, he lives about 1,500 miles from here. He was headed
for his mother's; she is very sick and he didn't know whether he would be staying a long time, or what. He gave me
his cell phone number, and I gave him mine. I just don't know what to do next. I don't want to be calling, trying
to set something up, while he's trying to get his mother to the hospital. What I need to know is, Is this guy the real
deal? Should I pursue this? and how?" Her toss of the coins gave her the hexagram
Return / The Turning Point, with three changing lines, Lines 2, 3 and 6. We'll
look at what her main message is telling her first:
"Return. Success.
Going out and coming in without error.
Friends come without
blame.
To and fro goes the way.
On the seventh day comes return.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go."
Receiving The Turning Point says that this guy is, in fact, "the real deal"
for our correspondent. Meeting him is a turning point in her life. The analogy of this reading is the first day after winter
solstice: Things are headed toward greater light, but they still have a long way to go to reach the maximum. This is a time when
"the old is discarded and the new is introduced." The key concept for her to focus on is "introduced."
This relationship will have to develop, slowly, over a period of time. This hexagram is formed from the trigram Earth over the
trigram Thunder. It signifies a deep change of the life energy (Thunder) stirring from deep within the Earth. Wilhelm notes,
"Everything must be treated tenderly and with care at the beginning, so that the Return
may lead to a flowering."
The Yi advises her to take her focus off what she wants right now, i.e., getting together with him. Do call, but do
it "tenderly and with care." Make the call a specific offer of assistance
with his difficult situation. Bringing a meal is almost always welcome; running some errands; taking a shift
sitting by a hospital bedside - make an offer, and he can then respond by choosing what's appropriate.
There are potential
pitfalls ahead, and the Yi has some specific advice for her. We'll look at the first of her three changing lines
tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
No. 64, Before Completion / Before the End:
"Before Completion. Success.
But
if the little fox, after nearly completing the crossing,
Gets his tail in the water,
There is nothing that would
further."
Like a fox crossing a river
covered with ice, you are in a precarious transition, crossing from one shore, or way of life, to another.
Ultimate success is possible, if you must proceed with caution. But you must proceed. Standing, stuck on the "ice," worrying about what
you should do, is letting your "tail" droop into the water. And that is not helpful.
Likewise, rushing across may cause you to slip and slid into the icy "river" of fast moving events. Also not
good.
This was our future reading, the result of changing the changing lines we received in
our main message of Pushing Upward, to their opposites. It tells you that you are
not yet in the situation where you are meant to be, and in this "condition before transition," you need to remain
careful and alert.
.................
Tomorrow we'll look at a reading for a correspondent
who needs advice on whether she should pursue a relationship with someone she met as a chance encounter.
1:34 pm edt
Monday, October 20, 2008
Pushing Upward, Line 6:
“Pushing upward in darkness. It furthers one
To be unremittingly persevering."
To push ahead when you don't know where
you're going is dangerous.
Receiving this line, the final changing line in the series,
is a caution against proceeding blindly, even if you think you're going in the right direction.
It is better at this time to make your efforts small and steady. Then you will
be able to take corrective measures when an obstacle is encountered, without risking a total collapse.
........
Tomorrow we'll look at our future message, which tells us what the next step in our Pushing Upward will be.
----------------------------
The Trigrams:
The
hexagram Pushing Upward is composed of the trigram Earth
over the trigram Wood/Wind, symbolizing the sprouting of a young tree:
It pushes upward through the earth, growing "upward without haste and without rest."
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Pushing
Upward, Line 4:
“The king offers him Mount Ch'i. Good fortune. No blame."
This changing line says that your path could well lead
right to the top, and you may receive help from a "higher power."
Mount Ch'i is a real place, and was part of the
realm of King Wen. Wilhelm says of this line, "King Wen introduced his illustrious helpers to the god of his native
mountain, and they received their places in the halls of the ancestors by the side of the ruler."
For us, Changing Line 4 says
that it is entirely possible to be "an illustrious helper" and achieve the ultimate success.
Receiving
this line also indicates that Line 3, which talked about pushing upward into "an empty city," means that there are no obstructions to progress.
.......
Tomorrow we'll look at Changing Line 6, which will give us more insight on how we are
to be Pushing Upward.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Pushing Upward, Line 3:
“One pushes upward into an empty
city."
Here's an opportunity to exercise your intuition. What does this line mean?
The main message, Pushing Upward, said this was a favorable time, and that conscientious
effort would be rewarded with "supreme success."
On the
meaning of Line 3, the commentators are divided. Some say receiving Line 3 means that you have reached a place where there
are no obstructions to your progress. Others say it indicates that you have reached a destination, but there is nothing
there for you.
Which is it? There is nothing in the text to help you decide.
Apply this to your own set of circumstances, and see which alternative your intuition tells you
is most likely. If your inner truth doesn't supply the answer, try tossing a single coin as you ask, "Does
this mean 'no obstructions?'" Heads will be yang, or Yes; tails will be yin, or No.
.....
Tomorrow we'll look at Changing Line 4, which may give you more insight on what the
"empty city" means.
Friday, October 17, 2008
"You must set to work" Pushing Upward:
“Pushing Upward has supreme success. One must see the great man. Fear not. Departure toward
the south Brings good fortune."
The Image:
"Within
the earth, wood grows: The image of Pushing Upward. Thus the superior man of devoted character Heaps up small
things In order to achieve something high and great."
"You must set to work, for activity brings good fortune."
Pushing Upward is considered an extremely auspicious message, signaling a time
when everything is in place for growth, success and good fortune.
However, this success won't
just "happen." Effort - pushing upward -- is required.
What "small things" can you continue "heaping up" to "achieve something
high and great?"
.......
We received three changing
lines, Lines 3, 4 and 6. We'll look at our first piece of specific advice, Line 3, tomorrow.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Yi waves a red flagNo. 44, Coming to Meet
/ Temptation:
"Coming to
meet. The maiden is powerful
One should not marry such a maiden."
The Yi is waving a red flag: The future of our main message, Conflict, is Temptation .
Something "seemingly harmless but potentially dangerous" will enter your life. Take a moment, right now, and
try to identify where this Temptation might be coming from. Remember, this is
the future message, so it may not be evident yet. Here are some possibilities:
- The business
arena - a get-rich-quick scheme that seems to be too good, or too easy, to be true.
- A personal relationship -
the promise of pleasure, without responsibility.
- Internal - a "good reason" to cheat on your diet, skip a day of
exercising, have just one cigarette to calm your nerves.
With this hexagram, the Yi
is sending a message: Don't go there. The situation holds dangers you
can't see now.
Forewarned is forearmed. Be alert for the dangers of Temptation, and you'll be able to side-step them.
10:45 am edt
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Feel like the mole in Whack-a-Mole?No. 6, Conflict, Line 3: “To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end,
good fortune comes. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works."
In
this situation of Conflict, do you feel like the mole in a Whack-a-Mole game - every time
you pop your head up, someone whacks you back down? This line is telling you: Keep your head down. Now is the
time to maintain a low profile.
You are not going to "win," so it is wise not to make yourself
a target. "Seek not works" means "Don't look for recognition," or insist on getting "proper
credit" for what you have done. Doing so only gives your enemies an opportunity to set their sights on you.
Yesterday's main message advised that you halt immediately in this conflict. You
are advised by Line 3 to look inward, and devote your energies to developing your own inner strengths.
Inner strength can never be taken from you, no matter what the conflict. Then you can tunnel out, in your own direction.
.........................
The future holds a somewhat different challenge. We'll
look at that tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
No. 6, Conflict: “Conflict. You are sincere And are being obstructed. A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune. Going through to the end brings misfortune. It furthers one to
see the great man. It does not further one to cross the great waters." This
is the third time we have received this hexagram since Sept. 5. It's safe to say
that Conflict continues to be an important factor - one that you need
to pay attention to and respond to in the way.
The Yi is repeating its message: You are "in the right,"
but being "right" is not going help.
Stop - right now
- wherever you are in this conflict. Don't continue on, in an attempt to "win," because you are "right."
All it will get you is misfortune.
If you are in a quandary over what actions to take next, seek advice from a trusted
source. This is not the time to take on a new and significant challenge. Get yourself away from the dangers of this
conflict before you start something else.
We received one changing line, Line 3, which will give us some specific advice on handling this
conflict, and we'll look at that tomorrow.
Monday, October 13, 2008
No.28, Preponderance of the Great
/ Critical Mass:
"Preponderance of the Great.
The ridgepole sags to
the breaking point
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
Success." This
is the future reading for our friend whose question was about whether he should pull out of a house purchase due to the instability
in the economy. His main reading and changing lines told him not to worry. However,
his future reading is telling him not to take on any more heavy responsibilities. He is already working and studying, and
he recently got married. If he takes on much more, the weight of it all will be more than he can support. This is not to say that he should not pursue his goals. The Yi says, if he has "somewhere to go," success will follow. In other words,
he should confine himself to efforts that benefit him and his own "house," and decline to take on any obligations
that would just add to his load.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The Cauldron / The Ting
/ Cosmic Order, Line 6:
"The ting has rings
of jade.
Great good fortune.
Nothing that would not act to further. "
In the main reading, the Yi told our friend that all ingredients are "in the pot" for "supreme good fortune."
Line 5 said he will have strong, valuable helpers - "golden carrying rings" - IF he maintains
his modest and correct attitude.
Which brings
us to Line 6. It says he can attain a state of being that is highly favored, as jade was favored by the ancient Chinese:
a state of being that is beautiful, but not flashy; a life that is quietly valuable, with a warm, inner glow..
All things can cooperate in such a state, to his benefit. Receiving this line says that he will, indeed, "find
happiness in his new home," despite the world financial crisis.
.....................
Of course, our friend cannot expect to stay in this "warm glow" state forever. A significant challenge lies ahead,
and we'll look at that in his future reading tomorrow.
Friday, October 10, 2008
No.. 50, The Cauldron / The Ting / Cosmic Order, Line 5:
"The ting has yellow handles, golden carrying rings.
Perseverance furthers."
In yesterday's main reading, the Yi told our friend that all ingredients are "in the pot" for "supreme
good fortune." Especially favored at this time are his close personal and family relationships. The strong harmony
that exists there will prove to be very beneficial.
Receiving Line 5 underscores this point. It tells him that
he will have strong, valuable helpers - "golden carrying rings" - IF he
maintains his modest and correct attitude. That will be the key, for him, to weathering whatever the world financial
crisis may bring his way.
He also received changing Line 6,
and we'll look at that tomorrow.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Today we're doing
a follow-up reading for one of our correspondents. His question today is :
"Will
I find happiness in my new home due to the world financial crisis?" He married this
fall, and has purchased a new home, which will close in November. A friend has suggested that he pull his money out of the
new house while he still has a chance. He received The Ting, with changing lines
5 and 6. No.
50, The Cauldron / The Ting / Cosmic
Order:
"The Cauldron. Supreme good fortune.
Success."
The Cauldron - or Ting - was a ceremonial
vessel used to make offerings in religious or cultural ceremonies. R.L. Wing calls this Cosmic
Order because it symbolizes a state of affairs where the needs of the individual and the needs of the cosmos are in
harmony.
The Yi is telling our friend that all ingredients are "in the pot" for "supreme
good fortune." In other words, although the times are very uncertain, there is no need for him to take drastic
measures now to protect himself against circumstances which may not impact him, at least not severely.
Especially favored at this time are close personal and family relationships. The strong harmony that exists there will prove
to be very beneficial.
This is not to imply that he is immune to the strong forces that swirl
about us in this world. Rather, it is a statement that he has what it will take to not only survive, but prosper. Take a look at the reading he received yesterday,
where his question was framed in the context of looking for a different, more secure job.
The
Yi advised him that he was like a fox crossing ice on a river, from one shore to another. He was advised not to hesitate,
but to proceed toward his new life. I believe the real question that the Yi answered was this question in his
mind about the house purchase. The Yi was telling him: Go forward!
We'll look at the
first of his two changing lines tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Today we're looking
at a request for an interpretation from one of our correspondents:
"I asked 'I Ching' will
I find a job soon because I fear the current job will not last long and I need a job that can be flexible with my part time
studies. I know I have waited too long to search for a better job now I think I will have to pay my dues. I received
these lines. . ." No.
64, Before Completion / Before the End:
"Before Completion. Success.
But
if the little fox, after nearly completing the crossing,
Gets his tail in the water,
There is nothing that would
further."
The Yi is telling our friend that,
right now, he is like a fox crossing a river covered with ice: He is in a precarious transition, crossing from one shore,
or way of life, to another.
Ultimate success is possible, but . . he received this
hexagram without changing lines, which indicates that he is in danger of drawing out this process of transition too long
- which is exactly what he fears has happened.
The Yi's only advice at this point
is that he must proceed. Standing, stuck on the ice, worrying about what he should have done, is letting his "tail"
droop into the water. And that gets him no where.
.................
Our friend has
asked the Yi a follow-up question about his future in this uncertain economy. We'll look at that tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Hold to the natural aspect of your characterThe Family / The Clan:
"The Family. The perseverance of the woman furthers."
It's the women who hold everything
together. Apparently, the Yi thinks the import of this message is so self-evident, it doesn't need to say anything else.
Received as a future message from a main message that stressed the importance of relationships, this says,
in R.L. Wing's words:
"Try to see all organizations, whether familial,
social, or political, as FAMILY groups and then determine your most comfortable position within them. If you hold
to this natural aspect of your character and understand the ensuing duties and responsibilities, you can more easily achieve
your goals." Wing adds this important caveat, "Be certain, however, that you
are not involved in carrying out a role for which you are unsuited, or a role that has been cast upon you. This will rob your
life of meaning." Too often we unthinkingly accept the role that
primarily fits the expectations and agendas of others - "the role that has been cast upon you." Go for
what is truly right for you. ----------- Tomorrow
we'll look at a reading received by a correspondent who thinks he is about to lose his job, and is looking for advice
from the Yi as to what he should do.
11:30 am edt
Monday, October 6, 2008
Rise above the conflict Fellowship with Men / Community, Line 4:
"He climbs up on his wall, he cannot attack.
Good fortune."
Did you identify which of your relationships is in need
of more openness? Receiving this changing line indicates it is one where there are two distinct, opposing factions
confronting each other.
The best move for you right now is to separate yourself from both sides - climb up on your wall -
and refrain from the fight. Joining forces with either side is not in your best interest.
In situations of conflict, the Yi often advises that you
leave the field of battle, and go your own way. That is not the case here. At this time, connection with your fellow
man is to be maintained, but the position that brings you good fortune is to be openly - and visibly -
above the fray.
Our future message is The Family / The Clan, which contains more advice on how to
relate to others. We'll look at that tomorrow.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The I Ching says, "Correction is needed" Fellowship with Men / Community:
"Fellowship with men in the open.
Success.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
The perseverance of the superior man furthers."
The time is favorable for any endeavor
that is grounded in community, family, or personal relationships. The key concept is openness.
In order for your relationships to be successful, there must be no hidden agendas.
Receiving this hexagram indicates that some correction is needed.
It is a good time to pursue things that are aligned with your your own talents
and goals, but are also a benefit to others. In an open, honest and mutually supportive relationship, even the most
ambitious projects can be successful.
Give some thought to each area of your relationships - significant other, family, school, work. Which one
would benefit from more fellowship in the open? We received one changing line with this reading, Line 4.
It has some specific advice that will help you identify which relationship the Yi is talking about, and how to proceed.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
"In small matters it is favorable to undertake something." No. 22, Grace:
“Grace has success. In small matters
It is favorable to undertake something." Your Turning Point is toward your art.
Grace, in the traditional translations, means beauty of form. Receiving this message as our future reading,
with Return / Turning Point as the main message, indicates a time is coming
that is favorable for creating art of all kinds.
Anthony and Moog point out: "Each individual comes with unique gifts that
demand expression during his life. . . . Grace is a person's natural state of harmony and unity with the Cosmos" that comes
when a person gives expression to those gifts.
This need not be art,
in the traditional sense. It can be anything that you do best, and that you love the most. And it doesn't have to be big.
Small steps are favored at this time.
Have you been ignoring your unique gifts, focusing all your
energy into duties and responsibilities? Take this as a signal to restore balance in your life by devoting time
to self-expression.
What one, small expression of your true self could you make today?
Friday, October 3, 2008
McCain = Misfortune I've already done a standard interpretation
of today's line (see below) but I couldn't help seeing it in another, purely political way. From No.
24, Return / The Turning Point, Line 6:
"Missing the return. Misfortune.
Misfortune from within and without.
If armies are set marching in this way,
One will in the end suffer a great
defeat,
Disastrous for the ruler of the country.
For ten years
It will not be possible to attack again."
The main reading signaled the time of earliest spring, when new growth is possible. This changing line says,
"Miss this opportunity for a fresh start, and you won't be able to try again for a long time."
The United States is in this position now. We have endured misfortune from without - the 9/11 attacks
- and now from within - the financial crisis brought on by failure to regulate our financial markets. We have allowed
our great national wealth to be plundered by our own "leaders."
If we continue marching down this path, we are headed for "a great defeat, disastrous . . ." not only for our "ruler,"
but for all of us. If we do not elect a leader now who will take us in a new
direction, it will be many years before we get another chance to make a correction. Susan Lee
"Missing the return. Misfortune." From
No. 24, Return / The Turning Point, Line 6:
"Missing the return. Misfortune.
Misfortune from
within and without.
If armies are set marching in this way,
One will in the end suffer a great defeat,
Disastrous
for the ruler of the country.
For ten years
It will not be possible to attack again."
Line 3 warned us of the
danger in repeatedly changing direction. Line 6 describes what will happen if you obstinately forge ahead in pursuit
of an old goal. The Yi is telling you it is time to make a fresh start. The Turning Point is a window of opportunity to change, and it is brief. If you let this time pass, and keep plodding
ahead, you will miss your chance.
The main message likened this time to the earliest spring. "Sprout" something
new now, while conditions are favorable. Don't pour energy into a plant - or a project or relationship -
whose life cycle is over.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
"Repeated return. Danger."
From No. 24, Return / The Turning Point, Line 3:
"Repeated return. Danger. No blame."
Are you constantly second-guessing yourself? There is some danger in repeatedly changing direction - you
won't make any progress.
This will not be fatal. But it's no help, either. This Turning Point is not a sure thing.
Conditions are right for improvement in your situation, but it won't happen if you fight the natural growth process, or
keep trying to live in the past.
Be honest. Are you letting new things come into your life? Or are you using this new energy to try to restart
something whose life cycle has played out? We'll look at Line 6 for advice on another potential pitfall tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
"Going out and coming in without error"No. 24, Return / The Turning Point:
"Return. Success.
Going out and coming in
without error.
Friends come without blame.
To and fro goes the way.
On the seventh day comes return.
It
furthers one to have somewhere to go." An upturn is coming! The problem
that concerns you has reached its lowest point, and things will now start to improve. The I Ching doesn't "predict" the future.
Rather, a main reading tells you what the prevailing forces are at the present. The analogy of this reading is the first
day after winter solstice: Things are headed toward greater light, but they still have a long way to go to reach the maximum. This is a time when "the old
is discarded and the new is introduced." (Wilhelm) And it will develop over a period of time. There are potential pitfalls ahead. We received two changing
lines, Lines 3 and 6. We'll look at Line 3 tomorrow.
12:33 pm edt
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What is the I Ching?
The symbol you see above is the bagua, the symbol of the I Ching for 5,000 years
before it was "adopted" as the octagonal logo of the Dharma Iniative in the television series "Lost."
The I Ching, also known as the Yi Jing, or (in English) Book of Changes, is an
oracle; a divination device that forms a pattern reflecting the forces at work
in the Universe at a particular point in time.
This pattern,
when viewed in the context of a concern or question, sends a message of timeless advice and insight.
Richard Wilhelm explained it this way in a footnote to his translation of Ta Chaun - The Great Treatise: "The way in which the
Book of Changes works can best be compared to an electrical circuit reaching into all situations. "The circuit only affords the potentiality
of lighting: it does not give light. "But
when contact with a definite situation is established, the 'current' is activated, and the given situation is illumined." Plug yourself in. -------------------------------
The great Swiss pyschiatrist C.G.
Jung, who was a serious student of the I Ching, said:
"The
I Ching does not offer itself with proofs and results; it does not vaunt itself, nor is it easy to approach. Like a part of
nature, it waits until it is discovered.
"It offers neither
facts nor power, but for lovers of self-knowledge, of wisdom - if there be such - it seems to be the right book. . .
.
"He who
is not pleased by it does not have to use it, and he who is against it is not obliged to find it true. "Let it go forth into the world for the benefit
of those who can discern its meaning." -------------------------------------------
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