Posts Tagged ‘I Ching interpretation’
Hexagram Forty
Hsieh (Pro: Shee-ay; the second vowel rhymes with ‘Hay’) – Releasing
Tension has developed. Now is the time to discharge it. Recognise its source, and as with thunder clouds and rain, stay under cover to enjoy its benefits.
A period of difficulty and obstacles is in process of going. But do not enter into relationships or schemes requiring new adjustments or changes. Return to what is established and working well. As if one were released from a prison cell, return to the strength of the ordinary life. But it is not a time for inactivity. Strength is needed.
If advance is imperative hasten to the goal. When you achieve the release there is much to be gained.
If the situation is extremely fraught, and any rescue from it seems unlikely, stay on your guard, but a last minute reprieve is on the way. Deliverance from the tension that has existed is imminent.
In the release, as with falling rain, wash the slate clean. Let go of the attitudes that built up. This is a low point you must take time to rebuild from. Forgiveness may be a part of this. Many mistakes and regretful things may be done in a time of crisis. Recognise this and pass over.
If this can be handled successfully, there is great fruitfulness in the situation that follows. It can be a time of regeneration and a period of much growth.
Key words: Obstacles are melting. An enlivening energy arises and brings release. Let go of the darkness active in the past.
The Moving Lines
1.The crisis is past. Do not take to heart what has happened. Such feelings held within only produce withdrawal, when what is needed now is to actively cultivate the fertile situation arising.
2.There has been a skilful dealing with several things or people being predatory or cunning in regard to the issue. This removes much of the danger that threatened, and brings recognition. Take a balanced responsibility now.
3.Acting as if you were a lord or lady brings predatory interest which could prove unfortunate. Better not to continue in this.
4.Be ready to leave a circle of people circumstances pushed you into. Now the situation has changed, move on to your natural circle, or else lose trust.
5.Release from what is inferior in your life is not assured. Only by earnestly leaving behind what constrained you from past difficulties, can you deliver yourself. This will gain the confidence of the opposition, but may still be a lonely path.
6. Great skill brings triumph in the situation, perhaps against an powerful opponent. Being in command means riding the ungovernable forces of life like a good horseman. Predators are dispatched. All is favourable.
Hexagram Forty One
Sun (Pro: Soon; but with a short vowel, as in ‘Book’) – Decrease
Circumstances have led to a major dwindling in your fortune.
The hexagram shows this as having arisen out of the relationship between something or someone stubborn and unyielding, and a someone or something passionate and giving. The unyielding takes unrestrainedly, and the passionate is self sacrificing to the point of deprivation.
If these points are understood they can be righted in some measure. Or one can draw from them reward other than a material one. This is because such decreases present the opportunity to discover resources not previously called into action. For instance fears and worries must be met lest they overwhelm one, and changes must be navigated. These are skills useful when increase reasserts itself.
For a while at least there may be a need to live with greater simplicity through having less resources, whether emotional or material. Continue to care for others, even if this means some sacrifice. Being able to live simply is a great boon.
This period of decrease follows one of gain or increase. It is a natural flow in the rhythm of life. If there can be an accordance with this by letting go of what is ready to drop away, less difficulty will arise. Do not let thoughts of failure or bitterness enter at this period, as it will pass.
If this enquiry is about relationship, the decrease is in the amount of passion or togetherness. But love itself has not disappeared. The season of intimacy has passed for a while.
Key words: Decrease calls us to live with greater simplicity. Inner resources are called upon. With restraint the winter passes without mishap.
The Moving Lines
1.Helping or being helped without display is a great boon. But receiving help from those less fortunate than ourselves must be done with care, lest we exhaust their reserves.
2.In helping others do not depart from your own principles or deprive yourself. Misfortune could otherwise follow. But persist in what is good for reward to follow.
3.Two’s company, three’s a crowd. In such a triangle one will leave. Perhaps it will be you. If so, be assured you will not walk alone for long.
4.By dealing with the afflictions or personal faults besetting you, happiness can follow. Those who are ready to help then come forward with healing and without obligation.
5.Fortune follows you and pours out riches or gifts from others. Take what is offered with honest gratitude. Success is upon you, accept it.
6. Success can follow if others are not exploited. It will be rewarding now to aim for some goal. Support will arise, and your gains be of benefit to many.
Hexagram Forty Two
I (Pro: Yee) – Increase
Now is the time to receive, whether from within oneself or from the world.
The road is straight leading to unexpected rewards. Extend, dare the new, make the journey. There are no hurdles to cross in your progress. As in Spring, it is now time to sow seeds.
The increase arises out of a situation where the powerful relate to others in a giving and creative way. People are willing to give of themselves, or of their resources.
When there is such accord between the powerful and a body of people, the enormous co-operation makes even difficult projects possible to accomplish. Because of this tide of influence it is good to go forward on any important undertaking, especially where it depends upon the goodwill of others or of the influence of lucky circumstances or coincidence.
It is appropriate to observe ones own negative traits and weed them out during this positive period, to imitate the good we see in others.
If this enquiry relates to relationship, receive the love that is freely given without looking for hidden motives.
Key words: Increase and harmonious relationships.
The Moving Lines
1.The flood tide of good fortune is running high for you now. Take advantage and undertake important endeavours. Others will willingly support you, giving of themselves generously.
2.Everything conspires to make your plans materialise. This has arisen from past actions. It is imperative not to let this richness lead to becoming careless.
3.What is usually a misfortune has given opportunity to benefit greatly. This should not give rise to guilt, as long as action has arisen from sincerity. This will bring authority and public acclaim.
4.There is the possibility of becoming an intermediary. This is a recognition of your trustworthiness and ability to remain impartial. This is an excellent opportunity. Do not reject it.
5.As a benefactor you are now in a position to give and support. Do so without asking questions or doubting. What you seek now becomes a reality.
6. Through withholding from generosity to those who needed it, you have evoked irritation and may incur criticism and anger.
Hexagram Forty Three
Kuai (Pro: Gwy; rhymes with ‘Buy’) – Emerging
There has been a threat or opposition, perhaps for a long time, but this is being resolved. Nevertheless there is still the need for care. Emerging from difficulties, even if well under way, must still be done with orderliness.
Some of the obstacles that recently beset this issue have gone. Like a river bursting a log jam, blockages have been removed. However, some obstacles, as people or inner difficulties still remain.
The hexagram holds in it the suggestion of not fighting these evils head on. This only gives them power. Like a debilitating urge we try to repress, it gains strength. One should therefore let the arising power of life that caused the breakthrough, carry us onwards to positive growth. This brings the negative into highlight, revealing its foundations and removing them. Its energy then flows into balance.
Explain the situation to those who give support, but no need to explain all. Trust the protection they can give. Avoid violence, despite the temptation and be generous with those who are allies.
With determination and use of resources a breakthrough can now be made. Plans can go forward after long restraint. It is important in this issue to allow benefits or riches to flow downwards. Otherwise a serious tension once more threatens.
Key words: Breakthrough followed by establishing the emergence. Do not fight evil – let the power of renewal take its place. Riches should flow downward.
The Moving Lines
1.It is not helpful to start something with a great fanfare only to fail in its accomplishment. Assess your strength realistically before advancing.
2.There is still danger, but if you are aware of this and prepared, there can be no difficulty. Oppositions can then be dealt with. Cautious optimism.
3.Perseverance despite the misjudgement of others is vital. To deal with evil for the sake of good may leave one seen as part of the evil. Find strength in your own inner truth.
4.Despite humiliating obstacles you have still not learnt from the experience. If only you would drop the crazy drive onwards this pain could end. Perhaps you constantly believe you are right.
5.Removing ‘weeds’ – the negative hindrances or people – from this issue is a never ending task. But there is no other option than to keep going resolutely.
6. Through relaxing defences too soon there has been unexpected misfortune. This has come through not pressing on to completion. Don’t make the same mistake twice.
Hexagram Forty Four
Kou (Pro: Go) – Intimacy
When intimacy occurs, power is gained to influence the partner. Therefore honesty is necessary in order to define how this influence is taking place. The influence may in fact be denied, leading to a false sense of freedom.
The yielding – female – quality here gains power over the more inflexible male quality. This may refer to an actual relationship, or to feeling qualities or an addictive temptation, influencing ones decisions negatively or capriciously. When passions of attraction dominate important decisions one may be led into unfortunate situations. The Chinese text suggests the image of a politician being detrimentally influenced by a call-girl.
Things are as changeable as the wind. The woman holds the power here. Males need to be cautious of taking a wife. The yielding encounters the firm.
With awareness changes can go well. Proclaim yourself. A great deal can come of this situation if the feeling quality is related to in a creative way rather than allowing it to dominate. The situation holds in it great power to sense and nurture creative impulse. Thus may one in authority express their command through those who serve.
Key words: Intimacy brings power to influence. Guard against this being capricious. With strength the situation can be advantageous.
The Moving Lines
1.Something negative has crept into the situation. This may appear a small thing not to be worried about, but it musty be stopped at once. Even a small pig that has wriggled into the garden, can do much damage as it grows.
2.There is a negative element in this situation. It is easy to keep under control. But do not allow it to get, or develop, beyond your reach, as its potential would then unfold.
3.The subject of the query is being influenced by a negative element. Fortunately circumstances prevent any wholehearted co-operation. Understand what is happening and thus avoid serious mistakes.
4.People you do not have much respect for, must nevertheless be tolerated. Otherwise there will be alienation from those who could be useful at some time.
5.Trust that your own inner discipline and strength will influence those you deal with. No need to take threatening postures. In their free choice they will follow.
6. When circumstances no longer press one into actively being a part of the world, its noise and agitation might cause one to withdraw and remain aloof. This may bring criticism, but this can be tolerated.
Hexagram Forty Five
Ts’ui (Pro: Tsway) – Congregating
It is a time to bring people and resources together for a cause. In this spirit one may stand in a temple or church in congregation, giving charitably and honouring the collective good, the family, and the principle of life.
While recognising dependence upon others, be firm in your goals and aid the unity of the assembly. A time of good fortune.
There is a need to recognise and support your relationship with the groups most important to you. This may refer to the family group, society, business, or a religious or political group.
The suggestion is that willing acceptance of our role in the group is necessary. Personal sacrifice in this role is called for, leading to great good fortune. The reason being that when a group of people cooperate, their power and creativity is multiplied.
If you are the central leading figure in the group, recognise the need for acting as a cohesive and uniting power. If your own nature is not itself united, this will be difficult. If you are not in the leading role, give support to whoever has this power.
Take care to provide for the unforeseen. Unexpected events are always the bringer of pain and difficulty. Therefore plan ahead.
Key words: In co-operative action lies greater strength and security. Religious and political groups represent the magic and power of collective action. Defend against the unexpected.
The Moving Lines
1.Indecision arises within the group about relating wholeheartedly with others. Admit to these anxieties. A leader then arises and removes all hesitancy. Then go forward confidently.
2.Follow the impulse that leads to co-operation without trying to have a clear goal. From its own hidden resources the group will form and act, with understanding of each other. Offer what is in ones heart.
3.When feeling an outsider to a group, give allegiance or support to one of the central figures. In this way you will be allowed in.
4.Giving yourself wholeheartedly to a cause or a leader brings great reward in this query. Many will support your action.
5.Sometimes it is not enough to have the qualifications. Confidence and strength are also needed. Persistence in a calm manner will gradually bring results. People will then support this issue.
6. In attempting alliance there has been misunderstanding. Let your difficult feelings about this be known. This will change the situation for the better.
Hexagram Forty Six
Shng (Pro: Shng; vowel so short as to be almost non-existent) – Advancement
The humble can now rise to great success. Nobody of power opposes this issue. Those in authority will receive it with sympathy.
Be content with small but constant gains. Move in the direction in which there is no need to struggle. In this direction you can gain your hope. Timing is everything.
Things will not happen by themselves. There needs to be the use of ones will to complete one step after another in moving toward what is wanted. So use what determination one has to move against obstacles. Do each thing that is necessary in turn, and this will accumulate into great progress.
Advance must be made in the manner a tree grows from its seed, moving around obstacles but persevering. Because there is a climate of growth, any action taken will link with the external events. Like a seed growing in spring, the time is ripe for its effort.
Do not hesitate to approach people in authority. They will be inclined to support the action.
Key words: Pushing upward from obscurity takes energy. But the season is right for much growth. Be determined and approach those in power.
The Moving Lines
1.Advancement is now open to you. Those in positions of power will be inclined to support your desire to progress. The actions are complementary.
2.Uprightness and being of sound character carry this issue through, despite the outward lack of refinement and smooth presentation.
3.There are no obstacles in the way for your advance in this issue. Do not hesitate in idle speculation as to how long your good fortune will last.
4.Seldom is so much honour offered anyone. Pushing upward leads to a place amongst the illustrious, with acclaim from all.
5.You are moving toward what is desired. Have no doubt. But advance slowly, taking one step at a time thoughtfully, as if on a mountain. The peak is now only a few paces away. Do not rush.
6. Without being able to see the way ahead, ascending is dangerous. You may not gain as much as you wish, but with care you need not lose all.
Hexagram Forty Seven
K’un (Pro: Kwn; vowel so short as to be almost non-existent) – Spent
Life is not without its opposites.
Oppression and opportunity exist together in this enquiry.
The situation has used up reserves and left dryness. The beauty and joy that existed are spent. Adverse conditions prevail. Beware. But even in the midst of adversity some people prosper. This can be done if the adversity does not break ones spirit, causing withdrawal into inactivity.
The trouble can bring to the surface treasures of personal strength in choosing the right track through the wilderness. Then, good fortune. But only through great effort and perseverance.
Do not waste words. There is no belief in those who hear and your words are not heeded.
Tiredness or even exhaustion may have arisen, possibly because the life giving enthusiasm and connections – the flow of energy – has gone. The actions of life are still there, but the spirit has gone.
Even in this dry time, attempting to find insight will lead to satisfaction. The perception needs to be one in which a real view of the situation is achieved and acted upon. The hidden difficulty needs to be brought to light and dealt with.
Key words: Oppression leads to spent energies. But gold can be mined if one does not lose heart.
The Moving Lines
1.External adversity often evokes internal gloom. If one remains a victim of this oppressive stimulant, one is trapped interminably. Find inner light despite the outer dark.
2.Despite external well-being, internally despair and gloom exist. But an important offered opportunity can help disperse the gloom – but only if one revitalise ones inner spirit.
3.Trying to exit a room through the wall instead of the door, and feeling confined is foolishness. So too leaning for support on a bending willow cane. This leads to misfortune.
4.The desire to give of oneself to others has been thwarted by connections with those in fortunate circumstances. Strength will emerge to find ways of giving.
5.Faith must support you in this oppression from above and below. But slowly things will change.
6. The results of past actions or encounters bind you like creepers, making it difficult to act with confidence. Learn from past mistakes by acknowledging them as such. Then advance can be made confidently.
Hexagram Forty Eight
Ching (Pro: Jing) – Wellspring
There are deep resources here. The wood of the tree may have great beauty, but unless the carpenter has skill the beauty remains hidden.
Around the wellspring of life build the city of your endeavour. Challenge your resources and bring them to the surface to be used. If not, there follows the misfortune of dryness.
Clarify what you draw your own resources of upliftment from. Clarify what it is that flows over and through your life that acts like water to wash away the worries or hurts that, if left in place would gradually produce a sickness of spirit. Whatever brings the renewal and strength, the freedom to live another day free of defeating emotions, is your wellspring.
Make sure the pitcher with which you draw the precious fluid from this well is sound and cared for. Without it you could not drink.
Without this regeneration your life would be dry. Therefore build your worldly activities around it, like an ancient city around its central well.
Fashions come and go, but the fundamental needs and facts of life remain the same. Human cooperativeness is just such a fundamental. Fit your life into the whole.
Key words: Touching the wellspring. Be sure the pitcher is sound, lest one run dry.
The Moving Lines
1.To forever linger in apathy or indecision leads to eventual isolation. None will consider your life of account.
2.Neglecting the richness of ones own abilities and not putting them to use, leaves them to atrophy. Gradually ones treasure rusts and is gone.
3.Despite having great qualities there has been no call for them. This leads to frustration. It might help if the qualities were offered widely.
4.There are delays occurring in this issue, because positive steps are being taken to renew the source of ones own flow and creativity. Shortly one can drink again of deep waters.
5.All is well! The spring of life is deep and cool. Deep enough not just to drink, but to bathe fully for renewal and cleansing. In a relationship, enjoy now what springs from it.
6. Allow the sources of renewal to be available to all who thirst. Drink deep yourself. The well is inexhaustible, full of the vital spirit that bring life.
Hexagram Forty Nine
K (Pro: Ger; but with the final ‘R’ not pronounced) – Shedding An Old Skin
When the situation becomes too restrictive or repressive there must be revolutionary change. Or when two powers strive against each other, one seeks to dominate.
Before the change life is uncomfortable in the old skin, the old way. When the change comes then it can be valued, though the steps to it might not be welcome. Therefore change what is intolerable or tight.
Changes are occurring in life all the time. But occasionally the mounting change builds up slowly out of sight. Only as it completes itself in the final flourishes does it emerge and appear revolutionary. Although difficult, such renewal brings fresh hope and energy.
Success arises from being able to ride the highs and lows of these waves of change without losing balance. When such changes occur, either within oneself or in the world of relationships, work or society, recognise the new order of things and work with it. Let go of what was of no value or a contributor of misery in the old order.
Such change, when revolutionary, needs careful handling. This may arise by recognising the sequence of change, as it occurs, for instance, in the seasons. By understanding what will follow we can prepare for it.
Key words: Shedding the old, meeting the new. Passing through revolution with balance.
The Moving Lines
2.Do not push for change unless it needs to be undertaken. Wrap yourself in quiet patience in order to avoid premature or frantic action.
2.When quiet change has not worked, then revolution is necessary. But prepare the ground well first, and gain as powerful support as is possible. Go to meet the change.
3.Do not act on this issue too soon, nor rush headlong. Wait for demands for change to become general before action.
4.Problems and resistance disappear if confidence in the new direction is established. Press forward now.
5.The changes need to be presented with clear guide lines. You become a strength in forming the new order if this can be done. Support follows.
6. Now there needs to be a shedding of old values and attitudes, to bring alignment with what has arisen. Do what is possible at the moment.