|
Friday, July 31, 2009
Youthful Folly / Inexperience, Line 6:
"In punishing folly
It does not further one To commit transgressions. The only thing that furthers Is to prevent transgressions."
Instead of a general interpretation,
today I'm going to share how I
plugged my own situation into the "electrical current" of this advice:
I work at a shelter for adult women that includes
rules and restrictions. Earlier this week, one of our residents violated the rules in a big way: substance abuse.
Now she wants to have her young children
come for a visit for the weekend. The staff is divided. Some feet the request should be denied because of her violation
of the rules. Others feel that having her kids would help keep her focused on her real goal - reuniting with her kids.
Reading Line 6 made the right answer
clear: Giving her the responsibility of care for her children would give her something positive to turn her attention
to, which might "prevent transgressions" - at least for this weekend.
If you have children, you face this
sort of choice every day. The Yi advises that you choose the option that is not mere retaliation.
6:18 pm edt
Thursday, July 30, 2009
No. 4, Youthful Folly / Inexperience:
"Youthful Folly has success.
It is
not I who seek the young fool.
The young fool seeks me.
At the first oracle I inform him.
If he asks two or
three times, it is importunity.
If he importunes, I give him no information.
Perseverance furthers."
We received this hexagram as a future
message just last week. Receiving it again is a pretty good sign: That future has arrived.
What situation
are you dealing with that is new to you? Are you following the Yi's advice?
This
may be an indication that you have been given the answer, but are resisting it.
In sum, there
are no stupid questions, but don't keep asking once you get the answer, just because it's not what you want to hear. ..................
We received one changing line, Line 6, which may explain
further what the Yi is trying to tell us about our Youthful Folly. We'll look at that specific advice
tomorrow.
6:54 pm edt
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
No. 40, Deliverance / Liberation:
"DELIVERANCE.
The southwest furthers.
If there is no longer anything where one has to go,
Return brings good fortune.
If
there is still something where one has to go,
Hastening brings good fortune."
Another hexagram received without changing lines. R.L. Wing says that "when none of the lines are
moving, it signals an internal process of liberation."
The possibilities of what you could
be liberated from, internally? An unhealthy habit or pattern of behavior. A short-sighted opinion. An unrealistic
goal that is consuming your energy.
Whatever it is, letting go of it "will
be a permanent improvement in your character."
7:42 pm edt
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
No. 26, Taming Power of the Great / 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."
"Potential Energy in its static form is explosive," according to R.L. Wing, and that's what we have
here: We received this hexagram without changing lines. The energy is there. Your challenge is how to contain
and control - to Tame - it.
Think of this energy as gunpowder.
If you light a little gunpowder, you'll get a nice flash and some sizzle, and then it will be gone. If you contain
and control it in the barrel of a gun, however, you can use it to hit a target. Translation: You may need steely
strength and determination to make the best use of this energy.
"Not eating at home brings good fortune" means you should be sharing this form of energy with others, not consuming
it all yourself.
However, you have my personal permission to take this hexagram as a sign
that you should eat out this evening. No harm in using the Yi as an excuse to escape cooking and cleaning every once
in awhile.
1:13 pm edt
Monday, July 27, 2009
No. 25, Innocence / The Unexpected:
"Innocence. Supreme success.
Perseverance furthers.
If someone
is not as he should be,
He has misfortune,
And it does not further him
To undertake something."
The future of Increase is change, coming your
way from an Unexpected direction.
I can hear you saying, "Well,
duh! If it's change, it must be unexpected." Not so.
Much of the
change we experience is predictable - morning to night, summer to winter, good times followed by lean times. We know - or
at least, we should know - that these changes are coming, and much of life - and The Book of Changes - is devoted to recognizing
these inevitable changes and preparing for them.
This change, however, will
be different. That's why you need to meet it with Innocence. No plotting, no planning.
If you are "not as you should be" - that is, open to taking whatever course of action will have the most benefit
for all - this change will result in misfortune.
An open, unstructured, and most importantly, unselfish attitude, however, will result in "supreme success."
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Increase,
Line 4:
"If you walk in the middle
And report
the prince,
He will follow.
It furthers one to be used
In the removal of the capital."
Are you in "middle management" in an important situation in your
life, living in a structured framework of relationships where you are not the leader, but you not a member of "the masses,"
either?
Your big opportunity here is to harmonize the interests of those below you with
those above. The higher-ups will be willing to follow your lead, to the benefit of all.
This promises to benefit you personally, down the road, even if there are major changes in the hierarchy within which you
are working.
................
We'll look at the future tomorrow.
12:35 pm edt
Saturday, July 25, 2009
No. 42, Increase:
"Increase. It furthers one to undertake
something.
It furthers one to cross the great water."
Enthusiasm (yesterday's) , followed by Increase!
Things are going great!
Of, at least, they can be, if:
you devote yourself to a specific goal, and realize and accept that reaching it will be a difficult journey.
"Crossing the great water" means you won't be able to see your ultimate destination clearly for a very long time.
You will have to rely on faith, determination, and of course, the energy the Universe is providing, to get you there.
Have you been contemplating a new project, a new diet, an exercise regimen? Use
this assurance the Yi is giving you, and start today to "undertake something."
.....................
We received Changing Line 4., which we'll look at tomorrow.
10:33 am edt
Friday, July 24, 2009
No. 16, Enthusiasm:
"Enthusiasm. It furthers one to install helpers.
And to set armies marching."
It looks like your Gathering Together will
be successful. Enthusiasm signals a time of consensus combined with energy.
The R.L. Wing translation advises: "During this time you should seek to analyze
the essential nature of the moment. If you can grasp the direction of the tendencies around you, you can parallel them
and accomplish great deeds.
"New ideas,
inventions, and innovations can now be successfully developed and promoted."
Recognizing "the essential nature of the moment" is what the I Ching is all about. If
you don't feel you have a good grasp of it, take a little more time with the Daily Yi. Really focus on applying what
it says to the situation that concerns you the most. This will align you with the flow of the Universe.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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."
You may be in a leadership position in this Gathering Together, and that is
as it should be.
Some members of the group may not be "sincerely in the work."
This will be an extreme test of your steadfastness.
Stay on the path, and keep your focus
on the common goal, even if others don't. Then you will have no cause for regret.
........
We'll look at the future reading tomorrow.
6:46 pm edt
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
No. 45, Gathering Together:
"Gathering Together. Success.
The King approaches his temple.
It furthers one to
see the great man.
That brings success. Perseverance furthers.
To bring great offerings creates good
fortune.
It furthers one to undertake something."
We received this same main message not long ago, on July 10. At that time I said that receiving this
hexagram may mean that you need to gather with others in the pursuit of a goal, or it may be your Self that needs to
be "gathered together."
I concentrated on the "Self"-oriented interpretation. Receiving
this message again, so soon, (and receiving Union/ Holding Together in between the two!) is the Yi's not-so-subtle
way of saying that I was off the mark: Gathering Together with others is the topic that should
concern us.
Group action is favored at present. There is good fortune in dedicating yourself to a cause that is universal,
not personal. And you can be the leader of the cause, if . . . you followed the advice in
Union/Holding Together, and "inquired of the oracle once again" whether you possess the qualities
necessary to lead.
........... We received one changing line this time, Line 5.
We look at that specific advice tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
No. 4, Youthful Folly / Inexperience:
"Youthful Folly has success.
It is
not I who seek the young fool.
The young fool seeks me.
At the first oracle I inform him.
If he asks two or
three times, it is importunity.
If he importunes, I give him no information.
Perseverance furthers."
"To put it bluntly,
this hexagram signifies that at this moment in your life, you need help." Chris Marshall
This messge is the future of Union/Holding Together. It says that this future will bring a situation that is
new to you. Do not be embarrassed about asking for help.
The Yi does have quite
a bit to say about how you should ask: Ask your question, then pay attention
to the answer.
In sum, there are no stupid questions, but don't keep asking, just because the
answer is not what you want to hear.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Union /Holding Together, Line 6:
"He
finds no head for holding together.
Misfortune."
Receiving this line suggests that making up your mind about this relationship is an on-going problem.
You are in danger of over-thinking it - allowing your rational
side to take over, totally replacing your feeling side. Decisions regarding human relationships require both, in balance.
Guys, what is your gut feeling about this relationship? Ladies,
what is your intuition telling you?
Human unity is not reached by application
of a mathematical equation.
....................
We'll look at the future of this hexagram tomorrow.
12:16 pm edt
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Union / Holding Together, Line 5:
"Manifestation of holding together.
In the hunt the king uses beaters on three sides
only
And foregoes game that runs off in front.
The citizens need no warning.
Good fortune."
This line refers to practice of using beaters to flush out animals for the
hunt, but giving them a way out. If they head for the front - the open side - they go free.
The Yi is reminding you that those who will join with you must do so of their own free will. Forcing or trapping someone
into a relationship won't work - for you or for them.
If they are determined to go their
own way, let them.
.................
Tomorrow we'll
look at Line 6, our final changing line for this hexagram.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Union / Holding Together, Line 1:
"Hold to him in truth and loyalty;
This is without blame.
Truth, like a full earthen bowl:
Thus
in the end
Good fortune comes from without."
The first
thing the Yi wants you to know about this Union is: Sincerity is of the utmost importance.
You must enter into it with no hidden agendas.
Truth in a relationship is "like a full
earthen bowl" - "the content is everything and the empty form nothing." [Wilhelm]
Gestures, or "the right words," mean nothing. Did you say "I'm
sorry" without really meaning it? Did you volunteer for a task, but know, deep down, that when the time comes,
you'll bail out or make excuses?
In the long run, only being truly honest
will allow good fortune to come to you.
..................
Tomorrow
we'll look at the second piece of advice, Line 5.
Friday, July 17, 2009
No. 8 Union / Holding Together:
"Holding together brings good fortune.
Inquire of the oracle once again
Whether you possess sublimity, constancy, and perseverance;
Then there is no blame.
Those who are
uncertain gradually join.
Whoever comes too late
Meets with misfortune."
A relationship that is now in its early stages may bring you good fortune.
This relationship may be personal, such as a friendship or a romance, or it may be professional, like a new job. Remember,
we all have many different types of relationships. It could be a new set of in-laws! Whatever it is, the
Yi wants you to look at it carefully, from all angles.
First , the Yi advises you to ask whether you can sincerely commit to this relationship. Are you in it for the long
haul? If the answer is yes, proceed.
This reading
also points out that common experience is what binds people together. Those who have been together "from the beginning"
will always be closer. If you wait too long to join in, you may be shut out.
And we received three changing lines with this hexagram, each with another facet
of this relationship for you to consider. We'll look at Line 1 tomorrow.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
No
29, Flowing Water:
“Flowing Water repeated.
If you
are sincere, you have success in your heart,
And whatever you do succeeds.”
Traditionally, this hexagram is called The Abysmal, because of the symbolism of rapidly
flowing water at the bottom of a steep canyon, and sometimes Danger, because most
of the translations put their emphasis on the danger of such a situation.
But the actual
words of The Judgment (above) put the emphasis on sincerity, and The Image says, “Water flows on uninterruptedly and
reaches its goal, . . . Thus the superior man walks in lasting virtue, and carries on the business of teaching. “ So
I have chosen to call it Flowing Water instead.
Brian Browne Walker says this hexagram ". . . is meant to teach us how to conduct ourselves in trying situations. If
we flow with them, and through them, staying true to what is best in ourselves, we escape danger and reach a place of quiet
refuge and good fortune beyond.”
Bottom line: Go with the flow, keeping your focus
on your higher purpose, and you will get through this difficult situation.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Joyousness, Line 4:
"Joyousness that is weighed is not at peace.
After ridding himself of mistakes a man has joy."
If it is taking you a long time to decide between two courses of action, you are already in trouble.
Receiving this line indicates that the choice is between pursuit of a "higher" goal and a "lower" type
of pleasure.
Choose the higher path, and your inner conflict will cease. The Joy and Success promised in this hexagram will be yours.
.......
We'll
look at the future of this hexagram tomorrow.
9:41 am edt
Monday, July 13, 2009
Joyousness, Line 1:
"Contented Joyousness.
Good fortune."
When you think of Joyousness,
are you expecting the kind of feeling that has you jumping up and down and clapping your hands, like a person picked to compete
on The Price Is Right?
That's not what you should be looking
for.
The contentment that comes from letting go of expectations or worries,
of detaching from the difficulties of dealing with the demands of others - that is the Joyousness that is true good
fortune.
We also received Line 4, which has another word of caution on experiencing
true Joyousness. We'll look at that tomorrow.
6:25 pm edt
No. 58, Joyousness:
"The Joyous. Success.
Perseverance is favorable."
The Image:
"Lakes resting one on the other.
The image of The Joyous.
Thus the superior man joins with his friends
For discussion and practice."
"Lakes
resting one on the other" is the image of The Joyous, "for one replenishes
the other." The Yi is saying that sharing and mutual support is the key to joy for you now.
"Strive to create accord within your society by encouraging others in the pursuit of individual goals." [R.L. Wing] This echoes the last message we received: The highest reward goes
to pursuing a unifying goal that speaks to "the inner truth that resonates in each person individually."
[Anthony and Moog]
What goal would resonate
with you, personally, and yet is one that can unite you with others?
We received two
changing lines that should help us define what that goal might be. We'll look at Line 1 tomorrow.
4:47 pm edt
Friday, July 10, 2009
No. 45, Gathering Together:
"Gathering Together. Success.
The King approaches his temple.
It furthers one to see the great
man.
That brings success. Perseverance furthers.
To bring great offerings creates good fortune.
It furthers
one to undertake something."
Receiving
this hexagram may mean that you need to gather with others in the pursuit of a goal.
Or it may it may be your Self that needs to be "gathered together." Are you feeling conflicted - can't decide
what course of action to take, constantly changing your mind?
The Yi is telling you that your current actions are not in accord with your inner truth - "the unifying goal that speaks
to the inner truth that resonates in each person individually." [Anthony and Moog]
Here's an exercise: Write down, right now, what you think your Ultimate Goal in life is. For our purposes,
it doesn't have to be well thought-out, or even accurate. Even "I want to be rich and famous" will do.
Then, throughout the day, look at what you're doing. Stop and ask
yourself, "Is doing this going to help me get where I want to be?"
If you find that most of your actions don't relate to your goals - you need to "get it together."
We received this hexagram without changing lines, so you can
take your time working on this one. It's a problem that's going to be with you for awhile.
5:33 pm edt
Saturday, July 4, 2009
No. 51, Shock: “Shock brings success.
Shock comes – oh, oh!
Laughing words –
ha, ha!
The shock terrifies for a hundred miles,
And he does not let fall the sacrificial spoon and chalice.”
The future message of Decrease is: A shock is coming your way.
Shock comes to us in many forms – an accident, an illness, loss of a job, a discovery of unfaithfulness, the death of
a loved one. “If we resist the new circumstance, either by rejecting its reality or by trying to find ‘away around
it,’ we come to harm.” [Anthony]
This future hexagram comes to remind you that
meeting the shock in the right way – not losing your inner focus and resolve – will eventually result in “success.”
This shock is sent by the Universe to get your attention: You need to change the way you are
dealing with life. Anthony and Moog suggest that the change needed is to “liberate the true self.”
The last hexagram we received before Decrease was Reform (Biting Through) – without changing lines. Face it, and accept it: You need to make a major
change.
|
