No. 47,  Oppression  /  Exhaustion:

"Oppression. Success. Perseverance.
The great man brings about good fortune.
No blame.
When one has something to say,
It is not believed."

     The future may hold Oppression - which the Yi defines as "When one has something to say, it is not believed."

     You are trying to get a message across to someone.  In light of the main message, Gathering Together, this may be more than one person.
 

     The message is not getting through.

     You are not to blame in this situation.  Your best bet is to bring the matter before a Higher Power, and leave it to the Universe for resolution.

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." 
 
     I like Wilhelm's translation of this one so much, I will just quote directly: 
 
     "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 one another forthwith, just as the Divinity generously accepts a small offering if it comes from the heart." 
 
      This line comes in relationships when you are being pulled one way by your head - what you think you should do - and another way by your heart. The Yi says: Go with your heart.

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.

       Your best course right now is to join others. By Gathering Together to work toward a common goal, you can accomplish great things.

      Group strength will 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 a group weather difficult times.

     Keeping higher principles and goals in mind will be a key factor in this success.

    We received one changing line, Line 2, that has specific advice on Gathering Together. We'll look at it tomorrow.

 

No. 54, The Marrying Maiden / Subordinate:

"The Marrying Maiden.
Undertakings bring misfortune.
Nothing that would further."

    Looks like it's going to be awhile before you can take advantage of the Abundance of the main message.

    This message says that the future will require that you remain in a subordinate position. The Image gives some advice on how to proceed:  "Thus the superior man understands the transitory in the light of the eternity of the end."

    In other words, whatever this situation is - a relationship or a job, for example - that requires you to take a subordinate role, it won't last forever.  Do what is required of you in the present, but inwardly, focus on your own long-term goals.

    Be patient; Abundance is waiting.

Abundance   Line 2: 
 
"The curtain is of such fullness 
That the polestars can be seen at noon. 
Through going, one meets with mistrust and hate. 
If one rouses him through truth, 
Good fortune comes." 

No. 55, Abundance: 
 
"Abundance has success. 
The king attains abundance. 
Be not sad. 
Be like the sun at midday." 

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."

    The Turning Point, our future message, is like the first day after winter solstice: Things are headed toward greater light, but they still have a long way to go.

     The old will be discarded and the new introduced, with the focus on "introduced."  This situation still has to develop, slowly, over a long period of time.

    Return / The Turning Point is formed from the trigram Earth over the trigram Thunder. It signifies a deep change of 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 you to keep your focus on the small steps that will get you past the Difficulty at the Beginning that was the main message. Specifically, keep looking for ways to get around those "people who distort everything."

Difficulty at the Beginning, Line 5: 

"Difficulties in blessing. 
A little perseverance brings good fortune. 
Great perseverance brings misfortune." 
 
     This line describes a person who "cannot express his good intentions so that they will actually take shape and be understood. Other people interpose and distort everything he does." [Wilhelm] 
 
     This is the major Difficulty you face in this process that is just Beginning. 
 
     The Yi's advice? Take small, quiet steps for now. Do not try to force anything. In this way, you will progress slowly and steadily to the point where your strength will be sufficient to overcome the obstacles. 
 
     Are you in a situation where people are "distorting everything" you do? What could you do to "back off" and not arouse opposition, while still moving forward?  
 
............................ 
 
We'll look at the future of this message tomorrow. 

No. 3,  Difficulty at the Beginning:

"Difficulty at the beginning works supreme success,
Furthering through perseverance.
Nothing should be undertaken.
It furthers one to appoint helpers."


      "Nothing should be undertaken." How often do we hear the Yi say that? (Not very often.)

      The future reading we received yesterday had a similar message: "Going through to the end brings misfortune."

     Receiving this hexagram indicates that a new process of natural growth is underway, but just because it is "natural" does not mean that it will be easy.  "When it is a man's fate to undertake new beginnings, everything is still unformed, dark." [Wilhelm]

     In other words, you are just at the very start of something that has the promise of supreme success.  You need to go slow, don't bite off more than you can chew, and look for friends who can help and support you.

     What is this "new beginning" for you?

..........................

We received one changing line, Line 5, that has an unusually specific piece of advice.  We'll look at that tomorrow.

 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." 
 
    The future of Following / Adaptability is going to be Conflict. 

     In this Conflict, you will not be at fault. Unfortunately, your good intentions will not be enough to make the difficulties go away.

      Remember, you cannot change other people.  There is a limit to how much you can, or should,  Adapt to the ways of others under the present circumstances.
 
       Meet the other party to this Conflict halfway, but no more.  Pushing ahead in your determination to "win" or be proved "right" brings nothing but misfortune. 

 
     If you can't let go, seek the counsel of someone wiser.  And don't rush into a new project - or a new relationship.  You shouldn't take on a serious challenge in the immediate future.

 

Following / Adaptability, Line 6:

"He meets with firm allegiance
And is still further bound.
The king introduces him
To the Western Mountain."

       There is someone you are being asked to lead and assist.  Is this the life circumstance  the Yi urging you to adapt to?

     This leadership may not be what you want to do, but you will be rewarded for continuing.

     Ancestors of the ancient Chinese kings were buried at the Western Mountain. To be included in this holy place was a very high honor.  This kind of honor will come to you if you selflessly aid another.
   
       We'll look at the future of this message tomorrow.

Following/ Adaptability, Line 2:

"If one clings to the little boy,
One loses the strong man."

     If you hold on to what is weak or inferior, you will lose that which is beneficial.  These may be your own "childlike" traits, or those of others.

    Do you enable or even encourage childish qualities in those around you?  An example would be always giving in to demands for instant gratification.  Do you endure in silence the hissy fits or sullen stares when they don't get what they want?  Do you indulge in these yourself?

     The Yi's message on how you should be Adapting is straightforward:  Grow up.

...............

We'll look at Line 6 tomorrow.

Following / Adaptability, Line 1:

"The standard is changing.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
To go out of the door in company
Produces deeds."

    Whether you like it or not, things are changing - in a very basic way.

     The way to survive these changes is to be truly open to all opinions and ways of life.  If you can adapt yourself to the prevailing currents, and join in the efforts wholeheartedly, you can accomplish something solid.

     What basic change do you need to Adapt yourself to?

No. 17,  Following / Adaptability:

"Following has supreme success.
Perseverance furthers.  No blame."

    The Image of Following/Adaptability says, "Thus the superior man at nightfall goes indoors for rest and recuperation." 

      The Yi gave us essentially this same message yesterday in Limitation.  The core idea of this hexagram is "Adapt to circumstances as they are." 

No. 60, Limitation:

"Limitation. Success.
Galling limitation must not be persevered in."

     As you move out of this time of Increase, you will have to live within your Limitations.

    Nothing increases forever.  The idea that there are "no limits" is simply false. Everything has a limit, and to ignore the natural limits of life results in disaster. Summer is warm, and you can walk around in your shirt sleeves, but what would happen if you insisted on doing that into November and December?

    While you should enjoy the Increase, of course,  this future hexagram may come as a caution against letting yourself be overwhelmed by possibilities.  Channel your energies appropriately.

    But don't t be too strict with yourself.  Limitations that are too limiting are just self-defeating.

 

Increase, Line 6:

"He brings increase to no one.
Indeed, someone even strikes him.
He does not keep his heart constantly steady.
Misfortune."

     If you act from selfish motives, no one will experience this Increase.  Not even you.

     In fact, focusing on your own personal agenda will invite attack.

     Your attitude and actions need to be "permanently in harmony with the demands of the time."  [Wilhelm]   If they are not, misfortune will result.

     Can you see what actions you should be taking that will be "in harmony with the demands of the time?"

....................

Tomorrow we look at the future of Increase.

Increase,  Line 2:

"Someone does indeed increase him.
Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it.
Constant perseverance brings good fortune.
The king presents him before God.
Good fortune."

      Is your new project -  the one you're going to start with the aid of this Increase - something for the common good?

      If it is, "Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it."

      This is one of my favorite phrases in all of the I Ching.   It means that unexpected factors or "bad luck" cannot interfere with your plans - your goal is divinely favored.

      Most important at this fortunate time is to stay on your path - don't let this surge of energy tempt you to over-confidence or impulsive behavior.

      You will be richly rewarded.

...................................................

We'll look at Line 6 tomorrow.

No. 42, Increase: 
 
"Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. 
It furthers one to cross the great water." 
 
      You are due for an Increase. 
 
     Energy is flowing your way.  To take advantage of this Increase, you will need to devote yourself to a specific goal. Realize and accept that reaching it will be a difficult journey. 
 
      "Crossing the great water" indicates that 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?  Use this boost the Yi is giving you, and start today to "undertake something." 
 
........................................... 
 
      We have two changing lines that explain how to take advantage of this Increase. We'll look at Line 2 tomorrow. 

 

No. 38, Opposition: 
 
"Opposition. In small matters, good fortune."

    The future of the process of Return is, unfortunately, Opposition. 

     However, the changing lines were strong indications that this was not going to be easy, so running into some Opposition is no big surprise.

     What matters is that you understand the import of this message:  This Opposition need not stop you.  Small steps  - perhaps the "quiet return" of the first changing line - will bring you good fortune.

Return, 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 window of opportunity to Return to your true path is brief.  Missing it will mean misfortune - personal, inner misfortune and outer misfortune. A misfortune double whammy.

      The previous changing line advised that you need to break away from a group that is headed in the wrong direction - or at least, it's the wrong direction for you.  This line tells you that if you keep marching in that direction, it will end in disaster. (Apparently, double misfortune isn't bad enough to describe what will happen!)

     The Yi rarely gets more emphatic than this. Take the hint:   If you don't make your Return now, it will be a very long time before you will get another chance.

     Bite the bullet.  Make the break.  Do it now.

.............................. 

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

Return, Line 4: 
 
"Walking in the midst of others, 
One returns alone." 
 
     You are in a group that is headed in the wrong direction.  "Going along" is not going to get you where you want, and need, to go.  
 
      To get the benefit of this natural Return to brighter days, you are going to have to separate yourself from others and return to your own path.  
 
     What "others" is the Yi warning you about?  Friends who are always looking to party?  Co-workers who take any excuse to goof off? Family that values those who make the most money?  A church that has lost sight of its true purpose? 
 
     Returning alone will be difficult, but crucial, as we will see when we look at Line 6 tomorrow. 

Return, Line 2:

"Quiet return. Good fortune."

    Receiving this line may mean that you need to allow someone - yourself or someone close to you - to Return to their path without a lot of fan fare.

     Has someone been out of line?  Skip the   "Didn't I tell you  . . .?,"  and the ever popular "Why do you always do that?"  Allow them back in the fold without pointing out their mistakes or transgressions.   

     The same goes for you.  Are you beating yourself up for going off your diet?  Dropping your exercise plan?  Going out with friends when you should be studying? 

     Stop it.  Just make a quiet return to your path, and keep going.

     There are two more pitfalls on the path of Return that the Yi wanted to warn us about.  We look at Line 4 tomorrow.

No. 11, Peace:
 
“Peace.  The small departs,
The great approaches.
Good fortune.  Success.”
 
   A time when the yang forces (Heaven) move up, and the yin forces (Earth) move down, and when they meet, and balance, there is harmony and Peace.
 
   This future will come IF you follow the advice in the main message, and move through the present situation with quiet strength.  You can't just sit and wait for Peace to arrive.
 
    When this time of Peace arrives, you can safely put all anxieties and petty concerns to one side. It will be like the first month of natural spring – fresh growth lies ahead.
 
    I hear you saying, "I could use some Peace in my life right about now.  When will it get here?"  This is a question the Yi does not answer.

The Power of the Great, Line 4:

“Perseverance brings good fortune.
Remorse disappears.
The hedge opens; there is no entanglement
Power depends on the axle of a big cart.”
 
     In Changing Line 3, the I Ching uses the metaphor of a goat butting its head against a hedge, and getting its horns entangled. You received only Line 4, however, in which the hedge opens, and there is no entanglement.
 
     This indicates that by not “butting your head” against the obstacles that present themselves in the situation that concerns you, you will be able to move ahead without regrets.
 
     The final part of this line tells you that your power lies within, in the strength of your essential structure.  While others might break down, you can successfully carry a “heavy load.”

........................

We'll look at the future of the Power of the Great tomorrow.

No. 34, 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" – or take control.   The Yi reminds us that with Great Power comes great responsibility.

     The I Ching’s advice is to not misuse this strength to judge, condemn, punish, or manipulate others.  Also, this is not the time to break out and head in a new direction.  Stay within the confines and conventions of society.

.....................

     We received one changing line, Line 4, which will give us some advice on how to get past the potential pitfalls that accompany Great Power.  We'll look at that tomorrow.

No. 58 – The Joyous/ Lake

 

“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.”

 

         This message signals the arrival of a happy and fulfilling time if one uses it to share and discuss the truly important things in life. The message is symbolized by two lakes, one replenishing the other.  

          Wing calls this message Encouragement:  "The time has come when you can achieve your aims through the encouragement of others."

          Who could you encourage?

...............................

We received one changing line with some specific advice on how to achieve Joyousness. We'll look at Line 2 tomorrow.