Posts Tagged ‘I Ching’
Hexagram Thirty
Li (Pro: Lee) – Dependent Light
The candle flame depends upon the wax for its light. Its flame kindles as many candles as touch it. Each igniting others.
The light of your own mind was lit by those who taught you. Honour this and realise your part in the scheme of things. Being receptive allows this inner light to burn brightly. This leads to greater connection with all, and brings success. Shed your light into the darkness of other lives.
In all ways ones existence is dependent upon all that exists. The flame of consciousness ignites through the intricate working of the body. It is a truth of life that we depend upon air, water and food. We also need others to make our clothes, grow our food, and teach us. Recognise your place in this world of interdependence and give as well as receive.
With joy accept this connection with all things and be a part of it. While aiming to be self reliant, accept your place in the community of beings which is society and nature. All are co-creators of the universe. Being independently a part of the creative whole leads to success.
Key words: Take time to clearly see your connections with family, society and the world. Acknowledge and work with these.
The Moving Lines.
1.Confusion – through the conflicting impressions of everyday life – may make it difficult to choose your actions. But a ship moves to its goal through innumerable alterations in course. Be like the ship by keeping your goal in mind.
2.Extremes of any kind have no place here, for you walk the middle path. This highest culture is beautiful. The sun shines, all is well. Supreme good fortune.
3.When the sun is setting we must prepare for darkness. An end is in sight. Prepare for it now, but enjoy the beauty of the sunset. To cry mournfully about endings or death, or to frantically grasp pleasures, is to miss living from the changeless.
4.Some good things come and pass from our hands before we even experience their delights. Do not burn your life away like a straw fire, without substance to create lasting warmth.
5.Tears of lament may bring good fortune. Such tears about life’s passing away may bring a change of heart and strength to meet what comes.
6. You may have to be forceful to correct the situation. Avoid unnecessary retaliation however. Discriminate between what must be removed and what disciplined
Hexagram Thirty One
Hsien (Pro: Shee-en) – Magnetic Merging
Opposites, or those in need of each other attract. It is a time when taking a partner or marriage is favourable.
The mystery of attraction and interaction reaches through space and brings people or events together. Those who need each other are linked and their pleasure is mutual and rewarding. Life is a play between attraction and repulsion, male and female.
Awareness of these forces in the world leads to wisdom. Within the mind also, in any learning situation one person must be receptive and the other giving. To keep the mind like a lake whose surface can be moved by the wind is a great boon. Using this knowledge, we can easily move from being a leader to a follower, for we know how to be a student or a teacher.
It is necessary in regard to this enquiry to maintain ones own identity and yet relate to others in a way that honours their own quality. In this way opposites can meet and create out of their complementary characteristics.
The aim, whether in relationship with one person or many, is to find the vital connection or attraction, the real influence behind the mutual link. It is to seek the reality of what can occur between them, what they offer each other.
Once found use it to enhance the interaction and connectivity. Out of this can come a firm binding, a good working relationship, or a satisfying marriage.
Key words: Attraction and merging are everywhere active in life. The power here is independence with empathy.
The Moving Lines
1.The urge to be foot loose and fancy free might not be appropriate at the moment. Anyway, the urge is of no account while still only a twitch in the toe.
2.Wanting to be on the move doesn’t accord with the needs of the situation. Best to find out what others want first. To simply move without judging the situation will lead to misfortune.
3.Following every impulsive whim we feel leads to loss of necessary judgement in any circumstance. Restlessness is not advantageous at the moment.
4.Rewards will arise from persistence. Where the heart longs to go, so the body and events follow. Therefore guard the heart. This brings others into your influence. Do not push them.
5.There is firmness and resolution. Do not let it become ‘stiff necked’ immobility. Then your influence will encompass many.
6. To be able to talk powerfully and loudly doesn’t mean you can achieve the things spoken of. Better to restrain the speech a little and learn to act with more effectiveness.
Hexagram Thirty Two
Hng (Pro: Hng; vowel so short as to be almost non-existent)- Lasting Union
That which endures acknowledges and uses the power of change. Endurance arises when one thing compensates another in a moving balance. One may be active and the other passive – one growing and the other nurturing. The yielding and the firm are here working harmoniously together. Staying on this course leads to success.
What exists at present can survive the changing events of the seasons. The subject of the enquiry has the power to survive changes and endure if there is the ability to change within an unswerving goal.
Wisdom suggests having such a goal or direction to guide through endings and beginnings. In fact it is advantageous to undertake any new plans or projects at this time.
Seek awareness of that which endures
throughout the variety of seasons. Link with this for extended existence. Stay on course and there can be no regrets. The winds of change will exert pressure, but you can stand firm. This relates to the ability to sustain a relationship too.
At the heart of this enquiry lies a lot of power and creativity. Perhaps this expresses as the ability to stimulate or revivify. This power exists within a situation of receptivity and support. This is what gives it the possibility of enduring.
Key words: Surviving changes in life means being in harmony with fundamental realities of relationship
The Moving Lines
1.First love is not usually the one that lasts. What is enduring takes time to build and grow. Patience has been lacking in this enquiry.
2.Grand ideas and plans are of little account without the external power to make them real. This may lead to an excess through the desire to express. Restraint avoids excess and remorse.
3.Through being tossed by the waves of hopes and fears you may meet with unforeseen disgrace. Inconsistency leaves others unsettled.
4.Going about things the wrong way, whether in work or love, leads one to dissatisfaction and restlessness. This is like shopping for fruit at the clothes market.
5.Sticking rigidly to an ideal creates tension in oneself and others. True endurance arises from love and enthusiasm rather than inflexible rules.
6. The amount of energy expended does not automatically link with the amount of reward. Frantic activity does not mean success. The action must be effective. Stand still and review.
Hexagram Thirty Three
Tun (Pro: Doon; but with a short vowel as in book) – Yielding
When something is thrown into the air, there is a point where it starts to fall again. Every successful endeavour must reach a point where there is a resistance to its climb. Better then to yield rather than fight to ascend while the fall continues.
As summer ends nature begins to conserve its energies. Plants draw all their essence into seeds or bulbs waiting for the new impulse. So in this issue it is useful to recognise that expansion has ended and gather ones essential force ready for a countermove when constructive.
The hexagram also suggests something creative and projective or expressive, meeting something immovable and resistant to change. Therefore it might be necessary to yield, or create a balancing of power through small adjustments to the situation. The bull-fighter always appears to retreat, yet is the victor.
In relationships this may signify a lack of communication arising from very different temperaments and goals. Without understanding withdrawal occurs. But this might be avoided by understanding each others position and needs.
There is certainly the need to gather the fruits of past endeavour and, like grapes pressed into wine, withdraw the essence to store for future use.
No great changes are necessary or indicated. Rather persist in caring for the details of the situation. This is the way to succeed in this issue.
Key words: Recognise the difference of the opposing forces. Avoid confrontation. Rather move aside in a planned yielding.
The Moving Lines
1.Retreating with the opposition on your tail is not an advantage. By all means pull back, but not too far. No aims can be furthered at this point. Keep still.
2.The situation has been thoroughly constrained. But you still maintain strength in some fashion. Through persevering in small ways, the goal can still be reached.
3.The necessary withdrawal is halted by others. By incorporating the delaying factor or people into the plan, one can then continue the retreat.
4.If your spirit is strong, yielding is no defeat, in fact good can come of it. For those who lack self assurance, yielding is felt as defeat.
5.Clearly seeing it as an advantage to retreat, and timing it correctly, there is no misfortune attached to withdrawal. Remain in this position of strength.
6. Certainty lends power to this yielding. With such expertise there is only advantage in the withdrawal.
Hexagram Thirty Four
Ta Chuang (Pro: Dah Jwung; with the vowel as in ‘Hung’) – Manifest Power
When many wide connections exist with great inner ability and power there arises extraordinary brilliance. This quality may awe those less gifted or having fewer connections. Its force shakes the world and brings changes.
Understanding its workings can lead to deep insight into the nature of things. Certainly persistence in this direction will bring great reward.
This is an indication of great influence wielded at the moment. It is a power arising from aligning yourself with real activities in the world and in people. In this sense you have developed connections and insights others have not. If this is used well, great success can follow. If it is used merely to manipulate and to enlarge oneself egotistically, the power will fade.
To a great extent this power is that of being able to get things going, to give something life that existed but was not expressing its potential. This allied with strength in getting things done externally form the brilliant possibility of this query.
Nevertheless, great power can often be expressed at the wrong time or place, or in an opposition that does not resolve. In such cases the power comes to nought. Therefore care must be taken to express the power through channels and in directions which will enable it to succeed.
Key words: Creative power flows into the world, enlivening and changing. Direct its flow with care.
The Moving Lines
1.To have power in your toes only is not enough. You need more than a firm foothold to make headway even with confidence. Do no push forward now lest your resources are soon exhausted.
2.There is sufficient reason to push forward in what you want. The situation is right, so persist. Don’t let your exuberance run away with you though.
3.Overconfidence or pugnaciousness now may cause serious entanglements difficult to extricate oneself from. Refrain from such advance. Move when there are no hindrances.
4.Removing obstacles quietly and persistently opens the way ahead. There is power for the journey. Good fortune.
5.Old habits of being like a goat butting its way through difficulties are not useful now. Drop them. The way is opening ahead.
6. Unreasoning effort to advance leads only to entanglement in more barriers. Neither advance nor retreat is possible. Composure will lead to good fortune.
Hexagram Thirty Five
Chin (Pro: Jin) – Ascent
When the sun rises a new day begins, bringing activity, relationships and growth. Things are clearly seen and distant goals visible.
The hexagram suggests the clear expression of allegiance to leadership. Therefore it is useful to clarify ones position and relationship in terms of authority and co-operation. Co-operation given to a good leader will be greatly rewarded.
The very progress and growth that arises now is out of a deeply creative relationship. On one side we have a person, group, or an inner quality that is receptive and capable of giving form to ideas. This is the female quality. On the other side there is the dynamic, fiery projector of ideas and plans, who or which, is not so good at giving them form.
Inspiration may arise out of this relationship, either in the form of upliftment if it be concerned with a sexual partner, or a new approach if it is a play between aspects of temperament in a person or a group.
If the query involves a male female relationship there is a great affinity involved. The two partners have much to offer each other and there is real compatibility.
The sun is rising on this query. Accept this and let its warmth permeate your life. Allow the radiance to shine onto those around you also. The query is blessed with easy progress and expansion.
Key words: Expansion, compatibility, co-operation with authority. Great progress is possible.
The Moving Lines
1.Be generous and confident despite the mistrust of some who are involved. No harm can come from this until clarity is reached, or new information received. Persist calmly despite setbacks.
2.Although delays accompany this direction, continuing on leads past the difficulties to good fortune. You eventually make contact with an important figure who is warmly supportive.
3.Co-operation is now at work. Difficulties melt away. Move forward with confidence. All involved are supporting this. Within yourself you find unity.
4.In this time of progress, holding onto possessions like a hamster filling its mouth pouch, is not fortunate. Do not persist in this direction, serious problems could arise.
5.Don’t float into the imaginary world with fears of success or failure. All is well if feet are kept firmly on the ground and moving forward.
6. To deal with opposition like a bull with lowered horns is often necessary. Once done, do not go on in malice to plot the downfall of enemies. Only do what is necessary – no more!
Hexagram Thirty Six
Ming I (Pro: Ming Yee) – Fading Light
Winter comes to every summer. Darkness follows each day.
Circumstances may not allow your light to shine into the world. The fading of the external power and light, can open to the shining of the inner light. This reveals hidden treasures which strengthen the purpose necessary to continue despite obstacles.
The withdrawal of light at night-time is not a period of evil, simply a time of withdrawal and quiescence. It is not a time for active growth externally, but within ourselves a time of balancing and integration of experience can take place.
Winter is also a time when the light lessens. Much that was flourishing dies out and withdraws until spring. Within the external quiet fires burn as processes of powerful growth ready themselves. Such is taking place in regard to this query. Quiet persistence is needed.
But at times darkness rules. Brutality and ignorance may be in power. Then it is not wise to expose your real feelings or nature. Without accepting the prevailing darkness, one must let many things happen without open comment. One must still maintain awareness of ones own inner light however, lest that too is lost.
Key words: Drawing within, the essence is kept alive ready for another spring.
The Moving Lines
1.High ideals and aims push you into action beyond what is normal. Flying at night is dangerous and leads to deprivations. Do not expect praise for this behaviour.
2.Though you feel as if one of your mainstays has been weakened, you can still find reserves to deal with the problem. Use what is at hand.
3.Determination to achieve goals has led by chance to the removal of a major obstacle or opposition. This has been at great cost, so avoid persisting to the point of stupidity.
4.In darkness the forces of corruption are sometimes abroad. When away from all that is of home, ones heart may meet a dark period, or one may realise the cause of difficulties. With such understanding seek safety.
5.What is best, to act against what injures you and betray the principles you have tried to live by – or refrain from action within darkness and thus remain true to your beliefs? Great spirit is needed
6. The dark night is at its climax. All that it could achieve has been fulfilled. To have fallen from such heights is wounding. But the darkness moves toward the day. Learn from the night.
Hexagram Thirty Seven
Chia Jn (Pro: Jee-ah Rn; the last vowel so short as to be almost non-existent) – Harmonious Relationships
When the receptive qualities maintain their receptivity and nourish what is received, and when the active and expressive continues to create, there will be harmony.
If we can honour and relate appropriately to the qualities of things and people around us, then we will be rewarded. The generated warmth and influence spreads to all like a peaceful fire. Do not fail to give honour where it is due, and firmness in its need. All things in their place.
Relationships are the central theme here. The symbol refers to family life and the need to recognise the qualities of people within a group, and their real dependencies or complimentary qualities. But this can equally refer to larger groups or to particular relationships.
Fire needs wood to burn, otherwise it cannot demonstrate heat. This refers to correct relationships and the realisation of the role we play in a relationship. If we fulfil such roles, recognise what our needs are of each other and act accordingly, we can find a great reward in this issue.
Key words: Relationships are at the foundation of all our dealing with others. It is worth learning skill in this.
The Moving Lines
1.Those at the head of family or group need to be decisive and clear in their relations with others. This creates order and security.
2.While there is proper attention to running your own home or group, the difficulties existing in the world can be dealt with. Success follows from this.
3.Be neither too hard nor too soft in discipline, otherwise authority and leadership may be undermined. Firm confrontation is better than overindulgence.
4.Warmth of caring, allied to good financial management and attention to the well being of those in ones charge, make one a treasure. This leads to good fortune.
5.When strength and love come together like this, only good can come of it. Leadership with such qualities draws all together.
6. Greater responsibilities bring more influence and regard. Remain self aware to monitor your motives and relationships. Good fortune attends.
Hexagram Thirty Eight
K’uei (Pro: Kway) – Contrariness
Water and fire do not mix well but are both important and can work together as when water is boiled in a kettle. In this situation care must be taken in attempting any scheme.
Be aware of likely differences and find advance in small things. For when there is opposition great matters cannot be undertaken.
When connection can be found there can be brilliant meeting and creativity. Meanwhile let each shine in their own way. In the hidden heart there is beauty.
In this query there may be a situation where people are not opposed as enemies, but are pulling in different directions. This may arise either from external or internal factors. Nevertheless there is a lot of potential in the situation.
Whatever is done may arouse opposition from an involved party. One might deal with this by carefully defining areas of difference and areas where co-operative action can take place. Also, opposites are necessary within the scheme of things, and can work well if an overall authority or situation incorporates them in a greater whole. When such meetings can be found however, then great rewards arise.
Remain true to yourself in all. Do not relinquish the important personal qualities just to be the same as others in order to agree with them.
Key words: Differences of opinion and direction. No great problem. Find small ways of advancing.
The Moving Lines
1.Do not chase friendship or agreement like an escaped horse. It only runs faster. Where there is goodwill, friendship arises again even after disagreement. Stay neutral in dealing with evil people and all will be well.
2.Sometimes difficult not to step on someone’s toes. An accidental meeting informally may ease the misunderstanding. No blame.
3.This is a very real problem. It can’t be avoided. There may even be humiliation or damage involved. Remain true to what you know is right, and those you honour. Bad start, but a good ending.
4.If the query involves relationship, then after isolation an intimate friend is found. If the query is not about relationship, then what you have been separated from for so long is now becoming a reality.
5.Straightforwardness in another remove the obstacles in becoming a companion. Be as open and direct in wanting friendship.
6. A friend once trusted now seems lost and estranged. Anger and mistrust make the friend appear repugnant. But drop your hostility and see that they sincerely want your companionship. Difficult feelings then melt.
Hexagram Thirty Nine
Chien (Pro: Jee-en) – Obstacles
Problems are evident. Certain directions you cannot take. Moves toward those unsympathetic or offering difficulties are not recommended.
Obstacles, even danger, beset this enquiry. It may feel like being caught between choices none of which offer any way out. The difficulties are not sudden or out of context, but are a part of the attitudes and habitual ways of doing things connected with the question.
Deep feelings may be involved, all the more entrenched because of the apparent immovability of the obstacles. Such feelings only strengthen the obstacles.
The situation calls for a temporary retreat, a cessation of progressive activity. This may be difficult as one needs to walk away from ones goal for a while. But this is not an abandoning of ones aims, only a necessary pause.
It will aid to join with those who are of like mind in order to tackle the difficulty. And do not give up ones aim because of this set-back. Perseverance is called for even in this temporary retreat.
It is important to avoid blaming. This refers to self blame, but particularly to blaming others for the situation. Blaming others removes the possibility of finding the personal sources of the obstacle, and learning from the difficulty. The obstacle then enriches.
The change must come from within. Then good fortune can arise out of this, of a sort that can be of great benefit to many.
Key words: Obstacles appear immovable. Seek the causes within and cooperate with friends. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The Moving Lines
1.Frantic action to deal with the obstacle is not advisable in this issue. It will only compound the difficulty. Remain without action until it is clear what can be done. This brings reward.
2.Difficulties pile one upon another. Do not blame yourself for what is happening. Others depend upon you to see the process through. Be committed to confronting the problems.
3.Do not meet the problem by actively assaulting it. Only trouble can emerge that way and dependants would suffer. In withdrawing from danger happiness can arise.
4.Do not tackle this problem alone. To do so would lead to misfortune. Be patient and others will arrive to give aid through connections with a wider group. Inform them of the situation to gain their help.
5.At the very height of difficulty friends arise to help. They see the effort being made and are ready to support in this endeavour.
6. Although you are capable of finding within yourself a place of retreat, away from this problem, that direction is barred. Others need your experience. Seek alliance with a powerful figure in order to create the great work and rescue.