THE MODERN POET'S I CHING E\ TKRP WLOOLDPV QXLFN RHDGL QJ: TRVV WKH FRLQV DERYH. TRVV WKH FRLQV DJDLQ. GR WR WKH KH[DJUDP WDEOH. AUTHOR'S NOTE Confucious asked, "Is not the I Ching the perfect book?" This is not merely a clever, rhetorical question. Confucious was moved by the relevancy of The Book of Changes- The I Ching. Other books may have temporarily fascinating, mysterious, or sensational appeal, but the I Ching is about your life and its changes. Read and study your own life story as it happens before your eyes. You won't get tired of the plot. More than once the I Ching has given me timely advice and a life- changing quantity of food for thought. The poems I have added to my HEXAGRAM interpretations are meant to capture a kind of modern TAOist feeling--quiet, thoughtful observations on the flow of bittersweet feelings life shows to me. My dream would be for the reader to appreciate it as art, and that the reader might find some ideas to enrich the texture of life. I dedicate "The Modern Poet's I Ching" to time. USING THE MODERN POET'S I CHING TKH I CKLQJ ZLOO VKRZ \RX WKH SUHYDLOLQJ PDWHULDO, HPRWLRQDO, DQG VSLULWXDO
Transcript
THE MODERN POET'S I CHING
by Thom Williams
Quick Reading: Toss the coins above.Toss the coins again.Go to the hexagram table.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Confucious asked, "Isnot the I Ching theperfect book?" This isnot merely a clever,rhetorical question.Confucious was movedby the relevancy ofThe Book of Changes-The I Ching. Otherbooks may havetemporarilyfascinating,mysterious, orsensational appeal, butthe I Ching is aboutyour life and itschanges. Read and
study your own life story as it happens before your eyes. You won't get tiredof the plot. More than once the I Ching has given me timely advice and a life-changing quantity of food for thought.
The poems I have added to my HEXAGRAM interpretations are meant tocapture a kind of modern TAOist feeling--quiet, thoughtful observations on theflow of bittersweet feelings life shows to me. My dream would be for thereader to appreciate it as art, and that the reader might find some ideas toenrich the texture of life. I dedicate "The Modern Poet's I Ching" to time.
USING THE MODERN POET'S I CHING
The I Ching will show you the prevailing material, emotional, and spiritual
atmosphere surrounding a specific time and event in your life. In this respect ifis like a weather forecast which tells you the probability of certain conditionsand leaves the adjustments (changes) and preparations to your own discretion.Think of a question (the less frivolous the better) and a finite time frame. Forexample, 'Am I likely to make progress in my love relationship during the nextmonth?' After framing the question, you must cast the coins (three like coinsare appropriate) to find which HEXAGRAM you should read. The HEXAGRAMSare 64 in number and are composed of six lines. Use this system when throwingthe three coins.
1. Frame the question in your mind.2. SHAKE the three coins in your hand or shaker.3. Drop them in front of you and record the number of heads and
tails.4. Repeat until you have thrown the three coins six times.5. Construct your HEXAGRAM from the bottom up. That is, the first
time you cast the three coins together, you will receive line #1 ofyour HEXAGRAM. The second time will be #2, etc.
6. There are only four types of lines possible:
7. This is what your sample HEXAGRAM might look like.
Notice lines #4 and #5 are moving. Moving lines mean you must construct anew HEXAGRAM next to your first HEXAGRAM. In the second HEXAGRAMchange the moving lines to their opposite (e.g., broken to unbroken)nonmoving lines the same; you will then have the complete picture of the advicefor your situation/question. For example,
Original HEXAGRAM --- New HEXAGRAM
Notice all lines stay the same in the new HEXAGRAM except for #4 and #5which change to their opposites.
When you have your completed HEXAGRAM (S) you must find the HEXAGRAMnumber (s) in the chart. Keep in mind you will not necessarily get moving lines.If you don't, you will only have one HEXAGRAM to read. Upon finding thenumber (s) of your HEXAGRAM (S), look it up on the Modern Poet's I Ching.For each HEXAGRAM there is a modern poem which has some of the flavor ofthe HEXAGRAM.
Read the poem and then the HEXAGRAM itself. If you got any moving lines,read the general description (overview) of the original HEXAGRAM and thespecific moving numbered line. Next you must read the New HEXAGRAM'sgeneral description. There will be a progression whereby the OriginalHEXAGRAM changes to the New HEXAGRAM and this will qualify the advicereceived. If you receive no moving lines, look up the HEXAGRAM, read thepoem and the general description for advice.
22 - Beauty23 - Collapse24 - Returning25 - The Simple26 - The TamingPower27 - Nourishment28 - True Freedom29 - The Deep30 - Flaming Beauty31 - Attraction32 - The LongEnduring33 - Master of Retreat34 - The Month ofMarch35 - Advance36 - Darkness37 - The Foundation38 - Opposites39 - Seeing Trouble40 - Release41 - Decrease42 - Increase
43 - The Rapids44 - Propositions45 - Gathering46 - Pushing Upward47 - The Chariot48 - The Well49 - Seasons50 - The Cauldron51 - Seriousness52 - Keeping Still53 - Gradual Progress54 - The MarryingMaiden55 - Late Summer56 - The Wanderer57 - Gentle, Penetrating58 - Joy59 - Spring Fever60 - Limitation61 - Inner Truth62 - Cooling Out63 - After Completion64 - Before Completion
HEXAGRAM #1 - YANG
SELF-CREATED PATH
He gave me an emergencyTelephone number to call.It was my own.
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Overview
This is a time in which you will be very self-absorbed and self-aware. You areproud of yourself and the character you have developed on the hard roads oflife. Your experience has been vast and deep in a way no one couldunderstand. The truth is, you are still learning, particularly now, every day ofyour life. Your strength comes from the self you have created from the rawevents given to you. Others may fall and bring ruin upon themselves, but youhave accepted the challenge of life and survived--you are not unscathed, butyou have made use of every scar; there is no pain or pleasure which you haveoverlooked in your life-study.
Now is the time again for you to take up a challenge. Something important ison the line and you will have to make the stand of your life in order to handlethe karmic flow. People will look to you for strength and guidance; you willlook inside yourself for strength and guidance. From the outside your worldwill offer little comfort. In motion and struggle you will make your own peace.
You are gifted now with creative magic. In faith and confidence you can carvethe future you truly desire. For the final success you will balance power andhumility--you are a true leader by example.
Line 1
This is a line which counsels close examination of self. Your situation is critical,but you must not rush out to battle. The battle is in you. You will have all toomany battles yet to fight and the work you put in now as self-improvement willmake all the difference later. Time is your ally and friend as you spend it well inputting your character together. Once again you are on lonely and magicalroads--the destination is the future.
Line 2
You aren't just another face in the crowd. Even though you haven'tconsciously been advertising yourself, you have begun to be noticed assomeone with something to say. Perhaps you are basically quiet, but yourwords have meaning in many situations--meaning which helps others seethemselves more clearly. You will sense progress at this time and perhaps evenfind a good person who could help you see as you have helped others.
Line 3
There is no question that there is danger around. This will be a time whenthere will be temptations for you to say too much. You should think this overbecause it is also likely that you will be swept up in other's problems; they willbecome your problems. Hard work outside and an increasing quest for peaceinside is the order of the day. You have got quite a bit together, but besensitive to and guard against burnout. This is a good time to go your ownway.
Line 4
The crossroads have been reached. All your preparation and action has led tothis point and now your inner voice decides the way. Circumstances will pullyou and currents will sweep you, but in the end your destiny will find you.From this day forward you will find a new life. There may be strain outside, butthe peace will flow inside.
Line 5
You are riding the crest of fate and fortune right now. Many of the personalgoals you set long ago have come about and your character is recognized byall who know you. When the spirit prompts you to action now, you have adefinite aura of magic about you. You've seen hard work and hard roads, butthis time is yours.
Line 6
You are going too far. Your strength and energy will push away the peopleyou care for most as you reach for illusions of power and dominance. You haveheld too much negative inside and now it bursts forth like a spring flood.Water in and of itself is good, but in its excess comes death. Be careful not toassume too much and try to mold the world into your own shape. Be sensitiveto the hearts of men--there the magic lies.
HEXAGRAM #2 - "YIN"
LONELY IN A CROWD OF THOUGHTS
Everything crossed the poet's desk.Out the window he saw himself in loversOn the street.In his room he built the pyramids.
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Overview
You are at home in time. You feel the coming and going of seasons, people,and events. There are times you wonder at the endless flow and the meaningof all that has gone and the mystery of all yet to be. To you many answersseem to be time itself. Not that you believe "time heals all wounds", but youknow a wound is a time phenomena. Last year's cut is a red line, now a timedistant broken bone aches from the darkened sky above, but today is, still andforever, all that matters.
You are made to be a patient observer of the human condition. If you listenclosely enough to the rhythm of life, if you still yourself completely, you canreceive clues to the destinies all around you. At times your own fate comes toyour door--surprising but not unwelcome. In face, you welcome the chance tosee beyond the momentary phenomena of the everyday. You want to seestraight to the heart, and time and again your horizons will be expanded. Thegrace you exhibit in dealing with challenging events wins you praise andrespect, even and especially from the creative and unstable people to whomyou react.
You don't have to travel to reach solitude. You are always alone with yourthoughts and gather strength from the distance from others you establish. Youexperience confusion and are misunderstood at points, but usually you makethe best of a situation if you follow your intuition.
You are a master of the fluid plan. The shape of your days become the shapeof your undreamed dreams. Waking and sleeping your heart is open to life.
Line 1
Even someone who is attuned to most of life can miss the gathering ofnegative karma. Our gaze is turned and preoccupied and the small events andsmall signs of the day slip by. In the end we should have seen, should haveknown what was right there in front of us. For all your pride in yourawareness, you are out of touch with your nature. Shocking hard times cancome from such oversight. Life speaks clearly but softly to you now.
Line 2
Just being yourself is your greatest strength. You don't seek material orpsychological rewards--you seek only to know yourself and to learn about life.Other people defeat themselves with excessive tension and blind effort in thequest for worldly goals, but you remain an observer. You examine the greatchain of events link by link. You solitary ways cause an internal alchemy andmagic brings you good fortune and understanding in direct proportion to yourapparent stillness.
Line 3
You are very passive about the world's ego rewards. Good fortune comes froma conscious holding back in the face of potential praise and flattery. You needto let the world pass you--even underestimate you. All your personal evolutionwill be tested at the appropriate time, when you step from the shadows withyour gift of life in hand. Before that moment, you must be free of theentanglements which come with superficial social interaction.
Line 4
In order to avoid the inevitable overreaction with those around you, you mustcultivate detachment. You have a very charismatic personality and the influenceyou have now is extremely volatile. Supporters and enemies come from thin airand all share a basic misunderstanding of your true nature. Although it may bestrangely appealing to you to be the center of attention, your truest road lieswithin. Use your extra senses to detect potential threats and step carefullyamong the masses.
Line 5
This is the line of natural success. You are completely at home with the wayyou have chosen and have no need to put yourself on display. Everything yousay and do has a subtle and profound effect upon the people closest bindattract good fortune to you. You live with good timing--as right and natural asthe timely arrival of spring after winter or light after darkness.
Line 6
Trouble and conflict won't disappear overnight simply because of apparentchanges. A clash of egos is indicated by this line. Possibly a long standingfriendship will be rekindled, then tested by familiar stresses. You shouldredefine your role in this relationship and deal directly with any hiddennegatives. You'll have to differentiate between creative inspiration and thelongings of your ego. You've been down the dark road before. Use yourwisdom to avoid a painful retracing of steps.
HEXAGRAM #3- "DIFFICULTY AT THE BEGINNING"
THE PRINTING PRESS WAS BROKEN
No Bibles, No Phone Books . . . .MERCHANTS WEPT andSome went out of business in shock.
Slowly, Day by DayThe printers' hands healedfrom cut and stain.
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Overview
As you are probably feeling, a new road has opened up for you. It is not apeaceful, calm walk in the park, though. You are in the midst of dramatic andfast moving changes. If you are lax or lazy in your actions and reactions, yourdifficulty will thicken and grow. Your actions reflect sensitivity, but you mustbe cautious and meticulous at every turn.
Several things will aide you in your new road. Perhaps this road has chosenyou rather than you choosing it, but nevertheless, its importance will growmore and more in your day-to-day life. This will help you to realize theresponsibility which is facing you. For instance, you must gain assistance inyour goal. You could make it alone, but, right now, to pursue friendship andsupport for your inner beliefs is a better way. This could manifest itself in manyways. Obviously, your true friends could help you through the dense, difficult,and chaotic times by making you feel that you are understood and appreciated,but others may seek spiritual guidance which enables them to realize that, eventhough their road is difficult, they are moving in the right direction.
The ability to endure helps now. The faint of heart will suffer and even smallcourage will be rewarded. Look for a clearing up of details after a particularlyintense outburst. Be positive about putting order and routine in your life and,if you remain steadfast, expect success.
Line 1
Some obstacle is blocking even the very beginning of your venture. Yourpower in facing it is in humility rather than projecting uncertain images of yourown power. You've got to get some friends or people who will care enoughabout you to help you. Use your energies to serve others and make youractions toward the world reflect your own needs. Women are especiallyfortunate at this time and benefit particularly from determination and thepatience to wait for the right time.
Line 2
Chaos swirls around this line. Cares are many and peace of mind is hard tofind. Look for a ghost-like recurrence or culmination of something done ordesired then years ago, or be aware that what is begun now may have effectsten years hence. A new person may be on the scene--this produces negativefeelings in you--leave the feelings behind. Let this person go his way while youstrengthen your own character. You must be determined to out-wait thestorms of confusion which surround you.
Line 3
In a manner of speaking you are lost. Like the hunter who wants to enter theforest without a path-finder to help him, your eagerness could lure you on totrouble. All signs say that you must realize that there is no lack of courage orpower in waiting or even dropping back to reevaluate the situation entirely.Look at the passage of time with more humility and understanding, realizingthat the world doesn't necessarily conform to our wishes. Things will work toyour advantage eventually if you let them.
Line 4
Going forward is very favorable right now. All your energy should go towardunderstanding yourself. You must see clearly what you really want. If what isinside you, in your heart, is linked up with your will, things will be easier foryou. Also, you need help, and you shouldn't be afraid to reach out for peoplewho can really see you for what you are. Be discriminating in your choice ofanyone to share your inner thoughts. This line is a good omen for marriageand is especially favorable for women who wait selectively for the right man.
Line 5
You want things to be right, but your goal escapes you. Not only are youthwarted from your desires, but many of your actions are beingmisunderstood, and you may even be experiencing hassles which you feel youdon't deserve. Don't let things worry you. Get away. Go for a walk in the freshair and set your spirit on small things. Rash action won't do and you must buildyour character so that you can muster the quiet resolution to remain aware ofthe feelings of the people for whom you care. Waiting and working are theway.
Line 6
Beware of a subtle deception. You may feel or see someone who feels likegiving up. All people are different and some fold-up under the pressure. It isnatural for the mind to be discouraged after repeatedly unsuccessful trials, butblind endurance will enable the faithful to see beyond their immediatecircumstances. Instead of self-pity, use your power to remain humble andconcerned. This concern may be most helpful in the area of your parents,whose health is questioned in the omen.
HEXAGRAM #4 - "YOUTHFUL SPIRIT"
LETS NOT TALK ABOUT IT NEXT TIME
There was no reason to argue, Nothing to fight about, But our relationship becameA startled fire alarm.
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Overview
You are lucky right now, although you may not see it clearly. In fact, you haveprobably been through a decidedly unsettling period in your life. You havebeen open-heartedly, even carelessly, following your instincts in order in gainthe experience and self-awareness to which you are committed. Probably youwonder in amazement at moments on some possibly devastating mistakes inthe recent past. You have, however, emerged relatively unscathed. Theexperiences you needed and sacrificed for are now part of your personalhistory, but the lingering anxiety of a near-disaster and the hauntingcomplications remain at hand.
You are a good-hearted person basically, who likes to meet life head on andgive back a solid measure of what you take. Now is your time for learning andtrue growth. If you were willing to accept the pleasure and excitement of yourrecent experiences, you must be equally willing now to recognize the depthand meaning behind your actions. You have wanted to grow and now you arechallenged down to your roots.
You will experience a shifting teacher/student role for yourself at this time.One moment you may find yourself explaining life's secrets to someone closeto you--the next moment you will be puzzled and reaching out for a bit ofwisdom to help you through. A positive and thoughtful attitude will ensure youof gaining the most from the magical, yet confusing, dazzle of these days. Bepatient as summer and gentle and wise as rain. Although you don't have wideexperience with great numbers of people over long years of life, you have atalent for understanding which sets you apart from most people. Youencourage and explain at the right times for others, as you delve into thedepths of human nature.
Line 1
It's good to be exuberant and progressive, but you must strive to conquer amore childish (less child-like) part of your character. Continued indulgence andlack of discipline now will jeopardize the natural good fortune you have beenexperiencing. Be strict about your diet, thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Youmust gain control of the wayward child in you and dedicate yourself to aconstructive program designed to encourage the person you wish to become.Your improvement plan must be ambitious, but fluid enough to fit yourchanging circumstances.
Line 2
One of the best things about you is your natural ability to deal with the bizarrebehavior of the people around you. At times you seem to others to be theepitome of "cool". Nothing flusters you and you gain respect as you calmlytake each new change in stride. This is an attractive quality to those who need
to merge karma with a stable figure like you.
Line 3
This is the line where your natural good luck could run out. A child could beexpected to reach out for every shiny new toy in its path, but you must expectmore from yourself. How many times can you make the same mistakes withpeople while you neglect your own development? You have been lucky so farin life since you've absorbed hard times and come back stronger, but you mustnow realize the dangerous path you travel. In pursuing illusions you may missthe simple and beautiful gifts life has placed before you.
Line 4
Your life is lacking the detachment which could help you see more clearly. Youhave merged karma with too many people and become too involved in toomany things which drain your life force. Your major task is to build anappropriate and practical vision of your life-this does not mix well with theself-defeating worries, fears, and pointless romantic illusions you have been sowrapped up in of late. You have been so rooted in the material world hasslesthat you may need a shock to shake you back to reality. Be anuncompromisingly honest friend, but don't expect your advice to do muchobvious good.
Line 5
This line fulfills the positive promise of the hexagram. You embody a spark-of-life type personality which guides you through difficult situations withoptimism and faith. In your restless search for yourself you will make mistakes,but your openness and willingness to face the truth of life will protect you timeand again. Dedicate yourself to learning from all you see and listen intensely tothe song of life.
Line 6
This line burns with potential embarrassment. You may find yourself indisbelief at something you have said or done; you may be about to saysomething which will cause you regret, or you might be about to combinethose both. You must find maturity in this line to avert misfortune. If you findyourself in a situation where others need your guidance, you must begenerous and wise. Don't let your childish side use the situation to exploitsomeone else's weakness to swell your ego. This would be a good time tochannel enthusiasm toward forethought and timely action.
HEXAGRAM #5 - "WAITING"
VOICES IN THE HALL
Voices in the hall-Voices like flashlightsOn a dark night.Just as if you are dreaming,You must wait to seeWho walks into the room.
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Overview
You are looking to the future and wondering how to accomplish certain goals.Because of the circumstances of your life, danger is a part of the situation. Youcannot foolishly wade into the thick of unknown difficulties, even though youwould like to gain some end, so you build yourself a fortress inside your heart.Your destiny is moving toward you at this time and the problems you will notimpetuously seek will find you and rain on you like a storm. Even as thishappens, you will be calm and resolved to lead others by your confidentexample. Neurotic nervousness has passed away from the scene and this hasbecome a time to nourish your physical and emotional centers. Come and gofreely in your world and let laughter and goodwill rule these days.
Line 1
Let the clouds gather over your head as you go about your earthly business.You understand that now, more than ever, there is a truth in the everydayroutine. You nourish yourself best by making the most of daily opportunities.In this way you are practically ambitious, forsaking empty dreams while youbuild on all at hand.
Line 2
Temptations to get involved in the oncoming problems make it doublyimportant for you to keep your head now. Realize that, as you see the straintaking its toll on those around you, no good will be effected if you reactemotionally. Be detached from gossip as you let difficulties move away fromyou like a storm moves away toward the sea.
Line 3
This is a good time to gain strength and common sense from within. It is likelythat you are drawn toward making a move of some kind out of frustration, butcaution is advised. You must believe in yourself enough to pull yourself out ofa foolish position, or be prepared to deal with the problems you bring onyourself. You have the power to turn yourself around, even though you cannotchange the difficulties in your immediate world.
Line 4
Any conscious effort will be counterproductive in this serious time. All the calmyou are capable of projecting will be needed to get through this time of stress.Don't waste time in self-pity or self-indulgent brooding. It doesn't really matterwhy this trouble has come, but it does matter that you face it with grace andintelligence.
Line 5
Right now you should let the storms come and go over your roof. Since thedirect threat to your peace has temporarily lost its power, take advantage ofthis time by living it to the fullest. Take yourself and your friends out for alight-hearted meal. Spread some of your temporary peace around andeveryone will benefit because first, you will lift peoples' hearts, and second,relaxation will sharpen your sense of timing, which will be so important in thenear future.
Line 6
A dark mood sets in, but you don't completely give yourself over to it, realizingthat there might be a bit of magic for you to find in it all. Just when you thinkthings have gotten out of hand, look around for unexpected help or a sign ofsome kind for which you have been waiting. Treat all surprise entrances intoyour life with respect and unconditional, deep, and hidden optimism. Goodcomes from bad.
HEXAGRAM #6 - 'CONFLICT'
PUNCHES AT MYSELF
If things are as they seem,Then why did my reflection in the mirrorReach out to slap my face?
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Overview
Although you are not particularly inclined toward introspection at this time, itwould be wise to take some time to look inside yourself. You are a strongperson or a person who as passed through a long time of testing with hischaracter increased. You have begun to think of yourself as a sort of centralfigure-one whose will is weighed seriously by others, if not followed absolutelyby them , but this is a dangerously self-deceiving notion.
Conflict is around you and exaggerated self-righteous feelings are the lastthing you need. Realize that others follow their inner voices, like you do, andthey will feel negatively about you if you judge them. Do you want someone tobe your judge now?
Instead of wasting your time becoming involved in struggles, you must taketime to think. Don't start anything that you see will be a problem to you.Likewise, err on the side of caution-be conservative in travel and enterprise,use your talents to foresee trouble and avoid it. Try to be flexible and fluid inthe face of changes as rock-steadiness will work against you. Also, search yourcircle of people for a wise adviser when difficulties intrude. Using your gifts ofwillpower and discrimination humbly to help yourself will help your passagethrough days of conflict.
Line 1
Avoidance is the order of the day. A world of conflict comes upon you fromwithout and passes you by as a summer thunder squall. Just as it is foolish tobe emotionally attached to the weather in its daily changes, so would it befoolish to become embroiled in someone else"s wrong-headedness. Pass intothe shadows. While the gossipers and malcontents waste their time on you,trust that all things will come to a fair conclusion and go on in peace.
Line 2
Good sense is your savior. A transformation is necessary. Your competitive andargumentative side must give way to a healthier, more accepting mind-set. Riseabove the clamor of the masses and show good will to all those who touchyou. Retreat, survive, and go beyond the disruptions of the time. Should thenumber 300 be involved, exercise special care and consideration.
Line 3
Your world will move and flow more smoothly if you let all things go their ownway. You are fortunate now, not because you are richest or most fashionable,but because there is something inside you which is exclusively yours-a positivepersonality, good values, and humility put you ahead of the rest who competefor smaller prizes. Relax and wait for your fortune and luck to guide the way.
Line 4
In a way you could gain quite a bit through argument and struggle, but thegains would be losses instead. Transform and regenerate your outlook! Turnaway from limited and ignorant influences and look inside yourself. You willlearn from observations about life, if you think with a peaceful heart.
Line 5
The right person is on the scene. It could be you are called upon to solve aproblem between friends, or this person could be someone you know who hasthe power to help you. Get out some things you"ve been holding inside andyou"ll see who really cares about you. If you have followed through in yourbeliefs, fortune will now run in your favor.
Line 6
Beware the hypnotizing serpent of the ego. You can have your way for a time-acting out some of your more aggressive feelings, but this brings you a darkharvest in return. So, enjoy your prizes, but keep listening for the footsteps ofyour actions coming back and realize the only permanent conflict is with theself.
HEXAGRAM #7 - "THE ARMY"
RIGHT HAND LEFT HAND
Right hand shows the way.Left hand invents the way.
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Overview
Material and psychological levels are explored in this hexagram. In the materiallevel you might be part of a group project or effort of some kind whichrequires the effective cooperation of many different kinds of people. You mayfind yourself the leader or central figure in this effort because of your outwardappearance or simply because you are a natural leader. Not being the GeneralPatton, forceful kind of "blood, guts and aggression type," you seek a gentlermeans to influence the minds and hearts of your associates. This influence willcome as you draw on the hidden powers of the spirit in those around you.Remind them of your original goals and the values which bind you together asa group. Inspire the people that important things can be accomplished, onlythrough mutual respect, perseverance, and dedication. Get your friendsthinking about the nature of their own commitment and those individuals willproduce the self-discipline needed for success.
On the purely spiritual level this hexagram means that you must harness anddirect raw energy of your thoughts and feelings. You need to gain commandover yourself through tireless examination of the workings of your mind. Seewhat you believe and why, and if the beliefs will sustain you through the trialsof life. Realize the important part inspiration plays in lifting you above the tiredcycles of the world.
Line 1
Don't be too hasty in getting a difficult project started. Simply because youhave built up your forces doesn't mean you are ready to take on the world.More than physical power is needed; you need to straighten out your valuesand get a clearer picture of why you want what you want. Rise above the pettycorruption around you or in yourself. You would be best served by believingthat your day is coming, in its own good time, to reveal the best in you andthose around you. Believe in the flow of your life.
Line 2
You have worked hard at a certain task and you shouldn't be too humble toaccept some praise. Your status as a leader is rewarded and you, in turn,honor all who make your success possible. Be in touch with your friends andtreat situations with total fairness. This will make you the example everyonewants you to be.
Line 3
The true leadership of your project has been grabbed or lost by people whorely more on their egos than the finding of proper direction. You haven'texercised your leadership or brought out the leadership in others properly andnow, as a result, the fate of the project hangs in the balance. Restore order byburying old negative feelings and look through the ghosts of unfulfilled wishes.Get yourself together here and now and the future will take care of itself.
Line 4
In order to be victorious you must know when to punch and when to duck.Now is the time for intelligent spiritual withdraw (duck)-not in cowardice, butin confidence that your time will come. Don't be lured by false bravery-dropback and look at the situation. It probably calls for you to cultivate your faithin yourself and friends. Hidden power can then be transformed through goodtiming.
Line 5
There is a test coming-not only a physical struggle but an emotional andspiritual one. It is at this time when everyone's commitment to the goal uponwhich all agreed will face its sternest trial. If you are a leader, don't let thegroup feeling disintegrate into isolated individuality, and if you experience atemporary advantage, don't let anyone use it to bully or intimidate others. Thatcourse will backfire and all will be lost. Make "good" the standard to which allmust adhere. Evoke good sportsmanship.
Line 6
If you have come into power, victory, or advantage, share it with deserving
friends and associates. This is the time to be the person you desire to be. Letgood values and actions flow like healing water to wash away negative peopleand negative results. Good outshines the last remnants of corruption andimportant directions are shared.
HEXAGRAM #8 - !UNION"
THEN I LOOKED UP
I was biding my time, looking down, Reading out loud.She walked into the room and sat downThen I looked up.
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Overview
There is a strong need for separation and solitude in your nature. Much ofwhat satisfies you is personal and individual. At times you feel at odds with theworld because it is so apparently different from what you desire. You are aleader. People look to you as a potential guiding spirit because you are stable.This stability is based largely upon your distance from the world's pettyconcerns. This is a time to flow naturally to other people who seem to be on asimilar path. Together your forces will be greater than the sum of your parts.By temporarily renouncing your isolation you will find clues and signs whichshow yourself in the world. Others will recognize you as wise and trustworthyand give you the help you need.
It is suggested that you cast the coins again at this point in order to find somevery timely information; use this next hexagram you receive to deepen andexpand your view of the situation. Perhaps you have knocked on the door atthe right time. Don't hesitate to follow your fate.
Line 1
You are the best example of positive thinking right now. The hard work youhave done on your life has given you a natural confidence which drawssuccess to you magnetically. Other people will emerge unexpectedly to showeryou with benefits, and in your present clear state you will easily turn yourgood fortune into help for all.
Line 2
If you are seeking too actively outside yourself, you have forsaken your path.All your luck depends on your natural approach to people and situations.Everything you have gained materially is a reflection of your inner "rightness."
Resist the lure of greed and its accompanying insecurities because, withoutyour values, any gain will be a burden and a loss. There is more true wealthright in front of your eyes than you could find through behind-the-scenesdealings.
Line 3
So many times you have felt at odds with the values of those around you. Somany times you have wanted to withdraw from the superficial scene, but inorder to maintain social equilibrium you have submerged you true feelings andbecome a member of the very group you dislike. This is a natural time to leavethem all behind and suffer through the last traces of karma from thisunfortunate period.
Line 4
You must strike a balance between being positively influenced and misguided.You are fortunate because some of your friends are dynamic and creativeindividuals who help you get out of the ruts which dull your senses.Remember, however, you are not them. Get to know the mystery and magic ofyour own deep waters; use special people as examples, but be yourself.
Line 5
You are in tune now. Recently you have kept certain areas of your life toyourself, correctly believing they were your business exclusively.Unsympathetic people have jumped to conclusions about you and havedeserted your friendship. Actually, although this seems a loss at first, it is reallya gain, since you not only are free of troubled individuals who never reallycared about you, but are left with those who like you for the freedom youexemplify. Everything works to your benefit because you are sincere.
Line 6
Things would have been so much different if you had been more active infinding a way through your problems. Others look at you and shrug becausethey don't have the inclination or will to help you, and you have lost respectbecause you haven't been determined about helping yourself. Resign yourselfto confused and chaotic times until the floodwaters have receded.
HEXAGRAM #9 - "SMALL THINGS"
TWO BEGGARS
Me and youHands out for love
In the emotional famine years.
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Overview
You are in the opening days of a new time. Problems beleaguered you in therecent past, but now a tide seems to be turning slightly in your favor. Thedarkness has lifted but your heart has not lightened. Since you feel somepower renewed in you, you are wondering if you should be more aggressive.You shouldn't. now you must make your stand for the small things. You can'tgo anywhere by force, so you must strengthen your character in humble waysyou might ordinarily overlook. Begin with yourself. Realize that even youroutward appearance might have some possible effect, positive or negative, onthe people around you. Make your actions reflect your true personality. Youare what you do.
Reach out to help children or people whose outward appearance suggeststrouble. In this time of reaching out for you, you will feel strong inspirationand good fortune. At other moments doubts will weigh heavy, but eachpassing day spent in gathering and planning will bring you closer to thesuccess you have desired.
Line 1
You have good fortune in the midst of bad. Rushing ahead before you wereready is having its effect on you now. This mistake will be easily corrected bymoving to a suitable course of action. Already you are moving toward it, notstubborningly plodding onward, but gracefully dodging and adapting tochanging situations.
Line 2
Now you must follow the examples of your good friends. The way they feel isthe way you should feel. Tempted to go on when it is wise to turn back, yourealize that being sensible is stronger at times than willful action to satisfy thepride.
Line 3
Be careful, you have pushed too far. Don't be surprised if you find yourself atodds with your friends. Set yourself straight and try to put more energytoward good causes. If you find that surprising resistance obstructs you, youwill fail at this time to ensure success later. Confusion is the order of the day.
Line 4
This is the time to use your power to influence someone else. They may cometo you for advice, or you might have to risk their displeasure as you make yourpoint of view known. Gather your courage and do what you know you have todo. The situation is serious!
Line 5
Friendship flowers. You are fortunate in that good people like you. If youharness the good feelings at your fingertips, then you will find the source ofthe positive powers swelling inside you. You must be trustworthy and loyal tomove the hearts around you, and you are just the person to do it, right now.
Line 6
Watch out for the full moon because mysterious forces are about you. Youmustn't go ahead now simply because your ego wants more. You haveattained something; seek to understand what you have before you conspire toget more. The small things got you where you are, and now your true loyaltywill be shown.
HEXAGRAM #10 - "TREADING THE TIGER'S TAIL"
JUST KEEP SLEEPINGI don't want to wake upTo an argument.
In my dreamI'm breaking branchesOff the red thorn bushAround the mailbox.
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Overview
If you were to have the problem of getting past a sleeping (or walking) tigerat close range, you would be forced to seriously consider every move youmight possibly make. Awkward or unnecessary moves would be immediatelydistinguishable from the quiet, graceful moves you would employ in order tosurvive. So it is in living. All life is like tiger and his tail, depending on yourattitude. Sometimes you look at the people and situations of the world astroublesome and nerve-wracking, and to you they are at times. Best to realizethat this is your karma, and not necessarily everyone or anyone else's. do whatyou feel important with style and concentration, and treat the worrisomeentanglements you seek to avoid with good will. This distinguishes you fromthe masses of people who do not try to find their own way and becomeprogressively more self-destructive and angry as time goes by. Show that your
values are not born out of egotism, but from a personal vision which you hopewill help you through life. If you can view life as treading the tiger's tail, yetstill experience the unexpected subtleties all around you with a feeling of quietjoy and freshness, there will be no need to be dragged down by the guilt andfrustration of others. However, there is no guarantee in this omen that you willpass the tiger without waking him up. That's what it's all about.
Line 1
You are in a world of your own. This is exactly where you have longed to be-away from the pressures and trials of the outside world. You are especiallylucky since you can succeed easily in your chosen area. The only challenge youface is with yourself. Has your distance from others given you freedom to beyourself, or has it given you freedom to be self-indulgent? Simplicity (noscheming or pretension) is your best protection and direction.
Line 2
You are nearly invisible. The detachment you sought from worldly, time-wasting values it complete. You will pass through your troubles like a wind inthe tall grass. The future and the past are living in your every moment. Youwere meant to be yourself and to temporarily conceal your wisdom from thepeople who wouldn't understand anyway. Your intuition is clear and strongand secrets are revealed to you.
Line 3
You are living in a dangerous world of illusion. You may have an exaggeratedopinion of yourself which will lead you into serious complication. The wholeconcept of "treading" is very serious and should be done with maximumpreparation and realistic analysis of your limitations. You seem ready to leavethat behind to chase some phantom your ordinary mind has created. Yourheadstrong attitude could only be understood if you were taking a chance tohelp another to whom you feel responsible. Even so, you will be bitten by thetiger. Get in touch with yourself-now!
Line 4
This is the essence of treading. Danger lurks on every side, yet you go on.Basically, you aren't a hero-type ready to die for your cause-you want to livefor it! So you practice extreme care with every moment and every momentcarries you forward. Now is the time to let your inner strength andresoluteness, which has grown inside you, guide you, and propel you on yourtrue course. Have faith!
Line 5
It looks like you have made up your mind to go ahead. Your will is strong andyour powers are all collected and ready to be put to use. You will need them!Remember, you are treading the tiger's tail. There will be trouble and all theplans and strategies you have developed should be put to use to youradvantage. Be prepared for hassles and keep a light touch about your affairs.Inner and outer strength can join for you.
Line 6
Your time of treading should be coming to an end. Dangers seem to be less afactor than a short while ago, and a feeling of accomplishment or relief beginsto comfort you from the hard road you have traveled. Look over your journeyand examine the current state of you karma. If you have employed a "endjustifies the means" mentality, you could be dragging some chains, but if youhave invested yourself sincerely and completely in all you have left behind, youwill experience true freedom. Old ghosts won"t haunt you and you will learnwhy you came to this crossroad.
HEXAGRAM #11 - "PEACE"
SHE WAS TRANSPARENT
When the fortune tellerTook off herMany-colored memory,I was comforted to seeShe was transparent.
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Overview
Good things are there for you, if you are willing to take on a challenge. Youprobably have been gong through some mind-muddling changes where tried-and-true values you once depended on have disintegrated leaving prettysquabbling and time-wasting hassles. Actually the problem is that you haven'tasserted yourself and put your cards clearly on the table. Because of yourneed to be mellow, you have left too much up to fate-this is a mistake-this istime to tell others what you really are all about. Others may have come toinaccurate conclusions about your personality and it is time to set the recordstraight. There will be a slight awkwardness in your initial attempt atunraveling a problem, but you will have a deep impact on another person whowill come to see your point-this is when peace will start. The effects of thistranquil period could be very far-reaching and significant to your life. Byexerting your will you have fused energies which would have been wastedotherwise. The harmonious flow you have begun is timely for all involved. Justlike good times can only be understood in relation to hard times, peace is bestsavored in relation to the periods of conflict (war) which preceded. Teachyourself to enjoy this time and make the most of every golden moment. Reach
out with faith and confidence to do what you might have thought wasimpossible. Be a healer.
Line 1
You honestly care about others. Recently you have encountered situationswhich have shown you a sad misuse of human potential-perhaps people areinvolved in petty arguments and misunderstandings of each other's personalityor motivation. Now, however, you have the power to straighten things out. Asyou come out confidently and show the people you care, good things willhappen. You may even be surprised at the vein of humanity you tap into asunexpected human riches may be yours for the taking.
Line 2
You are a strong person who has the power to see things clearly. Your closepersonal relationships and your general approach to life are guided by thesame concepts of fairness and positivism. People depend on you for a certainattitude-a unique outlook which seems to regenerate them. Your even-mindedapproach is very soothing in a pressurized and dehumanizing world. Yourgreatest strength now is treating every person with respect. Live the goldenrule.
Line 3
Keep your head in the face of changes. You've been through it all before-justwhen you feel some progress is being made, the rug is pulled out from underyou. While this may leave you talking to yourself for a short time, ultimately,cooler heads will prevail. Forget the "Why is this happening to me?"' attitudeand realize that it's just your time for hassles. Go with the flow-remember, youlearned a long time ago that when things get chaotic and crazy you cant makethe situation better by being chaotic and crazy yourself. Now is the time forfaith in your fortune and a calm, measured outlook.
Line 4
Part of your personal magic is your ability to put people at ease-not just thepeople to whom you relate most naturally, but anyone crossing your path.There is something open about you and it makes contact with the human,unguarded part in the other entities you encounter. Be willing to share amoment, a feeling of life. Be a clear mirror in which others can see themselves.Don't try too hard.
Line
There are certain "rules" of conduct (personal behavior) which can bring orderand harmony to even the most strained and potentially exasperating situation.
These "rules" aren't necessarily commands waiting for you to issue them; theyare more like ideas, which, if emphatically stated and backed by your energyand commitment, could positively influence others at the right time. Goodfortune will follow you now-you have had the courage to come "out front"with the right idea. Others know you as a leader and give you respect andloyalty.
Line 6
There are some hassles coming our way. Peace is finished. Old ideas andfeelings have given way to a new time in which you will be the center of somenegative attention-remember not to fight the new threats with your oldstrengths, they will only work against you now. You have earned this problemwith some old, unfinished point of karma-so develop your equanimity and putup your psychological umbrella. Learn to love the rain.
HEXAGRAM #12 - "STANDSTILL"
LOVE IS NOT NO PHONECALL
Love is not no phonecall.Love is not never hearing the truth.Love is hung-up on yourself.
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Overview
You will be at a standstill, a point of stagnation, with the outside world, if youare a serious seeker of truth and self-knowledge. You will notice a rising tideof small irritations, especially reflected in your dealings with the people aroundyou. Petty arguments block the way to true communication. You may findyourself explaining over and over some insignificant remark you make, as ifyou were embroiled in a legal battle. You will notice that no matter howrational and logical you become, no progress will be made in this situation. Infact, the more you talk, the more troubles you will have. Obviously, this will bea good time to gather up your personal forces and retreat to the shadows.When the irrationality around you grows, frustration will result from yourattempts to right things. This is a good time to remove the craziness, shed itlike a tattered coat or old skin, and transform yourself into someone new andimproved.
If flatterers appear to cloud your spirit with ego temptation, then you will seethe true nature of the character you have developed. You will know the truthabout yourself, if worldly temptations strike the vein of weakness in yourheart. You would do better to realize your need for building character strengthand for retiring from the worldly arena, than go on with your prepared outer-show. One compromise with your values now will lead to another until your life
becomes a standstill.
This hexagram has a feel of rainy karmic weather about it. Retreat from thestorm and take care of personal business. When the clouds have passed awayand you have had a long talk with yourself, the new days will again bring thespirit of progress and movement to your life.
Line 1
This line suggests a karmic gift. In a troubled time you have found the currentin a swollen stream which carries you to safety. Loyalty is the key now,outwardly, to someone with whom you share a feeling about the flow of life,and inwardly, to yourself and the values you have adopted in moments ofclarity. The friend to whom you are loyal must be helped now, as if he wereanother incarnation of yourself. As you lead him to safety through the storm ofhard karma, you will be deepening an alliance with yourself. Don't fight theflow. When your help doesn't get through, go on alone without hesitation toyour place of safety.
Line 2
You will now see how easy it is for people to trick each other. The flatterer andthe one he flatters have an unspoken agreement. Of course, nothing realhappens and everyone goes unfulfilled, but the gaudy material world-showholds the center of attention. There is no future for you in this kind of scene. Itis against all your values. You must be faithful to what you believe now, even ifthe flatterers reject you. Eventually you will be respected and your wisdomsought after.
Line 3
You are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Temptations of the ego havesubtly seduced you over time, and, while a superficial side of your nature wasbeing gratified, the deeper elements of your character were starving. Now youstand in a dark spotlight-the center of gossip, whispers of scandal-caught in atrap laid for you by your own subconscious. You needed a lesson aboutwasting your time and energy on negative worldly values-go beyond thetwisted feelings of the moment and grow past this sorry moment in your life.
Line 4
The block of ice which has encased you is beginning to melt away. Perhaps ithas been affected by the warmth of your sincerity and the generosity of yourspirit. You continue to stand by your principles, even now when your intuitiontells you the time is not yet free. You speak openly though you wonder at theultimate result your revelations will produce. Trust to your deepest instinctsnow and demonstrate to others the personal freedom which will surprise evenyourself. This is the key to changing times and the departure of standstill.
Line 5
Curious breakthroughs are happening all around you. The pettiness and thecontention has turned to relative peace. You seem to be getting chances toexpress and explain the circumstances of your life and the trials which haveforged your values. After the time you have spent turned inward, this contrastis pleasing yet somewhat perplexing. The heaviness of heart has prepared youwell for the passing weather and changes, by forcing you to examine the signsaround you. Be careful with each step and make sure you act from strengthcombined with self-awareness.
Line 6
Nothing in life can remain static. The hard times you have passed have left youslightly weak and weary; however, this is not a time for rest and you searchfor new currents of inspiration to get you on the right track. You have learneda great lesson of life as you have seen the time of hardship pass into the mist.The dark times and the intimacy with yourself you experienced will not leaveyour memory now. Let your total strength accumulate gradually and face thenew days with an open heart.
HEXAGRAM #13 - "THE WIZARD"
BROTHERHOOD OF DAY AND NIGHT
Wizard, Wizard on the wallYou see in the dark mirrorThe Brotherhood of Day and Night.You found a shell.Its song reminds you of home.
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Overview
You must be a wizard now. Even though you have pulled yourself up from thelong bondage of the past, you remain physically shell-shocked. Somehow youhave risen to many of life's challenges, not as an angry warrior or greedycompetitor (though you have been through bouts with both those attitudes),but with a good-natured intensity backed up by self-control and positivethinking. Your straight-up honesty with yourself is making it possible for youto go beyond your imagined limitations. Be what you really dream of being andonly your inner heart will know the gain and loss. On the outside, you mayencounter initial resistance from others, but open-hearted waiting and gentlespeech may enable you to use your magical gifts to inspire and uplift others.Be a wizard!
Line 1
Let your light shine on the outside now. Your suspicion of people in generalcomes from your shell-shocked past. You were burned and consequently youkeep your true self concealed as a means of self-protection, but this time is atime which demands and honest outward representation of the soul within. Bewary of secrets at your door.
Line 2
Some of your wizardly power is being lost in your ego's search for an elitegroup of people. You could be the kind of person who beams with good will toall and is a living example of brotherhood. Lift your eyes up from yourself andrealize there are no supermen. Try to see your reflection in the sea of facesaround you.
Line 3
The old ways are strong in you now. There is a breath of life strongly movingin you and it is as invigorating as the coming of spring, but be careful not tolapse back into your secretive, sometimes self-destructive ways. If you resolveto show some initiative on all fronts of your life, you will benefit-if you fall intothe shadows you will find trouble waiting for you.
Line 4
Your dumb luck is working for you here. Dumb luck in the sense that, eventhough you have let yourself be guided by some rather bizarre thoughts andopinions, nevertheless, good fortune has come to you as a psychic flash orpremonition. You see how foolish you have been and claim a fresh start foryourself based on realistic good sense.
Line 5
Life isn't easy for anything. Who would begin to unravel the riddle of the pastor see into the puzzling present moments we live? There would seem to be atowering gulf between each soul, yet, sometimes there is a recognition. Thewizard sees in the dark. Love and honesty can turn away the coldest shadows.
Line 6
The path of life has led the wizard deep into solitude. What at first seemed likea happy destiny has become a kind of timeless wait. Now comes the realtesting of the spirit. Manufacture a positive attitude from thin air of yourprayers. Find happiness and peace in your melancholy. You are washed upupon the beach in this sea of stars.
HEXAGRAM #14 - "WEALTH"
CHRONIC HUNGER
I lost time At last night's banquetFretting overA breakfast I missedLast year.
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Overview
This is a strange hexagram. It forecasts abundance and riches, but humilityand sensitivity in the possessor of them. Probably you are not the type ofperson who lusts after material objects or ornamental relationships withattractive people. More likely, you are service-oriented and sincere in yourapproach to your work and social responsibilities. Because you are a differentand unique person, you will experience an extreme accumulation of personalor material wealth. Look around you closely. You probably feel somethinglacking-like a distant feeling you can't quite catch or a need for more worldlysuccess. You've got to realize that you are already fortunate and it would bemuch more advantageous for you to appreciate what you have rather than tolong for the unknown. You are a magical person who probably knows thisalready. Maintain your natural humility in these days when you will see yourlight reflected in the faces around you. Whatever you do, enjoy these daysbecause they have the golden beauty of Autumn. Try not to feel the comingchill of winter or remember the warm summer skies.
Line 1
Take advantage of the quiet abundance of this period. Take the opportunity tobuild yourself up from the inside out. You have a natural and relaxed attitudetoward making mistakes, but now you must be more careful and try toanticipate coming problems. You cannot afford to be lenient with your values,as you prepare to meet life on its own terms.
Line 2
When you meet with complications and difficulties, you will experience thewealth of friendship you have cultivated. Do not hesitate to reach back intoyour seldom used pool of resources for the extra help you need. You are notweighed down by what you possess-your most basic philosophy ispragmatism. Something is valuable if it is useful-this keeps you free to findyourself in everyone and everything around you.
Line 3
You don't believe in ownership. You feel it is a sad illusion to think that,because you desire something, the more you repel it from your truest heartand understanding. Let your fate find you and be generous with everyone andeverything attached to you. Your freedom from greed and jealousy is thesource of your greatest wealth, and you will never lose what you don't want toown.
Line 4
You are an intelligent person and your mind is your greatest asset right now.All around you are the material symbols of status, wealth, and power, and theyhave their allure. Fortunately, your inner sense tells you material wealth bringsheavy burdens. Some have more than you and they must spend great energiesto keep their material place. Others have much less than you, and you are sadfor them and thankful yourself-be yourself and resist temptations to long formore things.
Line 5
You are an unusual person. Perhaps your individuality is your greatest wealth.Other people see you as a free entity because they feel burdened by their owndesires and expectations. You must be careful in your actions now. Don't beinsensitive in your freedom. Your actions must reflect the hard path you havetraveled and the struggles with yourself you have lost and won. Show othersyour empathy and sympathy-this will best serve your own developingcharacter.
Line 6
You have gone the right way. You are free of the past and in a balancedharmony where you stand. It is time to be creative and helpful. As you reachout and expand, look carefully at the people who cross your path. You will finda person who others have overlooked, and this person will enrich you with hisunderstanding of life. Seeing your own truth through other souls has beenyour key to wealth all along. Remember that now you are in your golden days.
HEXAGRAM #15 - "MODESTY"
A MAN, A TREE, A FALLEN LEAF
A man, a tree, a fallen leaf.No one could sort them outFrom a million miles in space.
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Overview
This is a fortunate hexagram. You see life as a learning experience.Consequently, you are open to the powerful lessons of the material plane. Thisis modesty, a certain openness, a willingness to be changed by time, fate, andcircumstance. Don't get hung-up on words and whether everything you say ismodest in the human ego sense. You should have fun and make your humaninteraction suit your needs and moods. Sometimes you may present yourself inan assertive way, but if you are truly modest about life, it will radiate throughand people will feel the who that you are. In "Modesty" things take time-oneof your greatest strengths is a humility connected with time. You believe thatwhat should happen will happen, with your gentle and determined guidance.You probably have some long term goals, whether they are related to peopleor projects or whatever, and they will get done, because you have faith. Faithis another sign of modesty-faith in your talents or personal gifts, or faith inother entities or inspirational sources-these make the true miracles of lifehappen.
There is a sincerity factor in this hexagram. You will be called upon by fate toreveal the simple and truthful feelings about situations. These will comenaturally at the most appropriate moment. Perhaps you will be caught offguard, but go with the flow. You are a person who can deeply effect peopleand situations with a timely word or emotional sharing. Be modest enough tolove yourself.
Line 1
Go for it. No words will bring home the success you desire; action will totallycarry the day. You have come a great distance in life, in years and your roadhas been the right one for you. Perhaps you have gone through a time of self-imposed seclusion or isolation which will now be broken with a purposefulmission in society. You are advised to make a journey -this will increase yourchance for good fortune and truly reflect the great journey of the soul whichyou have already traveled.
Line 2
Others will be effected strongly now by your words and actions. There issomething "true" about you which works a heady magic on people in a worldwhere complex dishonesties seem to rule the day. At critical times you arecompletely transparent, revealing your inner depths to the world. Since youare free of tricks, subterfuge, and prejudice you will shine like a star-brighterstill because you don't care that much about it all. Your natural love of life willbring you blessings.
Line 3
You are a special person and most everybody seems to know it. It is possiblethat you achieve worldly success easily, or just that your whole approach tolife in general seems successful-in either case the only danger is being sweptaway in the ego-flood. People may treat you deferentially, but you won't bepulled far off your humble path. You will turn outward success into inwardencouragement, and this will validate your modesty in the eyes of otherentities. There is magic in life for you to feel and touch-it is everywhere andwill transform your spirit-modesty is the key.
Line 4
You believe you talents are a gift which should be developed and used-this isan important expression of modesty. View yourself as a kind of spiritualconnection through which inspiration flows freely. In giving yourself over tothe powerful creative forces of the universe, you demonstrate a kind ofworthiness to accomplish great things on whatever level you are expendingenergy. This line speaks of work-on yourself, on your material plans, on yourrelations with others-the kind of work which has the power to set you free.
Line 5
This is a line of leadership, and it will be difficult to maintain the strict societalimage of modesty. There are decisions to be made, possibly for the directionsof a group and many important steps lay ahead. People's hearts must bepenetrated in order to determine the depth of their loyalty and commitment.You may initially put off some others with the intensity of your actions, but inthe end your dedication will show your true motivations. Any leader is wellserved by the reputation of being hard (tough), but fair. This is you.
Line 6
What makes you a truly strong person is your willingness to accept your ownkarma. You've seen it all your life in others and battled it in yourself-thattendency to point the finger outward in times of stress, to blame others for thetroubles you have brought on. Of course, any troubles can only be fought fromthe inside out. As you take your fate squarely on your shoulders, you fulfill oneof the highest human callings. Material and spiritual responsibility is a greatexpression of modesty. Get yourself together and magical things can happen.There is nothing stopping you from being the person you know you can be.
HEXAGRAM #16 - "ENTHUSIAM"
LOOKING BACKWARD IN A CRYSTAL BALL
In the daytime we say we are gladTo have traveled difficult paths in becoming.In the crystal ball of night we see clearly
How much could have been avoided.
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Overview
A great task is suggested in this hexagram. Possibly you are involved insomething which has you spellbound in its ups and downs. Your mindcontinually works on all the details and possible outcomes which face you.Thoughts of guilt and regret will help you to see where your course of actionlies. In your greatest effort you have probably overlooked the feelings of somepeople who depend on you for special consideration.
One of the most important messages of this hexagram is that you have thepower of leadership to make your will a reality, but you must treat each personwho is important to you in a special and individualized way. Old standards or ablanket philosophy just won't be enough right now. Go out of your way tomake everyone see that, although you sometimes make mistakes, you aredetermined to do the right thing. Let your enthusiasm carry you along andothers will follow. When you are confident about the path you have chosen,you will experience a time of rest-not a physical resting, but more of a trance-like frame of mind. As you lose yourself in the past, present, and future of thehuman race, listen for your own internal music. The free melodies inside youwill help you learn about yourself. Be serious about the music you hear and thefeelings which your heart shares with all others and peace will come about.
Line 1
Don't be over-involved with your ego. Whether or not anyone is payingattention to you is less important than your integrity. If you can't lead byexample, you are just another hypocrite. Words don't fulfill your needs or theneeds of others. Actions alone will show what you really are. Stop kiddingyourself and figure out what you really want out of life.
Line 2
You are as solid as a rock. Your ego is under control and your mind doesn'teasily deceive you. You see through events clearly, not only beneath thesurface, but, compared to those around you, you seem physically aware of theevents before they happen. This foresight, which is actually "clearsight", makesit possible for you to protect and develop yourself and those closest to you.
Line 3
You are the center of attention and people are attracted to you. Open yourheart and do not be too quick to refuse the friendship of someone who iseither now known to you or will be entering the picture in the near future. Beopen to your intuition and move freely in the directions shown to you by your
mind and heart.
Line 4
You believe in waiting for the right time, but you have gone too far. You havelet opportunities go by which will never return. What you are waiting to seewon't help you now, only a renewed effort at being lively and aware will beginto shift fortune back to your favor.
Line 5
This is a line of illness, whether the illness is actually physical or symbolic it willnot last long. The limitation you will feel will give way after a time. Possibly youfeel alone or isolated, even in a crowd because others seem to be more easy intheir adjustments. This situation is not as desperate as it seems if you use it forgrowth. You must believe that you are learning about life and giving out goodas you wait for healing.
Line 6
You have been on a kind of ego trip-far too caught up in the changes of yourlife. While you have been mindlessly immersed in the continuous flurry ofactivity you have taken on yourself, you have missed out on the necessarysensitivity to maintain your position of leadership. Snap out of it and realizethat at some time all people act like fools, even you.
HEXAGRAM #17 - "FOLLOWING"
I YAWNED AS THE BOAT APPROACHED THE CLIFF
I yawned as the boat approached the cliff,The lemonade was too strong,But the afternoon mistWas perfect viewing for a disaster.
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Overview
Two great principles are working in your favor: Determination to do right andhumility. You ask no more from anyone than you are willing to do yourself.This makes you a soft-spoken leader who has the loyalty of people's emotions.You are humble in that you accuse and blame no one else. You support thegrowth in those around you by listening to them without judgment and bybeing quiet about some of your own knowledge. Often it is less important tobe right than to treat someone with respect.
You move with the time realizing that those who ignore the demands ofchanging events often fail in bringing about peace. You fight to remain free ofsecret motivations and you see the power of your personality as it works onothers. Now is a good time to turn to a spiritual source, or the intuition youfeel, and believe that guidance will come.
You may find yourself busy, in one way or another, during this time, and youkeep your life in balance by giving yourself the relaxation needed for thesoothing of your nervous system.
Line 1
A change of heart is indicated. Possibly, as you broaden your scope or extendmore sympathy to those outside your usual circle, you will see results. Yourpositive power increases dramatically as you take a wider look around. Look inunexpected people and places for the answer you need. Life is larger than yourealize. Your strength lies in your ability to balance public and private worlds.
Line 2
Look at yourself and your relationships very carefully right now. There is apossibility that you are passing over some good people in favor of some otherpeople who feed your ego, but don't actually help your life to move forward.Beware of being a hypocrite. Make your values happen.
Line 3
Your values are strong and attainable right now. That is fortunate since youare making some changes. There may even be second thoughts or melancholyabout new directions and old. You are right to want the best from your life andin order to get it you hold fast to the principles by which you steer. Stormsmay come, but they will quickly go.
Line 4
People are attracted to you and they gratify your ego. Even though you mightbe weak to egotism, you must realize that it lies within your power to seethrough flatterers and select some people for friends who would enable you totry out a more refined version of yourself. Then you will feel progress.
Line 5
Blessings are coming to you because you successfully live your beliefs. Try tobring out the best in everybody and you will be the respected center of goodevents. Believe in the good inside each heart and be tireless in your confidencein the people closest to you. Listening to good friends will be to your
advantage.
Line 6
You want to rest, lay back and enjoy some time by yourself. A long period ofhard work seems to be behind, but the world needs you and one person inparticular can benefit from your friendship and philosophy. Duty calls and atfirst you are reluctant, but then you take it upon yourself to exercise your will.
HEXAGRAM #18 - "WORK ON WHAT HAS BEEN SPOILED"
AUTOGRAPHED BEFORE TIME BEGAN
Each grain of sandFalling through my fingersFalling through the hourglassWas multi-coloredAnd autographed before time began.
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Overview
Many of your current problems have been produced by your own lack ofdirection. You are blessed with the strength, character, and vision to movepeople's hearts. Recently you have had a powerful effect on your immediatecircle by coming out strongly in favor of action and clear thinking. You shouldtake your own speech to heart. it is time for a new way of doing things-travel,give up a bad habit and most of all, get in touch with those closest to you.Express yourself as frankly as you can. When conflicts are thick, you go into akind of hiding to outwait the storm. The problem is that when the storm is overyou still don't come out. Probably you are still trying to protect yourself, butthis is inappropriate since you haven't made the change with the times. Youcan go on blaming this or that, but the plain truth is that you must start livingthe truth inside you. Your charisma comes from your inner values, so how canyou go on endlessly holding back? Is it laziness, or don't you really knowyourself at all?
This hexagram is a good omen since the difficulties around you are exactlyequal to your ability to meet them. If you go on giving less than your share toyourself and life in general, you are going to have a hard time. On the otherhand, if you get a little old-fashioned work-ethic about yourself, you canstraighten things out. The door is open for you , and the situation will getbetter if you want it to. Put all your energy into making good decisions; thinkabout them before and after you make them. Your life isn't as simple as itseems sometimes, now as confusing. Get things in order without pushing. Ifyou prepare yourself for changes while giving as much as possible to others,you will be ready when the time of movement comes. Be honest, practical, and
realistic.
Line 1
Get in tune with the time. You are lagging behind as the changes go on allaround you. The present is your puzzle to solve. You can not waste timeclinging onto ideas which served you in the past. There may be difficultygetting your concentration together at this time, and you might find yourselfpaying back mysterious debts for other people. This may be related to yourimmediate family. Now is the time for saving. Plant your seeds in your life.
Line 2
You may think you live a charmed life, but it isn't true. Lately fate has shownyou that there are many foolish things that you have done and some peopledon't trust you. Somehow you've got to wipe the slate clean and remedy themistakes around you and in your past. This is the time take the hard line andkeep yourself straight-forward in your dealing with your people and yourself.Give up the memory of the twisted events behind you.
Line 3
Your electricity is very active at this time. The change you have undergone oflate is reflected in your extreme behavior. Your changes have startled thosearound you, but you can't even stop to explain. You might grate on somenerves for a time, but your intense movement will be understood andappreciated in the future. Keep in mind the old saying, "Today is the first dayin the rest of your life." Cultivate your sincerity because it will partially deflectthe negative feelings your bluntness might be causing. Stay humble.
Line 4
This is a bad time for you to be resting or feeling self-satisfaction. You areheaded for a fall. It may be because you are over-tolerant with your ownweakness or because you are too past conscious. Don't delude yourself intothinking that you are going in the right direction or that things will magicallywork out-they won't, and, unless you put some energy into contacting yourhigher-self (intuition, prayers, or inspiration) for the direction you need youare going to experience a difficult time. Watch out for the "Blues" andweakness of the will as warning signals telling you that you are misguided.
Line 5
It is time to face yourself and those involved with you. This will bring goodfortune. You can't go on dodging your karma-it is in front of you. You arelucky because people really care about you, and take an involvement in yourlife. To show you how mistaken your former path was-you probably felt that
people close to you were persecuting you, when in reality they were confusedby contradictions in your character and sought to resolve them. This was adifficult time for you because the contradictions were part of changes youneeded to go through without the strain of misunderstandings. Al that is pastnow and you are willing to own up to your shortcomings and reach out forhelp to the people who truly care for you. Humility is a strength for you now.
Line 6
The turmoil of changes has passed you by, like a storm moving out to sea.Things will never be the same for you, but that is very suitable to you. Youhave realized that the endless turn of human events will continue, and onlyyour own misjudgments lead you to be the center of strife and confusion. Therestlessness and upheaval will haunt individuals forever, and you have becomeaware that to be over-involved in human nature is ultimately a waste of time.The problems plaguing people's hearts today are as old as the race, and theywill have a long future. Your role is to get reacquainted with your spirit and tobegin a new openness with more universal values. Wish society well and go onyour way-then you will have much to give through development of yourindividuality.
HEXAGRAM #19 - "JANUARY"
SAID THE JACK O'LANTERN TO THE PUMPKIN
"When they come to carve away your youthInto a nightmare smile,Pretend you are sleeping."
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Overview
For some time your thoughts have been on getting things in order and makingsome progress. Your motivation is not necessarily that you have a specifiedgoal in mind-some distant flesh of gold you desire. You realize the absoluteimportance of "now"-this moment you are in-the only one like it in all the widepassing of time. You must do today what cannot be postponed until tomorrow.At this point you welcome responsibilities as potential building blocks on theroad to self-expression. The thinking and planning you have been looselyorganizing will now come to its destiny as a new emotional/karmic year beginsfor you. A tide is rolling in your favor now-past the sorrows and joys you havepreviously experienced-a tide which is as strong as the character you havecarved for yourself. Ride the crest of these waters to the fullest possibleextent. You will have power and the charisma to profoundly effect yourimmediate circumstance. You have prided yourself in your round-the-clockdedication to those who earn your respect. Now your vision will be expanded,as you are shown access to roads usually outside your focus. Be generous.What you have is needed by nearly everyone-the more you give the better this
time will be. January signals the ready-or-not-here-comes-the-future flight oftime. Bury the past in dark December-you're a year wiser now with a wholegreen spring to spend on your life.
Line 1
Look for a hopeful, positive period in your life. Things may be like a circus attimes and the currents of enthusiasm may well up all around you tempting youto get lost in the sea of material considerations. Fortunately, your clear visionwill prevent a lessening of your all-important determination. You'll naturallyturn away from the success and social gratification which might once havefascinated you. Time has changed you for the better.
Line 2
You will now experience the benefits which have grown from your self-sufficiency. You were made for these days-your perception is deep and yourintuition is true. Far below you, the world spins on with its complex patterns oflife and death. Draw in the cold, clear air from a lofty height. Savor a newbeginning-a fresh start-a January.
Line 3
The attitude you have waited for has come at last. In fact, the currentdisposition of your mind is more balanced and positive than you could havehoped. Frustration may result from the lack of a specific goal, but energies canbe constructively channeled into looking after yourself and your life. When andif you really need a more obvious direction, one will emerge and reaffirm yourgood karma. Remember to take others as seriously as you take yourself-besensitive and responsible.
Line 4
Your intuition about people runs a strong current for you now. Show some"heart" (warmth, generosity, courage) in your dealing with others and you willhave people who are "jewels" revealed to you. This is a good time to beworldly-wise and philosophically sophisticated. You would have to almost workovertime to destroy this natural, positive "approach" to the world.
Line 5
You have good people around you. They are deep-they teach you of life, asyou nourish them in return. Power is sparking everywhere now-the currentsare flowing. Remember this time-you have found, in January, a true beginning."Something changed." This book of changes has no hexagram more earthyand melancholy, yet so deeply in love with life. Be alone in your self and at onewith the world.
Line 6
Everything you do is right; if you want it that way. Somehow, though you seeright through the world's games, the world can't see into you. Right now thatis just as well. There is a world inside you to live in and a world outside you tolive in. Keep them separate and excellent. You have no secrets-but you areaware of yourself and some things are better kept inside.
HEXAGRAM #20 - "LOOKING DOWN"
FISH IN BLACK WATER
In the rainIn a dark poolI saw the future hiding,Darting andDrifting silently out of sight.
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Overview
This is a time when feelings and intellect can work together. Let your mind befree to explore all your thoughts and the meaning behind worldly events.Already you sense the power which the mind possesses, and you feed yourown growth through watching the natural world happen.
If you have a problem or question, you have fallen on good fortune. Simplyconsidering your situation will reveal more than your share of truth. Your life isin a deep in-between stage and the stillness between the past and futureallows you a time of inner and outer clarity.
Other people need your strength now and will be watching closely as you keepyour word among men as well as your own bargain with life. This time ofdepth travels beyond a passing worry to the realm of deeper and highervalues. You long to delve into the mystery of things and people, and you getthe answers you seek. Not only do you strengthen your own character, butyou positively effect those around you by being your best self.
Develop your spiritual side since it is an inextinguishable source of strength foryou. Ask for the higher inspiration you need to solve all your complexities andanswer people with meaningful thoughts and feelings. Luck comes with self-confidence.
Line 1
It is clear that you may be experiencing confusion. This is happening becauseyou aren't looking between the lines or at the wider picture. Don't kid yourself.Fantasy won't help you now. In your heart you probably feel what your mindmust learn-that life is larger than the cares in which you absorb yourself. Don'twaste your energy on pointless talk; open your mind to all of life.
Line 2
You are only as wise as you make yourself. If you are satisfied with limitationand routine, then you have no need to open your mind. If you desire morefreedom, look at the motivations behind the actions of people and theunderlying principles of nature. Women-be tireless in your observation ofsituations. Keep all your energy riveted to a single situation.
Line 3
This is the best time possible to think about your own life. Gone are the timeswhen you evaluate everyone else and ponder their motives. It is on you todetermine the end results your actions produce. All you have ever done hastruth about your life, which at this time is accessible to you. You also benefitfrom inner vision about your future and important decisions are clear as theycome up from within. Judge yourself without prejudice. Think about it.
Line 4
You need to find the right person to appreciate your insights and observations.Take some extra time to see if your positive first impressions were correct. Inthis way you won't waste your knowledge and feelings on someone whowon't understand what you have to offer. Your intuition and special abilitiesare at their quiet peak and you must direct them carefully.
Line 5
Keep your sense of perspective as you contemplate your life. What effect areyou having on others? They need you to help and contribute with youroriginality. There are some things you must do as only you can do them. If thisover-involves you in the lives of others, be patient and try to find what youneed to do. Use all thoughts and energies to get and keep your life moving ona helpful and improving track.
Line 6
Rare clarity comes now as you think deeply about your life. Beware ofdangerous illusions and prejudices which could lead you onto an unproductivepath. If you have a decision to make, step back and look at the whole flow ofyour life. A clear view of the past and mental picture of the future will suggestthe best course for you to follow. Life is so much larger than the day-to-day
ups and downs of a single life. Keep a good attitude for extra help.
HEXAGRAM #21 - "BITING THROUGH"
COME CLOSER
"Come closer." I said to the assassin."Let me tell you my secret fears.We'll draw a red circle around my heart."
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Overview
An aura of deception surrounds you now. This could be in the form of a liarwho is consciously attempting to slander you, or the deception could appear ina more subtle form such as self-deception. If you are tricking yourself orletting yourself be confused, you will need hard work to extricate yourselffrom problems. The basic difficulty is that lies and half truths will seem truerthan reality, and you could find yourself in a serious position of disadvantage.
The mouth is extremely important to the inner meaning of this hexagram. Becareful what you put in and send out of it. If you are fortunate enough to findout where the dishonesty lies, attack the stronghold vigorously. If you arebeing wronged, work diligently to right yourself, and if you are deceivingyourself, don't hesitate to own up to your shortcomings. Expect difficultbeginnings which eventually clear up for you.
There are mentions of legality here which seem to suggest that if you go tocourt, you will succeed in winning your case, if you are in the right.
Control your temper and develop balance in all things. When you defendyourself, don't be spiteful or vengeful. Be clear and fair while using yourstrength in a modest way.
Line 1
The full negative power of your situation is not yet in effect. You have been offcourse slightly and have suffered some disquiet, but you aren't so far gonethat you can't pull yourself out with some true humility. You preach humility;now look at yourself and live it! While you can channel some good your way,you remember that part of your strength was tested recently as you gad tostand up for yourself against unfair pressure from an outside source, possiblya friend or someone close to you.
Line 2
You may go too far in protecting yourself now. You are mistrustful and put upstrong defense mechanisms which are a bit overpowering. In a way you arelucky because, though your highest perception is absent, your good fortuneallows you to make your strong and clumsy stand at just the right place andtime.
Line 3
A flare-up of bad luck burns on your doorstep. You are caught in aconfrontation which you would rather have avoided. The past haunts you,again, and troubles your present. The storm will shock and subdue you, but itwill pass quickly and leave you startled but none the worse for wear. Don'ttolerate your uncultivated side; there is no future in bad temper or bad humor.
Line 4
You've got to show your strength. In trying to get things in order, you havebeen misunderstood and mistrusted. No one sees the future and the truedemands of building that future like you. They aren't looking deep enough tosee. You hold the key to the situation and everybody knows it. Troubles willdelay you, but you won't go under in the currents. You'll get through.
Line 5
You are a gentle person who dislikes coercion and confrontation. Knowingyour own heart, you often let manipulative or destructive people do theirworst and pass out of your life. This will be a time when you will have to makea stand for your inner beliefs. You are no hero, but if you let bad valuessteamroll you now, a great deal will be lost. Your stand won't win you praise-probably more disapproval will be heaped on you, but you must rise up andcast the negatives (even if they are people) out of your life.
Line 6
Look inside yourself for the source of troubles. No proud willfulness andarrogance can help you now. You have lost the sensitivity of your days andtrue life is passing you by. Others try to reason with you, but for some reasonyou won't hear. The greatest fight has come at last and your enemy is no onebut yourself. Stop speaking and listen to everything around you. Usually youare quite accurate in your analysis of events, but now a fog has settled overyour vision and small, everyday tasks must be your beginning point.
HEXAGRAM #22 - "GRACE"
CHINESE ACCORDIAN
I tried so hard to please you.I might as well have beenPlaying a Chinese Accordion.
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Overview
There is magic around you now in some ways. At times life is harmonious andmusical, and pleasant expectation occupies your mind. Positive intuition speaksto you of change and variety.
A problem accompanies this. While you are very in touch with yourself andyour own forms of expression, others might not be totally in tune with you. Infact, they may be looking at you as something you are not.
It is probably better for you to regard any relaxation or lessening of pressureas a refreshing oasis, all the more satisfying because of the beauty of its briefduration.
Line 1
There is a hint of dishonesty in this line. You might have to turn your back onsomeone offering an easy way at this time. You realize you must be youreasygoing and nonjudgmental self in order to achieve the grace you desire.
Line 2
Watch your ego. You might be willing to sacrifice your principles for approval.The ironic part is that the more self-conscious you are, the less you willaccomplish. Be true to yourself. Resist temptation and vanity. You may need toconform.
Line 3
You are in a good situation. Things come to you. Fortune is generous and youindulge yourself with pleasure. Don't lose sight of your values and ideals. Thedanger is being intoxicated with your own life and oblivious to the world. Keepon to the end, and no one will get in your way.
Line 4
Right now you are basking in the power and influence of this hexagram. Thetime is so strong that you may even feel a little lost in a superficial tangle ofsocial responsibilities. You've got to get away, employ a simpler outlook, andset free some of your more meaningful thoughts and feelings. Beware of
misunderstanding someone's motives.
Line 5
A serious mood could lead you to destructive self-criticism. You might evenlook foolish to someone or yourself.
Because your inner world is clear and sincere, self-doubts disappear andfortune smiles with the joining of some people who have an intuitiveunderstanding of each other. Refine your outer appearance as you leavenothing to chance.
Line 6
Things are together. Temporary, positive phenomena are occurring all aroundyour life. You are balanced between philosophy and action. You are simple,naturally, in your heart and at one with the happiness of life.
HEXAGRAM #23 - "LOSS OF BALANCE"
A SPIRIT IS TRAPPED IN THIS ANIMAL
A spirit is trapped in this animal.Bending to drink, I forget not followThe water on its way.Stopping to think, I rememberRestless hunger pangs.
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Overview
A hard time is indicated by this hexagram. Your world closes around you andevents tax you to your limits. One after another, complications obstruct yourpath: too many people, responsibilities, pressures, and distractions.
You need to withdraw and get away. Even if it is within your mind. The troubleoutside you isn't as aggravating as it seems-you are irritable. Stress andanxiety may have sapped your emotional strength and recuperation isnecessary. Fuel your own regeneration by cultivating a more disciplinedacceptance of life.
You can't be hurt now. Even if the world comes down, you will stand. Thenights are quiet and the days, too. It's as if the world and its confusion are aroom away. You may hear the clattering of dishes and the paroxysms of
laughter, but your fate now is to be alone. Keep a minimalist approach.Strategically, it would be wise to operate with a simple mantra. Take three bitsof advice and let them govern your every action. Govern is the world. Therewill be a conscious exertion of the will now. Things may not come easily and inthe best possible sense, ignorance will be bliss. Let the world collapse. This iswhat a world does-rises, falls. You are not a world. You are liquid, slidingbetween worlds. If you are true, you are safe in "Collapse."
Line 1
This line is not a good omen. Trouble swirls about you like a storm andeverything you do seems to go wrong. People may talk behind your backbecause of your decisions, but that is unavoidable. You are under an avalancheof just plain bad luck and if you temporarily run for cover, time will pass,taking this current storm away from you. Think about your faith.
Line 2
Trouble at home. The discord in your life has caused you to be difficult to thepeople you need most. You must work overtime to show them love because,although they love you, they cannot understand some of the negative changesyou go through and consequently, you might find yourself without theirsupport at a critical time.
Line 3
Even though you are in a complicated situation filled with conflict, you havesome positives going for you. There is someone you can turn to; this someonecan and will help you to the relative freedom you so desperately need. Yourintuition and will are joined now and you must trust them and believe in yourability to get through difficult situations not just surviving, but growing aswell.
Line 4
Bad luck and bad feelings in control. Things haven't gone as you'd like them toand you are knocked around by the winds of fortune. The difficulty ofHexagram #23 reaches its height here and the only thing to do is work on yourheart. No circumstances can control your mind. If you look deep in yourself,you will see the truth.
Line 5
A loophole is found in the dark times. A stroke of luck comes to you at amoment of need and you see an opening to escape. Take advantage ofopportunities even if a nagging voice doubts. You will find that you will bemore satisfied later if you put some distance between you and the dangers you
have been in.
Line 6
This is the future line. All you have gone through has now become the past. Allyour actions and thoughts will produce your fate. If you have treated peoplefrom your heart, you will harvest good times. On the other hand, if you havecompromised with the dark side, you will have even harder times coming.Either way, let the past be past; no good can come from clinging to it.
HEXAGRAM #24 - "RETURN"
I WAS A WOLF
I was a wolfProwling and starvingFor your love.I was dangerous and cold.I was.
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Overview
Something has turned with the season. It's not that you have been stagnating,but you have been in an extended period or withdraw and consolidation.Perhaps when you began your last phase, you needed to pull back from aworld which presented too many conflicts. Since that time you have gone asolitary path and learned life-changing lessons about yourself and the worldfrom which you exiled yourself.
Lately you have been extraordinarily aware of the cycles of karma as youperceive them. You see that people can only free themselves as theysuccessfully reconcile unfinished business on the material plane. Often thisunfinished business comes from past lives-please investigate your own psychichistory. Right now you could learn a great deal about your general direction inthis life, and many times the cycles in an individual life are complex and turnstrange patterns as karma is worked out. You are acutely aware of this nowfrom the simplest levels to the most abstract. The beauty of this understandingis that it is natural. You have observed the changing with the seasons, seen thegold and red leaves fall and new buds break with the spring. You have seenthe dead laid to rest and the hope in new children. Most importantly, you havebeen open to the lessons of your own life and its returnings.
You are a gentle person and now this will help you as you must completelycontrol your desires and the illusions they create. Your withdraw has givenway to change-don't try to force analysis. Your truest talent, your ability to
interpret events, will flower at the best possible moment. That is not now,however. Now enjoy the smell of spring on a winter night somewhere.
Line 1
You must be your own guide and guardian through the thick forest of materialworld confusion. There will be temptations to compare yourself with othersand long for more status, money, security, etc. those phantoms will haunt youfor a short time until you realize that you have fought this fight before. Youwill realize that your path must be an individual one-as free as possible ofempty desires and goals. Be humble now and wait for the whisper of fortuneto be heard and you will hear it.
Line 2
You have character. In this intense time when heavy vibrations seem to fill theair, you see other people's needs and work unselfishly to help. You may haveyour own special needs fulfilled now as a by-product of your care and supportfor others. Everything you have become is highlighted now as you rememberthe long, painful road you have wandered. You have become someone special.
Line 3
Sometimes you have trouble controlling yourself. You seem to get into thesame kinds of situations which test you and make you rise above them. Afteryou have discovered your mistakes, you dramatically reverse your direction.This makes you feel good about yourself, and it should, for if you couldn'tcome back from adversity, you'd be in real trouble. However, the energy youspend compensating for your weakness might be better spent on consistency.You will be alright, but trouble will collect around you for sure.
Line 4
This is a good time to be your own best friend. You may find other peopleunaware of your needs and the changes you are going through. You are luckybecause you are no stranger to being alone and self-sufficient. Cultivate yourtotal personality, especially the good parts which have been asleep for a time.The seeds of future success are beginning to grow in the fertile ground of thistime.
Line 5
Some people believe strength lies in stubbornly clinging to a path, even if it isobviously the wrong one. They set themselves up in such a stone fortress ofinsecurity that they can never admit to mistakes. An admission of a mistakewould make their whole life a lie. Fortunately for you, you have chosen a pathwhich depends on facing your faults. You don't hide from your insecurities
because you realize there is no future in hiding. You know that you can't foolyourself. This is your greatest strength, and you will show it now as you freelyapologize to people you wronged. Even small acts of self-knowledge and self-discipline will count for much now.
Line 6
You are in for some hard times now. The ghosts of your mistaken actions nowcome to haunt your life. Will you even recognize that you have brought troubleupon yourself? How many lessons in life will you need before you face the factthat you can control your own fate? The world isn't out to get you, and youmust begin to rehabilitate your outlook and values immediately.
HEXAGRAM #25 - THE SIMPLE
NUCLEAR WINTER
A premature ice ageIs nature's wayOf cooling us down.This time we'll surviveBy feeding on our intentions.
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Overview
This is not a good time to trust absolutely to your intuition. Rather, lookaround and see how the world is responding to your actions. If you are free ofulterior motives and the desire to manipulate others, then you will probably belooked up to by others for your spontaneous and original way of dealing withsituations. They will see you as a sincere leader free of the hang-ups thatdominate most people. In this case you have no choice but to live by thepromptings of your inner voice.
On the other hand, if you have gotten off the track and don't know it, youcould be fooling yourself about your own motives and intentions. This shouldshow itself in the world around you. You might think you are doing the rightthing, but see others dissatisfied with you. The situation might even bephysical. You could get sick or injured through no apparent fault of your own.That is why this hexagram suggests inaction-don't risk letting your ego passitself off as your intuition and lead you into danger.
Line 1
This is a strong line. Your intuition and inner integrity are very strong. If youfollow the direction of your thoughts, you will find people amazed by your
fresh outlook and the strength of your will can bring you what you want.
Line 2
You are advised to live openly and honestly for the moment. This is not timefor plans and strategies; simply concentrate on the tasks at hand. Yourfreedom depends on the faith that situations will resolve in your favor whenthey are ready.
Line 3
Things may not be going well. You may lose something or even have it takenfrom you. Bad luck has befallen you and people may talk about you or falselyaccuse you, particularly if you have gained something at the expense ofsomeone else. Regardless of circumstances, don't dwell on your misfortune;that will only intensify the negative.
Line 4
Outside pressures are weighing on you. You may be expected to act in a waywhich does not suit your character, but you have the power to remainyourself. You realize this pressure on you is strong, but will pass as you out-wait it. Your sense of who you are will guide you now.
Line 5
This is a line of health-physically or emotionally. Bad luck may have befallenyou by illness or accident. Don't struggle to correct a situation outside yourpower. Times will change and as they change you will experience the oppositeof the negatives you feel now. There is no medicine for what you have, andacceptance of the situation is your best means of graceful recovery.
Line 6
Your best efforts are going unappreciated. Perhaps this is because you are outof touch with yourself. Take a simple look at how the people around you areresponding to you. If it seems that they don't understand you, it probablymeans you have to have a talk with yourself. Stop acting out of habit. Look tosee your needs and the needs of others.
HEXAGRAM #26 - THE TAMING POWER OF THE GREAT
BORED WITH BEING EMPEROR
Every day he spent distracted
On his throne,Another jewel fell from his crown.Seers in the far provinces Believed they could read his will.
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Overview
"You da man!" is an expression of exclamatory enthusiasm which is usuallyassociated with athletic achievement. Someone in the crowd will yell this as thetop athletes perform. In #26 you have ascended to the plateau of "top dog."You are first among equals, and the person to whom others turn for manyreasons. Some people may venerate you for individual talents, but all-in-all,you embody a "total package" of attributes. Obviously, this is an enviableposition in many ways, and you are no stranger to the spotlight and pressureperformance.
Two considerations: The unflagging pressure can have a deadening, numbingeffect on your inspiration, turning you into a kind of "show pony" who doesgreat tricks on command for the sake of applause. Since you are in a class byyourself, there may be few challenges to spur you onto a greater evolution andtransformation. You must go to the mystical sources of your talents andbecome one with the heart center inside you. Let the inner voice direct yourdevelopment.
Line 1
Obstacles block your path. Wait for the power inside you to find the rightoutlet. Drop back, look at your world intensely, and store up energy for a laterand better time to act.
Line 2
You are being forced to hold back and it is not your fault. There are times youcan't do anything; they come for a reason. This may be a way nature gets youto look at your life and store up your personal reservoir of energy for a futuretime when a way is made clear to you.
Line 3
Things are moving. Friends have appeared or are about to. Travel determinedlyonward toward them, if you are going in the same direction. Watch out. Useyour power not to make any mistakes. Listen to your intuition; it will guide younow.
Line 4
Tables are turning in your direction. Use your power to brush aside obstacles.You may be able to foretell the outcome of situations. Use the minimum actionto make the greatest effect, as your inner world is stronger than your outerworld. However, if you aren't ready-don't do it, wait until happiness isapparent.
Line 5
The time of difficulty is passing. Be confident that your modesty and gentlegenerosity can put past difficulties to rest. Situations may even be better nowthan before your troubles occurred. However, you must be alert andconscientious about keeping on the right path; temptations may appear.Choose high quality people to help you through.
Line 6
Things are very favorable to you at this time. You maintain a positive frame ofmind which you pass on to the people around you. They listen to you becauseyou are sincere and gentle, even when you speak of serious matters. Progressis possible as you let out stored energies which now find a way to work.
HEXAGRAM #27- NOURISHMENT
YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOU DO NOT EAT
I refused gossip,Fasted from liesAnd thirsted for another way.
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Overview
You should be choosing your words carefully at this time. Even though yourmind is teeming with ideas and your heart is seeking to be understood, youmust control what you let out. The times are not right for you to beunderstood. Fight with yourself to remain silent because the same intensitywhich drives you to release your true opinions, will backfire on you, shouldyou let them out. Keep your deepest feelings known to yourself alone; this isnot dishonest or secretive, but merely sensible in the face of prevailingconditions. Regard yourself as a gardener who nourishes his plants with careand careful control. Tell people what your intuition says will help them grow.Cultivate character by tactful compliments and criticism. Usually people needsomething specific from their interactions. Try to ascertain what this need isand how you can meet it. Look closely at other people to see what they aredoing with themselves. What are they trying to be and what do they spendtheir time thinking about?
Are your findings about others compatible with your inner nature? This is afairly difficult time for light and frivolous friendships, but what you learn todaywill nourish you tomorrow.
On the physical side, this is a good time to limit intake of food and drink. Lookat your food. Is it really nourishing your body or is it satisfying the physicalhunger? Assess your eating habits and make some attempt to get them in line.Naturally the changes in food consumption could help you lose some weight ifyou need to, or just increase your general health.
Line 1
Beware of senseless greed. Certainly everyone goes through periods wherethey desire more, but be serious with yourself. There is a good chance thatyou have the blind "wants." You may even be resentful of others you shouldbe sorry for. They are greedier than you, and, what's more, they will recognizeyour greed and you will be unmasked in all your foolishness. Realize that nogood can come from all this public "hunger." If you truly need something, goinside yourself to your source and balance your forces. This is more effectiveroute to your solutions.
Line 2
You are an unusual person whose life is a puzzlement mostly to yourself.People help you at every turn and this appears beneficial on the outside. Thinkas to whether you have withdrawn from the world in some way in order tofeed your hunger for eccentricity. Don't fall for the lure of luck-it will be sweetand bitter, and understanding will aid you more than emotion or reaction.Don't let what is given take away your ability to uplift yourself. No one can doit for you now except yourself. Pull your physical and spiritual selves togetherfrom the inside and get on with your life.
Line 3
You are not tending properly to your own nourishment-whether it be physicalor spiritual. You have got an idea which is depriving you of the growth youdesperately need. The world and its illusory tricks has temporarily taken overyour direction and a long cycle of repercussions is inevitable. Whatever teachesand advises you must be examined carefully because everything in this world isof this world and cannot absolutely guide your thinking-look carefully; you willregret errors you are making at this time.
Line 4
Fortune is smiling upon your desires. A dark tide sweeps you upward into thelight of friendship, appreciation and reward. People come toward you drawnby your inner magnetism; they want to assist you and merge with you fusedby the mutual "hunger" for more out of life. Everything is working for your
benefit because you are not seeking to hoard or selfishly devour. Your need togive is the most intense light burning for you now.
Line 5
You big ideas and self-absorption aren't helping you now. You vision is clearand you see the duties and dreams toward which you should be applying yourenergy. The well is dry, however, and you can't fulfill your needs alone. Pushpride aside and let an unlikely figure in your circle of circumstances come toyour aid. From this humble fusion with another soul you learn the wordlesslesson of sharing. The mixed blessings of self-awareness and personaldedication fall into perspective as passionate extremism gives way to functionalnormalcy. Deflate your ego and listen to enlightened advice.
Line 6
Power to help and willingness to give motivate your actions in this strangetime. Though good fortune shines upon you at every turn, there is a lurkingfeeling of something not quite right. At times blessings seem to come to youfrom nowhere or from down ancient karmic roads. Sacrifice your energy forthe good of others as you pave the way of the present and the future. Humilityis telling you to be ever-mindful to the dramatic changes possible with fate.
HEXAGRAM #28- TRUE FREEDOM
DON'T BREAK A BROKEN HEART
Exactly when was it, what day, what yearWhen I stopped being who I wasAnd became who I am?
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Overview
You are deep in your own Tao in this time. Old ways will be shed naturally asthe seasons, and new dreams will materialize in quiet moments. Now all youimagined you could be is close around you. Take time to sit down by yourselfand feel the powerful currents from which you draw your power. You cannotcontinue in the light-hearted social vein you have been enjoying. Naturally,people will drift along their own paths away from you, and you'll find new andimportant directions occurring to you.
Your freedom is complete. Secrets and visions will inspire your fantasies. Likethe dark green shadows of a tall forest, you will feel the silences and spaces inlife. Old, worn paths of guilt and illusion will seem vivid, but distant, and onlythe most perceptive of your friends will sense the gifts you are accumulating
quickly inside. Until you get the feel of this time, you may be awed by theweight and vastness of all you have seen and felt. Be confident-you are of theearth-as free as the day the world began and as open-hearted.
Line 1
Go out of your way to be imaginative. Sympathy and gentleness will flow. Dothe little things that show the world you are for real. "Do it up!" that is-gobeyond your normal paths of action and reaction. Reach for the higher, thebetter, the "cooler." What romance is to life, you are to this line.
Line 2
Just when you thought you'd seen it all-you're alive again. Old feelings havebeen awakened and the pathways look similar-part of a wizard's wisdomcomes from his deep knowledge that all paths are the same. There is a freshwind blowing-you have foreseen it in your imagination already. Perhaps yourgreatest strength has been your deeply intuitive nature and how you prideyourself in finding a creative solution. It's time for creativity now.
Line 3
Seriously now, isn't it time to calm down and get some things together. We alltend to get lost in the current and that's natural, but, going too far in this casewould create problems. Be careful of the "Fall of Rome Syndrome"-that is,don't let everything waste away on the grand scale until it inevitably destroysitself. Back off, strip down and get a little more intense.
Line 4
This line is the equivalent of the magician in the Tarot. You have all kinds ofpower in people's lives because you gain intimacy in their hearts. Even thecynical trust you. Temptations come and go like spirits in the night, temporarilyexposing your dark soul. You have got character. You use your influence tobetter people's lives. Your power is healing as the wind after rain.
Line 5
You have the freedom to waste your time. Careful not to chase those oldphantoms too hard. If you doubt your situation, look deeper to see what isreally going on. If you want to feel alive, you won't get that by following aprescribed list, as always, you should realize now that inspiration andregeneration come by mysterious paths. Keep cool and get yourself under alittle more control.
Line 6
Sometimes you jealously guard whatever security you think you have. Lately,however, you have been taking some risks-emotional, physical, psychic and arediscovering profound lessons at every turn. Life is a fast moving river intowhich you will fall while navigating sometimes. You've needed to lose yourselfa little-and you have. Where are you now?
HEXAGRAM #29 - THE DEEP
WATERFALL OF PAIN
Looking into the fallsYou see dark spaces. Looking outYou see the falling sun.
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Overview
This is a very important time for you. Without strong guiding values you will belike a wanderer lost in a dangerous wood at the mercy of one dangeroussituation after another. Fears and ghostly shadows of the past may haunt you,or new temptations will materialize to test your weakest moments. Death itselfmay cross your path, forcing swift and certain adjustments. You must knowyourself now and follow the source of inspiration on your chosen path. A timeof testing has come and will bring you complicated problems and possibilitiesfor growth.
You are a teacher. Not simply a person who disseminates information, but anexample of the philosophy by which you live. You stand to be revealed at thistime for your true character. People will be closely scrutinizing your words anddeeds, and will hold you accountable for yourself-however, where you are trueand wise, you will have a lasting impact on those who seek your counsel.
This would be a good time to realize that every occurrence in your life haskarmic implications. That is, don't fixate on any situation. Look hard to seewhat is really happening. Why has it come about? What does it teach youabout life? And, most important-what is the very best way to handle it? Useyour deepest powers of intuition and reason, and don't miss anything. It goeswithout saying that, at this time, anything to cloud the spirit would worknegative magic-alcohol, drugs, obsessive sexuality, jealousy, any overinvolvement in the material world's desires and distractions could lead toserious mistakes. Watch each step.
Line 1
The material plane is a hard ride. Life, death, suffering-it seems so all-encompassing that we forget about it. We live with the pain, as if what we do
doesn't matter. This is the line of drugs and alcohol as substitute forunderstanding and action. You are lost-no one likes to hear that-but it canhappen to anyone. Don't be afraid to turn your back on doomed, self-createdillusions. Get to know yourself-surprise yourself with a creative reaction to life.Therapy, philosophy, religion, education, work, people-find something in lifeand devote yourself to it.
Line 2
This line forecasts a true testing of your inner resources. The heaviness of lifelooms all around you, and, since you are a person who likes to work actively tostraighten things out, you are tempted in many different directions. However,if you are hearing the message of your inner voice, you know that you mustnot directly act. You must wait for exactly the right moment to achieveprogress. Like a drowning man beating the water to stay alive, but insteadtiring and weakening himself, you must not move from your stillness too soonand waste your energy. Concentrate on each moment to see when yourchance for meaningful action will come. And it will come.
Line 4
An unexpected friend will appear. This appearance will be odd since thisperson will not be the person to whom you are usually drawn. You arenormally revered and encouraged for your brilliance, but now you will be aking in exile, wrapped in shredded robes from the storms of fate. You will beshown real humanity in its simplest form to reflect your own simplicity. Don'tlive by old expectations. Get down to it. Take a breath in a long, dark night. Bethankful.
Line 5
Here your leadership characteristics will draw you deeper into danger if youbecome headstrong. Seriously, don't you have enough to worry about rightnow? You've got to realize that the period of testing you are in demands thatyou don't bolt like a wild horse in a lightning storm. Ambition is illusion. If youprepare yourself with pride and dedication, you will be ready whenappropriate opportunities come. However, if you let yourself be lured by self-projected desires, watch out!
Line 6
This is a hard line. It says that somewhere in your struggle you took thewrong path and now must live out the difficult consequences. Don't besurprised if you feel depressed, or even hopeless at times. You will beembroiled in problems for a while now, but there is cause for hope. Everyonecan make mistakes, or take wrong turns in life. It is how we handle them thatcounts. Now, go into battle against despair. Get your head together; fearlesslyfight to set yourself free.
HEXAGRAM #30 - FLAMING BEAUTY
THE FIRE NEVER KNOWS ITSELF
Flames danced and leapedInto cold, empty airAway from the dying woodWhich gave them birth.
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Overview
In many ways you are an exciting person with considerable talents andattractive qualities. This is a good time to command the spotlight with ease andnonchalance-you will accomplish much, but don't get lost up in the ego of it all.Realize you can be only as successful as your opportunities allow. Also, you arenot an island to yourself and any brilliance you achieve will be closely liked tothe people with whom you relate. Recognize the sources of your inspirationand energy as part of a conscious effort to keep universal forces in balance. Infact, your whole outlook should be very "aware" of the world beyond yourself.Who is giving you the chance to shine? Where is the source of your energy?Acknowledge these helpful phenomena. Yes, you are a fine creature, beautifuland hypnotic, but you are a swift-burning flame, a bright twin to your ownshadows. Now is the time to understand and realize the secrets of theuniversal integration of complexities, and even if the wider picture escapesyou, you can contribute immensely to your own evolution by doing the "rightthing" as you see it. Follow a positive and productive course with rigorousdetermination-this will be an appropriate show of perspective about yourselfand circumstances in your life.
Line 1
Whether the beginning of a day, a relationship, a business venture, etc., anyfirst steps must be considered seriously. Take time to still your storm-tossedinternal waters and make provisions for dealing with a sometimes frustratinghuman race. One way to hold your ground is to decide in advance that you willstrive to show an outward acceptance of people for what they are, even if theyare driving you crazy inside. You will lose your favored status quickly, if youshow weakness now. Keep calm and keep moving.
Line 2
Your strength is a balance. In a world of wretched and disgusting excessesyou have found the middle ground. Step lightly through the minefield of life.Moderation in all your desires will produce solid gold in return right now.Inspiration, one of life's dearest magics, can get lost, but now it is yours.Particular good fortune will come to you if you are being creative, artistically or
interpersonally. Hold on gently to this brief, sweet interlude.
Line 3
We die a thousand times to be born. Each day is a birth and death. Eachchange we go through is a kind of mortality/immortality gate. Some even saythat sexual intercourse is a death and transformation. All around you, you cansee the human race engaged in a desperate, grasping for "good times," whichusually translates into abuse of drugs, alcohol, or social sexuality. Othersbecome cynical and hardened to the shocks of life on the material plane. Foryou, neither of those paths will satisfy-you know life is what it is, and that'senough for you.
Line 4
Desire is very obsessive and seductive. You might gain something you wantbecause of your charisma and magnetism, but the triumphant feeling willquickly fly. Observe nature. The violent storm is of relatively brief duration.Among other entities, your passionate seeking will work reverse magic, whichultimately will make you expendable to them. Your flame wants the sky, butwill live longer and be more effective if you keep on a slow burn.
Line 5
I suppose the ultimate magic of life is the act of changing hard times, badkarma, or the tragedy of the human condition into something positive andhopeful. It is our greatest challenge. We water the earth with our tears and wehelp the future grow. This is a line of emotional climax. Things won't ever bethe same after this. You will be stronger and the life-long work you have beenpursuing will continue at new levels. You are special-you have feelings andlogic, will-power and intuition. You touch people because life touches you.Have faith.
Line 6
You have the power of the purifying fire. Negative and draining people won'twant to be around you right now-your radiating vibrations will drive themaway. The best part is that you are nobody's judge and most people will findyou easy to live around. Use the same even-handed temper of mind in dealingwith yourself. Be ruthless in the treatment of the destructive and negativeforces inside you, but be understanding and lenient with most other areas ofyour character. You will do what you have to do. Trust yourself.
HEXAGRAM #31 - ATTRACTION
A KISS IN THE HALL
A kiss in the hallChanged everything.After that she threw awayEverything she couldn't keep.
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Overview
Your situation is based on attraction between yourself and someone else.Things rush away from you. Fate has elected you to be the last stop on thepsychic highway.
Everyone finds you to be just what they need. They are using you, in the bestsense. Some are curious and want to see you as a kind of museum exhibit.They measure their lives in relation to what they thought you were in the past,or they might be riding the current of your generosity. It is very high energy,this exchange with the others. You are clearly a good person, even if you knowyour own secrets of some small lies and furtive betrayals. There is no dark sideof the sun. You are unreal now. Be the caricature of yourself that everyoneloves. Look for surprises of the heart and flow without action with the springcurrents.
This is not a time for doubts. You will do well to expel as much selfishness aspossible. The more selfless you become, the more benefit you will enjoy. Thisis the good fortune of attraction.
Line 1
Everything is in the thinking stage right now. Possibly you see the course ofevents and outcomes which might occur, but nothing is spoken to the world.Events go on, as they will, and you wait to effect their flow. Your strength atthis time is your low visibility. Use the distance from the world to strengthenyou inner resolve and to clarify your plans.
Line 2
The water is seeking its own level. All around you, things are happening, evenif you aren't making them happen. The others will be deep in their Tao at histime. It is likely that you have an illusionary persona for the others. They arenot really in touch with who you really are. They have a mental image of you,possibly from a previous era in your relationship, and they are organizing theiractions around that. No matter, it has nothing to do with you. Try not to attachto anything right now. It will be easy. What are you all about? What do youneed to do? Mind your own business in the truest sense of the world. Ifpossible, regard the comings of and goings in your space with good-naturedamusement. This is the way of breathing. Breathe and relax. The water is
seeking its own level. Practical advice: Lay low. Avoid the world and let thegame come to you. When troubles flare, respond with laid-back grace and,inside yourself, stay philosophical. There will be lessons learned in "Yin.'. Youraccumulated karma will show and there could be shocks and amazement. Thiswould be a good time to remember that all men are your teachers and that youyourself are your teacher.
Yin is weather. A kind of haze has settled over your life right now. Like abeautiful, mysterious, lazy Indian Summer day, not much is happening on thesurface. Inside, life is complex. Great tectonic plates are shifting and smallgeysers all around belie the calm atmosphere. Dreams may be intense at thistime and their themes may have familiar resonation. You are on the minds ofthe others right now and this psychic energy is pervasive.
Line 3
You must get control of yourself. Temptations want you to do anything andinfluence anyone, but this is a time for self-discipline. You purposely hold backin order to gain a more complete view of your relationships; you intelligentlyand generously assert yourself and you realize freedom doesn't come easy. Itbegins in the strength each person musters when dealing in matters of faithand patience.
Line 4
Much power is flowing through you. You are impressionable regarding worldlylessons and influential in your position with those around you. You are notgoing to pursue an easy path to popularity. Instead you will lie back and letsubtler forces work. Now, get serious about making the attempt to understandyour intuition. Let yourself be taught from inside.
Line 5
Your power is strong and you continue to hold out for the proper channel.Humility grows as you learn to listen to the message of life. There is no lessonto teach the world that you can't practice yourself. Growth will happen for youwhen you develop gentleness. It is the proper focus for the outlet of yourstrength. You can be the kind of person you want to be.
Line 6
Too much talk and not enough action is the problem. You have very strongnegative feelings about hypocrites, but now you are on the verge of hypocrisy.Wrestle with weakness and don't let false ego claims get in the way ofunderstanding. You may even trick yourself into believing you are somethingyou aren't. Fortunately it won't get you into trouble.
HEXAGRAM #32 - THE LONG ENDURING
SHE WASN'T A TREE
A tree knows when to shedIts red cloakAnd when to love itselfThrough dark winter.She couldn't waitFor spring's gift of a green heart.
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Overview
You are life. The land, sky, the dreams and mind of man all contain somethingof timeless nature and are the simplest threads of this life. The days speak toyou and the years are your silent teaching masters. The one great law of thismaterial plane is restless change. As tumbles kaleidoscopically through itsvaried forms-change only remains-the breaking down, the building up. Expectchanges, near and far-reaching. Except things to happen you never could haveforeseen. You will grow in wisdom as your outdated material and spiritual skinis shed. Assistance will come if you spend some time with yourself in deepthought. Let all you have ever seen reveal the unifying mystery of life. Expectthings to be trying and stressfully draining-this hexagram isn't a ticket toNirvana. Now, more than ever, appropriate hard work is the only answer toany question you can think of. Your inner values have long been consistent-tryto be strong and generous in actin and spirit. A curious path has led you tonow. Study a broad spectrum of impressions and be what you will see.
Line 1
You sense strength is the key issue in what you are about to experience. Youare right, however, you can be tempted into artificially rigid stance which couldset you back. Be strong, but be realistic. So many times it has been suggestedthat the young tree can survive because of its flexibility in destructive storms;this is such a case. Remind yourself that everything takes time and more time.
Line 2
These will be more confused and scattered times. You have told your friend tobe cool under the fire of life; now you must heed your own advice. Take adeep breath, calm down and take charge confidently of the passions andinsecurities which dart through your conscious and subconscious. Don't let thecrazies make you crazy. Take an inventory of strengths and weaknesses andlogically seek to unravel your position.
Line 3
If you use psychological turmoil as an excuse to hurt yourself and others, thenyou are treading a path of increasing darkness. No matter what strange forcestug at your heart, you've got to remember who you are and why you came tothis life. You have always felt the lack of material roots to make youemotionally secure, yet you might toss away something irreplaceableimpulsively and wastefully. Don't do it. Remember who loves you.
Line 4
You need to tap the deep wells of creativity at this time. Strength anddetermination are totally integrated in your character, but they alone won'taccomplish anything. Without imagination you have no hope of filling theperennial empty space inside. A well-worn path you have been traveling needsto be abandoned for unexplored territory.
Line 5
The two necessary parts of your nature must be carefully balanced now. Faith,coupled with responsibility, should carry you through the imminent changesaround you. Feel everything and be honest with yourself about what goes onin your heart. Don't miss any detail in the "real world" because fortune and thelack of it ride on the most subtle of clues. You might have trouble thinking it allthrough. Look for a thread.
Line 6
Your endurance is a slow expression of powerful energy. Beware of periodswhen time accelerates and mistakes seem to be multiplying. Naturally, this isnot a good time for rational thinking about critical decisions. You are so strongyou think you can survive alone, even going on a dark path downward. Howmuch abuse will you lay on yourself? Where is the last stand for all your heartknows is right?
HEXAGRAM #33 - MASTER OF RETREAT
GOODBYE TO HONESTY
My parents told meTo tell the truth.When I did, they punished me.I learned the wrong lesson well.
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Overview
It seems you are due for a stretch of difficult times. You wont necessarily bebullied or intimidated, but you will profit from retreat. You are a very strongperson, and in many ways, that is what this period will bring out in you. Toapply strength without discrimination can be a weakness and can topple thestrongest power-now you must learn the lessons of choice and the greateststrength of all, self-control. Don't be surprised if those around you get out ofhand. Possibly, even more than one person at a time will be difficult. Theseindividuals who usually respect your ground will be so lost in their ownchanges that you become the target of ill feelings. Even if you know you areright (you usually think you are right anyway), hold back, withdraw and let theair clear. Any attempt at forcing the peace you need will be a pointless wasteof your time and energy. This is not to say you should totally go against yourown heart-the little things you do now will provide the distance and defenseyou need. You will be the master of retreat when you can channel your energy.Help others grow. Be consistent and loyal (in subtle ways) to the values whichhave brought you this far.
Line 1
Trouble is too close. You have been caught by the advancing storm. If youwere being stalked by an animal, you would be safer lying absolutely still thanyou would in a hurried flight which could attract the predator. Now you mustbe a chameleon and change colors to suit your surroundings. Be a master ofquiet disguise and camouflage. Still your mind from worry.
Line 2
When the struggle of life gets too close for comfort, sometimes the path tosafety becomes hard to see. Like drowning people, we beat our arms and legsfrantically in fear, and that fear weakens us and pulls us down. Someone towhom you have become close is heading in the direction you must go. Followtheir example, seek their help tenaciously and demand the secret, which issecond nature to them, but to you may mean everything. Be master of sightwith another's eyes.
Line 3
Stressful times produce strange associations with people. Just when youthought you had the way cleared for your retreat, just when you had spentwhat seemed to be the last of your precious energy, a new problem has arisen.Someone has joined with you out of blind loyalty. You feel weighed downagain, but this person can help you. The test of your character here is to reachdeep into your well of character, exhausted though you may feel, and find theclean, fresh water that comes with respect and sympathy for your fellow man.Be a master of spirit lighting the path for those who need you.
Line 4
You must follow your inner voice now. The retreat you are in is natural andeasy since you are relatively independent, but those who have formed neuroticattachments to you may become difficult. They attempt to make you feel guilty.Now you are the master of the fork in the road. Your way will be different fromanyone else's, and invariably difficulties will be left for those who, having losttouch with themselves, depend upon you for their identity. Be calm andconfident as you choose and begin to travel your path.
Line 5
You are the master of timing, and a sea of troubles will be left in your wake asyou retreat. On your left and right small entanglements slow your progressaway from the world, however, you are in control. Not only will you rise abovetrivial concerns, but you will heal many of the wounds around you with thegood humor and positive attitude for which you are known. Let your good luckfind you now at the right time.
Line 6
Do it your way. Retreat has become a victory since trouble has been left totrouble. You are the master of freedom, at one with all you see and all youdon't see. The reward of being yourself and believing in yourself is now. Laughat and with the world.
HEXAGRAM #34 - THE MONTH OF MARCH
DESPERATE TRICKS OF NATURE
Painted for war, Painted for mating, Shaking with desire, We are desperate tricks of nature.
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Overview
There is tremendous generative power in the month of March. Life'sunexpected answer to the dark and death of winter lies, all potentially,gathering its energy in deep earth. Any false start can send vulnerable andpremature shoots into a still-freezing world. It is the same within the lives ofmen. You have strength-the power to transform and evolve, but it must bereleased at the right time. Don't be tempted out before the signs andconditions are favorable. Your success is all but assured in spite of internal andexternal obstacles which subtly test you. March is a curious month-when blastsof winter hold the spark of spring hostage, yet at moments that distant scentof spring escapes recognizably in the cold night air. So it is now. Be master of
yourself. Ask yourself repeatedly-What will best enhance the quality of my life?Who is in control inside me? This is an important crossroads and closeexamination of every detail of the time is the only way to bring about thepositive conclusion you seek. The omen here is good for those who developwillpower. Without it, the misdirected strength you possess could causeupheaval and loss in your life.
Line 1
If you wrong-headedly advance into a situation for which you are notsufficiently prepared, you will only bring bad karma upon yourself. Probably,you have been tempted, as a reaction to your own fear and insecurity. Itwould be better to keep you accumulating energy beneath the surface now.Look to the small things, knowing that later you will be rewarded for beingconservative now.
Line 2
You feel the weather beginning to clear. Unmistakable revelations reaffirm thecoming of spring. Now, more than ever, maintain your integrity. Only the mostundedicated spirit throws away its chance for peace. Things are flowing andyou are liquid and natural as water. There is no need to force the time.
Line 3
This is a good time to relax consciously, especially in the area of desires. Theneed for outward approval is natural to our race, but we needn't be slaves toour psychological inadequacies. Avoid large and empty promises as theyfoolishly reveal weakness. Achieve strength through individuality, as you makethe wise decisions based on lasting principles. This line indicates a need to behumble, as well as strong.
Line 4
You have the power of Spring inside you now. Grasses, leaves, and flowers aresimple indications of the more complex power which generates them. Revel inyour silence. You will become stronger as you positively influence events anddraw little attention to yourself. Cultivate deep and passionate faith in yourself.
Line 5
Ease up a bit. The times have made you hard and conservative, but believe it ornot, things aren't as life-and-death right now. You might examine youroutward demeanor to see if you are expressing a healthy amount of warmthtoward your fellow man. It won't cost you anything to exhibit some humanity.Strength has many definitions and many ways of being understood. Come outa little, if the world gives you a chance to share yourself.
Line 6
You must conquer stubbornness. Usually the stubborn person is resistantbecause he fears that a temporary, healthy loss of self is potentiallydestructive. This type of person's emotions come so chaotically that a hyper-rigid and super-defined stance is a natural response. The problem is thatholding back or reaching out done out of time will produce a serious talk withyourself about how to get what you want.
HEXAGRAM #35 - ADVANCE
THE PROPHET WAS WRONG
He dressed in ragsSpoke of peaceAnd was murdered.He should have worn goldAnd spoke of nothingBut the gathering storm.
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Overview
In this hexagram there is progress and growth. You develop good qualitiesand rise like the sun for all around you to see. You realize that in the worldpeople are sometimes suspect for their motives. Remaining free of ego andmanipulative impulses will convince people that you are sincere aboutrelationships.
You are a person with power and the humility to understate it in your actions.You may receive praise or material rewards, but they don't turn your head.Three visitors, situations, or strange occurrences may appear at this time andyou are challenged to react with a positive attitude.
A partnership is seen between two people or forces which are different at thecore. In fact, the person with whom you should unite might be someone youfeel stronger or more capable than yourself, but this person depends on youas you depend on them. In this case opposites not only attract, but causelarger and stronger chain reactions.
You must strike a balance between positive, progressive use of your will and alaid-back demeanor, made convincing by truthfulness and sincerity. Getyourself in line and people will follow you and admire you.
Line 1
You are all set to move ahead, but there is an obstruction. Someone doesn'ttrust you and you must be philosophical about it. A quick negative reactionwould only decrease your chances to get things under way. Be open andgiving, particularly to your critics and use generosity as your watch-word untila clearer picture of how to advance appears.
Line 2
There is sorrow in this line. The obstruction preventing the forward motionwith someone reaches a high point. The stand-still produces sadness in youuntil unexpected good fortune occurs. It is possible that this positive turn ofevents comes by chance, but more likely, it comes through your own passivegentleness in the situation. On the mysterious side, assistance might come toyou from a female, look for it, particularly from your own family.
Line 3
Things are moving in this line in spite f difficulties. Your power is not strongenough to take on the world, but luckily, strong friends will help you hold on.Developing your balance will aid you most and help keep you free ofdistracting attitudes. This is a good time to think of goals and keep them inmind as you use communal determination to smooth the rough spots.
Line 4
You are in the right place at the wrong time. Consequently, you might find thepace of your life accelerated. The problem is that you are a more private andsecretive person who will only fall into trouble as the world becomes moreaware of your lifestyle. Don't be tempted to do wrong in a time of quick andseemingly easy gain. Watch the people around you as they watch you.
Line 5
This line contains movement and regret. Possibly your mind reviews pathwaysyou feel you could or should have taken, but this is peripheral to the real issuewhich is whether or not you can develop a philosophical attitude towards thegains and losses of life. You've got to realize that things won't always workout to fit your expectations. Even so, they might be positive if you can havefaith that you are moving in the right direction. You should also make sureyour head isn't turned by success. Put that in perspective too and just keepmoving.
Line 6
It is time to start action moving, even if your natural choice would be to waitfor a better time. You may have to b a bit aggressive, but only with thoseclosest to you; others will not understand you now and you will look bad in
their eyes. Even with your own people there will be some dangers in beingassertive, but getting yourself in balance will help. Don't let revenge or othermisguided thoughts push you too far into the worlds of other people. Thenyou will have cause for regret.
HEXAGRAM #36 - DARKNESS
STEALING COOKIES
You are hiding in a temple,Watchful wearing cool, gray shadows.The flute player neverKnew you were there,Listening like you wereStealing cookies.
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Overview
It is a critical time for you right now. You have been working hard just to keepthings going, but conditions seem to be clouding up. You may experience manydifferent kinds of challenges at this time. One of these might be in controllingyourself, since as things will become more confusing for you, you will be proneto overreact. Overreaction will only hold you back. Now is when you mustshow the inscrutable outer self; listen to everyone, but say very little to anyonebecause, even if you said the right thing, chances are you won't beappreciated. You will be dealing frequently with people and situations outsideyour normal routine and your best chance for safety is to be good toeveryone-though you shouldn't necessarily expect good in return. Fade intothe shadows and let other people pass by, absorbed in their on shadowworlds. As you concentration self-development, you constructively redirect thestrain of this time.
Line 1
Unrest has penetrated into the closest parts of your circle. You can't deny thatsomething is happening, and you'll probably be surprised when you find outyou're not getting any support. The more you are trying to accomplishsomething worthwhile, the more opposition you will experience. The key isyour sense of values and your positive attitude-be fixed on inner truthfulness.Let the outside world be, and soon the storm will pass.
Line 2
You probably will be taxed to your limit by circumstance. Even when you mostwant to be self-indulgent, hold back. Give selflessly to others who need what
only you can give-tireless support and loyalty. You are durable and dependableunder pressure.
Line 3
The key is knowing how to deal with people. You need to maintain a balancedattitude toward changing situations. Be loose. Now is the time to use the coolhead you'd like to think you have. Though misfortunes befall, perhapsunexpectedly, you must remain a man of vision. Usually you pride yourself inbeing realistic, but now your dreams will be the measure of your character.
Line 4
You get a rare chance to see life clearly now, and you've got to realize thatwhat you see might weigh heavily on your mood. You know the bittersweetfeeling of the human condition. When you get to see and feel all this, you willbe changed and your new direction will begin under gray and stormy skies.
Line 5
Be relaxed when things around you start to get out of control. You have built areputation as an unusual person. You are different, and consequently, peoplemight give you more space at crucial times. Look for a quiet way around andaway from obstacles, and hold most of what you truly believe on the inside. Itwill come naturally to you-like an actor.
Line 6
You outwait the storm. A difficult time has come and gone, and the shock of itall is still fresh. You have endured and retained all the scars of weathering. Asalways, the key is inside yourself-set this time free; make outright peace withevents as they pass, and you will be in a much better position to figure outyour next step.
HEXAGRAM #37 - THE FOUNDATION
WITHOUT YOUR SWIMMING POOL
Be careful now,You might wake restless and searchingIn the middle of the night,Got to the mirror to find yourselfAnd be caught without your swimming pool.
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Overview
What are your vales? Have you been bought and sold by Western materialism?Do you repress your true feelings and at the same time climb greedily up theladder of ego-gratification? Are you as good as your word, or do your wordsonly mask your true identity. This is no time for hypocrisy. A solid life musthave strong foundation composed of truth and balance-balance betweenforceful action and gentle intuition. All too often our lives run continuouscircles of activity which leave little time for exploration of inner directions. Wefeel our time is productively spent because we are pursuing a material desirewhich attracts us. Very often these desires become obsessions, and we turnoff our inner voice and manipulate the outer world to suit our supposed needs.However as the buildings grow taller and the sky grows more gray, less peaceand satisfaction seem to come to the land. The foundation isn't right. This isthe hexagram which speaks of human values motivated by timeless inner truth.The heart will prompt the action. The cycle of empty desires will be broken atlast. Your words can be full of depth and sincerity and will enrich and inspirethose close to you. Your life will be a challenge for those who feel tornbetween the way things seem to be and the way things could be. All things willbe inclined to find their right places.
Line 1
There is no way around it-you must be true to yourself. Anything you want toget out of life will come from the day-in-day-out dedication you demonstrate.It isn't always easy to hold to your path, but, in the long run, yourpostponement of gratification will get you what you want. Others will knowyou, if you know yourself.
Line 2
Perhaps you feel desensitized to your daily life and see your chosen path andits responsibilities as dull and limiting. You might be caught temporarily by thelure of worldly fascination. Get right with yourself and realize that everyonehas temptations, but only the strong and true can rise above mediocrity andhypocrisy. You are powerful on your own ground. What would you giveawaywhich you love?
Line 3
You are a peaceful person and prone to keep negative feelings submerged inthe name of peace. It isn't always the right way. Your life has demonstratedthat on many occasions, particularly when, within your closest circle and inyour societal world, everything seems to have blown-up simultaneously.Keeping to your path begins with those closest to you. Let some things outand don't be afraid to go through some rough times for the sake of clearingthe air. Stand up for what you know is right.
Line 4
At this point your material foundation is strong. Your intuition tells you whatyou need, and your will power gets it in order. Others move uncertainlythrough a troubled world, but you are in an oasis. You openly give your love tothe people. In turn, you are enriched by the positive attitude which othersreflect.
Line 5
You have the foundation of the heart. People see you as strong and youradiate peace and love to those open to your magic. Let yourself grow now-stretch to your limits, and what you feel possible will come about. Confidencecrowns all your efforts and you are appreciated.
Line 6
You have character. It comes from your willingness to face yourself. In facingyourself, you have an easier time facing the world. You admit when you arewrong in order to grow and change for the better; this is so uncommon thatother people are often amazed and inspired by your conduct. You are analchemist changing the dark times you have endured into the gold of sincerityand truth.
HEXAGRAM #38 - OPPOSITES
YOU'VE GOT THE STAR MAP
You've got the star mapGiven by the constellationsWhich speak to you at night.I've got the library windowTo look outAnd a candle flame to keep me warm.
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Overview
A situation confronts you which is extremely disturbing at first sight. Veryprobably it comes disguised as a people-problem. Some challenge to yourwhole nature has arisen, and you are under suspicion because of your verynature. Not being used to this state affairs, since you are usually respected andhonored for your efforts and opinions, you react in an extreme fashion to thisupsetting of your equilibrium. You might want to rant and rave at the outwardobject of obstruction, or debate or explain in order to generate some kind ofdefense for yourself.
You must tone yourself down a bit. Get out your frustrations and sleep on thematter. If you find yourself lapsing into self-righteous indignation, you areheaded in the wrong direction. Don't perpetuate the argument or return theimagined insult. Don't mail the nasty letter or jump to the hasty conclusion.The problem begins and ends with yourself.
If your responses to the situation seem aggressive and belligerent, you mustcultivate detachment from the situation. You can't be everywhere andeverything for all people. Let's face it-you are a strong person known for yourparticular world-view. At times others may make assumptions about you, notnecessarily fair or positive, on the basis of what they understand to be yournature. Misunderstandings happen in the world; even about someone withyour generous character. Let it pass. Walk away from the turmoil withdetached calm. Probably you will experience natural peace after the initialstorm of static. Go with it.
Above all, when dealing with opposites, cooperation is the key concept. Youhave much to learn and many possibilities yet to explore which pertain to thissituation. Don't sever yourself from your Tao. Go beyond your limitations, asyou stop worrying about others'. If you could accept people for what they are,you would open more doors for your own understanding. Wait actively andpatiently for this time of testing to unravel itself.
Line 1
This is a line of freedom. You understand the necessity for people to beindividuals in their dealings with you. This might lead them on a path which isapparently opposite from yours, may tempt your "ordinary mind" to insecurityand jealous thoughts. You will resist negative feelings and reaffirm your beliefin the freedom which has carried you far. You realize that people will do whatthey want, that you cannot compel someone very long to comply with yourdesires and that often a peaceful acceptance of time and events can buildpositive karma.
Line 2
People become set in their ways. This leads to opposition as an obstructionblocking the normal exchange of ideas and feelings. Since each person has hisrole to fulfill, nothing is accomplished. Realizing this situation, you calmly goyour own way, seeking your life in its normal places. During your usual roundsyou meet with a person who is estranged from you, and the spontaneousnature of the contact relaxes tensions and serves as a focal point for personaland interpersonal enlightenment. Be disarmingly sincere and the true self forwhich you would like to be known. Help another break through pretensions.
Line 3
Static and hassles go out of control all around you. An uprising of bad karma
invades your life from without from unexpected sources. Possibly somethingsincere you have done has been misinterpreted, and you have achieved theopposite result you would have desired. Your opposite is refusing to cooperatewith you. This shows you how fragile your relationship is since it can beshaken so severely by suspicion and doubt. This is not really your problem,however, and you must let the situation pass. The pressure on your oppositewill decrease, and he will begin to treat you well again. In fact, don't besurprised if the very person who is now so difficult goes out of his for you at alater date. That will be the good fortune of keeping to your path.
Line 4
You have a great many acquaintances, but few people, if any, know the realsecrets of your heart. You don't naturally unite on a deep level with mostpeople because you feel your basic perception of life is different from theirs.You feel others are "owned by the world," meaning they have completelyadopted the social values of the culture. You have found that many peopledon't really care what is inside a person. You go your own way and keepthings to yourself. This gives a sense of freedom, but also loneliness. Now youmeet someone who is like you, who seems to feel similarly about the world.This person helps you unearth and express long pent-up feelings which teachyou important things about yourself.
Line 5
You aren't an easy person to know. Hard times and changing fortunes of lifehave made you distant and hard to get close to at times. Your warm heart isdisguised in an outer cloak of steel and ice and you turn people away with thevery cool, self-sufficiency which has guided you through heavy changes. Inthis case you must be more human and realize there is someone who has reallyshown himself to you, but you've been too busy being detached from life tofully notice and appreciate. You will realize this person has the same type ofpersevering spirit and loyalty you value so highly. Don't let past pain cloud thedays ahead of you. Let yourself be touched and you will be pleasantlysurprised.
Line 6
You will have to see through many veils now. There is a veil over your ownmind which causes you to overreact defensively to many situations. In thiscase, you miscalculated the character of someone you will later find is a closecompanion to you. Oddly enough, that you will make this mistake is a positivesign that you are moving in your Tao. Now is a very good time to adhere toyour source of inspiration. Prayers and psychic insight will help decipher theconfusing events of the days ahead. You achieve union with yourself now, andthat influences all your other relationships.
HEXAGRAM #39 - SEEING TROUBLE
NEW FACE
I am the new faceWith the old problem-Can't live with myselfAnd can't live without.
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Overview
Even though there is a problem you are encountering in your life at this time,the outward obstruction is less destructive to you than the negative quality ofyour inner thoughts. When your life is flowing smoothly, you take commandand have a philosophy or attitude which brings out the best in you. However,the problem you now face is different and your old, fixed ideas aren't working.This would be a good time to gain counsel from a respected source. Someonemust advise you that the worry and confusion you feel will be easily dispelled,when you find a new and more appropriate path. A health problem might beadjusted by advice from a new doctor or from a more creative approach byyour regular physician. In love, two different types of men may seek to gainthe confidence of a woman. Time, not force, will open the doors which musttemporarily be closed. Action directed outward at this time may only compounddifficulties, and looking inward with an eye to self-improvement holds the key.Since your frenzied mental state is fed by worry, any intuition you have is lostin the shuffle. Be still and let your worries settle. In that stillness the newinward and outward direction you need will reveal itself to you. Don't be likethe people who get in bad moods because rain is falling. Let trouble pass withthe storms and seasons. Let your perception of time become wider, and realizeyour present condition will soon be past.
Line 1
Hold back. Whatever temptations you have to gain success by powerful actionare manifestations of your ego. Sacrificing your peace of mind and the peaceof those who would long to help you is wrong-headed. Dig in and wait for therevelation which will truly set you free.
Line 2
Some things are more powerful than personal considerations. You do not livein an isolated world. Knowing this, you also know others depend on you whentimes are hard. This is such a time, and, though you see trouble all around you,you press onward to accept responsibility. A measure of protection will beyours, if you believe in yourself.
Line 3
The call of a distant struggle rouses combative feelings inside. You feel theurge to charge off to meet the obstacle which perplexes you. This is not onlyan illusion, but inappropriate since now your responsibilities are internal-tothose in your family and to your own (often neglected) inner self. Women holdsome special magic now which should not be overlooked.
Line 4
Whatever you seek to do will depend on your ability to gather support fromthose closest to you. You must be confident yet persuasive-all traces ofstubbornness and selfishness must be put behind as you become a model ofquiet determination. Ready facts and figures (or whatever convincingarguments you have) for the moment of truth when your course will berevealed. The strength and humility you show, by letting others share yourburden, will be your true qualities of potential leadership. Others will see.
Line 5
You are the source of magic now. Your troubles are compounded, yet losetheir power because of the good will you exemplify. Aid comes to you when itis unlooked for and some of your past unselfish actions leave an aura ofstrength around you. Give the full measure of your spirit to the battle at handand it will be enough.
Line 6
Balance is yours because you tend to be physically and mentally healthy in anunhealthy world. You don't point the finger at others in hard-times, just as youdon't feel guilty and responsible. Another person can help you see yourselfnow, and you let yourself be positively influenced. All the hard work you havedone on the controlling of the ego will now come home, as you gracefullybegin to move back the barriers.
HEXAGRAM #40 - RELEASE
THE ANSWER TOMORROW
All the work has been done.Like a philosopher I've gone back to the wind, But the wind today won't whisperOf the answer tomorrow.
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Overview
A stagnant low point is passing from your life. Whether it came from outsideyou, or it generated from your own subconscious longings, it is leaving. Manyresponsibilities and worries are upon you now. You contemplate how to reachsome goal and become bogged down with details. This is a blessing in disguisesince it keeps you aware and prepared for flare-ups as your hard times fade.
Actually your successful release depends on two principles: The first is theprinciple of timing. Right now, if you have things to do, get on with them.Don't put off making a decision because a later time will not help you.Conditions are not favorable for waiting.
The second characteristic you need to develop is forgiveness. The bad timewhich you feel passing was nourished by the darkness in your own heart.Perhaps another did you wrong; very probably in the opinion of that personyou were the offender. It doesn't matter now, and you must let past bitternessgo. Where you feel ungenerous, you are wrong in this case. The answer lies ingoing beyond the past to forgive grievances. Now you will rise above problemsas they occur. Open your heart and answer feelings of danger with love andsincerity. Be relaxed and confident and you can be the leader fate has chosenyou to be-because of your humility.
Lead by gentleness of spirit. The human animal has much in common withevery other animal. Since living is difficult, sometimes harsh and even violent,scars remain. Even the healthiest souls are familiar with negative conditioningand institutional inhibition. You must lead with a new paradigm. You must love.
Right below the surface, which can be cacophonous with the discord, there is ahunger for anything positive. There will be a tremendous response to you, ifyou bring a healing vibration. Whatever is holding you back, is all in your head.Thus we learn the power of the mind.
Everywhere you go, you will make a difference. Every scrap of sunlight youfind, you will share. Practical advice: Make peace with someone with whom yourecently have had strained relations. They might be a little chilly at first, butconditions will quickly ameliorate. Be uncharacteristically good-natured andwatch the world give you maximum respect.
Line 1
This is the line of rebuilding. The tribulations have subsided and you areenjoying some comparative peace. Don't trouble your mind with vague worriesand anxieties. Worrying would be a waste of time since you need exercise,fresh air, good nutrition, and sleep. As you let the time nourish and heal you,you will let your natural good fortune increase.
Line 2
You must dedicate yourself to the release which is coming. Your character
must be disciplined in order to save the storehouse of personal strengthnecessary to navigate the days ahead. There will be negatives, sub plots,deceptions, and intrigues-possibly in your own heart, but you must keepmoving ignoring the temptations inside and outside of your life. The goodfortune you are now experiencing is a result of a past good deed. Don't getlost in it. Use it as a starting point upon which to build.
Line 3
You might have an idea in your head which is inappropriate, making ego thedeterminer of your fortune right now. Yes, you have come through and seenthe bad time pass, but you won't be safe for a while. If you see yourself beingtoo free or vain with the world, you will experience loss. Work hard to developthe inner clarity necessary to prevent the embarrassment forecast by this line.
Line 4
Sometimes when times are hard, people accept the friendship of questionablecharacters who later prove to be lacking. Accept the fact that you have fooledyourself as to the identity of your real friends, and begin to look for the arrivalof someone with whom you will be very close and productive. Give up on anyphysical or emotional dead end.
Line 5
It is down to you to save yourself. Nothing is going to happen that you don'tinitiate and this is the time for you to take control-not control in the egotisticalsense, but control of yourself. Leading by example you will show people whereyou stand and call upon them to make a stand of their own. Don't be surprisedif some friends find it difficult to leave their self-centered natures behind. Thismeans they may leave you behind.
Line 6
You are freed at last from the negatives which entangled you, not because youblindly charged ahead, but because you gathered your resources and moved atthe right time. The troublesome people are seen more clearly now, and yougain strength as you acknowledge the positive omen of the line. The GoldenRule guides you not only to surpass your opposition, but free yourself totallyby love and understanding.
HEXAGRAM #41 - DECREASE
ESCAPE THE SHADOW
Escape the shadow
By giving away your own.Let the sun see through you.
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Overview
You have lost something, either material or spiritual. In your recent past youmay have felt all the pressures of the world on your back and no rest from thecontinuous forces which tossed you about. Those days have passed and youhave been left without the security which was underlying in your busy, buttrying times. You may actually experience a reduction in money, property, orsomething else, which tends to narrow the focus of your life. Spiritually, youmay feel removed from your sources of inspiration. Don't try too diligently tore-establish contact with your higher self. Effort will defeat progress.Emotionally, someone may have departed from your scene, or a relationship inwhich you are involved may have reached a more ordinary plane. Theproblems implicit in this change will require a straightening out of your valuesand character. At first, doubts and confusion will disturb your thinking and youmay strain against the changes. This may even be ironic because it is possiblethat prior to your decrease, you may have wished for a simplification to yourcircumstance. That wish has come true and left you wondering.
The way to go right now is a path involving sincerity and generosity. Eventhough you don't have much (money, patience, etc.), give freely of what youhave. Give away all you have. That will be good for you because in time thesituation will turn and you will begin to get back the sustenance you need.Your future gains will be equivalent to your present loss. You must controlyour temper and your willfulness. Anything inside you which frustrates you willdestroy the peace you need. Look for the disappearance of a third person inany triangular relationship and the advent of calm but unexciting times.
Line 1
You have great energy now. You desire to express it in positive ways, and,without excessive praise as reward, you seek honestly to help those aroundyou. Possibly you need to get off your horse and think about the outcome ofyour help. It is possible that your continuous flow of assistance is anannoyance or hindrance. Realize the difference between making or keepinganother individual weak simply because your energy allows you to defendthem as opposed to humbly giving aid when it is truly needed. Watch out foralcohol abuse as an energy release. Keep a stern control over your emotionsand desires.
Line 2
Fight for clarity in this time when your mind and heart are playing tricks onyou. You seek to martyr yourself in the service of another-to completely giveyourself, including dignity and common sense, in the hope of bettering their
life; use intuition. Neither they nor you need you to lose your head. What theyreally need is the insight that you have used to get yourself together in formercrises. Develop your sense of self in the midst of sacrifices.
Line 3
If you are involved in a triangular relationship, be prepared for one person todepart. If you are alone, expect someone to arrive upon the scene whounderstands your heart. Basically, you are alone at this time, even in a crowd.Listen carefully to your own heart and savor its messages. Don't thoughtlesslyshare your deepest feelings-develop them, get to truly understand yourselfand save your words. Don't be surprised if your aid in the time of another'smisfortune has brought you rewards and praise. If you feel guilty, you will bemissing out on deserved appreciation.
Line 4
Something you have been going through inside you has alienated people whowould like to help you. Straighten out your own mind and you will seesomeone come to your aid who has been waiting for a chance to help you. Putaside your pride and accept another's concern and assistance. Remember,sometimes you can help a friend the most by letting them help you. You willget this help with no strings attached.
Line 5
This is the kind of omen you wait to hear. Be thankful to the spiritual sourcesin your life because blessings will fall to you so thick and fast that you will beamazed. Your decrease has helped you develop your own character-thesimplicity you struggled for has made you aware of yourself. Complete oldprojects, look inside yourself for loose ends you can connect and abide inhumility at the hour of your most exalted power. Now more than ever, let theworld know who you are by your actions alone.
Line 6
You are a focal point of positive power and generosity guides you. Realizingthe more you give, the more you receive enables you to help everyone who isopen to you. Your chief strength is that you do not hoard the blessings(spiritual or material) you receive, but rather turn them into a kind of goodwhich is easily accessible to all. The atmosphere is good for work and thingsless personal. Believe in your intuition and spiritual source of inspiration as itguides you at this time. However, when it comes to your deepest feelings, yourealize that this is a time to keep many hopes, doubts, and fears to yourself.
HEXAGRAM #42 - INCREASE
KIDNAPPED
Your body was an ancient map of rocky terrain,Reluctant as the new worldTo show its open secrets.Your mind was clear to read As the path to treasure Drawn on parchment.
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Overview
You can now gain ground on the situation in question. After waiting a longtime, as you have, for a breakthrough, you see an attitude shift on the part ofsomeone else. This outward change in karmic weather is an important sign foryou, and may have an ultimate meaning for a specific personal relationship.Like a ray of sunlight in a dense forest illuminates secrets of the dark, so nowwill you catch fleeting glimpses of the truth about yourself. Normally you mightblindly overlook your faults or stubbornly cling to them because of someneurotic attachment, now their obvious presence will make them (the faults)easier to uproot. The discovery of those problems might be amazing andunsettling to you, since they have been so close to you all the time, but nowyou will not get lost in negative self-images. You will seize the opportunity forchange and begin a new road with confidence based on the Increase of clarity.
"Increase" brings you a clear view of your positive traits. You are only human,and if you could overlook the weakness under your nose, you could also misshaving a clear view of your strengths. You are a quality person who has foughtmany battles with yourself for the peace of mind you possess. Look to othersfor inspiration which they will provide simply by reacting to you and by seeingthemselves.
Just as a peaceful and illuminating passage of weather must give way toatmospheric changes, so does your period of Increase give way to otherforces. The key to this time is the intensity with which you study the outer andinner signs. There will never be a better time to see who you have been, whoyou are, and the quality person you can be.
Line 1
You have the magic touch with people right now. The essence of this line isassistance. You will receive cooperation and blessings from everyone you turnto for help. Many times aid is given by people with strings attached. You endup owing debts and handling negative attachments. Put problems out of yourmind and plan to move ahead with a new feeling. This is a line of clarity andforesight. Look with eyes of a seer into your positive future and let importantpeople freely help you on the road.
Line 2
Your good karma is flowing here. You have realized that your future is forecastin your present conduct. In this case and act of personal generosity in yourpast will now come back to you as in the form of an unexpected blessing. Youbelieve in faith and loyalty, qualities which are often undervalued in thedealings of the material world . Your consistency with your values has workedits alchemy for you, and you accept the challenge of keeping a clear head andkeeping control of your ego. Remain true to your path, as you let good thingshappen.
Line 3
Part of the mystery of life is revealed, if you see through daily happenings.Look past apparent fortune or misfortune, to the heart of the matter. You areblessed by this vision now. Part of your Tao may be to use any hard times inyour past as a step to your higher-self. Dismiss your doubts about being avulture feeding on the misfortune in your path in order to grow. Your are notselfish and are capable of stirring sacrifices for others. Control hope anddespair and continue navigation toward the goal of peace you desire. Be atone with your life.
Line 4
You pride yourself on your sincerity and freedom in your dealings with others.Though you have considerable power, you realize its source is in the trustpeople have for you. Since you aren't out to manipulate others for the ends ofyour ego, as so many in the world are, you get the rewards of intimacy othersnever enjoy. Your basic giving and consistent nature bring you all manner ofbenefits. You will use them to help the very people who grant you power intheir lives. You are humble, yet this line points to big things done withconfidence. Keep moving outside and in for the sake of freedom.
Line 5
You are free. Free from neurotic worldly attachments and free of the heavychains of egotism. Let doubts and fears pass over your spirit as high clouds-give them no energy or power. The good fortune in this line is that you mayrelax in being yourself. Your positive qualities (ones which you feel are oftenoverlooked but mean a great deal to you) are recognized and you areunderstood and respected. You are gentle and kind. These qualities areobvious now for everyone to see-you are valued and bring-true "Increase"wherever you cast you spell.
Line 6
This is the line of "White Magic." You must have a talk with yourself. Theessence of this whole hexagram is cooperation between people, yet you have
lost touch with the very people who could help you most. Your ego is out ofcontrol temporarily and you risk losing much of what you have gained. Don'tthink you are so highly evolved that you can't be challenged. In fact, expect achallenge now-- one which will seem like an attack, but in reality will be yourkarma coming back to you. Yes, you have many exemplary qualities, buthaven't others assisted you at every critical turn in your life? Isn't yourenforced isolation a destructive illusion?
HEXAGRAM #43 - THE RAPIDS
I NEVER COULD HAVE PREDICTED YOU
I spent All those yearsLooking at the stars,But I never could have Predicted you.
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Overview
The waters of life swirl and foam around you now. You must demonstrateunswerving strength of character. This strength should manifest itself in self-questioning. The self-questioner has a dangerous task, since each personalitypossesses all possible shadings of good and bad. When you look inside, younever know what you will find, and you must have the strength to facedarkness now. You are the guide through the rapids and you must use all yourtalent, skill, and intuition to identify perils in the water. This is a time when youmust speak freely about your observations on life, knowing that whenever oneis honest, there could be difficulty. If you show that you earnestly want toshare yourself, others will bond to you and want to share themselves with you.Don't hesitate to be generous. Already you have felt stirrings in this direction.You have accumulated vast resources-strength, knowledge, money, power,insight-whatever; this is the time to return what you have gained to otherpeople at just the right time. Be bold and gentle. This combination will win yousupport in the difficult passage of the rapids. You must become Master of the"Fluid-Plan"-a concept most appropriate to consider in a situation such asnegotiating dangerous rapids. You can't plot one course and violently hold to itin white water. You've got to be on guard and ready to change and readjust toevery new obstacle. Develop your plan as contingencies arise in the face ofconstant uncertainty. It is your destiny to pass safely through the rapids andto learn the gains and losses of such a dangerous and meaningful passage.
Line 1
Watch your step! If you seek to gratify your ego by an empty show ofstrength, you are going to have trouble. Use your sensitivity to feel the propertiming to express yourself in a situation. Go only as far as you feel you can go
confidently. If you go on with a bold exterior and inner doubts, you will beknocked off balance by opposing forces. If that happens, you will look foolishto the very people who need to merge destinies with you.
Line 2
You are watchful. Already your intuition has you looking ahead and behind forsigns of what is coming next. There may be some trouble, but nothing youcan't handle. Just to be prepared, sit down in a contingency-planning session.Go over all the things that might be weaknesses in your general life-plan andbe aware of how you might handle the pressure in these areas. Mostly, haveconfidence that your awareness gives you the needed "edge" to deal withanything that might arise.
Line 3
There will be misunderstandings of your actions and motivations. You will seeloyalties shift away from you with virtually no one to understand you r actions.You are following your heart with great resolution and may be involved in acomplex personal situation-one which you alone completely understand. Gowith it. Let people talk and say whatever they want toward you-it doesn'treally matter. You will feel irritated, probably justifiably so, then let it all pass.Once the confused and intense time passes, the very people who turned awayfrom you will realize what you were trying to do. This will all be accomplishedmore easily if you remain free of egotistical or self-righteous outward actions.
Line 4
Times have made you tough. The way of nature is for too much of one thing toproduce its opposite-so, be careful not to let your strength become pride andstubbornness, and thereby pull you down with weakness. You aren't thecenter of the universe. It is understandable that you would be shell-shockedby the events you have gone through, but there is more to life than blindlycrashing along a self-created path. F there is magic for you now, it will be inthe help others can give you. Your problem is that right now you are sosensitive to being "burned" that you won't let yourself be influenced or led.True humility is your most promising path.
Line 5
There are many ways to overcome troublesome and dangerous situations. Thisis the line of determination and quiet dedication. You can't change the world,but you cab survive the negative circumstances which try to choke off yourenergy and humanity. This isn't the time to gain brilliant victories or fame, butthere is a survivor in you-a second-nature talent to coexist with the manydivergent forces in this world. Unassuming and subtle work on your life willget you through right now, and getting through is what it's all about.
Line 6
In the rapids you must watch for every danger in the water. You must be onguard against the shortcomings you have, or they will accumulate and backfireon you when you need it least. You don't climb a mountain to get careless atthe summit. Don't be surprised if you don't have many people to turn to. Thisproblem is between you and yourself, and gives you a chance to see the Lawof Karma at work in your life. Begin to learn from the lessons of life-it's theonly way to change the cycle you are in.
HEXAGRAM #44 - PROPOSITIONS
BEAUTIFUL AND GONE
You can't take me with lies.Flatter the changing sunlightAnd it is still beautifulAnd gone.
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Overview
Your flight has been to achieve stability within your home, business, love life,etc., and things have been going your way for a time. Certain unquiet elementsin your life have been put to rest-so you think. It is possible that just whenyou have begun to look ahead, thereby lowering your concentration on thepresent, old problems will surface to pull you down. Males should be on guardfor the unexpected arrival of powerful and manipulative lady or an unexpected,domineering mood to surface in a usually agreeable lady. You should be able tosee right through the traps set for your ego, but since the ego is the humanweak spot, analyzing situations could become complex. The easiest way to bemanipulated is to allow flattery to influence your behavior. You have labored tobe a good person, be responsible, be truthful, etc., and you must beware ofhow tenuous your progress is. This is the reason for the title "Propositions."These propositions could be financial or sexual, and they could threaten thestrides you have made. Succumbing to them in the short-term could beprofitable, but allowing propositions to control your thoughts and self-image ispotentially disastrous. You are what you have made yourself-not what otherstell you. Remember, attitudes toward you which swell your ego today couldeasily turn against you tomorrow, leaving you without basic sustenance to getyou through when life and times get really demanding.
In the face of unexpected uprisings, the best tactic to employ is honesty. Thismay lead you into a squall of disapproval, but it will quickly pass and you willsee right through other people's games. Turn that honesty on yourself andyour own motivations, and you will be able to purify and direct that power youpossess.
Line 1
This is time for caution within and without. All sorts of limitations confoundyou now-some subtle and some more obvious. Get back to the simpler aspectsof life to enable you to see and feel more clearly.
What do you really want from life? What do the people around really wantfrom you? The answers come from self-control and open self-expression withother. If you are holding negative emotions, remember, they are consumingyou. Put it all on the line-be what you say you are, and do the right thing asyou accurately see it.
Line 2
You are walking a fine line of balance between protecting those peopledependent on you wanting to make them feel a prisoner in your life and will.Be kind and compassionate in order to make your point of view realized. Whenyou get nervous and irritable, understand that you will lose more than the losttime of a bad mood. You will start a series of negative events that larger thanyou imagine. On the other hand, if you maintain control of yourself, don't givethose close to you that you are above having feelings, and don't seem distantwhen someone needs praise or laughter from you. Balance is the key to thissituation.
Line 3
In spite of all your dedication and progress you are weak to the temptationwhich confronts you. Your mind is torn between desire and conscience. Thisbattle of the will is very important to you because if you give into your darkerside, you will lose much that you have tried to build upon. Laugh good-naturedly at your troubles and shortcomings, but don't let them get the betterof you. Don't do something which violates your expressed principles becauseyou will look like a fool to those who believe in you. If you are weak use thethought of others depending on you to get you through.
Line 4
Beware the complications of ego. The people you have used, passed over, ortreated shabbily in your pursuit of power and pleasure will desert you. Whenthe object of your desire has finished with you, you begin to see the chain ofbad karma you have left behind. It may be too late, but if you can reach deepenough inside you might find the spark to rekindle the respect and thefriendship of the very people you once passed over. Be honest with yourselfabout all that has happened, then begin to move forward again.
Line 5
You have much to gain with your ego under control. Basically, you are apowerful person to whom many listen and respect. In many ways yourenvironment is set up to gratify your feelings of superiority with a circle offriends, lovers, and acquaintances all turning to you for inspiration andguidance. This can be a healthy and productive situation as long as youremember that you are just another person-a lucky one who has the potentialto give and receive. Don't be too pushy about philosophy and values. Otherpeople's ideas are just as important as yours. Your power lies in not forgettingthat.
Line 6
Sometimes you've got to do things your own way. That includes withdrawingfrom your social scene if things get too intense. You have met temptation andfaced it down on your own terms. You have come away wiser, stronger, andlonelier, but more aware of yourself and your needs. You won't be botheredwhen others criticize you for your self-imposed isolation because the honestway you have dealt with temptations has given you the freedom to be yourown person.
HEXAGRAM #45 - GATHERING
TOGETHER WE ARE A BRIDGE
Together we are a bridge.Individually we are small stonesIn the black, rushing water of time.
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Overview
Now is the time to gather resources. Wherever you find strength andsubstance, you will learn about the essence of life itself. Begin by looking atyourself. What do you want out of life? If you feel you have been driftinglately, then this is the time to look for a new path. Look for meaningful advice.Part of your good fortune now is the group of friends and acquaintances youhave drawn to you over the years. Now you will see yourself in other people.Why are they your friends? What do they offer you? What do they offer you?What do they want from life? The point is, unless you start by carefullyobserving the people and events in your immediate circle, you won't be able toaccurately interpret occurrences on the grand scale.
You are in a good a good position now to give of yourself-to go beyond yournormal generosity to a higher plane where a more self-sacrificing vibration willinspire you as you learn the magic of true giving-namely, that the more yousacrifice, the more you will be blessed. All manner of spiritual insight will beavailable to you, if you believe in your source of inspiration. Let yourself move
with more mystical awareness, when you feel the inclination.
This is the right time for an intense look at future possibilities. Visualizepotential problems and work hard to prepare for as many eventualities aspossible. Consolidate your strength and make overallowances for strengthwhen the need arises. Another way to look into the future is with the sixthsense of intuition. Let your inner voice speak to you now and learn to listen.Many times you have had a feeling about a person or a situation and it hasproven correct; go with it now. Gather your many assets to you in this time ofbeginnings and learning.
Line 1
People problems are indicated by this line. Too much confusion, jumping toconclusions, even misunderstandings of character will rise in a swirling stormbefore someone comes forth to put things in order. Perhaps all the frustrationsare just part of the natural path events must take so that the people of yourgroup can learn who the real leader is. Look through the rapid changes aroundyou to the heart of all things.
Line 2
The current of life is carrying you toward a new day. Now you must notstruggle against the turnings of fate, as you realize your journey is part of amuch larger cycle. Your part is to learn the hidden truth in each passingmoment. People appear and effect you immediately on deep levels. Don'tquestion new feelings as they begin to stir, because they will become familiarguides to you in the days to come. You see that magic is not foreign or unusualin life. Magic is everywhere your heart looks. There are faces now clear asmirrors to tell you who are. Look deeply into them.
Line 3
Sometimes the way to peace is clouded by melancholy and feelings of isolation.You want to blend in and lose yourself in the mindless security of everydaysocial interchange, but this feels impossible. You find out yourself lookingthrough windows, at families gathered for dinner, or hearing laughter fadingfrom a disappearing car. You might even be carried away by the need tobelong and find yourself awkwardly present in a social circumstance whichdeepens your feelings of alienation. As always, you are your own best friend.Acknowledge your bittersweet feelings to yourself and gather yourselftogether by yourself.
Line 4
You are included in the lives of many people. Respect comes to you becauseyou are self-sacrificing and generally encouraging to everyone. People listen toyour advice and philosophy of life, which is based on health and stability. The
lives of others fluctuate wildly away from the balance you seek and represent.While you gain feelings of self-worth from being consulted, you experience adrain on your psychic resources with each gift of energy you give. From yourgenerosity you receive renewed vitality only to begin the cycle of self-sacrificeall over again.
Line 5
You have charisma. People want to be around you because you have a specialquality-an aura of leadership or a certain appealing "style" in your approach tolife. Some people sense you are more than a public image, but others doubtyour substance; they even suspect you of being shallow or out for personalgain. Since you are a leader, take it upon yourself to reveal your true characterin a consistent manner. Meet suspicion with true caring and doubt with simpleand honest faith. If you can be true to the identity you have created foryourself, the horizons of your ability to help others will become vast andexpansive.
Line 6
Sometimes your actions are so straightforward that they are misunderstood.People are used to complicated psychological games in their interpersonalrelationships and come to expect them from everyone. Your simple expressionof feeling has backfired on you and fate has you the target of negativefeelings. You are experiencing undeserved hassles and your feelings are hurt.Let yourself express your pain naturally-you aren't made of stone with animage to protect. You will find that the vulnerability you show now will do nomore to attract people to you than your original straightforward expression.Your sensitivity is as natural and necessary as the rain.
HEXAGRAM #46 - PUSHING UPWARD
STREAMLINED FRIENDSHIP
We won't discuss the weather anymore.The clouds pass without comment,As two people find outWhy they came to this blue planet.
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Overview
Time and events are running in your favor. Past weaknesses are lost in agrowing strength and vision. Perhaps you have seen a goal toward which youhave begun to work, or perhaps you are just experiencing a new-foundharmony in your days, either way, you are probably stronger than you think.
Basically, you need to pursue a threefold path to gain the natural good fortuneimplied in this hexagram:
First, you need to cultivate humility with regard to your expectations. Just asthe small seed becomes the mighty tree, so do the significant results in lifegrow from the daily, and just as significant, challenges and problems. Youmust be bound and determined to promote the natural flow of positive events.This will reinforce your humility and an intelligent acceptance of life.
Second, you must consult with someone whom you respect. Part of the key toyour growing power exists in your ability to get the right idea at the right time.This person may be a friend, teacher, doctor, or even someone unexpectedwho can show you the right path. Your intuition will tell you where to makethe appropriate connection.
Third and finally, you must realize the absolute power of your will at this time.You can make the good you desire come about through personal dedication towhat you want. Quiet confidence and faith are the strongest ingredients in thesituation and you are probably already experiencing these.
Line 1
Luck is with you. You are fortunate that what you desire is also desired bythose you need behind you. You could get a promotion or have an emotionalbreakthrough and you must not hesitate or question the time. Simply showyour faith by taking advantage of any possibilities open to you. People areopen to you, they like you; you may even rise higher and faster than youexpect.
Line 2
You are an enigma. Your inner world hungers for progress and perfection,while your outer behavior is sometimes confused and inconsiderate. Fortunefavors you in that the people on whom you depend understand you and letyou grow in your own way. The goals you desire are distant yet obtainablethrough sacrifice. These sacrifices may even be small, but important, since theydemonstrate your faith and will. Begin by smoothing your temperament.
Line 3
Take care not to deceive yourself. Don't be lazy in a time which outwardlyappears to be running smoothly. Don't squander precious time which could beused to build your character. People trust you and your will is molding yourenvironment, but beware, lip service to a goal is not enough to make ithappen, and if your easy time runs out, you will need to live on the fruits ofthe hours which are now passing.
Line 4
You are a "star." People look up to you and value your opinion because youunderstand the implications of timing. You are doing everything right in theeyes of some people; among them you are "first among equals." Your honor isincreased because they are good people and with their aid you can achievegood beyond your reckoning.
Line 5
Your goal is in view. The tide of events runs with you and the realistic vision ofyour desire fulfilled haunts you. Temptation tells you to increase speed andthrow caution to the winds. However, your path lies in the world of calm,patience, and attention to detail. You can experience your dreams, if youremember that every oversight now will hold you back at a later and moreintense time.
Line 6
Your values are going to have to lead you now. You are deeply involved inliving day to day; so deeply into the present that your goals seem far distantand doubts creep into your mind. Go on your deepest feelings and stay true toyour principles; the mood of the world will change and you must be astabilizing force in it.
HEXAGRAM #47 - THE CHARIOT
FOOLISHLY BELIEVED
The water Running through your handGives a quick lesson.Indians foolishly believed A circle could containA rattlesnake.
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Overview
This hexagram has the spirit of the Great Scorpion in the Zodiac and thetension of "The Chariot" in the Tarot. You have all the talent in the world-yourspirit is older and truer than stone, why so much doom and gloom? You feelthe exhausting futility of life-the foolish waste of energy in the relentlessturning cycles of birth, death, and all that lies between. Yet for all yourfrightening, immeasurable darkness, you are something else. You are an entitytoo complex for your own piercing powers of analysis. You can give theultimate sacrifice for life-you have secrets and secret innocence.
Hard times are indicated here. You know too well the meaning of melancholyand laziness and maybe an extra-added dash of something a bit moredangerous. No darkness can hold you though-you are deeper than life. Thereis nothing to stop you. Your only chance for peace is to live life the way youwant to. Attitude is the source of everything now-what you believe, you willbe. This is a good time to grow strong under stress. Every step now will be thefuture. With a good attitude and self-discipline you are powerful and free,without it nightmares will happen. Most important -you can always go furtherthan you think you can. Your destiny is to go all the way.
Line 1
Hard times are imminent. Watch carefully in order to retain protection as yourattitude slips. The gloom is settling upon you. Perhaps you have experienceddisappointment or disillusionment and feel the temptation to give up your pathand all the ground you have battled to gain. Your best hope is to avoid seriousupheaval is to consolidate your physical, emotional, and psychic energies, andwork with your heart. You must realize by now that dark weather eventuallygives way to clarity and light.
Line 2
You can't forge your worldly troubles even though you immerse yourself in thepleasures available to you. You go too far in your self-indulgent celebrations,but in the midst of your contrived revelry a real opportunity for enlightenmenterupts. A person of outstanding character might spark some inner flame andanything might happen. The future is uncertain with this line, but with a littlethought you can survive even the most complex times.
Line 3
If you are about to make a life-destroying mistake, please reconsider. Like in"MacBeth" "Foul is Fair and Fair is Foul." Your vision is not clear right now-youmay see people around you who seem attractive and magnetic, but a criticalmistake would lead you to their arms for comfort-there you will discoverwolves in sheep's clothing. Take care not to turn against the ones mostdeserving of your trust. Great changes come in all people's lives-it is notnecessary to bring extra sorrow upon yourself. You are more filled with lightthan darkness. Please meditate on this now.
Line 4
The obvious entanglements of materialism and ego will be a thick forest foryou now. The world wants something from you-it could e your beauty, money,intimacy, talents, or whatever you have to give. Though it feels good to bedesired and rewarded, selling yourself will be very sad for you in some ways.You have been on a path of public access to your private life. That painfulmistake will be corrected in time.
Line 5
There is no easy way out of this one. You will attract many hard times andsorrows. The future will always be in doubt for you and you will know themeaning of uncertainty and fear. Fortunately, you are stronger and deeperthan problems you face, and, if your faith is strong in yourself, you will havethe peace and good feeling you have always lacked. What does you intuitiontell you about life's mysteries? Discipline the mind and the body.
Line 6
What really has power over you? Don't make the mistake of believing the pastcan control you. You are your own leader-no person can keep you down andbound unless you want it that way. We all have done questionable things-forgive yourself for your self-created disasters. Most important, get on withyour life. Come out in the light as much as possible. Be honest and loving withyourself. You have so much to be.
HEXAGRAM #48 - THE WELL (EMPEROR IN A KINGDOM OF ONE)
NOT QUITE AT HOME IN THE AIR
I have always been Standing outside the partyIn the cool eveningWatching city lights or star lightFeeling likeI'm not quite at home in the air.
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Overview
You are "The Well"-a well of knowledge, inspiration and long-lasting values.People respect you because you seem to be made of stuff of the earth. Yes,you are a wise person-usually your vision gracefully pierces to the heart of anysituation and intimate secrets are revealed to you. Friends come to you-not somuch to cry on your shoulder, but to hear some stirring encouragement inyour words or soak up some of your positive vibration. The I Ching saysemphatically that in olden days a well could not be moved, but a city could bemoved to the well. People come to you-you are honored in your circle. Themost unifying theme of your life has been your willingness to learn. Your openheart has brought you considerable fortune.
However, "The Well" is not a light-hearted hexagram. A moody feelingaccompanies all the lessons and you might experience a kind of joylessness attimes. You are such a complete personality that it is unlikely your relationships
are long-enduring-the nomads come thankfully to the well, but they do nottarry long. Though you keep close monitoring of your attitude, as you givegenerously to nearly everyone, problems gather like clouds in summer. Don'tmake the mistake of believing you have seen it all before; that will lead tosuperficial knowledge which, ultimately, will lessen your value to yourself andothers. Also, you are emperor in your kingdom of one. Take care not to throwaway vulnerable time, love, money, or health in periods of spiritual boredom.You must allow new sources of water to replenish the well. Your way has beenby keeping an open door.
Line 1
Take care, if you get this line. So many times in life people don't develop theirhuman potential and gradually become immersed in isolation and frustration.Relationships suffer where people forget they can change with time andexperience. Meditate on what you have, in all ways, and what you wish. Wateris life, but useless in streams which meander into dry beds. Don't be justanother statistic-another all-too-familiar tragic figure.
Line 2
No one will respect you, if you don't take care of business. Your practicalfoundations must be the base from which you expand. If you dodge yourresponsibilities, the negative feelings of your childhood will re-surface. Youcan't get back at a basically uncaring world by making yourself weak anddependent. It's not glamorous, but it is good advice for you to get serious andgrow up a bit. You can handle anything you want to.
Line 3
There are wells of pure, clear water which no man has been lucky enough tofind. Many missed connections flood the experiences of this material plane.Many connections can be made, to the surprise and good fortune of theopenhearted observer. There is no explanation for light and dark. There is onlywind in tall trees and the passing lives of men. What does your intuition say?
Line 4
No positive step goes unused or unrecognized. You know too well that whenthe serious moments of life come down, you are on your own. Life is a trip forone. We try to lose ourselves by merging with our loves, jobs, friends, or otherpleasant diversions of the material world, but, time and time again, we alwayscome back to ourselves. Go on nurturing yourself-give yourself what you need.When the future comes to your door, you will be prepared.
Line 5
You are gifted. Life is satisfying-not in the sense that you accumulate greatestates of wealth or devastate your enemies-but life is alive in you. You are allthe good things you hoped to become, and your vision of life is true andapproachable for others. Many come to you for a drink of whatever theirheart's desire, and you seem to have the supply. Freely use your imagination,as far as your life moves its mysterious currents, and don't forget to enjoyyourself all the way.
Line 6
On your own way you may have accomplished some important things, but yourreal successes are among the people. You help your fellow human beings.Don't ponder over this mystery, just accept the fact that you hold a specialplace. You have proven your dedication at every turn and the little things youhave done have made deep impressions on the people for whom you havedone them. You can be a wizard now as life flows through you. Your magic isyou.
HEXAGRAM #49 - SEASONS
THERE IS NO SUCH THIG AS COURAGE
There is fear and the reaction to fear Which becomes courage as the ego looks back.
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Overview
As the seasons of time pass, all the universe changes into new forms. The newforms reflect the spirit of the times in which they are born. The history of ourworld and our individual days teach the irresistible rush of the future. You arein such a time and situation in your own life. Forces are flowing together andbreaking apart life as you have come to know it. In many ways, you will leadothers in the days ahead, but you are not yet fully understood. You may evenbe mistrusted or the center of interpersonal upheaval. Al the stress and strainyou are currently experiencing is strengthening you for the changes whichmust come. This isn't a time for pretentious talk and ego tripping-these willclearly reveal the confusion and insecurity which holds you back. This is a timefor personal dedication-a time for looking at the world with a hard anddetermined eye. Realize that all the signs point to transformation for you.Outwardly, possibly your appearance or demeanor, and inwardly your attitudeor philosophy, must change to fit and embody the soul of the new days inwhich you find yourself. You will lead by example and achievement; others willknow you by your deeds. Following the hassles and turn-arounds, you will seea clear light when darkness lifts. You are the weather of the seasons and youwill succeed because you observe closely and learn from all you have seen.
Line 1
This is a season of preparation for you. The revolution begins to rush aroundyou like leaves before a coming storm, but you must resist a nervousexplosion. At the proper time you will release your powers on the situation.For now, however, be steadfast and quiet, accumulating strength andcharacter through self-control.
Line 2
This is the season to change yourself. Either by imitation of someone whoseems to exemplify the new self you desire, or by humbly seeking advice froma positive source, you spark your inner self. You must unreservedly giveyourself to this season of change. Look for aid and comfort when you leastexpect it. Magic will come in motion.
Line 3
The season of timing is upon you. Around you conflict swells like a stormy sea,and many spirits strain against the time. Is it time for you to move ahead?Should you hold back? The balance of scales swing in the wind. The magicnumber is three-after three false alarms, three rumors, three disturbances, etc.the time to act will arrive. Listen and observe, but the answer will come, in itsown time, from deep inside you.
Line 4
This is a season of truth. Your long struggle within yourself has finally broughtyou out into the world. You have patiently turned you ideals (like flowers in agarden) and you have found the courage and direction to challenge strangeconcepts. Great changes and good fortune whisper in the swirling air aboutyou. It is your season to hear.
Line 5
You don't need this advice. This is your season of strength and all currentshave been running this way for some time. There is very little mystery in yoursituation and many chances for self-expression. You will use your influenceand powers for the benefit of others who need to see you in a symbolic way,but, you are real and know that only faint-heartedness could cause you troublenow.
Line 6
You know the secrets of a season of grace. The harsh struggle has come andgone. You have heard the cries and loud speeches and you have continued
preparing yourself with dedication. Look for the easy expression of hiddentalent or some "magic" which draws others to you in silence and faith. Youknow better than to push too hard.
HEXAGRAM #50 - THE CAULDRON
LIVE AND BURN
I should show a poker face,But excuse me while I unravel on the carpet.
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Overview
You may be sensing physical and mental well-being in your world at this time.Your body benefits from and feels good in exercise and your spirit is reachingtowards its strengthening source. Let your feelings out in gentleness andgracefully let the world touch you. Intuition tells you what is right and youfollow with an eye toward humility. It is a time to listen and watch, not only tosharpen your senses, but to control your own cauldron-like bubbling.
Line 1
A positive shake-up is favorable now. You might even do something out of theordinary to improve yourself or your position. Even if you are temporarilydown on your luck, the changes you will make help you achieve some of thesuccess or progress you want. Be creative and unafraid; get things out in theopen.
Line 2
Because of your position you may consider envy. You are dynamic, outgoing,and creative-naturally, the more you undertake, the more attention youreceive. People may talk about you, but they cannot hurt you because you aresolid in your concentration upon your goal.
Line 3
You are experiencing obstruction or frustration because of something youhave handled incorrectly. An opportunity may have temporarily passed you oryou might feel unappreciated for all you do. But the key to your situation isconfidence. You must believe in yourself and have faith that things will workout. You will then pass through your bad mood and get the release you need.
Line 4
Things are not going well. You have pressures on you which you have nothandled properly. Possibly you feel someone else is to blame, but you mustrealize the weakness is in yourself and only you can change things. Self-confidence is the key. Start with yourself to work out larger situations.
Line 5
The time of difficulty is passing. Be confident that your modesty and gentlegenerosity can put past difficulties to rest. Situations may be even better nowthan before your troubles occurred. However, you must be alert andconscientious about keeping the right path; temptation may appear. Choosehigh quality people to help you through.
Line 6
Things are very favorable to you at this time. You maintain a positive frame ofmind which you pass on to the people around you. They listen to you becauseyou are sincere and gentle, even when you speak of serious matters. Progressis possible, as you let out stored energies which find a way to work.
HEXAGRAM #51 - SERIOUSNESS
EASY TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS
Calmly unplug the televisionAnd take off your clothes.We'll make loveOn this lightning storm.
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Overview
The traditional image for this hexagram has been the shock of thunder. Soexpect intense obtrusions from the outside. Expect turbulence and all mannerof supernatural sightings. During the influence of "Seriousness" you will bemore down-to-earth in your attitudes. Be solid and unshakable, once you findyour way.
When the shock of this hexagram is felt, you will have a strong reaction to anexternal stimulus, whether it is a person, idea, fantasy, etc. For a time you willbe lost in an imaginary struggle. You will come to learn that the struggle alongwas with your own fear.
Thunder is hard to ignore. The threat of concomitant destruction pervadeseach moment. The key is to remember that statistics are on your side. Theoverwhelming probability is that nothing will happen to you. There is almost anadrenaline rush from the presence of danger. The secret of "Seriousness" is tobe cool. No matter what comes down, cultivate a Buddha-calm that won't quit.Don't be surprised if you are called upon to do the unusual. You will face thestorm with sang froid. The lightening falls somewhere else tonight. It passes tothe north and south.
Line 1
This line carries the shock of this hexagram. Look for the disturbing andunexpected. Look for order and peace to give way to chaos and confusion.This atmospheric change in your life will bring out the best in you, and you willmagically change the disorder into good times. Your good heart and open mindwill guide you through brief trouble storms. Be as quick to laugh at theabsurdity of life as you are to get hyper-serious about occurrences of imaginedimportance.
Line 2
Now you may feel actively insecure about any area of your life, based on yourperception of a recent happening. Possibly a confused encounter or amisunderstanding will leave you with a sinking feeling and flashes of panic. WillI lose my friend, lover, security, etc.? All this is part of the natural cycle whichwill lead your fate back to you. Whatever you want so badly, due to yourenflamed insecurities, will come to you. Go on living your life; calm down;nothing has been gained or lost.
Line 3
Mellowness is your usual path with everything. You maintain your distancefrom the troubled and misguided world and let it pass over you. Now troublehas come from where (and when) you least expected it. It strikes to the heartand you can no longer maintain your peaceful equilibrium. Now all yourcollected wisdom will be called upon to guide you under pressure. Thisdramatic rise in intensity will be answered by your best "clutch" responses.Shock and seriousness will be your guides.
Line 4
You are confused. Hard times have come and gone leaving little clue as to theirdeeper meaning and implications. You seem hung-up in a personal time warpwhere nothing is happening-the last piece of the puzzle has not been found.Your only alternative is to free yourself in order to let things clarify themselvesin good time-a time when you will be more able to comprehend and dealeffectively with all that happened.
Line 5
Get very intense about your life. The blitz is on and it will be a good time toplan while on the run. Get your head together and batten down the hatches.As you get serious about deepening your defenses, you will get closer to peaceof mind. It's all part of your journey now-like a traveler in a tale of old, besetby dark foes, but guided by soul and light. Believe in yourself.
Line 6
Things are going to get crazy. Rumors are flying-likely you're involved in themin some way. Don't depend on others to be pulling with you now-more likelythey'll be far into their own paths and might even seem distracted andalienating. Let it be. Just give them space and be bold in demanding anddefining your own. It will all pass swift as seasons and time. You are anobserver of the great sea of life. Watch open-heartedly on your stone sea wall.
HEXAGRAM #52 - KEEPING STILL
LOOK INSIDE YOUR SKIN
Can't find it on the highway.Don't see it on the screen.It isn't in your wallet.Look inside your skin.
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Overview
Calm yourself down. Frenzy and confusion are giving way to quiet anddetermination. As you experience this time in your life, try to be aware ofeverything around you and imagine yourself seeing the secrets of life. Youhave come from a turbulent past and are heading to an uncertain, yet hopefulfuture. You must flow with the times and be a dynamo of direction when youare called upon, or tactfully avoid negative situations, conserving your energyto use later at a more productive time.
Use this time to develop your whole self. Eat good food and enjoy your rest.You have many scars to heal and muscles to tone. Investigate yoga-aninexpensive book will provide you with simple and beneficial exercises.Consider meditation-not necessarily a good formal kind-but a stilling of thenervous system and clearing of the mind (done simply through breathing). Inother words, use this time to replenish physical and spiritual energies. Usingyour time creatively, you can be ready with the vitality to move or the clarity towithdraw.
A strong balance and harmony are possible for you. Usually you are either verycritical or extremely romantic. Now you will be both at once, seeing beauty andmeaning in the commonplace. Make plans carefully and look closely at thebusiness in front of you. This is a magical time if you are open to the dark andlight of it.
Line 1
Your future is a long road before you-the mountains, the valleys, and thebroad plains. A wide panorama is visible to you now. The various ways andpaths open to you are clear-that you see them and their outcomes as a gift youhave which is well-developed and extremely important to use at this time. Justbe careful that as you experience visions, you don't get lost in dreams. Enjoyyour temporary peace, but keep in mind that you must eventually act on thedecisions now forming inside you.
Line 2
This is a good time to have blind faith in your luck. Don't be surprised if thingsget out of control at times and have you looking for cover. Your psychicrevelations about the future won't get through to some people around you.They will take paths you know are not good for them, but you won't be able todo anything about it. Just keep in mind that everything is working itself out.Don't drown in the blues. Maker yourself flow with events and don't setyourself up for regrets.
Line 3
Something is bubbling up within you. Your desire for stillness is beingdisrupted from inside and the harder you work to control yourself the morenegative the results will be. Possibly you are experiencing sexual frustration oran over-abundance of fantasies. These have nothing to do with your actual,everyday existence and are actually sidetracking you from more importantmatters at hand. Realize that the fog you are in is passing. Don't get lost in thedarker side of your self or make the mistake of feeling that you can forceyourself. If you are being limited or irritated by your feelings, let them passinto unimportance. You can't win by fighting.
Line 4
The stillness and calm you have been needing is very close. You are able tohold back negative and aggressive feelings, but you aren't happy. Questions,worries, and doubts fall on your heart like rain, and even though you are easyto get along with, others are not, and their unrefined actions upset you. Youare not comforted by anything except the inner knowledge that you are doingthe only possible thing you can by dedicatedly relaxing your body and mind.That is building for your future.
Line 5
This is a time to watch your own behavior. If your outward face is too carefreeor glib, them it is a sign that you are troubled inside. Charm and humor can'tdispel the difficulties and pressures around you. All you have to express yourtrue thoughts to the world is words. Words sometimes have nearly magicaland effective, if you choose them carefully. In fact, the more energy you putinto disciplining your verbal expression, the more good you will generate foryourself and others.
Line 6
It has finally fallen together for you. Long lines of luck from your past haveconverged in your life now. Hard battles and doubts seem distant as you enjoythe moment's calm. Your willpower can breathe easier for a time, having givenso great an effort of late. Look about you. See the world for what it is-lookclearly and objectively. Feel the sadness and hope, and look for your place inthe time passages. Inside your heart is a song. Let life reveal itself in music andharmony-realize that it comes from inside you.
HEXAGRAM #53 - GRADUAL PROGRESS
THE CHILD INSIDE YOU
You can't control the changes,But you can take the child inside youBy the handFor a walkWith the world all around.
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Overview
The general meaning of this hexagram is straightforward, yet profound. Youmust be clear in your vision, have unyielding determination, and the patienceto see all matters to the end. In an impatient world, patience seems likekindness. Kindness comes from the heart, whereas patience comes from thewill. You must be in control now of all the power you have. The diamond cutterknows the difficult discipline involved in concentrated patience, where oneinaccurate application of force could destroy all accumulated work. As always,a key factor is the cultivation of a strong, inner life. All things will move tooslowly for you now (especially romance), but with a deep faith that unravelsmany secrets, you will see all you have desired come to pass.
Line 1
You are an explorer, a traveler in an unknown country. All the old rules youhave learned and unlearned will seem useless, even inappropriate, for yoursituation. Actually you are going to school on life, ready for new realizations,ready, even, for growth-provoking disillusionments. Enemies will be circlingyour difficulties, as vultures look for food. Believe in yourself and pay minimumhomage to artificial social values and morals.
Line 2
Your singular path has brought you material success you have not necessarilydesired. You realize the transitory nature of all things, particularly materialblessings. Consequently, your inner voice prompts you to share your goodfortune with others. You realize, sometimes even all-too-fatalistically, that yourultimate path is a lonely one, but for now you are content to pass the time withclose friends in peaceful preparation for future challenges.
Line 3
Something is wrong. Examine the signs and omens in your world to find criticalmistakes. People to whom you have turned in the past will not be there tohelp, and long-standing plans will not come to fruition. At last you come torealize that all progress is gradual, and all apparent setbacks are just astemporary. This is a time for breaking with the past. Since you have nothing tolose, try to set some things straight. Indulge yourself in confrontations withpeople who have negatively influenced you. Get it out of your system becauseany friends you lose will be well lost.
Line 4
The danger and complexity of life whirls all about you, but on your humanjourney you have struck some luck now. Understand that life will not get lessdangerous or complex, but that you do have an ally. Someone will come toremind you of the joys of simple existence. You will revel in being yourself andeven start to develop a fresh outlook on old, familiar challenges. Adaptability, itis believed, is the key to survival. Learn to make the most of the chances youhave in a changing world.
Line 5
One timeless component of the material world and the reaction of humannature to it is misunderstanding. Though you have worked hard, suffered andsacrificed much, there is still something missing in your life. Just when youshould see the breakthrough in the clouds, you see more clouds. Rememberthen, the one great law of our material plane is change. As the clouds gatherand storm, so they will roll away toward the sea thereafter. Trust to thenatural movement of events and you will see the realization of your desires.
Line 6
Recognize good fortune when you see it. No one knows the path of intensityand trials you have weathered, though now people want to share in what youhave achieved. Tread lightly as you learn of harmony, order and growth. Don'twonder now as to when your next cleansing fire will lie in front of you. Take adeep breath with an uncluttered mind. Savor the moment.
HEXAGRAM #54- THE MARRYING MAIDEN
ON THE WAY TO SOMEWHERE ELSE
Everyone seems distracted,Breaking off bits of happinessWhich never seem enough On the way to somewhere else.
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This is a complex hexagram containing a deep message about the flow of life,time, and love. The omen here speaks of a spark of light in a wide, darketernity. There is a sadness to life. Why do certain melodies or words stirhidden emotions? It is April and snow is falling while a young robin looks outfrom under a sheltering bush. So deep is the spell of the Marrying Maiden.
Nurturing individuality is a lost art. It's like trying to find yourself in the mirror.Now you are yourself-beautiful, separate, even eccentric. Look, this is who youhave become. Naturally, there will be difficulties. In the final end-too many. Asthe heavy gravity of life draws itself through innumerable changes, some willbe sad. There is a time, which is a relative of water, and it smoothes down thejagged edges of personality. Each spring is different, like each person at birth.This year's will be beautiful, but I remember others before as well. Theirspectrum of greens stay in my heart. So learn to say goodbye. You are lucky tohave lived. We hope that is true. Once we breathed clean air and thoughtabout the future.
Line 1
Your part in this play is that of a supporting character. Like many in yourposition, you may entertain higher aspirations-to win the day, get the love ofthe princess, etc. it may be hard to accept this advice, but make the most fromall you have in your position. You are accomplishing more than you know.
Line 2
You are a beautiful person. You're as natural as the day. People move towardyou like plants turn their faces to the sun from which they come. Stone and
earth are the components of your character. You laugh at destruction andhope for peace. The world is lucky to know you.
Line 3
Compromise with society is absolutely necessary, if you are interested inhaving any freedom. It is wrong-headed to promote your own individuality forselfishness or cruelty. It is puzzling to think if our race could one day see theever-present threat of peace. Still, at this late date, there is a certain amount ofsafety in blending in with the herd.
Line 4
You have a special quality. Call it "magic." You are not easily understood orforgotten. A red, true heart is the best life can offer. This heart you have andare known for it. You understand time, beyond the realm of reason. Once youwere called a seeker. Now you seek for the sake of the search alone. Thehypothetical imperative (that we go on for no particular reason and do it sopassionately) is common knowledge to you.
Line 5
There is strength and good fortune in humility. The struggle in this materialplane is so intense that we see progress as related to physical or spiritualaggression, yet when the gates are opened at the right time, blessings seem toflow through. The emptiness the soul feels when experiencing humility is morethan filled by currents of power coming from the center of all things.
Line 6
There is a certain fatalistic feeling to life. You see the cycles and some of thechanges bring loss. Life turns to death before your eyes. Even, and especially,the human race seems headed toward an extinct destiny-just another dinosaurin the mud. Yet life is hopeful still. "Truth is a hard deer to hunt," I read oncein a story.
HEXAGRAM #55 - LATE SUMMER
BUT YOUR MIND IS ON THE SEA
Someone is coming around the cornerOn a gray day in spring.A dog's bark haunts a moving van,But your mind is on the sea.
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Your life at present has the feeling of late summer. The trees and gardens havegiven up their recent harvest and a faint and distant gold has come upon thesummer green.
Life seems to be changing, but the turning is slow and subtle. For so long youhave traveled your own path, working for the peace you now have won.Stillness settles over the world, but you are mildly restless. Thoughts of thepast surround you in a vague mist of melancholy feelings and the future seemsjust out of reach.
Even though your inner world may be unsettled, you must realize what isgoing on around you. People respect you. You have become a leader andinspirational figure who has a powerful impact on people. You have suffered inyour day and fought hard for the character which seems so second nature toyou now. You have had your days of doubt, and they strengthened your heart.Probably you feel the most important moments in your life are personal andinvolve some test of spirit which you are able to rise up and meet.
Be generous with your good nature. Days of storm may be in your future, butnow it is time to shine. Like late summer basks in the richness of fruit andflower, so you must enjoy your life with little worry of the autumn ahead.
Line 1
You are fortunate to find someone who can understand and complete yourpersonality. Good ideas can wither in a vacuum and creative energy can burnitself out, but together strong chemistry results. New heights can be viewedwith your climbing partner, as your combined achievements reach their peak.The only way you could allow negatives to creep in would be to forget yourindividuality. Enjoy this union now, but realize your ultimate path can only betraveled by one-yourself.
Line 2
Just when you feel like things are going your way, you may meet withdisillusionment. In your mood of trust, you are ripe to be used by someonelow enough to abuse you good nature. Though you want to forcibly straightenthings out, the best path is self-knowledge. Show this person you are anexceptional individual. Be straightforward and warm-hearted and the situationwill miraculously clear up in your favor.
Line 3
What you have now is an abundance of confusion. Things should be goingyour way, but they aren't. the world has turned upside down all around, andbelieve it or not, you hold the secret of survival at this time. Don't becomenegative and self-critical. Most of the craziness around you will pass like atornado. Try to build your personal strength and don't be surprised if othersaren't particularly receptive to you at this time.
Line 4
You can feel a season of your life passing. The dark mood which covered yourdays has begun to lift and a fresh wind of hope energizes you. The energyincrease which you feel cannot, by itself, help you past this period. What youneed is a friend, someone with a level head and new ideas. This person is onthe way to kindle the spark within you.
Line 5
One of the best ways to see the result of your action is to look around you. Doyou see decent people, willing to tell the truth for the common good? Doesloyalty join with humility in your friends and associates? You are rich in thequalities of leadership, but more extraordinarily, you have "magic" about you.Don't examine good fortune too much. Simply change it into more goodfortune. Keep the inspiration flowing.
Line 6
It is very sad when someone turns his back on an abundance of good peoplein order to pursue some self-serving dream. Elitist illusions made it inevitablethat your circle will narrow only until you remain within it. Unfortunately, yourego is your sensitive spot. This distorts you life-view and makes peoplevaluable to you only as they feed your ego. Wise up! Don't betray your friends.
HEXAGRAM #56 - THE WANDERER
OTHER'S PEOPLE'S DREAMS
We live other people's dreamsWhile our life flashes by.They wake to themselvesAnd we can't remember what we dreamed.
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Overview
All is wandering. The planets and stars go their way loosely confederated by
gravity pin the truth of dark, cold space. Possibly you are drifting throughthese incarnations now.
Are you dreaming while awake? Something is happening to you in the hoursbefore morning when you are already up and watching dawn of the new day.You are deep in your Tao, but the stranger is a stranger to himself. Youridentity is your lack of identity. Don't be surprised if there are two people inyou now-the familiar face that comes and goes through the world, and anotherface, perhaps one you don't even know yet.
The secret of the nomad is that he isn't there at all. He is the sound of horsesfading and the smell of towers burning. The nomad is the wind made flesh, thestranger with the changing face. Let the situation coalesce around you. Takesomething from every moment. It's all you, right now.
Another interesting facet of being "the wanderer" is the broad scope of lifeyou will experience. While others tend to root in one spot and fully integratewith their surroundings, you tend to be at home everywhere and nowhere.Many religions, philosophies, moral inclinations, pleasures, and struggles willreveal themselves to you. In spite of the variety with which you are dedicatedto spicing your life, there will be feelings of melancholy and dissatisfactionwhich tempt you to doubt your path. In the end the doubts won't matter.What matters is the positive attitude you must wear like a cloak to ease yourjourney and to ensure safe passage for "the wanderer."
Line 1
You can't afford to waste your time in pointless societal squabbles. A personsuch as yourself will look shamelessly foolish gossiping and playing verbalgames. Are you trying too hard for acceptance? What do you really want? If allyou think you need is to be one of a particular group, then perhaps you hadbetter evaluate your whole system of priorities. If you sell yourself out, with allthe potential you have, won't you seem pathetic to yourself and others?
Line 2
Your positive attitude has won you friends on the road of life. Day after dayyou have worked with yourself-trying not to lose the thread of meaning youunraveled so long ago. You have taken it on yourself to ease the world'stensions the only way anyone can-by beginning with yourself. Consequently,people are attracted by the magnetism of your character. Let yourself enjoy aunion with another person. Regard it as natural as the seasons.
Line 3
Watch out stranger. Of all the talents you need to cultivate, discrimination isthe most urgent. It is one thing to have a loose group of acquaintances whoenjoy you superficially for your charm, wit, personal appearance, etc., and it is
quite another for you to get swept away believing this group constitutes aclose group of friends. That would be a mistake, leaving you alone andbasically lacking true support when you need it most. What does loyalty meanto you? Doesn't love and true friendship need a long period of growth andtesting?
Line 4
Since being a wanderer takes you through every conceivable experience,inevitably you will go through a period of settling down. You have great talentfor most situations in life, so it's no mystery that your settled time would havemany areas of success. You will be materially blessed and experience a periodof relative emotional peace. All the while, something inside will be calling out toyou for change, if just for the sake of change. Since you have put down someroots, you will feel disturbed and doubtful about this restlessness which yourspirit won't let go.
Line 5
It takes sometime to comprehend what a situation truly demands. It is naturalto apply old thought patterns to new situations, but in this case you've got totry another way. You'll feel a bit alienated and possibly suffer some awkwardmoments, but the people with whom you desire union will realize the heartbehind your honest gesture. This ability to adapt is surely your greatest talentand is well suited to your nomadic lifestyle. You win the attention of the peopleyou need to help you survive.
Line 6
There is a harshness about you that all your charm can't conceal. Those closestto you know what it is to be a casualty of your restless search for yourself.Somehow, it is easy for you to throw away things which have precious value.Your lust for worldly pleasure can lead you to turn your back on the veryqualities you need most. Ironically, you see true gentleness and modesty asunattractive traits initially because they can't drown out the dizzying rush ofyour material desires. This is sad because your way is to regret what you lostthrough your own carelessness. It'll make a great movie, but an unfortunatelife.
HEXAGRAM #57 - THE GENTLE, THE PENETRATING
MANIC OPPRESSION
Kings come and go.Warriors die in bed dreaming bright battles.Lovers hurl themselves off frightening ledges.And quiet lives gather leaves
The same wayToday and tomorrow.
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Gentleness has power to change and effect others. Sometimes human naturedoubts this in a world where violence and aggression seem to rule the day,however, you want more than quick domination and short term gratification-you seek the true change and continuous evolution which can only be broughtabout consistency and dedication. You've seen it around you-so many peoplegiving up on themselves for the usual human reasons, but this is not your way.Keep everything on a low, passionate flame, as you build the kind of life youwant for the long-haul. You have many strong, attractive qualities and mustresist your desires to be a flashy performer as you socialize. You are aware ofthe needs of people (and yourself) to be treated with respect. This respect is apowerful building foundation upon which the bits and pieces of your goodkarma will be laid. Get everything going for you as you use the accumulatedrevelations you have experienced, as well as wise counsel for someone close.To free yourself, be yourself. You will prove yourself to others by beingsteadfast and pleasantly predictable, even in chaotic situations. You will betrusted because you are unfailingly kind, and loved because your quiet, subtleintensity is irresistible. All your personal growth and growing-up has lead tothis point-you are who you wanted to be.
Line 1
You must have strong powers of discrimination so you can decipher the cluesof this time. Gentleness could dissolve into aimlessness, and this could hurtyou. Your reactions to changing events are fluid (a good sign) and your valuesystem is intact. Use these strengths to give you the courage of yourconvictions. Even the most humane spirit must take up arms in its own defenseat some time. Dedicate maximum intensity to the complexities before you-be awarrior.
Line 2
You must penetrate into some dark place now. All manner of subtle spells maybe cast over you-they will erode all your positive progress unless they areunearthed and revealed. This is a time to invoke all your mystical powers. Yoursixth sense, ESP, and intuition are needed now. When you find the sources ofnegativity, and you will, use your "white magic" to render them harmless. Thiswon't be an easy time, but you need a change from your usual "let it slide"approach.
Line 3
Caution! You are thinking too much. It is only human to believe that reasonand logic can show the solution for problems which carry many complexities,however, we ourselves are walking paradoxes, and, try as we might with theexpansive powers of our ordinary minds, we can't solve ourselves. Make adecision. Do anything. Right now motion is more important than perfection.You will get less respect from others, as they see you immobile and static. Bemaster of your destiny. Self-mastery is the key.
Line 4
This is a good time to be seeking answers. You have energy and willpower, butthese alone will not carry you through. You must use your most penetratingpowers of perception to see the heart of all that surrounds you. People mayadmire your considerable personal gifts, but most prized by others and desiredby them is your world-view. You have taken the time to observe the passingworld in depth, and others need to see through your eyes. Take time todevelop you balance of spiritual, social, and personal attributes. This is a goodtime to believe in yourself.
Line 5
Things have been unstable for a while, but those days are drawing to an end.The tide of fortune favors you now because you have prepared well for thechanges which must come. Get yourself under control and think things over.What is going to happen? Where does the path you are traveling really lead?Satisfy yourself that you have done the best you could and keep yourdetermination on a slow burn. To delve into the real depths of fate andfortune, sit down after you have implemented some changes and refinementsand think everything through again. There will be magic in your mind.
Line 6
Don't over extend yourself. You are a kind of psychic detective and you seedeeply into the whirlpool of humanity. Observing and learning from thewhirlpool is one thing, falling in is quite another. If you look for trouble now,you'll get more than you can handle. Don't put yourself in a position whereyou'll have to grovel at anyone's feet. Avoid danger.
HEXAGRAM #58 - JOY
SHADOWPLAY
The lover's handsBecome a shadowplayFor all the wordsTrapped in their skin.
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Overview
Don't be misled by the title of this hexagram. You might not feel ecstatic andlighthearted at every turn. There might even be a touch of melancholy, abittersweet feeling about life, in your world-view right now. What you havegoing for you is a simple enjoyment of life which is infectious. There is somebeautiful secret of life waiting to be found by you now, and all it takes is thedepth to search the hearts of your fellow man. It is within your power tolighten up the situation wherever you happen to land, and this gift of spirit willbe very intoxicating. At moments you may be so successful in greasing thesocial machinery that you get carried away in the flow. This would be a goodtime to immerse yourself in the sensuality of food, drink and physical company.
The real penetrating secrets, however, won't be found on the festive surfaceof any encounters. This is a time when important revelations about life, love,fear, and hope will be found by you. Listen with your heart and encourageyour friends and loved ones to speak from their hearts. Be aware that youhave the power to inspire right now. Perhaps you will give a piece of advice atthe right time, or share a philosophy of life you have developed, or use acommon intellectual experience to lead to deeper levels of understanding. Youwill find this time surprising and unusual. Cultivate a sincere appreciation foryour life and be generous in sharing any bounty you have created.
Line 1
Take a walk. Your life moves by with the clouds and wind. Everything isnatural. You understand the beauty and necessity of rainy days as well, whenthe damp chill is offset by a human warmth within. You sense the similaritybetween troubles and pleasures, as you embrace the paradox. Things get donein the doing and in the stillness. Life is no mystery now. You know life. Itspulse beats gently with your own. Look to the center of all things for the quiet,inner voice which advises you and guides you.
Line 2
In your quest for needed good times you might be tempted to go backward-possibly to some former pleasure which is not truly related to the who you'vebecome. Fortunately, you are sincere about your life-a strength which hasalways been one of your best qualities. Your sincerity will be a source of self-discipline and a shield of karma, keeping those who would attempt to use youat a distance. Be sincerely encouraging to everyone because you might work amiracle without even knowing right now.
Line 3
This line cautions against giving your ordinary mind control over the ways you
seek pleasure. Our lives are filled with external stimuli-everywhere soundtelevision, magazines-all designed to enflame meaningless desires for whichyou exchange your money, time and life energy. It is nearly impossible to befree of this damaging barrage, but you can fight for meaningful activity. Areyou doing anything to help you grow, expand your mind, or develop yourtalents? Are you caught up in social games, drug or alcohol abuse, or society'sprescribed demands? You are what you do. Don't forget it and don't besurprised if meaningless pleasures don't make you feel good about yourself oryour life.
Line 4
Always our higher and lower natures are speaking to us. How do you want tospend your precious life? It seems that much of the material world is a templebuilt to honor the desires of the ordinary mind, but is there that muchhappiness in it all? Why is there so much misery in every socioeconomic level?Money, sex, drugs, ambition, power-the lower self makes these gods. Examinethe promptings of your higher self. What alternatives are there to offer you akey to the meaning behind it all. Try another way.
Line 5
Watch where you put your faith and trust. You are basically simple and youattempt to live by taking people at their words. This may be just an easy cop-out for not being more discriminating about people. You love the good timesand even thin and superficial positive encounters excite you, but until you learnto look more deeply into the hearts of people, you'll be beset constantly byproblems you bring on yourself. Fortunately, your mistakes will be mostly smalland merely waste your time. Can't you get beyond this kind of annoyingpersonal lapse once and for all?
Line 6
Many people go through what you are experiencing now. They become"owned by the world." That is, they become all the desires and worthlesspastimes the culture would have them become. Their time and destiny is nolonger their own. They are caught up with the swimming pool in the backyard,the next pretty face, the newest mind-altering substance, and are forever cutoff from hope of controlling themselves. Does this sound familiar? Fight for thesimple, truthful pleasures for which your soul hungers.
HEXAGRAM #59 - SPRING FEVER
WALKING THE WIRE
Walking the wireIn a dream-heavy sleep,
Ocean wild on one side-Lime-green Grand CanyonDeep in the other, A piece of straw between your teeth.
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Overview
You know the feeling. Remember the hard days of winter, of secrets betrayedand cynicism. The cold snow of suspicion had you so far from where you aretoday. You see the stars again, life is green again. You can hardly believe youare close to the universal force again, but it is true. The first golden haze ofspring is around and the tired old soul inside you is warm and young. What doyou believe in? Why is life? You will see and feel your answer to that questionnow. This is not to say things will be ringing in perfect harmony, in fact, yousense danger at every turn, and are still surprised when it surfaces. Do yourecognize the signs? The current of life is flowing endlessly through you. In asingle day you will experience many changes of emotions and attitude. You arein, love with life. Yes, you have seen much of love, sorrow, and of hope-butthe springs just keep coming with their green message. Ask for the moon rightnow and believe in everything. You have complete faith that everything youare giving so generously to the world (time, money, etc.) will return multiplied,and you have such a deep connection with your positive feelings that youdon't care about the balance now. Freedom is your protection and blessing.
Line 1
This is a great time to show leadership by generosity to others. Peoplenaturally are suspicious of others' motives, but you can make a strong showingby giving freely. No one can really be unaffected by an open heart. You prideyourself on standing behind your words and deeds and this time will be a test.Things are easier than they seem.
Line 2
Good vibrations come from confronting yourself. You're not as complex as youthink sometimes. Listen to the simple song in your heart. Go for a walk or sitdown and gently think things over; chances are you'll discover you have afriend in yourself. Deal honestly with yourself and don't be afraid of self-criticism. You are a great person with all kinds of human potential.
Line 3
Forget any peace and quiet you have been experiencing. There is no more timefor this now. You will be completely absorbed in the world around you. Plan torelax as you go and get your thinking time in motion. You realize that the greatmessage of life is change. You are truly scattered on high winds-go with the
currents.
Line 4
You are going to be deep in your own path for awhile. Light-hearted times offriendship will seem a dim memory, as you move through a personal dreamworld. You will see far, but things near you will seem more distant. Trust yourdeepest feelings and don't be surprised at some psychological rough spots.Somehow you will be above it all at a place only you can find.
Line 5
You have abundance coming to you. Hidden talents and unusual situations willbe plentiful. You are a creative person who responds intuitively to situationsand right now your extra spiritual and mental energy are needed all aroundyour life. Believe that your counsel is clear and strong; be assertive in makingand breaking decisions.
Line 6
You are super-sensitive to danger right now. Don't feel guilty about beingoverly cautious. You simply don't want to wreck all the progress you havebeen trying to make. If you take time to do the right thing as you see it, youwill open unimaginable doors for yourself. You have powers and charms andthe freedom to do what you want with them.
HEXAGRAM #60 - LIMITATION
YOU CAN'T OUTRUN THE HORIZON
Roads curve longerAround the earth,Longer than anyone.
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Overview
This will be a confusing time for you. You must thoroughly acquaint yourselfwith the middle-ground in your life. You must be conservative and liberal at thesame time. There will be a strong need to discriminate between events whichtend to strip away your vital energy and those which increase your humanpotential. You have many interests and you have been in a period of expansionand generous expenditure of spirit which must now be cut back. You are not aparticularly willful person now, and it is possible that you could lose yourselfon the many paths of the material world, if you don't find your rightful road
and keep on it. It's not that in following your nose won't find ways to growand learn, but you are prone to wander.
Confusion will come as you sense the need to discipline your eagerness to joinyour karma with the karma of others. You have external and internal signswhich plead caution. Physical and/or emotional upset would be concrete proofyour balance has slipped. You will try to restore that balance, but fall prey to anatural overreaction, thus causing another imbalance. Your ordinary mind maytell you you have calculated the answer to your problems, but something willstill feel wrong, and no peace will be found.
Peace comes now as brother to freedom. Though control and restraint havebeen appropriate, they are not ends in themselves. Your will builds a bridge inthin air. The mind works for the heart's desires. You will come to realize youare more than an idea of discipline. You will learn the dangerous and excitinglesson of spirit freedom.
Line 1
Hold back and hold on. Develop your character silently in the face of worldlytemptation to show your secret resources. In fact, many of the qualities youwill need later have yet to evolve completely. Get close to yourself and learnabout your own inner workings. See the truth in the mirror you hold up toyour heart and soul. The world will be there to deal with when the time isright.
Line 2
You must decisively take advantage of an outward opportunity. The daysbehind may have caused you to mistrust your own judgment, but you've gotto believe in your inner voice. Your intuition tells you to move with the timeand it struggles with the mind's preconceptions. Remember, the mind servesthe heart. Instead of letting the mind construct limitations, put it to work onthe opportunity right in front of you. If you feel tentative and divided, move!Your Tao is motion and progress.
Line 3
It would be a foolish and serious mistake for you to believe you are completelymanipulated by the values adopted by your society. It is true that we all areinfluenced by our environment, but to blame personal corruption on a socialstructure is the cheapest and deadliest mind-game. If you feel lazy and amoral,stand up for yourself and realize your freedom is on the line. It isn't anyoneelse's fault that you feel so limited. Look to where you stand.
Line 4
It is a sad waste of energy to struggle needlessly with the inevitable. Theundeniable facts of the human condition will remain long after we are gone. Allpositive change begins in individuals and all energy could be channeled to thisend. The lost days and lives will never come back, even to the dreamer. Thereis a person inside your skin and behind your eyes. The world will continue toturn and seek the identity of the traveler inside you.
Line 5
You have become what your heart desired you to be. You embody the essenceof true leadership, since you exemplify the qualities you value. Others listen toyou, not because you are forceful and magnetic alone, but because you inspirechange and growth. All the work you have done on yourself and your attitudewill naturally flow into the matters at hand. You have a right to the beautifulharvest waiting to be taken. Everywhere on the road of your life your name isspoken.
Line 6
Your role as leader is coming to a conclusion. As the seasons give way each toeach, so do circumstances dictate change in direction. The values you havesought to perpetuate among people have become inappropriate to presentneeds, and if you cling to the past, you will come to have sadness and struggle.Turn away from outward entangle and be serious about what really matters toyou. You know what you want to be. Be it uncompromisingly. What you lose atthe crossroads will be found further down the road.
HEXAGRAM #61 - INNER TRUTH
DIFFERENT PEOPLE
I have given you everythingEven myself,But hereI know we are different people.
Top
Overview
Perhaps you have wandered off your path of late. You know you prideyourself on understanding-the kind that comes from a deep perception ofthings as they really are. You probably began learning the lessons of life at anearly age, and, because of your insights, you have felt so isolated at times fromothers who are so embroiled in the continuous flow of human distraction.Lately though, you have had some distractions of your own and need to realizeonce again who you really are. You have no need to realize once again who
you really are. You have no need to get upset now-particularly with the actionsof others. How long ago did you learn people will do what they want to dobased on their needs not yours? Let them go in peace, especially if you havefelt slighted or injured in some way. Let your inner truth tell you that it is onlyyour way of hurting yourself. You have come so far inside yourself. Don't let amoment's crossed wires of feelings spark a negative turn of mind. Be yourself.Separate from the pockets of ill feeling and realize the only true space you canever command is the space in which you stand.
Go one step further than mere understanding. Be generous in spirit; it is yourmost appealing quality. Let others know you care and feel for them. It is in thistrue empathy that you will learn in about life. Didn't you realize long ago thatyour meaning of life exists all around you, in everything material and spiritual,and in every moment of human contact. On this beautiful windy day you canlose yourself in the thick forest of life, and in losing yourself, you will findyourself.
Line 1
All people have secrets. Even when they say they are being completely open,they are holding something back. This phenomena causes uncertainty inhuman relationships, as it is hard to perceive what is really going on. You haveyour secrets too. If you get this line, it is time for you to learn that your peaceof mind is not dependent on how other people fulfill your secret wishes. Youdon't show others what you really want, and can turn on them when theydon't do it. Not only will you confuse the people with whom you are trying torelate, but it will lead you to misplaced anger and frustration. Do some work onyour own inner priorities.
Line 2
Other people can be as completely confused by their inner and outer lives asyou can at times. This line speaks of actions which cut through that static andclearly inspire everyone around. You have this power to attract other peoplewho long for clarity, which is simple to you, but seems nearly magical andmystical to them. Be true to yourself now-create and expect surprises. Enjoyfriendship as it springs up around you, and have faith in the eventual growthof seeds of karma you have planted.
Line 3
If you become too dependent on any person you love, they may become yourenemy. People need to feel a certain strength from their friends and lovers-strength from which, in turn, they can draw. While it may be flattering toanother person to hand over your ego on a silver platter, it gets to be toomuch of a burden and ends up sapping their vital energies. When they feeloverburdened they will turn on you, leaving you in a hard position. You willhave to develop the strength of character you had given up previously, and itwill take some time to get on your feet. This is a strange cycle, but is one of the
ways love can breed opposition and contention.
Line 4
A goal you were counting on and cooperating with another person for willnever come to pass. You may feel disappointed at all the wasted potential andsadness this time will bring, but you will come face to face with the spirit ofyour life again. If a relationship has ended, you must adjust your vision anddevelop appropriate plans. Be ever-mindful of your human potential andrealize that now, more than ever, you must continue the progress you beganso long ago. Allow nothing to pull you down.
Line 5
You are strong and have penetrating personal magnetism. The situation youfind yourself in depends on your varied interpersonal skills to hold differentpersonalities to a common course. There is a general truth, a kind of positivevibration , which you symbolize. This quality is rare and appreciated by mostpeople. While you can make things work out between people on the strengthof your will, other people may not be so dedicated to getting along with eachother. This is the line of leadership based on confidence and determination.
Line 6
This is the line of ego-examination. It is one thing to be confident and bold inthe face of changing circumstances, and quite another to be foolish andboastful. You have magic in your words and a smooth and attractive personalstyle, and you want to know how to use them. What do you want to be? Doyou want to lead by wild claims or by offering a solid and consistent example?This is the time to cultivate your daily life as an expression of your faith andhumility. Let go of the easy, temporary, and ultimately useless gains of the ego.Build yourself something to grow on.
HEXAGRAM #62 - COOLING OUT
WAITING FOR NOTHING
I used to thinkThe secrets were right thereBelow the surfaceWaiting to be captured. Now I've learnedI am waiting for nothing.
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Overview
The concept of "cooling-out' is very significant. The pressurized worldconditions us to want more, climb higher and exercise our ego incessantly."Cooling out" is a reverse process, whereby you adjust your focus to a moretranquil and humanistic approach containing less obsession, desire, and willfulscheming. Probably you have felt the temptations to "go for it" lately-thatthere are things or relationships you could have, if you pursued them. Possiblyyou have felt confident in your abilities and talents lately, but this is a time fora gathering inward of your energies. You may find a rocky or awkward roadwith people now. Just be content to stick to your path and don't be surprisedif people feel temporarily alienated from you. Little things mean everythingnow. Gone are the broad, sweeping, larger-than-life ideas which recently firedyour spirit. Now you must be master of your own ground. What are yourduties, responsibilities, and appropriate roles within your social structure?Personal magic rules the days of "cooling out." Once you get yourself undercontrol with the right adjustments, you'll find that there are many successeswaiting for you. Listen to people; be one of the many and let your feelingsrespond to the cues you take from other people you encounter. Employ thestrategies of simplicity and economy. Eat one meal a day. Spend less money.Conserve your words and make them count when spoken. People may look atyou as a bit of an eccentric or social disappointment, and the truth of your newself is something you won't be able to explain. "Cooling out" requires humility-the humility which suggests you establish order in yourself-not by excessivediscipline or asceticism, but by the merging of yourself with greater stillness-the stillness in which the human condition can be seen and shared. This willproduce good fortune.
Line 1
You've got to be ready to face events with all your forces intact andfunctioning at optimum level. If your lack of humility forces you to rush outbefore your act is together, you will have serious problems. You will feel straycurrents of desire and frustration now, but try to resist being drawn intodanger. Life has enough trouble for anyone, and the last thing any of us needto do is go looking for complications. Have a good talk with yourself and see ifstubbornness might land you in difficulties.
Line 2
Unusual things are happening. You probably have been placed in a peculiarsituation requiring some special strength which is not particularly evident inyour character right now. Just do the best you can. It doesn't matter whatlevel the general public demands you to achieve-it's all just talk anyway. Beyourself and believe in the simple paths which you trust. Though others maybe looking for a hero, you fight to maintain anonymity. Everything seemsstrained, but you can trust yourself here.
Line 3
There is a secret which you need to know. If you have faith tat it will beopened to you, it will come out. Don't be foolishly proud now and think you
are beyond danger or harm. Your personal or spiritual freedom cannot bemaintained by remaining aloof when trouble is afoot. Look deeply into thehearts of those close to you, and will hidden information to come to thesurface. No one will protect you, if you will not protect yourself.
Line 4
Outward passion will betray your weaknesses to those who would causeproblems for you. Don't be too quick to divulge anything you are thinking.Display a very "cooled-out" exterior-one that anyone conspiring against youwould have to waste precious energy in fathoming. While your demeanor issteel and ice, your inner world radiates the sources of determination andperseverance. You will overcome, if you believe in yourself. Develop the "fluidplan," which adapts itself to changing circumstances and is dedicated toproducing the best reactions to intense and challenging situations.
Line 5
Something should be happening, but it isn't. The recent past has brought youto a point where you expect something good to happen. Don't get desperate ifthings don't immediately turn out the way you want. Swallow your ego andreach out for human assistance. Your energies need the catalyst anotherperson could provide, so use your highly developed powers of discriminationand analysis to find just the right complement for you. The only problem is thatyou may be too late and a positive situation will have slipped through yourfingers, if you don't see to the heart of every happening and every person.
Line 6
This line suggests a difficulty in "cooling out." The major problem which arisesat such a time is "burn-out." You go too far in every direction and forget thesimple principles which have carried you so far. You can't inhale the world orexhale all your problems. You've got to find the balance which will giveproblems a chance to pass you by like heavy weather would a well-sheltereddeer in a forest. Get some rest, good food, be careful of drugs and/or alcohol,and step back a bit from people. Drive safely and give yourself a vacation-now.
HEXAGRAM #63- AFTER COMPLETION
MODERN WITCHES
The modern witches' incantationWhispered through my daydream,"When you think you're done,you've just begun."
Top
Overview
Work and willpower are no strangers to you. You have been diligent in yourdedication to a goal which you have recently realized, but now you must turnyour attention to the future. To wait and plan and long for a change tends totransform an individual into being more at home in the future than the past.When the change is effected and the desired happenings are no longer in thefuture but in the past and fleeting present, then the future direction becomesunclear. Then, as we savor our accomplishments and bask in memories, weforget that the time beyond needs continued, if not more intense, attention.
Now is the time to use logic and intuition to ascertain the possible appearanceof strain and limitation. If we can feel the coming of future conflicts, we canbegin to carefully increase our resources to withstand the pressures.
You have worked hard for the advantage in time and space you are currentlyenjoying-this spells good karma since, as creatures of habit, strongdetermination will not be easily abandoned as your personal creed. Developyour spiritual side now and realize that within it lies considerable power to helpyou later. Your life is a garden, and once the flowers and vegetables begin togrow, they must be guarded and cultivated so as not to lose them to foolishaccident or oversight. Remember, what you do now will be even moreimportant and dramatic when its fruit returns in the harvest of positive andnegative fate.
Line 1
The outer world changes in many ways. You may fall out of favor or into favoras quickly as new attitudes sweep through fashions. Regard skeptically all suchrushes and temporary explosions. Don't be deluded by public opinion. Nod andsmile at everyone, but keep moving. Keep yourself above quick changes. Thesechanges will effect you since you do live in a world of people, but they can nothold you down or force you to relinquish your essential individuality. Be yourbest self and you will survive.
Line 2
This is a time for humility. Often humility is easily expressed during times ofabundant success, since one feels thankful and fortunate, but right now thegaze of society has withdrawn from your door. You are being taken forgranted in your work and emotional life. No one is taking the time to reviewyour many superior qualities, but you can not get attention for yourself byconsciously attracting it or seeking it. Recognition will come to you at the righttime. In the meantime, cultivate your talents and character all the harder as ahumble sacrifice to the changes of fate and fortune.
Line 3
Don't overreach. You are strong and ambitious, but just because you feelanxious to expand your sphere of influence doesn't mean it will be good foryou. Try to be objective about your strengths and weaknesses-don'tromanticize yourself and your struggles-fantasy and reality must be carefullydifferentiated. Should you seek to widen your horizons, be aware that anyground you conquer will require continuous effort which will eventually drainyou. Your power and energy would be wisely expended on making yourselfsensitive and respectful to yourself and all others. In this way the territory ofthe heart grows and stands firm.
Line 4
Watch for the signs which foretell coming difficulties. Others might betemporarily stirred up over something and then return to their busy lives, butyou must see beyond the obvious. Let your intuition speak to you. Knowingthe right time to be vigilant promotes the balance you need to continue yourcharacter development. Worry isn't watchfulness. You must realize thatunderstanding is growing inside you. Don't be pulled under by suspicion. Benaturally good to all as you silently protect your ground.
Line 5
Empty philosophy or self-delusion won't help the situation now. Be carefulsuccess doesn't breed egotistical self-confidence, which leads to grander,showier gestures. A small act of human generosity administered at the rightmoment for spectacular results is imminent. You will miss it if you lacksensitivity. Still, if your heart is right, trust your luck.
Line 6
A challenge is presented to you. You are at odds with yourself, and you realizethat something must be done. Something is haunting you, but you must turnyour back on the spell which entraps you. Keep your momentum and you willbe safe. Your peace is in motion, not necessarily to some overwhelming goal,merely the intuitive motion which has enabled you to tread dangerous ground,like the ground now upon which you stand.
HEXAGRAM #64 - BEFORE COMPLETION
COME BACK DRAGONS
The childhood goblins, half-grown fearsAnd sad realizationsHave come back dragonsDisguised as life, death and love.
The childhood wonder and faith
Have come back strong arms And a wizard's mind.
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Overview
A great change is brewing in your life. All the karmic streams have merged andseem to be heading toward a dramatic flood point. You are excited, yetunsettled about the potential this time suggests, which accounts for the flashesof doubt and questioning in your intuition. So many times you have said andbelieved that you have learned from your experiences. The thought ofrepeating past mistakes is a sad waste of life to you; you have experienced thiswaste and have seen it in the lives close to you. This is the nature of karma-that the unlearned lessons will haunt life and pain will perpetuate itself. Youknow these things, but now you carefully cross the ice again. All the wisdomyou have gained must be integrated into the moment-by-moment decisionsyou will make in these days. If you become swayed by the voice of ego, whichwill assure you that you have learned all the lessons and are above makingmistakes, you are in serious trouble. You will then find yourself face-to-facewith a real karmic lesson. All the old demons and problems which mostthreaten your peace of mind will be alive and well and back in the forefront ofyour life. The very thought of this turn of events is motivation enough forcaution. You have come too far to throw thoughtlessly away all the progressyou have made.
There is a strong suggestion that if you successfully navigate the powerfulcrosscurrents of this time, you will come to see the monumental, hopeful, andnatural change promised by this last hexagram of the I Ching. The ultimatelesson is change itself. Each moment, each season, each life is giving way tothe next. Doors will be forever opening and closing to the traveling spirit, asyour old world is passing and your new one about to begin.
Line 1
You can not rush completion. It must come at the right time for all involved.The irony of this line is that you can best exercise your leadership qualities bynot going ahead this time. You will be tempted to seize the time because yousense an advantage ripe for the taking. Be careful that what seems to be a gain(perhaps materially-money, etc.) might in reality be a loss. What you need nowis not necessarily to accept the obvious opportunity, but to carefully examinethe entanglements that come with it. It would profit you to hold back yourinfluence and let events find their natural course. If you make a mistake here,others will know it and hold you responsible for the resulting problems.
Line 2
Use creative visualization now to pave the way for future success. If you actovertly, you will lose. If you become passive and accepting, you will find
yourself without an important opportunity which awaits you. However, if youproject a positive image of the future within yourself, strengthening yourcharacter and spirit, then you will be accomplishing a great deal. Worry aboutwhether you should go forward or not, and all the neurotic indulgences whichattend that use of your mind, will drain your energies and make it difficult tosee the right path when it emerges. Timing is everything now and you go withthe flow.
Line 3
Things appeared to be heading in a certain direction and all the signs seemedto point to action on your part, but a strange turn of events has come. Theapparent road has vanished into thin air leaving you with frustrated energies.Without losing stride you begin to channel the storehouse of energy you haveaccumulated to a new and more appropriate task. Other people join you nowand immerse themselves in this undertaking. Frustration falls away andconfusion clears, as the new goal you seek offers the completion which wasdenied your original effort.
Line 4
Lucky for you that you are a strong person. You've been building yourcharacter for some time, biding your time as you wait for your fate to show itshand. Now is the time for great things to be accomplished for yourself. It willnot, however, fall into your lap. More than likely you will expose the decadence(inside you and in your would) which needs to be washed away so freshgrowth can begin. You will be strong, and, with determination over a longperiod of time, amazing rewards will be gained in the battle.
Line 5
You see the change begin to break like a wave you felt coming recently.Fortunately, you are perfectly suited to the changes and needs of this time. Atalent you possess is the ability to see through superficial hassles andentanglements to the basic truths of life, and this will be a time when peoplewill be open to your observations. You will help yourself and others simply bysharing perceptions and listening to the feeling behind their words. In this wayyou could act as a friendly therapist, and don't be surprised if you seesomeone go through a dark cloud to a new positive attitude right before youreyes, aided by your understanding and compassion.
Line 6
You sense that completion is secured and the situation is well in hand. This lullin the confusion produces a relaxed and social atmosphere between peoplewho have shared trying days. While you deserve a rest and some distancebetween yourself and harsh reality, do not seek for artificial anesthesia.Alcohol, drugs, and the intoxication of ego will throw you off the track and
make the goal for which you have been searching disappear. How ironic thatyou could win the obvious outward struggle and lose your way in a moment ofapparent peace. You have not crossed the ice until you are no longer standingon it.
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