No. 48,   The Well:

"The Well. The  town may be changed,

But the well cannot be changed.

It neither decreases nor increases.

They come and go and draw from the well.

If one gets down almost to the water

And the rope does not go all the way,

Or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune."

    As the future reading to Repair, receiving The Well means you have all the resources you need to successfully straighten things out.

    However,  the changing lines said you didn't cause the problem, and furthermore, you are not obligated to try to correct it.  It is your choice.

    Whatever path you choose, to avail yourself of the unchanging, "inexhaustible wellspring of the divine" [Wilhelm], you will need to do two things:  You will have to "go deep" to drink from the clear waters of real truth; and you will have to be exceedingly careful in the process.

    Just what does the Yi mean by "careful?"  Not surprisingly, it has more to say on that subject in tomorrow's reading.

 

Repair,  Line 6:

“He does not serve kings and princes,

Sets himself higher goals."

    We learned from Line 5 that the problem that needs repair is not one you created. Line 6, which by its position is the Yi's "last word" on the subject, says that it may not be your responsibility to correct, either.

    If this difficulty was created by a "higher up" or an authoritative structure that you do not control, and those "kings and princes" are the ones who will benefit by its improvement, then you are completely justified in letting the problem pass.  In short - it's their mess. Let them clean it up.

    Focus your energy on your own, more worthy goals. You do not have to be the solution to every problem.

    Tomorrow we'll look at the future of Repair. Be prepared to "go deep."

 

Repair,  Line 5:

“Setting right what has been spoiled by the father.

One meets with praise."

    The problem that needs repair is not one you created. It was set in motion by someone else, before you.

    The Yi is telling you, with this changing line, that you are "an individual confronted with corruption originating from neglect in former times." 

    You cannot go back and change what happened in the past.  And do not think you have to cooperate with - or continue -  a wrong path of action, just because it was started by someone in a position of authority.  If you work toward reforming the situation, you will "meet with praise."

    Does this help you identify what needs Repair in your life?  We have one more changing line, Line 6, that may help in that task. We'll look at that tomorrow.

 

No. 18,   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."

    You are entering a time when prospects are good for Repairing a situation that has deteriorated dangerously.

    This is not a state of affairs that is universal, or beyond your control, like the plummeting economy. It is something you can correct.  Which is not to say that you were the cause; the problem may well have been caused by someone else. Nonetheless, you are the one who is going to suffer the consequences.

    It's important that you understand what the problem really is before you undertake the great task of Repair. That is why the Yi prescribes three full days understanding the problem before you start to work on it.

    Once you understand the true problem, you must work diligently - "three days" - to remedy it.

    The Elements in this hexagram are Mountain over Wind. The steady application of effort - the Wind - is what will move this Mountain of a problem.

    We received two changing lines with this message, Lines 5 and 6, which should help you identify what needs to be Repaired.  We'll look at Line 5 tomorrow.

 

No. 40, Deliverance:

“Deliverance. The southwest furthers.

If there is no longer anything where one has to go,

Return brings good fortune.

It there is still something where one has to go,

Hastening brings good fortune."

    Deliverance from a long-standing difficulty is beginning.  Received as a future message to Gathering Together, it means that some obstacle that was preventing you from joining with others is in the process of being removed.

    The Yi cautions that this is not a time for euphoria, just relief.  If nothing remains to be done, return to your former way of life.  If there are still some things that need to be accomplished, get them done as quickly as possible, then get back "home."

    This hexagram is a combination of the elements of Thunder over Water, or Rain.  The Image is that of a thunderstorm that clears the air. So be forewarned - there may be some fireworks involved before the tension that has built up in this situation is released,  and you experience the Deliverance you seek.

Gathering Together,   Line 5:

"If in gathering together, one has position,

This brings no blame.

If there are some who are not yet sincerely in the work,

Sublime and enduring perseverance is needed.

Then remorse disappears."

    If you are placed in -  or rise naturally to - a position of authority in this Gathering Together,  there is "no blame."  You are not "taking over,"  or "being bossy,"  although others in the group may not see it that way. It's just that under the circumstances, someone has to organize the chaos, and right now, it's you. 

    Most families have at least one member who insists on coming late or not showing up at all, being argumentative, etc. What can you do about it?  

    You can't change other people - especially your nearest and dearest.  Only "sublime and enduring perseverance" on your part will help.  And note:  not just everyday, garden-variety "perseverance" is called for in this situation.  It must be "sublime" and "enduring."  Which will not necessarily mean the situation or family dynamics will change.  It just means that you will know that you have done the best you can, and will have no regrets.

     We'll look at the future of this situation tomorrow.

 

Gathering Together,   Line 2:

“Letting oneself be drawn

Brings good fortune and remains blameless.

If one is sincere,

It furthers one to bring even a small offering."

    Are you dreading the coming holiday social gatherings because you can't fit into the role that others expect you to play? 

    The Yi has been saying, in this reading and the last, that being yourself, and doing what is right for you, is the approach that will be most successful.  The Wilhelm translation explains it this way:

    "In the time of Gathering Together, we should make no arbitrary choice of the way.  There are secret forces at work, leading together those who belong together. We must yield to this attraction; then we make no mistakes. Where inner relationships exist, no great preparations and formalities are necessary .  People understand each other forthwith; just as the Divinity graciously accepts a small offering if it comes from the heart."

    So - if you don't really want to do the 20-pound turkey and drag out the crystal and the silver this year - that's okay. It is the true feeling of community that is important. Not the trappings.

    The Yi has some specific advice on how to deal with those members of your family or group who don't share this viewpoint. We'll look at Line 5 tomorrow.

 

No. 45, Gathering Together:

“Gathering Together.  Success.

The king approaches his temple.

It furthers one to see the great man.

This brings success. Perseverance furthers.

To bring great offerings creates good fortune.

It furthers one to undertake something."

    It looks like the family gathering will be a success.

    Groups, working together toward a common goal, can accomplish great things. A strong and steady center will be needed to keep things in order.  Keeping higher principles and goals in mind will be an important factor in this success.

    The Image, combining the elements of Lake over Earth, adds one more concept: 

"Thus the superior man renews his weapons
In order to meet the unforeseen."

    Group strength can also be important in preparing adequately for future challenges.  A united front and an attitude of "all for one, one for all" can help all members of the group weather difficult times.

    We received two changing lines, Lines 2 and 5, that have some specific advice on the Gathering Together process.  We'll look at Line 2 tomorrow.

 

 (We are experiencing technical difficulties! Hope to have the formatting problem cleared up shortly.)

 Friday's Daily Yi

No. 61, Inner Truth: 

"Inner truth. Pigs and fishes.
Good fortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Perseverance furthers."

     The power of your own personal inner truth is about to increase greatly.

	Receiving Inner Truth
                  as a future message to The Family/The Clan means
that this is where you influence will be the strongest.

     Pigs and fishes were thought to be the least intelligent of all animals,
and therefore the most difficult to influence. The Yi is saying that
                  your
influence will extend to even the dimmest and most
                  stubborn of your immediate circle.

     (Maybe deciding who is a "pig" and who is a "fish." will help you
maintain your sanity at the upcoming holiday gatherings.)

      "Good fortune"
                  will be your reward for successfully maintaining the
balance
                  between responsibility and independence that the Yi has been talking
about.

The Family  /  The Clan,  Line 3:

"When tempers flare up in the family,
Too great severity brings remorse.
Good fortune nonetheless.
When women and children dally and laugh,
It leads in the end to humiliation."

 

    Is there any family that doesn't have conflicts?  Probably not.

    Bringing all the members of the family together, as we do in this holiday season, multiplies the opportunities for these conflicts to break out into open confrontation. Tempers flare.

    Line 3 is telling you that a "middle way" of dealing with these conflicts needs to be found. Being too harsh   - "I am going to set that no-good brother of mine straight, once and for all! "  will bring remorse. Likewise, too much indulgence of the weaker members of the clan - like letting Uncle Harry get roaring drunk before dinner is even served - will spoil the holiday, too.

    The Yi advises that if a middle way isn't working, it is best to err on the side of severity; that's the approach that will bring "good fortune nonetheless."

    Tomorrow we'll look at the future of this situation.

 

The Family  /  The Clan,  Line 2:

"She should not follow her whims.
She must attend within to the food.
Perseverance brings good fortune."

 

     At this time when family and other close relationships are most important, keep your focus on the basics of life.

    While you have been cautioned against taking on a role that has been set for you by others, all relationships have their duties and responsibilities. That's where your attention should be now.

    Don't give in to any impulses. There are immediate needs to be addressed.

    The Yi has more specific advice for us in Line 3, and we'll look at that tomorrow.

 

Today’s reading is a “found penny” reading. I do readings by tossing coins – specifically pennies – and when I find a penny, I consider it a “You have a message” signal, like the blinking light on your answering machine.  I use that penny in my next reading.  Just in time for the most "family" oriented time of the year, we have:

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 water."

    Conflict - the future of our last reading - turns out to be a summary of all the changing lines that came with
the main message of Great Power.

    It's not that you are wrong in what you want, or are trying to accomplish.  The Yi recognizes that you are sincere. But being in the right isn't going to help you in this situation.  You are going to continue to be obstructed by a "hedge" of entangled circumstances and relationships.

    Yi is telling you - one more time - to back away from that hedge. Trying to "power through" this conflict will end in misfortune.

     Use your energy, instead, to look for a new way out.  And don't try to leap over the hedge in a single bound. There's not enough energy available to you for that. Getting clear of the entangling situation will be enough.
.........................

    Tomorrow we have a "found penny" reading in which the Yi gives advice on how to deal with family - just in time for the holidays!

The Power of the Great, Line 6:
 
"A goat butts against a hedge.
It cannot go backward, it cannot go forward.
Nothing serves to further.
If one notes the difficulty, this brings good fortune."

    The Yi has been warning of the dangers of stubbornness. Now, with this final changing line, it looks like you are definitely stuck.

    In what situation are you trying to use new-found power to break through a "hedge" of old and entangled relationships and circumstances? The Yi is trying to tell you:   this is not the way to go.

    If, on the other hand, you take the time for some self-reflection, and recognize the futility of this particular struggle, there is a possibility of good fortune. In other words, quit fighting the last war, and use your Great Power for advancement, rather than exhaustion.

    Tomorrow we'll look at the future of this situation. 

From The  Power of the Great,  Line 5:

“Loses the goat with ease.

No remorse."

    Yesterday the stubborn goat - that's you - was butting his head against a hedge - a complete waste of time and energy in this phase of life where Great Power is available.

     Today, with Line 5, the Yi is telling you to give up a stubborn attitude.  Letting go of whatever opinion or position you have been clinging to will bring you "no remorse."

    The "hedge" is an old, overgrown, entangled set of circumstances. Butting your head against it is holding you back.  Use your energy, instead,  to look for the opening in that hedge. You will not have cause to regret it.

    We have one more line of specific advice, Line 6, and we'll look at that tomorrow. 

From The  Power of the Great,  Line 3:

“The inferior man works through power.

The superior man does not act thus.

To continue is dangerous.

A goat butts against a hedge

And gets its horns entangled."

    In a time when Great Power is available to you, the primary danger is that you will act like  - a goat.

    There are three changing lines remaining that were received with the main message, and all three use the image of the goat - a symbol of stubbornness.

    Line 3 warns that boasting of Great Power - or displaying it when there is no real opponent - will only get you caught up in a useless struggle.

    In the life situation that concerns you most right now, are you tempted to show someone "who's boss"?  Resist that temptation.  You'll end up fighting a fight that gets you nowhere.

    Tomorrow we'll see what other pitfalls await our "goat," in Line 5.

 

From The  Power of the Great,  Line 1:

“Power in the toes.

Continuing brings misfortune.

This is certainly true."

    The "lowest" part of you - symbolized as your toes - wants to advance, right now, in this time of Great Power.  The main message said that the Elements in play now are Thunder over Heaven: the Arousing over the Creative - the union of Movement and Strength, and you are itching to get going.

     With Changing Line 1,  the Yi is advising you not to jump the gun. To forge ahead, right away, will bring misfortune.

    Before you embark on any course of conduct, you need to consider carefully the specific advice in the three remaining changing lines we received, which all point to a big problem looming - stubbornness.   (Stubborn? The Yi can't possibly be talking about you or me, can it?!)  We'll look at Line 3 tomorrow.

 

The  Power of the Great:

“The Power of the Great.

Perseverance furthers."

The Image:

"Thunder in heaven above:
The image of The Power of the Great.
Thus the superior man does not tread upon paths
That do not accord with established order."

    A time of Great Power has arrived. Your influence on others can be tremendous. The chief task, therefore, is to use this power wisely.

    The problem with Great Power is that we are tempted to use it solely for our own benefit, to "get ahead" or  "reach the top."  This would be out of sync with the natural path of harmony and balance.

    So what are we to do with this power?  The changing lines - there were four (!) with this hexagram, 1,3,5 and 6 - have a lot of specific advice, all pointing to a particular problem in dealing with this power surge.  We'll look at Line 1 tomorrow.

 

No. 12,   Standstill  /  Stagnation 

"Standstill . Evil people do not further
The perseverance of the superior man.
The great departs; the small approaches."

    What goes up, must come down.  And that's where things are headed now.

    We received Temptation as the main message; a warning about something "seemingly harmless but potentially dangerous." Lines 2 and 3  gave us specific advice on how to deal with this Temptation.

    Receiving Standstill as a future message means the situation will not have a "happy ending."

     This may well be the result of inferior, exterior influences that are beyond your control.  As Brian Browne Walker says of this hexagram, "It is an inescapable fact of life that inferior influences sometimes prevail."

    It could also be your own inner refusal to face facts that is bringing you to a Standstill.  By refusing to acknowledge the realities of the time, you remain stuck.

    The Yi advises that there's not much you can do right now but focus on your own inner resources.  By using this time to strengthen yourself, you can emerge stronger when conditions improve.
...........................

    The Elements: Standstill is composed of the trigram Heaven over the trigram Earth: While this might seem the proper configuration, remember:  this is the Book of Changes, and nothing is static.  Heaven and Earth do not unite, but are, in fact, moving away from each other.

From Coming to Meet  /  Temptation,   Line 3:

"There is no skin on his thighs,
and walking comes hard.
If one is mindful of the danger,
No great mistake is made."

  Ouch!

    The difficulties involved in this situation of Temptation make every step painful.  You may get caught up in agonizing indecision, because you know that moving in any direction will cause you distress.

    The Yi is warning you again to be "mindful of the danger" this Temptation poses.  If you are realistic, and see things as they are, rather than as you want them to be, you can let this alluring - but illusory - possibility pass.

    Life may not be particularly pleasant, but it won't  be as bad as it would have been,  had you taken the bait.
.................

    The future of this situation is not much to look forward to, I'm afraid.  We'll look at the coming conditions tomorrow.

 

From Coming to Meet  /  Temptation,   Line 2:

"There is a fish in the tank. No blame.
It does not further to allow guests."

    You need to maintain gentle control of yourself in the face of Temptation - like keeping a fish in a tank. Then you will incur "no blame."

    Be aware, also, that this is not the time to share your doubts and weaknesses with others.  Inviting someone to share your internal struggle will unfortunately only allow them to exploit this Temptation to their own advantage.

      Your best course of action is to keep to yourself right now, and let the Temptation pass.

    Have you identified what your Temptation is?  If not, perhaps the advice in Line 3 will help.  We'll look at that tomorrow.

 

 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  - again.

    We received Temptation as the future of a main message about Conflict just a few weeks ago (Oct. 18). Receiving it again, so soon, means that Temptation has arrived.

    This Temptation  is something "seemingly harmless but potentially dangerous." The task for you now is identifying where this Temptation is coming from. 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.

    We received two changing lines, Lines 2 and 3, that give us specific advice on how to deal with this Temptation. We'll look at Line 2 tomorrow.
..........................

    The Elements: Temptation is composed of the trigram Heaven over the trigram Wind:  New (and inferior) elements entering the situation from within and below. Potential danger.

No. 62,  The  Preponderance of the Small  /  Conscientiousness:

 

“Preponderance of the small. Success.

Perseverance furthers.

Small things may be done; great things should not be done.

The flying bird brings the message:

It is not well to strive upward,

It is well to remain below.

Great good fortune."

    The future of the "untenable situation" we have been working through is "a great storm."  That's the image of this hexagram, which is composed of the elements Thunder over Mountain.

    The Yi advises that you focus on staying safe for the duration of this difficult period.  Attend to daily matters with conscientiousness. Pay attention to detail, and don't allow yourself to be distracted.

    The immediate future is not the time to start a new or ambitious enterprise. Concentrate on finding the small steps you can take now, where you are, and don't worry about reaching the top of the mountain. Save that for when the situational weather clears, as it inevitably will.

    To those who can follow this advice, the Yi promises "success" and "great good fortune."

 

From The Marrying Maiden / An Untenable Situation,  Line 6:

 

“The woman holds the basket , but there are no fruits in it..

The  man stabs the sheep, but no blood flows.

Nothing acts to further."

    You are going through the motions of making a "sacrifice," but you are not sincere. You are not truly offering anything of substance.  Therefore, nothing good will come of it.

    In this "untenable situation"  you will not be able to maintain a safe place in the current order of things merely by  doing what is expected.  Empty gestures will have empty results.

    Line 6, our last changing line, doesn't give us any advice on how to proceed. It's just one last reality check on the current situation.  Tomorrow we'll look at our future reading, which tells us where it is headed.  Spoiler Alert:  Batten down the hatches!

From The Marrying Maiden / An Untenable Situation,  Line 4:

 

“The marrying maiden draws out the allotted time.

A late marriage comes in due course."

    The Yi says:   The right relationship or situation will come in its own time.  The desire for comfort and stability now can pressure you into something you'll regret.  Resist that impulse, and wait.

    The main message warned of an "untenable situation." Line 2 pointed to difficulties because you are, essentially, facing this alone, and lack perspective.

    It may seem as though life is passing you by.  Line 4 advises that your reward will arrive in due course.   Hold on.
..............

    Have you identified what situation in your life the Yi is talking about?  It is not necessarily a romantic relationship.  It could involve an employment situation, choosing a college or a course of study, a place to live. Let your intuition guide you.   We've got one more piece of advice in Changing Line 6, and we'll look at that tomorrow.

 

From The Marrying Maiden / An Untenable Situation,  Line 2:

 

“A one-eyed man who is able to see.

The perseverance of a solitary man furthers."

    You are isolated in some way - you don't have another "eye" to help you see things in perspective.

    The main message warned of an "untenable situation." Your first and most important task was to do some soul searching and identify what that is.

    Receiving Line 2 tells you that this may be difficult because you are, essentially, alone. However, you need not come to a halt.

    Continue on your path, even if you must go it alone. Eventually you will be rewarded.
............

    Line 4 contains more advice about perseverance in this situation. We'll look at that tomorrow.

 

No. 54, The Marrying Maiden / An Untenable Situation:

 

“The Marrying Maiden.

Undertakings bring misfortune.

Nothing that would further."

    The current situation is like that of a "marrying maiden"  - a concubine, or "junior wife."  You may find yourself in a situation where you have no control, and are expected subordinate what you want and need to the agenda of someone else, or of a social system.

    As long as you are in this situation, and are abiding by its "rules," any thing you undertake will bring misfortune. Continuing to act in this role, there is "nothing that would further."

    Can you identify which situation in your life the Yi is talking about?  We take so many things for granted, as unquestioned responsibilities -  things we "have" to do -  when they may not be necessities at all. 

    This is a situation that must be corrected first from within.  You must acknowledge in your heart of hearts that which is "untenable" before you can address the question of what action should be taken.

    We received three changing lines, Line 2, 4 and 6, which hopefully will help you identify the problem. We'll look at Line 2 tomorrow.

No. 56, The Wanderer:

 

“The Wanderer. Success through smallness.

Perseverance brings good fortune

To the wanderer."

 

The translation of The Image adds an additional concept:

 

“Thus the superior man

Is clear-minded and cautious

In imposing penalties,

And protracts no lawsuits.”

 

            For the I Ching, "traveling" is more a fluid state of mind than a physical journey from place to place.  But one may well include the other.

           

    This future message says that you are in a state of transition, and are moving to places that are unfamiliar.  In such times, it is wise to take small steps until you understand more fully the forces that are at play.

  In the main message, Splitting Apart, or Deterioration, and our one changing line, the Yi  said that the "structure" that is in place now will soon split apart.  You were advised to wait for the "change for the better" that is coming shortly, and then chart your personal course in light of the new conditions.

 

            This will be a time for "tasting, testing, and collecting information.” As part of this process, you are advised to remove yourself from any conflicts as soon as possible.

 

            Where you are now - mentally or physically – is not where you are going.  Stay out of trouble and learn what you can; that will help you along your path.

From Splitting Apart  /  Deterioration,    Line 4:

"The bed is split up to the skin. Misfortune."

      In ancient China, beds were sometimes made of animal skins stretched across a frame. The progression of changing lines in this hexagram illustrate the way changing lines work:  the first line represents the beginning of the situation, with the following lines being subsequent steps.   In Splitting Apart, Line 1 is about "the leg of the bed" being split and in Line 2, the bed is split "at the edge."

    Receiving Line 4 tells us that the situation -  in this case, the current political structure -  is at the point of complete collapse. As the Wilhelm translation puts it, "Misfortune has reached its peak:  it can no longer be warded off."

     However, as our main message told us yesterday, in political matters "a change for the better will appear shortly."

      Tomorrow we'll look at our future message. The Yi has some advice for us on how to deal with the new situation that will start to take shape once this old one disappears.