I Ching - Hexagrams

Tony Crisp

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Hexagram Fifty Six

Lü (Pro: Lü; vowel as in the French ‘Tü’) - The Traveller

Upon the mountain a fire shows a traveller is surviving in rugged terrain. Persistence is needed to make small gains when meeting that which is unyielding or offering difficulties.

The mountain does not attack us, but its presence offers resistance. So the present enquiry can be succeeded in if one can make the climb. If so there is beauty and vision.

In response to the query this hexagram suggests that the facts of life, the things we cannot change, like the mountain, can be met by deep involvement in the experience. Like fire that consumes what it meets, one can consume experience in a way that makes it brilliant and warming instead of inhibiting. The quality of each action and relationship, however short, must be of ones best.

This skill, to bring out the fire from any experience, means that things are constantly changing and moving. This is either the skill you have, or is being met regarding this question - to be able to burn with the moment and then pass on.

In an everyday sense it depicts a sort of travelling, either in connection with fresh destinations, relationships, or through the variety of experiences.

Because things regarding this issue are constantly moving, it is necessary to make each action count. Make clear decisions that will resolve issues. Take no prisoners.

Key words: In having no fixed home or direction, the wanderer must gain all kisses and exchanges on the move.

The Moving Lines

1.Through being too frivolous, with not enough firmness of will, distress can come. Avoid trifling behaviour with people or events.

2.Despite the shifting and impermanence of the situation, care has been taken to retain your own dignity and value. You will find support close at hand. Good fortune.

3.Travelling through impermanent situations or as a stranger, one should beware of irritating others, or of not caring for relationship with those who are supportive companions. Do not persist in this direction.

4.A stranger in a strange land can find shelter through using personal skill and strength. But as a stranger must forever be on guard, even calling the place home. No peaceful heart.

5.A stranger in a new environment can create good contacts through a careful approach, offering gifts.

6.In strange environments one must take care of basic needs. They do not come as easily, and if lost are more dangerous. TO wander is fine if one is careful to secure a bed to seep in.

Hexagram Fifty Seven

Sun (Soon; but with the vowel short as in ‘Book’) - The Gentle Power

A favourable wind carries us where we wish, if we can yield to it with an open sail. The collective will of the people is like a force of nature urging one along. This can be used to advantage if we can navigate it.

Within the events of the time a trade wind blows. Find harmony with

the spontaneous flow. To reach any goal in regard to this query no radical actions must be made. Rather, all endeavour must be in small ways, just like a gentle wind will, through its constant action, transport huge logs across water.

Throughout our life a current of influence continually moves us. It is visible in the process of growing and ageing. But it also inclines us toward certain experiences or situations.

This stream flowing through events is important in regard to this query. It calls not only for a fine tuned submissiveness in order to flow with the stream, but also a strong will to navigate its influence, lest it move hither and hither without purpose. Therefore let this influence permeate you affairs, and affirm it with your will. Have a direction and utilise gentle continuos actions to reach the goal.

The insidious too can act in a very gentle way, yet nevertheless do great damage. Like an awful suggestion put in the mind, it can act out of sight creating fear and weakness.

Key words: The unmoving is moved by the gentle persistence of the soft. The hard stone is cracked open by the yielding stem of the plant growing through it.

The Moving Lines

1.Being receptive to the stream of influence from your central self should not lead to indecisiveness. Be steady and firm, this furthers.

2.Sometimes the enemy we face is a whispered threat or a suggestion of malice. Shadowy threats influencing our behaviour must be traced to their source and drawn into the light of day.

3.Labouring too long or with fear over decision making is a sign of anxiety. Others will tend to take advantage. This leads to misfortune. Be resolute.

4.Uncertainty vanishes. Events through effort bring threefold reward, satisfying mind, body and spirit. This proves the value of this direction. Good fortune.

5.Although early results are disappointing, things will go extremely well. A change now occurring is extremely important. Give it great thought before action. Once changes are made, monitor its progress carefully.

6.Insidious threats have been traced to their source. But one loses advantage and resources. Continuing in this direction will bring misfortune.

Hexagram Fifty Eight

Tui (Pro: Dway) - Joy

When the inner and outer world are in harmony, when what is natural in oneself is not forced to act against itself, and there is a foundation of personal strength, then there is joy.

Acting with gentle strength in accord with oneself and the world brings radiant pleasure shining into the lives of others.

This is a great force to uplift and encourage others. The result is satisfying relationships and communication with others.

When we deeply identify with the person we have become, the leader followed, or the beliefs adhered to, then joy and harmony arise. When we are not identified with who we are, the leader or beliefs, conflict and distress arises.

But within this query there is harmony and the atmosphere leading to happiness and the ability to face life joyfully, despite its difficulties.

In connection with others, in work or love, the love felt within oneself for oneself spills over into the world.

It is useful in this query to persevere toward what is desired. Success in the issue is upheld.

The hexagram also holds in it the suggestion that one should join with others in communal activities. Its symbol is two lakes joined. Their connection allows a two way flow to keep both fresh and alive.

Key words: Joyful perseverance. Harmony within and without. Sharing with others and being enlivened.

The Moving Lines

1.To act without doubt is a wonderful power. It carries others with it. You have it - use it. Self acceptance has brought peace not dependent on circumstance.

2.Being joyful and content, the temptations some take to give themselves peace and release are not attractive.

3.In lacking real inner peace there is a searching for it among the diversions many turn to in avoiding their own inner emptiness.

4.If one must weigh one pleasure against another to find joy, there is conflict within, not peace. Seek that which lies beyond conflict and dependency.

5.Trusting what shifts beneath the feet is not wise, nor is clinging to what is disintegrating. No serious problem however if one recognises the dangers.

6.So many things promise pleasure, but they are short lived. Following the voices of allurement will keep one busy forever, perhaps as a slave.

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