Posts Tagged ‘I Ching hexagrams’
Hexagram One
Ch’ien /The Creative Power
Utmost creativity can manifest in regard to this query.
Persistence in a direction harmonious with yourself and the society you live in will lead to success!
All that is creative, all that is fructifying, all that pushes toward fruition; all that in us urges onwards beyond groping and struggles, is at its peak. In nature there is a power that drives, that grows, that emerges out of difficulties, but in itself has no form. This is the power active in regard to the question. It is the light, the confidence and urge enabling a person to lift themselves out of things that hinder, and thus to break through. There is even the power now to lift up those things that in the past have been hesitations and problems in life. They can now be used to form what is emerging from within. They can become material, bricks to build something real in the world. But this is not the sign that gives form, more the inspirer or fertiliser.
Darkness has been dispersed, light and understanding emerges. You are enabled to see, to understand, to find, what is sought.
The outer life is in harmony with inner potential. Only this harmony leads to success in this issue.
If there is any difficulties with this power flowing so fully in life, it is that if you do not keep balance in affairs through remaining alert, then this positiveness may lead to becoming overbearing, to be overconfident, to not respect the needs of others. It is also essential to find something to receive and give form to the enormous potential.
This is the energy that pushes us to emerge from the womb and grow. But through the difficult experiences of our life, this energy has often become restrained and blocked. In each of us it has in some measure become held back. But now there is a breaking through those hesitations that have beset our life, that may have caused us not express what we are capable of. Previously this may have led to dissatisfaction, or the lack of power in expressing oneself. But now these hesitations and blockages have been overcome enabling you to lead and create.
Key words: Creativity persisting through time.
The Moving Lines.
1 The creative force has still not fully emerged. There may be a tendency to be withdrawn from the world. Or perhaps the value within is not yet recognised. Be patient. Emergence comes.
2 – You stand at the centre of things and are modest. But your light is seen and you can move on to create with more support and acclaim.
3 – There are difficulties at hand. In the transition to greater influence, be aware of the subversive power of popularity. Through thoroughness you create support from others. Hard work is required, but you are capable.
4 – You are on the move amidst great changes, great transformation. Be aware, but do not draw back. There is uncertainty of direction, but remain true to guidance from your innermost intuitions, in choosing between treading the outer or the inner world.
5 – The point of achievement has been reached. Those in accord with your purpose will come to you. You are a light. Shine! Contacts become firm, let your power flow throughout the world.
6 – It takes a different strength to lose with honour than to win, or to retreat rather than advance. To have aimed too high leads to failure.
Link back to The Hexagrams
Hexagram Two
K’un (Pro: Kwn; vowel so short as to be almost non-existent)- Receptivity
The vital feminine principle of receptivity and formation is indicated by this hexagram. All that is receptive, nurtures, gives form and substance and gives birth is at work. Persistence in a direction harmonious with personal needs and the society one lives within lead to success!
With careful awareness your ability to receive, to nurture and bring forth the new can stream through you. Do not avoid uncertainty, or losing your way, but hold to your goal, and you will find your direction. Much confronts you. Take from it like the plant takes the minerals it needs from the soil. Build it into what you are developing within you. But also give of yourself to what is forming.
Allow those who are warm and supportive to draw close. Let those who are cold and distant be lost from you.
Remaining receptive like the fertile earth mother, avoiding interference from distractions will bring success in a new birth. But receptivity is not passiveness. It receives, but it gives a quality of its own, it gives of its resources to form the new.
The power of receptivity is enormously enhanced in regard to the question. Allow the openness to remain to let the immense richness flow in and be shaped. Much that has existed in the past may now be re-formed and given new life. There may be a time when this seems very abstract. But as the new takes form and grows, then recognition arises. Follow the needs of what is growing in this way. Be nurturing to it. Recognise the fragility of what is still young and immature. Guard it well until it grows into strength.
To nourish means to give all your resources, to offer them to be used in what has been received through receptivity. Like the mother of the unborn baby whose very body becomes the nourishment for the inner child, let all your experience and feelings be food for what is developing.
If there is not a sense of being already fertile with inner growth, then that which will fertilise will be sought out or attracted. Constancy is a means of attaining great ends.
Key words: Receptivity, nurturing, creativity, formation.
The Moving Lines.
1 – The results of past action now accumulates – the reaping of what was sown. Be cautious. A wintry season approaches. Be prepared for it. Things must die before being re-formed
2 – Have no doubt, the way is clear and broad ahead. What is undertaken will prosper. There is little need for effort. Greater space is coming. Remain true to your principles.
3 – Success in this issue may not be immediate. Nevertheless it lies ahead. Meanwhile do not parade talent or beauty. This will unfold or be seen in its season.
4 – Be watchful and problems will be met and dealt with. But keep your light under cover in this issue. When the power of emergence is not strong, it has little effect to display what cannot be used.
5 – The inner quality is more important here than external show or reward. From this quality will emerge success in the world.
6 – When there is conflict between the male and the female, the receptive and the dynamic, there is a loss of power. Do not be in conflict when there can arise a joining together.
Link back to The Hexagrams
Hexagram Three
Chun (Pro: Jwn – vowel so short as to be almost non-existent ) – Initial Difficulty
Difficulty presents itself at the very outset. But although there is turmoil, order and growth can arise out of confusion.
The symbol of this hexagram is a blade of grass emerging from the soil and pushing against an obstacle as it grows. Therefore, although the difficulty in regard to the question is real, the obstacle can be overcome and success attained.
The difficulties faced produce confusion and a flood of anxiety, but can lead to power and success. Persistence through the confusion leads to the reward, not in a new direction but in strengthening the old.
Do not be overly impatient in this issue, as this may hinder rather than help the progress toward resolution. Gradually bring order out of the tangle. Aim for a solution rather than a deepening of the difficulty.
Inner strength will emerge and certainty will be regained. Therefore trust the internal power of regaining balance and moving on toward the positive.
See it as something coming to birth that has initial hindrances which are only temporary. Remember that what is being dealt with is still in its early stages and vulnerable. So care for the situation until it strengthens. This may take some diplomacy or carefulness because of heightened feelings.
Key words: Initial difficulty overcome by patient perseverance.
The Moving Lines.
1 – Although uncertainty has arisen at the very start of the endeavour, do not make rash judgements or moves. Press on to consolidate the position. Seek help with humility.
2 – Running to and fro impatiently does not resolve this issue. Do not accept the first help that appears. Aim at something that satisfies all the needs. If the query is about relationship, patience is still indicated. But this will be well rewarded.
3 – The impatience to attain our desire may make us press on to a situation in which we feel lost. Do not go forward any further under these impulses. This would lead to trouble. Best to stop the chase.
4 – Action is called for. There has been a separation and now one must act to bring unity. Make the first move, even if it means some self denial. Accept help without pride. The right help can lead to success.
5 – Completion cannot be easily brought about. People interpose and distort this great undertaking. Press forward only in small issues, being aware of peoples anxieties. With such careful progress, success can arise.
6 – There may be tears shed over this issue, or blood sweat in the heat. A sense of failure and separation may bring the desire to give up. It is a period of change, not defeat. Attempt to find what is calm within you until there is change.
Link back to The Hexagrams
Hexagram Four
Mng (Pro: Mng – vowel so short as to be almost non-existent) – Immaturity
Exuberant growth springing from the depths. Slow yielding reality restrains the flow.
Inexperience may not lead to failure. One must learn from experience to successfully journey through the complexity of life. By observing and acknowledging ones mistakes then seeing how someone with experience deals with such problems, we can learn. Sincerity to learn can bring wisdom from people with experience. Impetuosity may at times succeed. But it may turn away someone we might learn from.
Stubbornness or rashness are qualities that can sometimes overcome difficulties that other people may not have the strength or courage to tackle. But they can also get in the way of learning, and of seeing other points of view.
Those things that impede expression regarding this query should be seen as means of bringing a more mature shape or direction. Nevertheless success may come simply because something new and strong is being done which at its beginning passes over the forms and restrictions of what is more established.
In this sense you can succeed if you are resolute.
The hexagram suggests something that is emerging or growing with a lot of strength. Such power flowing without direction always at some time reaches its peak, after which it declines. It is therefore wise to consider how to use its potential more resourcefully.
Key words: Inexperience needs to learn from and be counselled by experience.
The Moving Lines.
1 – Some discipline is needed, even to the point of firm restrictions. This must not be taken to the extreme where it kills the spirit however. It is only necessary due to immaturity.
2 – It is wise to be gentle with the young and inexperienced. In this way they can respond and grow to become capable of responsibility. Relationship with the opposite sex can now flower. Responsibility can be handled.
3 – Avoid attempting to imitate the strength of a superior, or in accepting the idealistic admiration of another. Be cautious in all activities, but especially in choosing a marriage partner.
4 – Having a fixed and immature attitude leads to misfortune. Avoid the problems besetting obstinacy and idealistic fantasies.
5 – Being receptive and open hearted leads to good fortune. Learn with the curiosity and innocence of a child. Drop pre-conceptions. This brings connections with others.
6 – The child or immature need direction and discipline, but this must be done with love or fairness. Nothing is to be gained by being too harsh.
Link back to The Hexagrams
Hexagram Five
Hs (Pro: Sh – vowel as in the French ‘Tu’) – Purposeful Inaction
Uncertainty and change confront this issue. But this does not mean it leads to failure. Success is in sight with the right attitude.
Remaining purposeful without action, maintaining the support of others leads to brilliant success. It brings reward to resourcefully pass through the uncertainty and doubts confronting you.
Some issues cannot be resolved by confronting them or being active. They call for a period of allowing internal processes to mature, as the hen does while brooding on her eggs.
You sense peril though none is in sight.
Certainly there are dangers here. It is the danger akin to seeing great rain clouds. They might bring peaceful rain or treacherous floods. Such danger can be faced best by readiness to meet whatever arises.
Of greatest value is to be clear in your own mind, and from that clarity act confidently and calmly. This calmness encourages the confidence of others and wins allies. It enables quick and firm action to arise when it is necessary. Affirm whatever connections you have with inner calm. Let this be the factor influencing your decisions.
Like thunderclouds on the horizon bringing rain, you can avoid the downpour by sitting under cover with friends relaxing until the rain passes. Purposefully awaiting the outcome averts danger.
Key words: Calm confidence in meeting unknowable potential outcomes.
The Moving Lines.
1 – Do not let threats or fears win control of your mind and heart, or lead you to attempt the unusual. Proceed as you ordinarily do. Take the reins yourself and guide calmly through.
2 – Observe with care what events are taking place but do not interfere or become active. Some gossip may spread but do not get involved or be pulled off-centre by it. Remaining an observer leads to good fortune.
3 – There is possibility of becoming bogged down, as in mud. Beware of this. It leads to losing the power to act quickly, leaving one vulnerable to those who might attack. With such care good fortune follows.
4 – The attack is approaching, and already there may be wounds. Maintain a balanced stance amidst the difficulties, trying not to aggravate the situation, and you can win through.
5 – In the lull, relax, eat and drink enjoying the company of friends. But remain observant of events and be ready to act when indication of the right time comes.
6 – The expected difficulty has occurred. Three unexpected things arise, perhaps the arrival of uninvited people. Meet the situation with care, and this could help toward a successful solution
Link back to The Hexagrams
Hexagram Six
Sung (Pro: Soong) – Opposition
Yielding and uncertainty underfoot.
Even though you are without blame opposition confronts you. With awareness avoid combat. Once it is accepted that the possibility of conflict lies within this query, care at the very beginning may avoid its emergence.
To feel that ones own truth is the only one, is a certain path to conflict.
It is not indicated to engage in any lawsuit or opposition as it is unlikely the outcome will favour us. Within such conditions it is wise to plan any moves carefully and to steer a middle course. It is not a good time to take risks or start new endeavours.
The conflict may be within. In which case seek transformation of this inner turmoil until integration is reached. In any period of difficulty, the greatest effectiveness is from a position of confident awareness. Whatever the outcome, it is not helped by whirlwind emotions and biting irritations.
One cannot grasp water firmly in the hand. Circumstances are like water in this enquiry. Attempting to be in firm control will only bring frustration. When crossing water the wise build a boat. Adapt to the needs of the moment and frustration can be overcome. Compromise may be the boat.
You can succeed if you avoid confrontation. Failure follows attempts at positive conflict. Delay new ventures, seek direction from the wise, or those in authority powerful enough to cause both sides to retire with respect.
Key words: Avoid the possibility of conflict by recognising things are naturally pulling in opposite directions.
The Moving Lines.
1 – By not pushing forward in a dispute you can find a favourable outcome. Don’t say too much, but be clear in the things that are said. If there are insults, don’t join the fray. If there is need for a push, make it when the outcome is clear.
2 – The force against this is too strong. There is nothing to be gained by continuing the conflict, except perhaps to boost ones ego. By not continuing much can be saved. To continue means to lose more than the battle.
3 – Determination in a rightful course may bring initial difficulty followed by success. The qualities and skills gained by personal effort, even if plagiarised, cannot be taken away.
4 – You could perhaps win this conflict. But in your heart you do not wish to. The restraint can lead to lasting peace if you can accept your own decision to refrain.
5. Let a fitting third party decide this issue. Although there is initial conflict, it can lead to success. If you are the honourable person, you will win the good fortune.
6 – You could win a victory in this issue, but the prize would be lost, stolen or dishonoured. Little credit would be gained. Best to pass by.
Link back to The Hexagrams
Hexagram Seven
Shih (Pro: Shrrr) – Allies
Marshalling ones allies and resources with order and direction like an army wins the battle of life.
This query may have to do with organising a large number of people, gaining their support and confidence, and directing their activities. It may also refer to potential hidden within a situation and bringing it into expression.
To handle this wisely leads to success. There are difficulties the company or situation must be led through, but this is not outside of your ability.
All the personal and worldly assets you have need to be carefully assessed and used. Leadership is important, but this can refer to the attitudes and principles from which personal decisions and actions arise. Like a wise and humane general, consider the best course and implement it.
The image of the hexagram is the groundwater under the earth – a vital resource, but chaotic and disorganised unless carefully accessed. A trying time may therefore be indicated. This can be met by wise leadership, controlling the way things are being done and resources handled.
There is a great deal to gain here if you can use the materials at hand as if they were a mineral wealth needing to be dug up and made use of in an orderly way.
Key words: Strength through wise use of resources and people creates leadership and success.
The Moving Lines
1 – The efficient group develops from discipline and a clear goal. Without these the group or person may wander aimlessly.
2 – Lead through the example of supporting your own superiors and caring for those in your charge and sharing their lot. Then trust will arise. Honours received are you as representative of the group.
3 – A serious setback is faced. If this be a contest, then defeat is imminent unless leadership and contact with ones central issue is restored.
4 – It is appropriate to halt and retreat. In any campaign a period of retreating is part of the overall strategy, especially when faced by an overwhelming opponent. In this way strengthen the position. Confrontation would be foolish.
5 – When the forces that might overthrow one are loose, it is important who is chosen to lead. The situation must be met with discipline, not a free-for all. Those with longest experience should lead, or what has already been tested used. Let the younger support.
6 – Victory is won. The one with exceptional ability should lead. A small attitude or person in positions of power would lead to mishandling.
Link back to The Hexagrams
Hexagram Eight
Pi (Pro: Bee) – Unity
It is wise to seek co-operation in dealing with an assembly of people. This leads to good fortune. Consult the oracle again to clarify your relationship with the company.
Co-ordination within the group brings good fortune. It ensures the support
of those who follow. With good leadership uncertainty in the hearts of the many will be eased. Those who remain uncertain and do not give allegiance will suffer a loss. Latecomers to the affiliating process will lose advantage.
Holding together a group activity needs many qualities. Accord is needed between those who organise and those who participate. Find ways of creating or encouraging unity. Direct the flow of events and use the resources at hand. It is a very fertile situation if this can be done.
Those who are troubled need to be given direction.
The image of the hexagram is waters flowing together. With human society or groups within society, good leadership aids the group to work together well. The ideal is to find ways to complement and aid one another so each is fulfilled. If you do not have the qualities of leadership in this issue, seek to be part of the company as a general member. But join with others in a group in which you can both give and receive.
Key words: Unity within diversity and recognition of your place within the whole.
The Moving Lines
1 – Unexpected good fortune arises. Be confident and develop it in others. Sincerity creates the bed of the stream through which the clear water flows.
2 – Give sincere support or non at all. If you support for your own selfish ends alone, you may hit the target, but you miss the central point.
3 – Be careful of who you associate with. There is a possibility of joining with the wrong company, leading to misfortune and commitment to those not of like mind.
4 – There is contact with one who is central to this issue, a leading figure. Do not hesitate to express your feelings of support openly. But remain true to oneself also.
5 – Unite with those who come of their own will and accord. Let pass those who have no will to join. This leads to a fuller commitment and unity.
6 – If nobody takes responsibility and leads, the company will not function. This leads to misfortune. Perhaps the right moment to give allegiance was let pass.
Link back to The Hexagrams
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
L (Pro: L – 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.