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Monday, August 31, 2009
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 as a future message means that you're involved in a situation that has not merely
stopped moving forward. It is now stagnant and starting to, well, . . . rot.
Remember Changing Line 4: "No game in the field?" This is not going to get any better in the future.
You
need to spend some significant time facing this situation squarely, and deciding how 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, you 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 your focus is on looking at how you got to this point, what you need 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.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Duration, Line 6:
"Restlessness
as an enduring condition brings misfortune."
"There
are people who live in a state of perpetual hurry without ever attaining inner composure." [Wilhelm]
Is this you? Do you feel you have to rush, constantly - and feel like there's something wrong if you're not?
Anthony and Moog see the root of this problem as "the mistaken idea that humans are at the center
of the universe and therefore responsible for making everything work. " This is a problem, not only on a global
scale, in upsetting the balance of nature, but on a personal level, in your own individual "universe."
How about your family? Do you feel you're responsible for everyone's happiness?
What about at work? Do you take on everything, because you know that nobody else is going to do
it right?
Listen to the Yi: You are exhausting yourself for no purpose. Slow down and
focus on your own path. In this way you will avoid misfortune.
11:54 am edt
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Duration, Line 4:
"No game in the field."
Are you hunting for something you can never quite find?
Receiving
this line is a message from the Yi: Persistence in this search is a waste of time. There is nothing worthwhile "in
the field" to begin with.
Or, using the "life
as a journey" metaphor: "If you are going in the wrong direction, no matter how long you travel, you will never
get where you want to be." [Marshall]
Anthony
and Moog suggest you view this message as a blessing in disguise. They give the example of a job loss: At first it is devastating,
but in truth, it may be a plus because it "gives you the opportunity to rid yourself of the rigid ideas that have been
preventing you from fulfilling your destiny."
What idea
or belief is preventing you from fulfilling your
destiny?
.......................
Line 6 has another bit of advice on
how to stay on the right path. We'll look at that tomorrow.
4:02 pm edt
Friday, August 28, 2009
No.
32, Duration:
"Duration. Success. No blame.
Perseverance
furthers.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go."
Duration is advice on how to deal with change.
Duration does not mean standing still. It means maintaining your principles in the face of changing events
and conditions.
As Brian Browne Walker explains it, "Receiving this hexagram
is an encouragement to endure, to move ahead by abiding in what is true and correct."
This will not be easy. The Yi has two more pieces of advice for us about this, Lines 4 and 6. We'll look at Line 4 tomorrow.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
No.
20. Contemplation:
"Contemplation. The ablution has been made,
But not yet the offering.
Full of trust they look up to him."
Now is
the time to take stock of your situation, especially the Increase that was the subject
of the main message.
You need to examine your values, but that is only the beginning
- the ablution - of the process. You then need to make the offering - making real changes in accordance with your deepened
understanding.
The more openly you live your true values, the more influence
you will have on others.
11:10 pm edt
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Increase, Line 1:
"It
furthers one to accomplish great deeds.
Supreme good fortune. No blame."
This
time of Increase includes an increase in your energy. If you use this energy and the
assistance you are receiving from the Universe to accomplish "a great deed" that benefits others, you
will have not just "good" fortune, but "supreme good fortune."
No
doubt, you will be more "fortunate" than those around you. There will be no blame in receiving this Increase. You have acted selflessly, not in your own interest.
.........................
We'll look at the future of this Increase tomorrow.
9:48 pm edt
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
No.
42, Increase:
"Increase.
It furthers one
To undertake something.
It furthers one to cross the great water."
If you have been waiting for a sign that it's time to take the plunge
on a new venture - here it is.
It's a time of Increase.
Your progress will be relatively easy. You will be aided, especially if you aid others.
Just keep in mind that nothing Increases forever.
"The time of Increase does not endure, therefore it must be utilized while it
lasts." [Wilhelm]
.............................
We received one
changing line, Line 1. We'll look at that tomorrow.
10:48 pm edt
Monday, August 24, 2009
No.
50, The Cauldron / The Ting / Cosmic Order:
"The Cauldron.
Supreme good fortune.
Success."
R.L. Wing calls this hexagram 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 Cauldron - or Ting - was a vessel used to make offerings in ancient Chinese religious or cultural ceremonies.
The Yi is telling you that all ingredients are "in the pot" for "supreme good fortune."
In other words, although there may be Conflict now, if you follow the advice in the
main message and changing lines, the Conflict will change to harmony.
Especially favored are close personal and family relationships. The strong harmony that exists there
will prove to be very beneficial.
8:38 pm edt
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Conflict, Line 5:
"To
contend before him
Brings supreme good fortune."
The traditional interpretations say this line means you should ask someone who is "powerful and just"
to settle this Conflict.
Fine. But
the "powerful and just" seem to be in short supply in everyday life.
I think, rather, this is a reference to the Sage, the voice of the Book of Changes
itself - the Yi.
Turn this Conflict
over to the Yi by asking what you should do, and then tossing the coins. Following the advice in the hexagram you receive
will bring you "supreme good fortune."
............................
If you're not
doing your own readings already, you can find step-by-step instructions on how to do an I Ching by clicking on "Getting
Started with the I Ching."
11:26 am edt
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Conflict, Line 3:
“To nourish oneself
on ancient virtues induces perseverance.
Danger. In the end, good fortune comes.
If by chance you are
in the service of a king,
Seek not works."
In removing yourself from this Conflict, concentrate on doing "the right thing." That will
help you get through the difficulties.
Is the conflict
about trying to preserve something that was not acquired through your own merit? Be honest - because the danger is that you
will lose it anyway. If that's the case, time will show that the loss was a blessing in disguise. (This piece of advice may
take some extra analysis: What are you trying to hold on to?)
Finally, if
this is a conflict at work, don't seek recognition for your contribution. To do so will only revive or intensify the struggle,
and the Yi is trying to tell you that you are not likely to win this one.
"Keep your head down if you don't want it shot off." [Marshall]
................................
We'll look at the other piece of specific advice, Line 5, tomorrow.
8:55 pm edt
Friday, August 21, 2009
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."
You were warned to Retreat, and now it's clear why - Conflict.
In
this Conflict, you are not at fault. The Yi states that plainly. You have
done everything in your power to get past this. Unfortunately, your sincerity is not enough to make the conflict go
away.
Meet the other party halfway, but no more. A natural
and quiet Retreat is your wisest course.
If you can't let go of this situation, seek the counsel of someone wiser. And don't rush
into a new project - or a new relationship - as a way of distracting yourself. Acceptance needs to come first
before you will be ready to move on.
....................................... We had two changing lines
with this hexagram, Line 3 and Line 5. We'll look at Line 3 tomorrow.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
No. 33, Retreat:
"Retreat. Success.
In what is small, perseverance furthers."
You should view this Retreat not in military
terms, but in natural terms.
As the light retreats, winter approaches. Is this a "defeat?"
Of course not.
"The only course open to you is to withdraw. This is not in any way unworthy
or cowardly, but shows that you genuinely understand the situation." [Marshall]
As the
future of Before Completion, Retreat indicates you will reach a point where you will have done all you can do.
There will be nothing further to be accomplished in this situation. It will be time to take your leave gracefully.
10:43 pm edt
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Before Completion, Line 5:
"Perseverance brings good fortune.
No remorse.
The light of the superior man is true.
Good fortune."
"The victory has been won. The power of steadfastness
has not been routed." [Wilhelm]
The Yi is telling you that a successful
outcome is assured. You have been able to get past the obstacles without harm.
And you have done it in a way that will not cause you any regrets. Congratulations!
As the name of the main message - Before Completion - indicates, this is not the end of the story. We received
one more changing line, Line 6, and we'll look at that tomorrow.
5:00 pm edt
Monday, August 17, 2009
Before Completion, Line 3:
"Before
completion, attack brings misfortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water."
Line 2 advised that an obstacle may arise before you can reach your goal. Line 3, the
next step in the process, advises you not to attack this problem.
Receiving
this line suggests that the obstacle is some form of conflict. Misfortune results if you waste your energy actively fighting
something that would have faded away of its own accord with time.
Focus
on The Big Picture. Set your sights on your long term goal, and do not be distracted.
.......................
We look at the next step in the process Before Completion, Line 5, tomorrow.
12:34 pm edt
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Before
Completion, Line 2: “He brakes his wheels. Perseverance
brings good fortune.”
You are moving in the right direction, but at some point soon, an obstacle will appear in your path.
Stop and wait until it is removed. Patiently.
The Yi is providing you with advance notice: Do not view this temporary blockage as the end.
You are meant to continue. …………………
Tomorrow we’ll look at Line 3, the next
step Before Completion.
12:17 pm edt
Saturday, August 15, 2009
No.
64, Before Completion: “Before Completion. Success. But
if the little fox, after nearly completing the crossing, Gets his tail in thewater. There is nothing that would further. You
are nearly there. But there is danger in taking anything for granted, now that your goal is insight.
The Yi has a lot to say about what you need to do to keep your “tail” above water:
We received four changing lines, and we’ll look at each one over the next four days.
This hexagram is a good example of the “timeline” of changing lines. The lower ones
are closest in time to the present; the higher ones reflect where the situation is going. Keep this in mind when you receive two or more changing lines that seem entirely
contradictory. They are not contradictory; they are describing a situation that is evolving. The differing
lines are steps in the process. This is, after all, the Book
of Changes.
8:38 pm edt
Friday, August 14, 2009
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 Dispersion / Reuniting, it means that the obstacle that was separating you from
others, or from your own Inner Truth, is in the process of being removed.
The Yi cautions that this is not a time for euphoria, just relief. " . . . [A] refreshing sense of liberation
replaces anxieties." [Wing]
Be alert for this change, for it may be something as subtle as a change in attitude
- yours or someone else's. Recognize it, and don't allow yourself to slide back into the situation that had you blocked.
As Wing advises," [D]ispense with emotional ruts and resentments."
6:08 pm edt
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Dispersion / Reuniting, Line 5:
"His loud cries are as dissolving as sweat.
Dissolution! A king abides without blame."
"Just as an
illness reaches its crisis in a dissolving sweat, so a great and stimulating idea is a true salvation in times of general
deadlock." [Wilhelm]
Receiving this as the only changing
line indicates that "a great and stimulating idea" is necessary for you to break up and dissolve the hard attitudes
that are hurting your relationships.
Do you have a "great and stimulating
idea" that people can rally around, something that will make them drop their petty bickering and move forward
together? If not, can you get one?
.................
We'll look at the future of Dissolution / Reuniting tomorrow.
5:21 pm edt
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
No. 59,
Dispersion / Reuniting:
"Dispersion. Success.
The king approaches his temple.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Perseverance furthers."
This signals a time when the Dispersion of hard attitudes or set ways of thinking will Reunite you with family, friends, or social
groups.
To bring this about, the Yi advises participating in a "common enterprise
or celebration." The older texts suggest that this be a religious ceremony or sacred rite of some sort. Modern
texts recommend a common enterprise, undertaken for the common good, setting aside the consideration of "what's
in it for me."
"It
is time to break up that which divides, for isolation brings discord and blocks creative energy." [Wing]
Or it may be that who you need to reunite with is yourself - your true self, the one that lives your Inner
Truth. Before you tackle a big, challenging move in a new direction - "crossing the great water" - be
sure that at your core, this is where you want to go.
Line 5, our only changing line, has some very specific advice about how to bring about this Dispersion and Reuniting.
We'll look at it tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
No. 5, Waiting / Nourishment:
"Waiting. If you are sincere,
You have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water."
"The rain will come in its own time. We
cannot make it come; we have to wait for it." Wilhelm
This future reading
indicates the Peace, balance and harmony promised in the main message may be awhile coming. You will have to wait.
The important thing is how you wait. Fear that it won't happen or anxious anticipation will cloud the atmosphere.
And don't expect it immediately. (Seinfeld fans - remember George's father bellowing "Serenity now!"?)
Is there a calming of the waters that you very much desire? The Yi advises strength and confidence while remaining
patient. Peace is on its way.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Peace, Line 5:
"The sovereign I Gives his daughter in marriage. Supreme good fortune."
"The
sovereign I was Tang the Completer, Wilhelm informs us. ("Tang the Completer" - don't you just
love that? A ruler who was honored for being "the Completer," not "the Destroyer" or "
the Terrible?")
Tang gave his daughter in marriage
to a man of lesser rank, but she was expected to obey her husband, just like any other wife. Let's look past our modern reaction
to that arrangement, and give it the broader interpretation it calls for: By not putting yourself above others, you
will secure supreme good fortune.
.
Humility, modesty,
impartiality. What situation will most benefit by your display of those qualities? ....................................
We'll look at the future of this time of
Peace tomorrow.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
No. 11, Peace:
"Peace. The small departs,
The great approaches.
Good fortune. Success."
Peace. "This hexagram denotes a time in nature when heaven seems to be on earth."
[Wilhelm] The elemental powers of heaven and earth
"unite in deep harmony." This time is most beneficial. Your task is to align your actions to it.
In your relationships with others, now is the time to
begin new ways of relating or organizing. This sort of change can grow and develop now with a minimum of resistance.
For yourself, inner conflicts will diminish and seemingly
pass away. Inner peace can be yours.
How are you going to "plug into"
this current of Peace that is "reaching into all situations?"
....................................
We received Changing Line 5, which we'll look at tomorrow.
.....................................
"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."
Richard Wilhelm
Friday, August 7, 2009
Treading / Conduct, Line 4: "He treads on the
tail of the tiger. Caution and circumspection Lead ultimately to good fortune."
Receiving this line is a little extra encouragement and reassurance from the Yi.
Others of the changing lines warn about what could go wrong if you don't Tread correctly.
The message of Line 4, however, is "Here one is sure of ultimate success, which consists
in achieving one's purpose, that is, in overcoming danger by moving forward." [Wilhelm]
..................... Tomorrow we look
at the future of Treading.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
No.
10, Treading / Conduct:
"Treading. Treading
upon the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man.
Success."
Dignity. Decorum. Good
manners. A light touch. Composed. Cautious. Steadfastly innocent. Conscientious. Slow and patient.
These are all words I Ching translators have used to describe how you
should act.
The tiger is
most likely "a wild, intractable person." [Wilhelm] Is it your boss? Your mother? A crazy
coworker? Whoever it is, it's someone you need to step lightly around.
Please note: You
cannot avoid contact with this person altogether. As Wing says, "The process of social readjustment is in the air. Some
are climbing. Some are falling. It's a natural occurrence."
Just don't step
on anyone's tail too hard on your way up.
.....................
We had one changing line, Line 4,
which gives us some specific advice on how to Tread. We'll look at it tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
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."
Light is starting to Return.
Receiving this hexagram is likened
to the first day after winter solstice: It's a Turning Point toward
brighter days.
This is a time when "the old is discarded and the new is introduced." Formed
from the trigram Earth over the trigram Thunder, this hexagram 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." When received without changing lines, however,
as this was, it is certain that the flowering will occur. It is just a matter of time and natural progress.
11:05 pm edt
Monday, August 3, 2009
No. 50, The Ting / The Caldron / Cosmic Order:
"The Caldron. Supreme good fortune.
Success."
Small but consistent efforts, signified by Wind, the lower trigram, are being illuminated - or clarified - by Fire,
the upper trigram. Together they make the hexagram The Ting, or Caldron, which symbolizes all the right ingredients coming
together in the cosmically correct combination.
We
received this message without changing lines, which means it will be a stable process. You are on the right track, and you
will be bringing others along with you.
"Your
success will confirm the worthiness of your venture." [R.L. Wing]
10:51 pm edt
Sunday, August 2, 2009
No. 7, The Army / Group Action:
"The Army. The army needs
perseverance And a strong man. Good fortune without blame."
"The Army is a guide to proper conduct in the
face of adversity." [Brian Browne Walker]
So - there
is some adversity awaiting as you take on a new challenge. (The Army is the future
message for Youthful Folly / Inexperience,
the main message.) Be guided by the Yi's advice, as translated by James Legg in 1854:
"The rules, it is said, are two-fold - first, that the war be for a righteous
end; and second, that the manner of conducting it, especially at the outset, be right."
In other words, be sure your efforts are for something truly worthwhile, then go about it in an honest and honorable way.
This is the only sure way to attract others to work with you. "Unless there is a quite definite war aim to which people can consciously pledge themselves,
the unity and strength of conviction that lead to victory will not be forthcoming." [Wilhelm]
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