Posts Tagged ‘I Ching meanings’
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.
Hexagram Twelve
P’i (Pro: Pee) – Stagnation
Fools and weaklings may predominate through their obstruction.
There is no meeting place. Remain resolute though the mean gain advantage.
In relationship there is a moving apart. If the enquiry is about business, there is an indication of breakdown in communication and unity. The leaders and followers are not in touch with each other. High and low do not meet.
Sometimes those who are not fit take power. Negative influences create discord and separation. This is such a period in regard to the query.
It is not good to start new ventures or relationships. Better to keep ones own counsel and while doing what is necessary and right in the situation, remain independent in ones own mind.
In periods of breakdown, when the old landmarks are swept away, the wisest thing to do is to watch for the emergence of the new order and work toward it and with it.
Key words: In Autumn do not expect summer flowers. But one can sell leaf mould.
The Moving Lines
1.When the world no longer responds, it is time to retire. There is no disgrace in this. Others are drawn with you. Good fortune.
2.What the majority in their mean attitudes want should not influence your purpose arising from insight. Be in the world but not of it.
3.The inferior may be in power. Let the feelings of guilt or responsibility lead to a better path . This way all prosper as change draws nearer.
4.Only lead by following the direction given by the best you have, or by your own figure of authority. This way all prosper. Change away from stagnation begins.
5.The tide turns. Blockages will now fall away. Stagnation is ending. But remain vigilant and secure against the random caprices of the situation. Put emphasis on what is obviously growing with the change.
6.Stagnation and blockages now pass away. Joy and hoped for change follow. But masterful management must help the change. How could it not have passed?
Hexagram Thirteen
T’ung Jn (Pro: Toong Rn; vowel so short as to be almost non-existent) – Empathy
Open affection and love. The time is ripe for an important journey or to overcome hesitations. Wisdom suggests persistence.
Someone, not in themselves strong gains power.
Through love or goodness a direction is given. The bond arising from mutual affinity is a natural force, bringing creative power. Whether impelled by love or by the role of leader, awareness of the way to motivate people leads to success.
When there is a natural affinity between people or in a situation, qualities emerge that were not previously apparent. The weak become strong through love, or a reserved woman becomes fiercely protective with her child.
The situation or person then becomes changed by the flow of new experience or affection. It is not simply receptivity. An active love or bond is made, out of which great and positive change can come. But it needs direction through strength of purpose. This is the sort of strength arising in a group of people who realise they have a common goal.
Key words: A bond of empathy leading to unity in action.
The Moving Lines
1.Love is openly displayed. Honest affiliation and common interest can bring no blame. There should be no secrecy.
2.To have a link too narrowly focused can lead to troubles. This link, like a clique, has social reasons for being cautious about.
3.Extreme caution is out of place here despite the difficulties. Caution or suspicions make a prisoner of affection so that fraternity and family bonds cannot be expressed. Alienation can arise. Boldness is required.
4.Although there are problems or quarrels, they will not overwhelm. It is safe to hold your position without being so defensive. As you cannot attack, why not make peace?.
5.Despite many obstacles to being together, in the heart there is connection. The obstacles will not keep such fire apart for long. Other people may help in this. Sadness then becomes joy.
6. Perhaps love does not link us. But fellowship can come through common goals. This is not what is wanted, but low spirits paint the world dark. Let the light shine.
Hexagram Fourteen
Ta Yu (Pro: Dah You) – Great Assets
Through the employment of modesty and the absence of self centredness you succeed.
Though not proclaiming personal value loudly, there is a treasure of abilities and resources.
There is harmony between the one and the many who are strong; between the person and the world. Thus action and restraint come at the right time. Great is the reward.
Depending upon the question being asked, this indicates a situation or person with many qualities and abilities. Brilliance of mind is shown, with a good heart. This brilliance is worthy of being expressed in the world. It is in accord with the needs of many. It connects a person who is in themselves quite mild and unassuming with those who are strong in the worldly sense. So it could suggest opportunity for a retiring person through support from those actively ambitious.
Much can be achieved and ready support will be found. It is a time to succeed through the possession of great resources.
Key words: Mildness is not weakness when it links with the strong. The links bring great rewards.
The Moving Lines
1.The great assets have not yet been challenged. If you confront the underhanded side of life, avoid dealing with it or becoming involved. Then you can pass through the meeting without problems.
2.There are enough resources and helpers evident to attain the goal and make full use of the assets. Set out confidently. The assets are safe.
3.With a great spirit you can share what is yours with society. For nothing is permanently ours. But if your spirit lacks stature, beware of setting out.
4.You have the power to discriminate. Thus you may see the folly of personal aggrandisement. Use the power to choose the way.
5.Inner stature inspires the confidence of those more advantaged. They become allies when there is no envy. Now you can be spontaneous.
6. Only the most favoured receive this sign. Expect and move toward utmost success. It arises out of special qualities creating accord with people and events.
Hexagram Fifteen
Ch’ien (Pro: Chee-en) – Modesty
The ability to act in a role without limelight leads to success.
Many things occur in our life out of sight through the actions of others. Much can now be received from this hidden store by being receptive.
Modest but persistent action has accumulated this mountain of abundance. Receive it and place it where there is need.
Past events have built a reservoir which is full. Now there is a pouring out and a receiving. A balancing comes from this release. What was lowly is built up. What was high becomes reduced.
By not overemphasising your value, credit for your real worth has built up. This honesty now leads to success. Be receptive to this and nurture what springs from it.
Recognise that the strength here is in not overindulging, and in having the power to act as a balancer in situations that have become one sided. This is a form of creativity, not through control, but by understanding the nature of things and leading them to a mutual satisfaction or destination.
Key words: The high are made low and the low raised. Not pressing for personal advantage has produced great reward.
The Moving Lines
1.Simple clarity makes even difficult tasks straightforward. Any journey or venture undertaken at this time is fortunate. Remain receptive.
2.When one does not seek for personal ends alone, ones actions and words create a lasting influence. The view of life beyond personal gain removes interference.
3.Things will come to fruition now from any hard work that has been done in regard to this enquiry. Others will follow your direction with little dissent.
4.Not having pushed yourself forward and working without being the centre of attention has led to success.
5.Being mild does not mean being weak. Attack what is disruptive, now is the time to do so. Do it without personal attempts to gain. Great good fortune.
6.Remaining aware of your true value, and how it rests upon the goodwill of others, now is the time to move against that which is disruptive. Bring things to order through an organised push.
Hexagram Sixteen
Y (Pro: Y; vowel as in the French ‘T’) – Response
Calm confidence arises from action in harmony with the needs of the people and the laws of nature.
What you want then comes about, for it is in accord with the ways of life. With this harmony move forward firmly.
If untroubled certainty has departed, do not move on this issue. But if untroubled certainty exists, move forward with strength.
Out of this arises the enthusiasm in others which promotes powerful and successful action. Strength and integrity are responded to with support.
Within the query lies enormous potential, as yet untapped, like a flower open but not yet fertilised. But the power to fertilise and bring to fruition is present if used in accord with the needs of the time and the people involved.
Recognise however that it takes positive and confident effort to meet and stimulate the receptive fertility of the situation. It will not happen by itself.
The image of the hexagram suggests a disorganised throng of people brought to order and satisfying action by an esteemed leader.
Key words: Receptivity galvanised into enthusiastic response by positive and esteemed leadership.
The Moving Lines
1. Boasting about ones connections hides a weakness which others will see and avoid. Learn to find your own centre of strength.
2. Be like a rock against which the waters of change move around. Not lost in the illusions of power or failure, fashions or rumours, you respond to what is essential.
3.Waiting too long for a sign from revered authority loses the possibility of success. Act before all chance has gone. Even now may be too late. Do not miss the quiet tap on the door. Opportunity might knock only once.
4. By confidence and enthusiasm a response is called from others. Their co-operation will follow as others are gathered and strength grows.
5. Pressures keep you from enjoying the enthusiasms of others. But the pressures are a means of preventing excess. The problem becomes the medicine.
6. One can be foolishly enthusiastic and confident. Take care this is not the case here. Even if it is, hope that such foolishness cannot last for long.
Hexagram Seventeen
Sui (Pro: Sway) – Following
Following the movement of events like a good dancer leads to abundant reward.
Yield to the direction of the situation. Like the dancer, move when there is movement, be still when there is need to pause. Thus pursue the signs showing what the times require, while remaining in harmony within yourself.
Do not follow what is inferior in this situation, but try to be aware of what is the leading trend. Be patient until you can clearly see signs of where events are leading, and move in that direction.
This involves a period where a powerful new condition is emerging and it is wise to observe and understand it. If this can be done very great reward will follow, especially if your personal direction embodies what is pressing into the world scene. If this is done, then you are in the position of leadership being followed by others recognising your harmony with the needs of the times.
Such leadership is possible, but only if you have first learnt to be a good follower.
Because the scene is set, all it needs is a catalyst to start the process moving. Done correctly this requires little effort. Something new is emerging from influences in the past. Help it to be born.
Key words: Learning to follow helps to become a leader and find integration with others and the times.
The Moving Lines
1. The new order emerging calls for changes to be made which lead to greater contact with those outside ones usual circle and influence. Success is then certain.
2. Following childish impulses you can lose the way you would have taken as an adult. The superior is rejected and one becomes a follower of the lower order or outdated needs.
3. Giving up childishness you follow the mature direction. This assures success. It is time to move into the new world of enlarged responsibility and power. The past dies.
4. Be sure you are not being influenced by ulterior or inferior motives. Being followed by those seeking only personal gain is not useful. Stop and return to your own integrity. No harm can then enter this enquiry.
5. Having confidence in the people or convictions we allow to lead us assures good fortune. This brings strength of purpose and unity. The way ahead is full of blessings.
6. A turning point comes from being truly understood and respected. Emerge now from the retreat. You have much support from those who follow.
Hexagram Eighteen
Ku (Pro: Goo) – Salvaging
When things are not renewed by living movement, deterioration or decay may result. Understanding the causes of such deterioration can lead to its removal. What was decaying can then be salvaged, leading to growth. The decaying can become manure for what springs from it.
The turning point brings opportunity to make changes, to bring in the new, as you move with the tide of things. It is right. With the changes taking place one can sweep away what was amiss with the past. Let it go.
The way of life laid down by your family may no longer be valid. Take up the challenge of being responsible for your own actions as the old order decays.
When the old has finally decayed there will be a period of waiting, as when the sun reaches the shortest day in mid-winter, days elapse before the delivery to longer days assures itself.
Now strength can be used to reshape things that would have been difficult while the old order held sway. But first take stock and clear away the debris of the old. As this is done care must be taken to clearly understand the cause of the present decline. Then when this understanding is employed in action, carefully check the results as they arise.
It is a good season to face difficulties, take journeys or move into new projects. Good fortune attends this.
Key words: Salvaging from the old and crumbling what still has life for the present.
The Moving Lines
1.One can no longer do as ones father did, or as was right in past traditions. That would not be fitting as the old dies. There are always risks in change, so take care. With such awareness all will go well.
2.The mistakes ones mother made are part of ones life and feelings now. Correct them may be painful. One must not act too harshly in this, but take responsibility for what exists.
3.There may be some pain in accepting responsibility for the mistakes of our forebears. But the way ahead leads out of difficulty.
4.Not recognising where our forebears made mistakes would be to fall into the same errors. Now is the time to recognise and correct them.
5.Righting what was left undone by our forebears will bring good fortune. Taking this responsibility leads to acceptance and help by the community.
6.Withdrawal from the world is only honourable if it is not out of fears. Life then empowers you with its strength to achieve the meeting with Self.
Hexagram Nineteen
Lin (Pro: Lin) – Coming Together.
When winter cold recedes the buds swell but do not yet open. So in this enquiry the buds are ready to open. Great opportunity is involved.
In human affairs it shows a coming together of youth and experience, as might happen if a mature woman and young girl met with warmth. In business it would be the meeting with something of great potential which was not yet stimulated into expression. Or perhaps when an approach has been made by an influential client.
The influence is one of peace when there can be a relaxed meeting of people and things that could not converge in the past. Work with this and encourage the process of convergence without too much interference.
When two things approach each other, be they people or objects, the potential of the meeting must be dealt with carefully if it is to be satisfying. So one must work in this period to make use of its potential.
There is much giving and receiving here. The wise teach and the students receive.
But the seasons roll and what is in bloom now will fade in autumn. Have eyes seeing beyond the moment. Plan for the time when there is less abundant opportunity.
Key words: Wisdom and strength meet youth and fertility. Take care in tending the growth.
The Moving Lines
1. There is a coming together. Things converge bringing good fortune. Meet with others to work in conscientious co-operation.
2. Allowing things and people to work together brings good fortune. Remember that seasons roll while receiving many benefits.
3. Success may lead to relaxing the quality of ones approach. This is unfortunate. Regret for the mistake erases it.
4. Great success arises when ability is recognised by one in power. Nothing will stand in t the way of this recognition and its outcome.
5. Patient shrewdness draws together a group of great ability. The work can now proceed without limiting interference.
6. The sage approaches offering the treasure of experience. It is great good fortune to receive it.
Hexagram Twenty
Kuan (Pro: Gwun; rhymes with ‘Fun’, ‘Done’) – Encompassing Vision
Standing upon a mountain one can see the path one took to reach this moment. In view too are the paths one can take to walk onwards.
A position to make judgements and to see clearly has been reached. To achieve this level of insight is both a great honour and an expression of personal achievement. Much that was not clear before is now understandable.
Detachment is also involved. For if one were wholly lost in sense impressions and worldly goals, ones awareness would never have been freed enough to capture this wider view.
There is now revealed much of the laws of nature and the ways of human life that others cannot see, like the man on a high rock being able to observe where animals go to drink.
A position of attainment has be reached, but the work of establishing oneself in that position is still to take place. Thus the sacrifice of endeavour must be made.
Observe the way of things and absorb what is seen. The truth you learn and live will meet with honour and will flow out to influence others, simply by your existence. Your life is an example to others. Live it with care.
Key words: Let your vision become your way of life. Thus will the vision enter the lives of others.
The Moving Lines
1.Do not approach your vision as if you were a carefree child. It needs mature strength to understand and live it.
2.Do not restrain your vision of things by limited attitudes. Seek the global view possible by moving beyond personal boundaries.
3.By learning from an overview of our own life, we can more clearly judge when is the right time to advance or retreat. This smoothes the changes of life.
4.Such a vision encompasses the hidden working of a whole nation. Such vision must be honoured, and given opportunity to act.
5.To be a leader one must observe ones relations with others. Self awareness is the greatest of teachers. It shapes a new future. None are wounded by such a life.
6. When vision leaps the boundaries of ones own ego, it contemplates the face of the deep. The path of liberation is then seen. Complete self acceptance.