I Ching - Hexagrams

Tony Crisp

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Hexagram Nine

Hsiao Ch’u (Pro: She-au Choo - the second vowel as in ‘House’) - Power Of The Weak

Find strength in being able to bend with the gentle winds of change. No great boon is carried by this wind, but wisdom may find advantage in small gains.

Hesitate from grand action and watch for change coming from an ending, or from within. There is no great good and no great bad in this enquiry, but it could be a time in which to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

If things have already entered into misfortune however, there is no power here to quickly pull out. Nevertheless the winds of change are blowing, so be patient until the time comes to make a shift. The winds of change do not blow strongly enough to quickly alter your position.

A great deal of creative power is shown, but because of the situation, there is nothing for it to grasp and work with. This is why only small changes can be made until shifts bring new and different opportunities.

If it is a negative situation being dealt with, restraining and subduing measures are called for.

If children are involved in this enquiry, now is the time to give them extra time and support.

Key words: Bend with the wind but do not lose ground. Restrain and subdue rather than press ahead.

The Moving Lines

1. A return to a previous path or way is called for rather than changing to the new. Find a position where advance or retreat is possible. Then good fortune follows.

2. Even if difficult, go back. The way ahead is blocked. There is the possibility of being unclear of your direction.

3. Disorder within the house. The couple are at odds with each other. The wheel is off the car - no movement until the mutual irritation is melted or forgiven. Do not attempt to be powerful.

4. Blood or tears could be spilled unless confident action is taken. Such confidence arises from doing what is seen to be true. All can then end well.

5. Weak and strong find mutual bonds in devotion and trust. Honesty and sincerity bind others to us. Sharing opportunity and wealth in common endeavour create good fortune.

6. When the rich rain is falling to nourish the earth, it is not time to work. Pushing ahead would undo what has been achieved as fortune through past work rewards you. The female principle of receptiveness has succeeded, and there must be no further pushing ahead in this enquiry as fullness begins to wane.

Hexagram Ten

Lü (Pro: Lü - as in the French ‘Tu’)- Mild Tiger

Though one in power is irritated

there is no attack. The powerful have not attacked for they are full of joy.

Dealing with power one must nevertheless be cautious of its strength. Success follows this wisdom. Standing before the greatest with honour brings glory.

Even if there is no blame in you or in this enquiry, there must still be caution. Whether you are the tiger, or the one treading on its tail, irritation could occur. With great heat there can be burns even though the warmth is mostly pleasant. But with caution there need be no misfortune.

For a while though, the less powerful are in advantage over the strong. This is why the situation must be handled carefully, though at the moment there is joy.

Remember that the powerful need those who are milder in strength as allies and friends. In this enquiry those in less power are in a strong position. Great differences in power or in social class are no barrier to relationship when there is no envy, threat or contempt.

Key words: The mild, because of their good humour, can gain much from the powerful, who are without malice.

The Moving Lines

1.Remaining simple and without deviousness in our conduct and relations leads to success. Starting from a lowly position is then no disadvantage. Advancement in this way leads to good fortune.

2.Be independent in this matter and remain unassuming, treading the middle way. By not becoming attached, good fortune comes.

3.The tail of the powerful has been trodden upon. Be careful or else disaster could follow. Keep both eyes open in this matter. Only fight a battle if it is for a great cause.

4.Tread carefully, you may step on the tiger’s tail. With caution and discretion you can still succeed, but you must overcome hesitations within.

5.Tread carefully, only with awareness of the danger can you succeed. Nevertheless be determined.

6.The work is done, only the harvest remains. Great good fortune follows if your actions leading to this point have produced good response.

Hexagram Eleven

T’ai (Pro: Tie, as in necktie) - Concord

The poor spirited pull back. Those with good spirit approach and advance. To these comes good fortune and achievement.

A time of great harmony when the highest and the lowest meet and unite.

The spirit and the body heaven and earth embrace each other. Only good can be born of their union for the womb of creation bears a child. But those whose soul is without courage and joy will not create.

The possibility of conception and growth is everywhere. All endeavours can flourish in this atmosphere of harmony. So too relationships can flower and find union.

Difficulties that existed now depart like darkness before the sun. They melt away and are forgotten. Richness in creativity can follow. Those whose lives existed in dark places have no place to hide.

Here the female is above the male and the male is content. Pleasure is in both. For there is a balance and harmony between the receptive, nurturing forces and the stimulating and fertilising.

It is therefore good to create and bring forth, to sow seeds and let them grow.

Key words: The forces of life push forward as in Spring. All things can prosper.

The Moving Lines

1.It is a time of fruition. Action will bring an even richer response than hoped for. You will draw others with you. Go ahead toward what you wish to accomplish.

2.When things flourish as now, consider how to use even the imperfect. Take risks where necessary. Watch distant affairs. Remain alert.

3.On a difficult climb remember the ease of descent. When leaving home remember the return. Evil follows good, and good evil. There cannot help be a turning of the tide. Remember and avoid illusion.

4.Whether others deserve your attention or not, you give it. The leader thus joins with supporters for mutual benefit.

5.Real strength means we do not need to use our rank or power to dominate others. We can lead or we can follow as is needed.

6.Troubles are at hand. Defences have crumbled. Let those close to you know your plans. To fight the problem would only lead to greater problems.

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