Posts Tagged ‘I Ching hexagrams’
Hexagram Fifty One
Chn (Pro: Jn; vowel so short as to be almost non-existent) – Vitalising Shock
When life-giving rains come and the river runs with terrible power its force can be frightening. But if harnessed the flood can irrigate the land and give life.
It is a time of power when opportunity comes like the flood. Without fear harness and direct.
Be happy and let life be full. Remain without conceit or pride. This will keep your way open to the flow of life and its secrets.
There is a meeting with the unexpected, perhaps with sudden events or with the absence of what was expected – rather like looking for something where we were certain it was, to realise with a shock or puzzlement that it is not there.
The hexagram depicts thunder repeating. It suggests the repeated appearance of the unexpected, of something that will startle us, but not be of great threat. The unexpected can be a reaction from within in regard to something, or it can be events. In either case we are told to remain relaxed within to meet what appears. Tension would only make us react badly.
Through the unexpected life is confronting us with the way things are rather than how we believe them to be. There may be some anxiety mixed with this. The events may question or confront old opinions and ways of doing things. Be ready to let go. So remaining calm and balanced enables one to adjust more quickly to the situation.
Key words: The unexpected and vitalising experience repeats. Do not panic. Consider what life is telling you.
The Moving Lines
1.Loud noises, like fireworks, can frighten us. Such fear makes us feel insecure, but this passes and through the heightening of feelings the shock produces greater awareness.
2.If we accidentally drop our treasure into the depth of the ocean, it gains nothing to leap in after it. The loss must be somehow accepted. Don’t fear, we will recoup the loss.
3.Fate has shocked us through events. This calls for responsiveness of spirit, not withdrawal into depression. Be spurred to action.
4.You could fight this if only there was an opponent. You could move if the situation were clearer. But it is like a mire.
5.Like a thunderstorm, things are happening quickly and without prediction. Calmly do what has to be done. Calamities will then be avoided.
6. Shock may take away initiative. Seeing what has happened to others in this uncertain time, make necessary moves. This may bring maliciousness, but do not get involved. Make no moves, thus avoiding error. A relationship may be criticised by others.
Hexagram Fifty Two
Kn (Pro: Gn; vowel so short as to be almost non-existent) – Power In Stillness
Listening to the voice of the silence, beyond the confusion of thoughts and senses brings us to the centre of things.
From here we act when there is need to act. We remain silent and still when there is need for inaction.
Often we create an enormous inner storm because our emotions or thoughts call up an imagined reality in which we then live in turmoil. Like someone for years fearing their partner will leave them, and so living in turmoil even though the partner is still there.
When you walk for hours up a mountain and then look back, the affairs of your life seem far away. Things that may have troubled can be seen in perspective from such a height. There is a remove from the immediacy of events that stirred us emotionally.
The ability to stand aside from emotions and thought, and see them as the scurrying ants they are, is necessary or possible in regard to this query. Recognise how great a skill it is to be capable of stilling thoughts and reactions and simply observe. This is done by recognising thoughts and emotions are not reality itself, only a phantom of it.
It must be remembered however that BEING or stillness, is balanced by BECOMING or change. In some way there is overbalance here toward being. Care must therefore be taken not to repress change.
Key words: Still the mind and heart, lest their tempest rob all peace. Find balance between Being and Becoming.
The Moving Lines
1.The subtle inclination to move ahead on something new needs to be stilled. What ever you want to advance on, take time to consider in stillness for a while. When perception comes persist, to avoid irresolute indecision.
2.Too late you realise this direction should not have been taken, but you are carried along through involvement. It is not too late to stop, but you may not stop the person pressing you on.
3.In trying to stop the storm of sexual desire or emotions it must not be forced. Such desire imprisoned by restraint leads to painful conflict. Better to grow from within than to place restraints externally.
4.When the cat waits for the mouse its whole being is involved in its stillness. We would be wise to be as complete in our stillness as the cat. Do not fight motivations, but do not identify either.
5.Sometimes words are spoken out of agitation rather than quiet wisdom. Best then to remain silent and only speak when there is need.
6. Real stillness arises when within non action, there is no attempt to rigidly hold movement at bay. One does not motivate action, and yet allows things to happen. Deep self acceptance has flowered.
Hexagram Fifty Three
Chien (Pro: Jee-en) – Tenacity
The tree growing upon the mountain survives amidst the rocks. It grows slowly.
The mild survives with the powerful. The young woman marries an established man.
The hexagram is represented by a tree growing on a mountain. The mountain is something that doesn’t change quickly, like the established social order. The tree is like a person surviving and perhaps spreading influence within the social order. To do so one must find a place one can grow and put down roots, in the sense of establishing oneself in connections and work. Then one must slowly develop connections and weight.
This is also about the relationship between something or someone powerful or established, and something mild and growing. It is a good relationship if the growing, or less established, finds a way of persevering in embedding themselves in what already exists. This is why it suggests marriage.
The firm and established, by its very nature cannot change or adapt as easily as that which is growing. But the two can relate very well and have a lot to offer each other. And this applies to people or work, or companies, anything where the large and the small, the established and growing are brought together.
Key words: The growing develops amidst the established. Relationship is well founded
The Moving Lines
1.Like a wild goose instinctively and methodically moving toward its goal, movement is made toward the objective. Mistakes are made through inexperience, but his is not serious. Fly on. There is movement toward a relationship.
2.Like a wild goose finding a safe landing, a situation of reasonable plenty has been secured. But remember the journey continues. Share your gains.
3.The wild goose meets bad weather in its flight. This through pushing on too rashly. It is wise to join with others for mutual aid. It would be a poor marriage starting from here. A parting arises out of such difficulties.
4.Although not what you dream of, you can survive in this situation. There may be cause to be careful of your footing however. But it helps to accept reality.
5.The wild goose moves to a higher place. Your efforts are bringing reward, but it is lonely and may bring misjudgement. A period of sterility will pass.
6. The wild goose flies to the clouds. The goal that was set is being reached successfully. From your life others will gain an example of success.
Hexagram Fifty Four
Kuei Mei (Pro: Gway May) – Fertility or Readiness
The image of this hexagram is a young woman becoming a concubine for an established male. This was acceptable in China, but nevertheless required great tact and discipline to deal with well.
Spontaneous attraction between the sexes is a fundamental force in all nature. We may be fortunate and experience this in a married state. But whether within marriage or out of it, the power of it must be handled with wisdom for it to bring any lasting happiness.
The difficulties arise from the enormous instinctive energies and emotions connected with the attraction. These can cause great personal pain, and positive and negative passions.
It is therefore wise to recognise the dangers, the wonders, the basic reasons for such attraction – reproduction – and the side of it that is transitory. For spontaneous love, by its very nature, may not last long. Armed with such insights one may ride its currents with less turbulence.
The hexagram also signifies any relationships between someone in an established situation, and someone approaching with less advantage. It must be remembered by the less advantaged person that even in their lesser position they have the power of attraction and a definite role. There is a reciprocal relationship, not one of subservience. If the forces active in the attraction can be handled, then the way is less turbulent. Being secondary does not mean being of no account.
Key words: Attraction. Love within limiting circumstances. The end of girlhood or childhood. The cycle of life through the seasons.
The Moving Lines
1.Even though things are not as you would like them, you are still capable of doing what you want. You can still find satisfaction. Second place is not out of the running.
2.Love may not be returned, or it may die and flow elsewhere. If this is about relationship, the good times are not at hand, but do not let your own light of love die.
3.Although painful, sometimes one has less to offer than others. If one is unable to command the love and respect wanted from others, one must not stop respecting oneself.
4.Offers have been rejected and perhaps there has been anxiety that the right situation or relationship will not arrive. But it is not too late. What you sought is now at hand.
5.Our inner quality may not be reflected in our outer circumstance. It is a great skill to shine in the role one has found in love or life.
6. Despite appearing to have the necessary qualities, nothing becomes fruitful in this query. Like boiled rice, it has the same shape but no growth occurs.
Hexagram Fifty Five
Fng (Pro: Fng; vowel so short as to be almost non-existent) – Fullness
When the sun reaches its zenith there is fullness, followed by a slow decline. All things are working together and a peak is reached. This is the sign of abundance, when endeavours reach their zenith and things long aimed for now achieve success.
Abundance arises from the mixture of clarity and movement. Therefore it is important to direct the process with ones clearest insights. Move with this high tide and be powerful. Do not be sad that it will pass. What is happening still brings lasting rewards, even though the high tide passes.
Whatever the query, the sun shines on it. Do not hesitate to use the period of peak influence and energy while it lasts. It cannot help but fade due to its brightness.
This may be the highest point of your climb in connection with this query. So there may be a sense of sadness when the natural changes bring a decline. Therefore be happy NOW! Let your light shine and this in itself, because of the response to present actions will bring continuing reward.
Because of the power in the present query, there is the energy to resolve problems that have been awaiting decisions and responses. If this were in regard to a law suit, then issues are heard and penalties given. So there is a culmination now, a response to past actions.
Key words: Abundance arrives. Do not hold back. With its energy fly as high as is possible before gravity pulls you back.
The Moving Lines
1.Clarity of mind seeing a clear goal is meeting energy in performance. Time spent in the meeting is not wasted. Now great things can be done.
2.Group politics and intrigues prevent the one who leads from recognising the person of powerful action. To force the issue through would only bring a negative response. Best to endure in the clear insights until they are recognised. Then, good fortune.
3.With too many pulling in different directions, no leadership is possible, and no action sustained. Breaking ones arm would not restrain one more. No personal blame.
4.The obstruction of others is lessening. Now let the one with energy and enthusiasm meet the one with ideas and wisdom. Joy in good fortune.
5.Being able to lead through taking wise counsel brings blessings and fame. The power of ones own strength is augmented by others.
6. Striving too hard for dominance and success has led only to a chasm opening, splitting a family. Striving for too much one loses the greatest treasure.
Hexagram Fifty Six
L (Pro: L; vowel as in the French ‘T’) – 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 or integrate experience in a way that makes it brilliant and warming instead of inhibiting or rejecting it. 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 or changing, 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 sleep 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 your 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.
Hexagram Fifty Nine
Huan (Pro: Hwun; the vowel rhymes with ‘Fun’ ‘Done’ etc.) – Scattering Melting
Although there is a pit one could fall
into within this query, and danger is at hand, success is nevertheless firmly indicated.
The image of the hexagram is a great pit of water with a gentle wind stirring it and dispersing its cohesive darkness.
The pit is the sense of isolation and lack of connection with the community or family that we often confront in life. The wind is the influence that might touch us through co-operative action with other people, stirring our sense of connection and unity. Or it might be a spiritual experience of the links that connect us all.
The suggestion is that a sense of hardness, of separateness and isolation is being, or needs to be, dispersed through some gentle influence. The growing feeling of unity with others is healing, and it provides a supportive environment in which to undertake any difficult projects or tasks. There is also the possibility of great creativity from the dark unconscious if the darkness of past experience can be met.
In ancient times the sense of community and connectedness was seen as holy because of the strength and health it gave to a family, a community, or a kingdom. It is well to cultivate this awareness of connectivity not just with other human beings, but with life itself. These are the foundations of real spiritual experience.
Use the power you have to transform angers and fears into creative energy that does not cut your links with the world and the people in it.
Key words: Expansion beyond the boundaries of ones ego. Success in projects. Creative power to deal with the dark.
The Moving Lines
1.Use strength to remove conflicts and divergence. Great strength arises from being in accord with others. Use it.
2,No longer thinking of oneself, or languishing in feelings of alienation difficulties vanish. The darkness of division must be removed. Then the world appears new.
3.When the creative work we face is more important than oneself, one must let small personal goals melt. Growing beyond self the great work is done.
4.The work calls you to rise above personal friendships. The view must be wider than any one group. The goal appears beyond the personal. Giving in this way calls for great loss, but carries back to us all we gave, with blessings. Glory!
5.It is a great treasure when an idea, an insight, held aloft, becomes a rallying point for those dispersed.
6. As a shield can receive dents and abrasions, so in standing at the topmost rung you shield others from the arrows of misfortune and receive wounds.
Hexagram Sixty
Chieh (Pro: Jee-ah) – Disciplined Release
There is much to receive, but there are difficulties in dealing with it.
Discipline is needed in balance with
dropping restraints. To unbound restraint entirely leads to losing the resources now at hand. To be disciplined without yielding means constant and exhausting vigilance.
So let the water flow, but control as with a dam. There are enormous reserves, don’t waste them
When the heart has lived with difficulties for many years, it may become heavy – but with some it learns joy in the midst of the burden of fortune. This joy amidst the dark waters is the message of this hexagram.
This joy must be allowed to lead one through the dangers of life. Let it encourage to take risks and be alive in the rain. Growth springs up when the dark waters of emotions are held in check in this way. Disciplining oneself is necessary, as our character arises as much out of what we avoid, as out of what we allow. But discipline without joy is self defeating.
Therefore determine the boundaries you want in your life. Choose your own limitations from what you see as your best direction, and honour them.
Despite it’s dark side, this hexagram suggests success and the possibility of relaxation in regard to the query.
Key words: Limitations. Choose them rather than have them thrust upon one. Use the enormous potential.
The Moving Lines
1.Know your limitations and make no move on this enquiry until there is real clarity about what is involved.
2.It is time to act NOW! Perhaps you have even held back too long. An opportunity could be lost – misfortune if it has.
3.Regretting the lack of restraint does not wipe out the actions. What has been done remains. There is no one else to blame here.
4.The balance of restraint and release brings success. When restraint is not a discipline, there is peace within. Forced discipline wastes energy and creates grief.
5.The boundaries set by restraints can be willingly adhered to if they are voluntary. Peaceful good fortune follows this. To go forward now is praiseworthy.
6. The restraints are painful because they are alien to your nature. To carry on in this direction will lead to misfortune. The road fades ahead.