No. 53,   Development  /  Gradual Progress:

"Development. The maiden
Is given in marriage.
Good fortune.
Perseverance furthers."

        The Stagnation/Standstill will come to an end.  This future message tells you: When that happens, you need to make a commitment to steady, measured action.

      "While we desire rapid progress - we want to change someone's mind today, achieve all our goals immediately - sooner or later we must come to understand that the only lasting progress is gradual progress.  This message comes to urge you to accept this fact and adjust your attitude and actions accordingly."  [Brian Browne Walker]

      Your new situation will take time to develop and become clear.  "There are no shortcuts in the journey ahead."  [Wing]   

No. 12,  Standstill  /  Stagnation,  Line 4:

"He who acts at the command of the highest
Remains without blame.
Those of like mind partake of the blessing."

     You may have identified the "inferior element" (Line 3),  which is a step in the right direction.  But  Line 4 says you are going to have to take some decisive action to end the Standstill caused by its influence.

     Whether or not you succeed will depend on your motives.  If you try to change the situation solely out of concern for your own welfare, you will remain stuck.

      If, however, you act on behalf of the common good - "the will of Heaven - " you will succeed, and those around you will benefit, too.

     The future holds the promise of Development, as we will see tomorrow.

No. 12, Stagnation  /  Standstill,  Line 3:

"They bear shame."

   Taoist Master Alfred Huang translates this line as "Embrace the shame."

   The inferior forces that have caused the Stagnation in your society - or in yourself - must be recognized before they can be overcome.

     Unfortunately, we are often stuck in denial.  "Oh, he didn't mean it."  "She's just under too much pressure."  "One more drink won't hurt me,  I've had a rough day."

     Realizing that you have allowed the inferior elements of yourself or others to take control is the first important step toward improvement.

    "In their hearts they begin to be ashamed, although at first they do not show it outwardly.  This marks a turn for the better."  [Wilhelm]

      Tomorrow:  ". . . at the command of the highest."

No. 12,  Stagnation / Standstill:

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

    Do you feel your progress is coming to a Standstill?

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

    Be alert for the signs that "the great" is departing and "the small" is approaching - and adjust your efforts accordingly.  Don't waste energy fighting this trend.

     The Image advises, "Thus the superior man falls back upon his inner worth in order to escape the difficulties."   Focus on a purely personal interest, or perhaps a spiritual practice. This will be a time to "hide [your] worth and withdraw into seclusion."  [Wilhelm]

     The Yi charts the way through this Standstill with changing lines 3 and 4.  Tomorrow:  The uses of shame.

No. 39,   Obstruction:

"Obstruction. The southwest furthers. 
The northeast does not further. 
It furthers one to see the great man. 
Perseverance brings good fortune." 
 
    The future holds an Obstruction.

     "All obstructions are caused by a person's failure to heed warnings given by his commonsense against problematical elements present in a given situation."  [Anthony and Moog]

     The main message of The Family/The Clan and the two changing lines was that you need to deal with your family, company, nation, or world community by strengthening yourself first.

     The Yi advises that you distance yourself from the pressure to fit into a predetermined structure:  the southwest is the region of retreat.

     The last lines of The Image confirm this:  "Thus the superior man turns attention to himself, and molds his character."   Move your focus away from winning the approval of others, and toward who you are and what you want.

     In this way, even an Obstruction can result in good fortune.

      When others see that you truly believe in what you are doing, cooperation and good fortune will follow.

No. 37,  The Family  /  The Clan,  Line 1: 
 
"Firm seclusion within the family. 
Remorse disappears." 
 
          "In order to improve our family, company, nation, or world community, we must begin by improving ourselves."  [Walker] 
 
            To find your " most comfortable position" in the groups you belong to, you need to be completely honest with yourself and with others about who and what you are.  Resist pressures to be something else. 
 
             An example from my own experience:  I now work in the nonprofit world, and several years ago I took the directorship of a fairly large organization.  This was a significant step up for me, but as it turned out, the job was almost totally financial oversight and federal regulation compliance.  There are many people in this world who find fulfillment and satisfaction in putting numbers in the right places, but I am not one of them.  I finally faced that fact, and left.  I eventually found another position directing a smaller agency, where the connection with the people served is immediate.  My "remorse" disappeared. 
 
       Tomorrow, Line 6:  Commanding respect.

 No. 37,  The Family  /  The Clan:

"The Family.  The perseverance of the woman furthers."

     "The perseverance of the woman" refers not to a specific woman, but to the important concept of nurturing and support. 

     "Try to see all organizations, whether familial, social, or political, as FAMILY groups and then determine your most comfortable position within them."  [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."

     Is your "role" one of support and fellowship, or one primarily designed to fit the expectations and agendas of others?

    
     We'll look at the important first step in finding "your most comfortable position" tomorrow with Line 1.

No. 60, Limitation:

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

     "When Limitation occurs with no changing lines, it signals a situation that has yet to be defined."  [Wing]

     This is consistent with the last two messages we received, advising "three days before, three days after" making a significant change, or a start in a new direction.  You still have some evaluation to do.

      In choosing a new course, the Yi advises being realistic about your Limitations.

     The idea that there are "no limits" is simply false.  Ignoring life's natural limits results in disaster.  But don't overdo it.  Too much restriction is self-defeating.

     We received no changing lines with this hexagram, meaning that Limitation will continue to be an important influence indefinitely.

No. 18, Work on What Has Been Spoiled  /  Decay  /  Repair  /  Remedying:

"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."

      What did yesterday's line say?  "No beginning, but an end.  Before the change, three days. After the change, three days."

     Today's says to "Work on what has been spoiled."  Have you identified what needs to come to an end?

     Before you can make a new start, you need to set aside some time to focus on what needs Repair.

     Honestly identifying what needs Remedying is your starting point.  Then watch carefully to see that you do not slip back into self-destructive habits. Supreme success will be your reward.

No. 57,  The Gentle  /  Penetrating Wind,  Line 5:

No. 57,  The Gentle  /  Penetrating Wind:

“The Gentle.  Success through what is small.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
It furthers one to see the great man."
 
    I think of this hexagram as the divi divi tree message.
 
     Divi divi trees on the island of Aruba all lean in the same direction because the wind blows steadily, from one side of the island to the other.  Tour guides like to tell you that you can't get lost on Aruba:  just follow the divi divi trees, whose branches all point toward the more populated shore. 
    
       Do you have clearly in mind the direction you want go?    The Yi advises you to keep all your efforts moving gently in that same direction.  This echos yesterday's message:  "Grace has success. In small matters, it is favorable to undertake something."
 
     Tomorrow:  Changing Line 5:  "No beginning, but an end."

No. 22,   Grace: 
 
"Grace has success. 
In small matters 
It is favorable to undertake something." 
          
     The future of your Deliverance or Relief will be a time when you can devote yourself to Grace:   the form and beauty of things. 
 
     Do you paint? Dance? Write? Sing? When your Deliverance is complete, you will no longer need to focus on protecting yourself, or trying to meet the expectations of others.  Your time can be spent on the process of bringing  your uniqueness Gracefully into expression. 
 
     What is truly, creatively, naturally and simply you?  Are you doing, or being, that now?

     The Universe has shown you how to get Relief from "the hawk that watches for every thought."  Use it to take steps in your own direction - now.  
 

No. 40,  Deliverance  /  Relief,  Line 6:

"The prince shoots at a hawk on a high wall.
He kills it.  Everything serves to further."

        The "hawk on a high wall" is an inferior, but powerful, influence that is the final impediment to your Deliverance.

     Receiving this last changing line means that you must "forcefully dispense with a great adversary," once and for all.  The first four changing lines of this series have given clues as to who this "great adversary" really is.   It is "the hawk that watches (with its sharp eyes) for every thought that might displace its rule.   This hawk has been installed, through conditioning, in a person's psyche."  [Anthony & Moog]

      A companion - or culture - wants to see you remain stuck, with them, in the world of "shoulds" and "musts" imposed by others. Perhaps it is that "great toe" warned of in Line 4.

     Stop this influence completely.  Allow yourself to experience the Relief the Universe has brought you.  Then everything you do will have success.

No. 40,  Deliverance  /  Relief,  Line 4:

"Deliver yourself from your great toe.
Then the companion comes,
 And him you can trust."

     Here, the Yi is saying:  Get out of that co-dependent relationship!

    The ancient commentaries on this line suggest that this "great toe" is an inferior person who has attached himself to you.  You have come to depend on this person, but the dependency weakens you.

     For your Deliverance or Relief to be complete, you need to find a new way of walking - on your own.  Free yourself, and you will develop more trustworthy and sustaining relationships.

    
     A final word, Line 6, tomorrow.

No. 40,  Deliverance  /  Relief,  Line 2:

"One kills three foxes in the field
And receives a yellow arrow.
Perseverance brings good fortune."

     Foxes symbolize the cunning and deceptive.  "They must be removed before there can be any deliverance."  [Wilhelm]

      This line is a warning:  Your Deliverance is not a sure thing.   There are influences out there that will undermine your progress if you don't stop them in their tracks.

     These "foxes" may be inside you, such as a misplaced sense of guilt or obligation over something that is not, in truth, your responsibility.

       Overcoming these inferior influences will earn you a yellow arrow.  This prize  is symbolic of  "the middle path"  - no extremes - and an "arrow-straight"  - completely honest - course of action.

     Tomorrow we look at Line 3,  the dangers of "riding in a carriage."

No. 40, Deliverance  /  Relief: 

“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."

No. 25,  Innocence  /  The Unexpected  /  Without Falsehood: 
 
"Innocence.  Supreme success. 
Perseverance furthers. 
If someone is not as he should be, 
He has misfortune. 
And it does not further him to undertake anything." 
 
     You must meet the coming change of events with complete Innocence, and Without Falsehood. 
 
      If you try to impose your preconceived notion of how things should be on this new situation, you will meet with misfortune.  Likewise, don't attempt to present yourself as someone you are not.
 
     Let go of your desire to control how the future will unfold. It just plain won't work, and you will have expended a lot of energy for no purpose.

     Enter this new set of circumstances openly and honestly, and be prepared to take advantage of whatever the Universe presents.  This is the key to your supreme success. 

No. 3,  Difficulty at the Beginning,  Line 6:

"Horse and wagon part.
Shedding tears as if bleeding."

     The Difficulty at the Beginning may be so great that you are tempted to give up. 

      Or, upon  reaching  the "end of the Beginning"  - symbolized by Line 6 - you may be distressed to realize that there is no turning back.  The comfortable, non-threatening situation from which you started no longer exists.  

     Go ahead and cry your heart out, if you must.  But don't get stuck in this stage.  Confucius said of this line, "Bloody tears flow:  one should not persist in this."

    Remember the admonition from the main message:   "Accept and bear with the discomfort of chaos without attempting to push it away.  Allow it to clear of its own accord, in its own time."  [Marshall]

     You will need to maintain this openness as the future unfolds, as we will see tomorrow.

No. 3,  Difficulty at the Beginning,  Line 4:

"Horse and wagon part.
Strive for union.
To go brings good fortune.
Everything acts to further."

     " . . .[A]n opportunity to make connections offers itself.  It must be seized."  [Wilhelm] 

     In the situation which is just Beginning,  you are unsure of exactly what to do, and how to proceed. You may hesitate to seek help. 

      The  Yi says:  Do not be afraid to ask others for assistance.  It is likely that this union will aid their journey, also.  The simple act of making the start brings good fortune.

     Tomorrow:  A different aspect of "Horse and wagon part" is warned of in Line 6.

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."

     A new process of natural growth is underway.  The ideograph (the Chinese character for the name) for this hexagram looks like "a tiny blade of newly sprouted grass with a root that deeply penetrates the ground."  [Taoist Master Alfred Huang]

     Huang feels the concept of "difficulty" has been over-emphasized in most English translations, and calls this message simply Beginning.

     In other words, you are just at the very start of something that has the promise of supreme success.  It is impossible to know exactly how things will progress.

     "Accept and bear with the discomfort of chaos without attempting to push it away.  Allow it to clear of its own accord, in its own time."  [Marshall]   Look for friends who can help and support you. 

     What is this "new beginning" for you?

     Two potential problems loom.  Changing Lines 4 and 6 are also a part of this message.  We look at Line 4 tomorrow.

No. 1, The Creative:

"The Creative works sublime success,
Furthering through perseverance."

    The future of The Taming Power of the Great is Creativity, the power to make things happen.

     "The time is exceptional in terms of inspiration, energy and will. . . .   The force of this time is the primal directive that propels us into our destinies, regardless of what our reasoning or recalcitrant minds may think." [R.L. Wing]

     Composed of the trigrams Heaven over Heaven, this is the first hexagram of the I Ching.  The symbolism of the heavens denotes "the idea of duration both in and beyond time" -  a divinely favored destiny that is far more than just your own personal happiness.

     Creativity will not come as a bolt out of the blue that suddenly propels you to the heights. You will need to apply the appropriate perseverance.

     "Because he sees with great clarity causes and effects, he completes the six steps at the right time and mounts toward heaven on them at the right time, as though on six dragons."  [Wilhelm] 

No. 26,  The Taming Power of the Great  /  Potential Energy  /  Restraint,   Line 4:

"The headboard of a young bull. 
Great good fortune." 

      Early cultures fastened boards across the foreheads of young bulls to blunt their horns as they grew, making them less dangerous.

      Realize that as your power grows, equally strong forces may develop to oppose you.  Take steps now to blunt their development.

     Whose "horns" do you need to restrain in order to assure your "great good fortune?"

No. 58,  The Joyous:

“The joyous. Success. 
Perseverance is favorable.”

No. 31,  Influence  /  Attraction,  Line 3:

"The influence shows itself in the thighs.
Holds to that which follows it.
To continue is humiliating."

     "What the heart desires, the thighs run after without a moment's hesitation . . ."  [Wilhelm] 

     The Yi is warning you:  Don't run after the object of your desires.  And don't think you have to "yield immediately to every whim."  That results in humiliation.

     Remember the main message of this hexagram:  Joining with this Influence in a serious, long-term commitment is what will bring success.

     The Yi's cautionary messages about the beginning stages of this Influence don't mean that it will end in disappointment.  Quite the contrary, as we will see tomorrow in the future message.

Influence,  Line 2:

"The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs.
Misfortune.
Tarrying brings good fortune."

     The urge to act grows.  You want to stride ahead, filled with energy from the new Influence that has entered your life.

      R.L. Wing calls this hexagram Attraction, and receiving Line 2 suggests that this Attraction may not be leading you in the right direction.

     Take your time.  You are still in the early stages of a new reality. Going slowly will help you avoid mistakes.

     The Yi has more words of caution in Line 3, tomorrow.