62 EXCESSIVE SMALLNESS

Thunder on the mountain.

Thunder

Shock

Mountain

Keeping still

 

IMAGE

Excessive smallness.

Success.

Perseverance is favourable.

Small things may be done.

Big things should not be done.

A flying bird does not sing; it is not right when up high, but it is right when down below.

Important people will bring good fortune.

SYMBOL TRADITION

Thunder above the mountain.

Excessive nearness.

A wise man uses humbleness to be polite, quietness to show sorrow, and is thrifty when spending.

 

 

 


 

This chapter is about a time of transition and change where it will be important to concentrate on small things.

You should avoid doing anything that is dangerous, or conspicuous, and be prepared for shortages and a lack of money.

Thunder on the mountain passes by quite quickly but can be a bit too close for comfort if you do not keep your head down.

 

 

62 LINES

1) 6 at the start

a) A bird that flies has a misfortune.

b) There is a reason why this is not possible.

This is the time to keep still; a bird should not fly in a thunderstorm. Later it will be safe but not yet.

 

2) 6 in 2nd throw

a) Humbly passing his grandfather.
Meeting his grandmother.
Not reaching his leader.
Meeting his servant. No blame.

b) A servant must not be excessive.

Here you do not see the person who you wish to see and you have to deal with someone else. This is a more humble approach and it actually suits the situation better.

 

3) 9 in 3rd throw

a) It is not excessive to protect yourself; but pursuing and attacking brings misfortune.

b) What misfortune this will be.

Even a humble and modest person is entitled to defend himself but this does not include any pre-emptive strikes or search-and-destroy missions. This line suggests that if you go after someone you will end up in trouble.

 

4) 9 in 4th throw

a) No blame. Nowhere encountering excessively.
Going brings danger. You must be on guard.
Constant perseverance should not be used.

b) Be careful not to do too much.

Here, you are potentially in a good position, but there may be an attempt to provoke you into making a move too soon. Do not allow yourself to be drawn into anything or try too hard to continue anything.

 

5) 6 in 5th throw

a) Thick clouds but no rain.
Beginning in my western suburbs.
A prince's string-arrow reaches someone in a den.

b) The ways of those above are ending.

The fifth line is the position of the ruler. Although you may have the qualities of a leader, these are difficult times, and you may appear to be without much help. This is a time of change, however, so things will soon improve; possibly because of new connections.

 

6) 6 at the top

a) Nowhere agreeable; excessive instead.
A flying bird displays itself. Misfortune.
This means ruin and disaster.

b) Arrogance ends.

This is somebody who is unwilling to retreat or be reasonable and tries to push on regardless. This gets them into serious trouble.