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LakeJoyful |
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WindGentle |
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LakeJoyful |
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WindGentle |
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IMAGE Becoming excessive. The ridgepole is bending. It is favourable to follow a plan. Success. |
SYMBOL TRADITION Trees under a lake. Excessively deep. A wise man does not fear standing alone, and is not sad, even if he must leave the world behind. |
This is one of the chapters that deal with times of transition and change. There are too many strong lines crammed into the middle and this leads to a sudden change, after a build up of tension, when something or someone breaks or gives.
In terms of situations with people, there may be some type of power struggle involved, but probably not conducted through violence. The situation is brought to an end by applying extra pressure on the weakest point. You then stand back while it collapses. This is the point where you have to stand alone for a while; it may be your withdrawal that causes the collapse.
28 LINES
1) 6 at the start
a) A mat made of white thatch-grass. No blame.
b) The yielding is underneath.
This line represents somebody being careful. This is always a good idea and not a mistake.
Confucius said about this line: "It does well enough simply to place something on the floor. But, if one puts white rushes underneath, how could that be a mistake? This is the extreme of caution. Rushes in themselves are worthless but they can have a very important effect. If one is as cautious as this in all that one does one remains free of mistakes."
2) 9 in 2nd throw
a) A withered willow sprouts a new shoot. An older man takes a wife. Everything favourable.
b) The unusual situation results from mutual association.
This line represents a person who will make a new start in life with a younger wife. You can do well by paying attention to the young and lowly. Everything favourable means that you will come through the present difficulties into a better situation.
3) 9 in 3rd throw
a) The ridgepole breaks. Misfortune.
b) It has no support.
This line represents an obstinate person who will not be flexible. In unusual times the load becomes unbearable and they break down in some way. This eventually ends the whole situation.
4) 9 in 4th throw
a) The ridgepole is crowned. Good fortune. If you seek more it is humiliating.
b) Good fortune depends on support from below.
This means that you have done as well as is possible at this time. If you try too hard, you may end up with less, and gain only enemies.
5) 9 in 5th throw
a)
A withered willow grows flowers. An older woman marries the husband of her choice.
No blame, no praise.
b) How long can it last?
A withered willow that flowers is a tree that has a last fling before it dies. There are unlikely to be any worthwhile results.
6) 6 at the top
a) Wading through deep water. Sinking completely under it. Misfortune. No blame.
b) Temporary mistake.
This line represents somebody who acts with good intentions but quickly gets into trouble. Life is like this sometimes and you just have to accept it.