My Examination of Concience ~ using I Ching
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:15 PM.
Present: 26 Containment of Potential
Question: examining my conscience
This points to the containment of great power - power that increases as it is wisely stewarded. Like a river which has been dammed, or a cooking pot with the lid on, holding and containing power produces enormous potential. During normal times, daily ritual and habit help keep life ordered and serene; but in times of great opportunity, the force of a powerful personality is required. Focused attention is required to channel this great potential and achieve supreme success.
With regard to what is on your mind, you have considerable reserves of energy and support to draw upon. This is the right time to nurture creativity by collecting and organizing your good ideas and plans. In this way, even great and difficult undertakings can be successful.
A hidden source of power for the great is the study of the past. The lives of wise and successful men and women are like treasures buried in the earth. Great good fortune comes to those who unearth these valuable treasures by applying the lessons of the ages to current events.
There are two changing lines. Either one or the other or some combination of both of them will be relevant.
The first changing line is Line 4:
Early precautions taken to restrain a wild force prevent misfortune. Just as in ancient times a board was fastened to the forehead of young bulls to render their horns harmless, so it is smart to restrain reckless forces before they do great damage. When disruptive forces threaten, extraordinary precautions are necessary. Do not rule out the possibility that the disruptive force, in this instance, is inside you.
The second changing line is Line 6:
Supreme good fortune! Great and powerful forces, inhibited in the recent past by temporary restraints, are now building strength and momentum. Use your creative powers to advance strongly at the present time; ride with the current. Do not hesitate to accept a new level of responsibility. You have an opportunity now to exercise a great positive influence.
Future: 34 Great Vigor
This hexagram represents the quality of likely opportunities and challenges arising from changes that are in process now:
Congratulations! There is strength and vigor in this situation - like a ram who has knocked down a fence to free himself from captivity. This points to a time when a strong force comes into its own and achieves power.
When a leader finally comes into power, his or her personal strength usually has peaked. Great strength has been required in climbing to the mountaintop, but once at the summit, the support of others is needed to maintain position. A shift in attitude becomes necessary. Raw strength must be tempered by wisdom; to maintain power, the strong leader must learn to give it away, to share it with others. Only then will his position be secure, for he will not only be the possessor of power, but the source of it as well.
If you find yourself in a powerful position, it is especially important to act responsibly and react with care. Power must not be allowed to degenerate into raw force which rides roughshod over everything in its path. A strong sense of responsibility to the collective good is the key to the successful exercise of power. By following what we intuitively know to be for the greater good, we avoid reckless abuses of power which in the end undermine the source of our strength. Arrogance contains the seeds of its own undoing.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:18 PM.
Present: 47 Oppression
Question: ultimate test - level of peace attained with Pappa
The image of opression conjures up a dried up lake bed with nettlesome crows stalking the shoreline. Hard times shrivel our spirits, and give rise to a multitude of "crows" in the form of troublesome worries. Times of great loss or personal failure break weaker people; but the strong of heart can bend with fate. To endure hard times - or even grow and benefit from them - it is essential to tap that deepest stratum of personal identity, that which is deeper even than fate, and which is incorruptible by even the harshest realities. It is essential, in other words, to tap the wellspring of human endurance: hope.
In a sense, there is no such thing as failure. There is only sweet and sour reality, and more is learned from the sour, oftentimes, than from the sweet. For failure, hard as it may be to swallow, opens the blinds to the real world, and reawakens the clarity of vision known only to those who have risked, and tasted, disappointment.
When in the throes of hard times, it is essential to be resolute and strong on the inside while remaining quietly cheerful on the outside. Avoid too much talking - except to your closest friends. Your words will have little effect on all others, since your influence will be at a low ebb - and they will drain you of vital energy. Strong silence is the most skillful posture when facing the public during adversity; it shows that your inner core is strong enough to withstand the current troubles, and suggests that your recovery will be complete. At the same time, talking openly to those you trust is equally important, for in times of calamity, talking is part of healing.
Keep in mind that failure - the final taboo in modern society - is but one part of the inevitable cycle of life for those who dare to live fully and completely. Never to fail at all is to fail in the biggest way - avoiding risk altogether, one cannot help but fall far short of what might have been.
There are two changing lines. Either one or the other or some combination of both of them will be relevant.
The first changing line is Line 1:
No matter how overwhelming your challenges may seem, gloom and melancholy will only make them worse. By working to overcome your problems inwardly, and committing to move forward without despair, progress becomes possible. Banish the phantoms of self-pity before moving to slay the dragons of ill-fortune.
The second changing line is Line 5:
When you find that your best ideas and best intentions are being stifled by spurious, red-tape emitting bureaucrats, your only course of action may be to suffer patiently, and consider your efforts a sacrifice to the gods of efficiency.
Future: 54 Careful Affection
Affection is the basis of all lasting relationships, but must be channeled properly in order to bring satisfaction and support the self-esteem of both parties. For example, a married person's lover would necessarily have conflicted feelings: affection coupled with insecurity. Relationships based mainly on personal attraction, especially those which are outside the mainstream, require special caution and tactful reserve.
If you assert yourself too much, or try to make yourself indispensable, you will only incur misfortune. It is never easier to make disastrous mistakes than when you venture outside the bounds of propriety. If you are in doubt as to whether you should follow your heart or your head, allow for some time to pass, and perhaps the answer will become clear. Initiating any action could bring misfortune. Do not attempt to be too creative or attract favorable attention at this time.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:22 PM.
Present: 15 Humility
Question: amount of wisdom learned from 7 years with partner diagnosed psychopath
Humility is often rewarded in human affairs, just as valleys are filled by the erosion of great mountains. It is the way of the world to fill the empty cup. Regardless of your position, humility is a positive and deceptively powerful attribute. If you are in a high position but are still humble, people will be drawn to you and the causes you espouse. If your position is lowly, humility will endear you to those of higher status. True humility is a virtue to which all should aspire.
The most successful people are those who know how to bring each situation into balance by reducing that which is too great, and adding to that which is too little. Such a person craves not power, but balanced and stable relationships. Humility is the virtue which allows you to perceive the balancing force in each situation; humble people are not prey to the many illusions which grow out of self-importance. If humility is not natural to your disposition, make a conscious effort to develop a strain of self-effacing humor.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 6:
When mistakes are made, and disagreement blows in as suddenly as a north wind, there is a great tendency to assign blame in all directions. The immodest immediately raise their shields, thereby obscuring the truth from their own eyes. The weak take offense, and shrink away in self-pity and doubt. But the sincere and humble see the situation as a challenge to be met head-on, first by examining themselves inwardly to identify their role in creating the current problems; and then by having the courage to act forcefully but fairly to rectify mistakes and clear the air.
Humility is the true mark of nobility, and always bodes good fortune.
Future: 52 Keeping Still
Regular periods of keeping still are an important aspect of personal development and forward motion. The most restful person may not be the one who sleeps twelve hours a day, but the one able to grab catnaps while cruising at 500 miles-per-hour at 35,000 ft. Learning to act when it is time to act, and to keep still when it is time to keep still, is the key to obtaining the peace of mind which helps one stay focused when clear focus is needed.
Consider the spine, which serves as a switchboard for all the nerves of the body which mediate movement. When the spine is kept flexible and healthy through proper rest and relaxation, active movement can always be undertaken without strain. When the spine is held erect in a balanced sitting posture, the inner balancing of meditation can take place.
Treat your innate spark of vitality as if it were a candle in the wind - protecting it as though it were your only light in a dark forest on a moonless night. Avoid external conditions which threaten to snuff out the flame, and be careful not to suffocate it with your own ambitions and worries.
Time out. Relax, take your shoes off, and sit a spell. Let go of thinking. Meditate.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:26 PM
Present: 34 Great Vigor
Question: saw Mamma as pitiful - cause for regret
Congratulations! There is strength and vigor in this situation - like a ram who has knocked down a fence to free himself from captivity. This points to a time when a strong force comes into its own and achieves power.
When a leader finally comes into power, his or her personal strength usually has peaked. Great strength has been required in climbing to the mountaintop, but once at the summit, the support of others is needed to maintain position. A shift in attitude becomes necessary. Raw strength must be tempered by wisdom; to maintain power, the strong leader must learn to give it away, to share it with others. Only then will his position be secure, for he will not only be the possessor of power, but the source of it as well.
If you find yourself in a powerful position, it is especially important to act responsibly and react with care. Power must not be allowed to degenerate into raw force which rides roughshod over everything in its path. A strong sense of responsibility to the collective good is the key to the successful exercise of power. By following what we intuitively know to be for the greater good, we avoid reckless abuses of power which in the end undermine the source of our strength. Arrogance contains the seeds of its own undoing.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 3: A ram crashing through a hedge gets his horns tangled up. He may be the strongest animal in the flock, but a proud, haughty ram only brings misfortune upon himself. Avoid empty displays of power or force.
A wise leader measures success in terms of finely-tuned performance, not raw power. Power is the fuel, but precision is the carburetor.
Future: 54 Careful Affection
Affection is the basis of all lasting relationships, but must be channeled properly in order to bring satisfaction and support the self-esteem of both parties. For example, a married person's lover would necessarily have conflicted feelings: affection coupled with insecurity. Relationships based mainly on personal attraction, especially those which are outside the mainstream, require special caution and tactful reserve.
If you assert yourself too much, or try to make yourself indispensable, you will only incur misfortune. It is never easier to make disastrous mistakes than when you venture outside the bounds of propriety. If you are in doubt as to whether you should follow your heart or your head, allow for some time to pass, and perhaps the answer will become clear. Initiating any action could bring misfortune. Do not attempt to be too creative or attract favorable attention at this time.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:31 PM
Present: 05 Patience
Question: only 1 trespass I cannot forgive myself for, yet given the same plight would do same act - dilemma
A fisherman can cast the line, but can only wait for the fish to bite. Your catch will come in its own time; you cannot make it come - neither by working nor by planning nor by wishing. You may need to provide nourishment for you and your loved ones; but only through patience can you become the bridge between the fickle fish and the eventual feast. Strength in a time of trial waits quietly, resolutely. Weakness grows agitated, and abandons the effort before the fish bite. Periods of waiting are most fruitful when used for quiet contemplation.
Proceed cautiously, but resolutely, with whatever you are doing. The situation calls for consistency and patience. Waiting is an essential skill; patience is a powerful force. Time is an ally of those with inner strength - the kind of strength which allows you to be uncompromisingly honest with yourself, while sticking to the path you have charted. If you persevere with a positive attitude, time weakens even the hardest obstacles. To rush anything, or impatiently force results, stimulates resistance and causes setbacks. At best, you achieve surface changes that may just as quickly be reversed. Steadfast waiting - holding to your integrity - leads to slow but permanent improvements. In the end, you accomplish something great. Practice patience.
You cast several changing lines, which indicates a number of changing possibilities in the situation.
The first changing line is Line 1:
Troubling events are looming, causing apprehension. Do not react! Avoid premature action. Just keep your life in order. Do not try to alter the path which has been set for you at this time. You are heading in the right direction; do not become impatient or greedy. Even though a challenge may be impending, the skillful response is to carefully make preparations, gaining strength for future battles. Let go of anxious thinking. Simply remain open, alert, and prepared.
The second changing line is Line 2:
Strife can easily develop. You may have to tolerate gossip, but in the end you will come out very well, if you remain calm and magnanimous now. Things will resolve themselves. Think of small grains of sand, which accumulate over time to form embankments or dykes across wet areas. Sand is more fragmentary than stone but harder than soil, and can be used to alter the texture of both. Like sand you must be strong and accommodating even though others may abuse or blame you. Avoid being sucked into conflict; remain neutral.
The third changing line is Line 3:
You feel stuck, as in mud, and your enemies feel encouraged. You are in an exposed position. Be cautious and considerate in relationships and be on guard. Be alert to shifting alliances.
The fourth changing line is Line 5:
When the storm hits, it behooves one to enjoy a single glass of wine. In the midst of difficult situations, there often comes a temporary pause; use this interval to fortify your position, not by continuing to dwell on the swirl of events around you, but by taking a recreation break. Have fun, but with an eye to recharging your batteries, rather than further draining them.
If you are in a leadership position, it is essential to allow the people on your team time to enjoy life, and increase the pleasure of their work. All work and no play in the end defeats the purpose of the work, and weakens the commitments of others toward the goal. In personal matters, remember that everything cannot be done at once. If you do not take time for recreation and relaxation today, will tomorrow really be any better?
The fifth changing line is Line 6:
It seems as if you are falling into an abyss. This is a time of great difficulty. When all your plans are overturned, it's best to yield gracefully. Just remain cautious and alert; help may be arriving from some unknown corner. Keep an open mind and you will find your way out of current difficulties. You can learn the lessons in this situation. If a remedy does not soon present itself, remember, every trial you survive makes you stronger.
Future: 23 Disintegration
In every life, all is not what it seems. At this time, things are on the decline and reality seems like a hall of mirrors, or a house with a collapsing roof. Intrigues are multiplying like flies, and there are rumors of discontent. It is the time of illusion, deception, distrust and disintegration.
When you find yourself about to become trapped in situation that is falling apart, it is necessary to retrace your steps. Return to the familiar; take solace in what is firm and secure. Gather up your energy and do not confront the source of the problem directly. There is no blame in holding back; indeed, it is your responsibility to keep your strength intact for the period of resurrection, which follows the period of disintegration as surely as dawn follows the night.
Discretion is the better part of valor Ñ and good timing is important too. Learn to choose the proper moments for action, thereby avoiding futile effort. Be particularly attentive at such a time as this for changes that signal a time to retreat.
In the realm of personal relations, discovering illusion is always painful, and confusing. When in the midst of such a period, it is wise to avoid undertaking any bold new moves or competing with inferiors; it is especially important not to jump to conclusions too quickly.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:39 PM.
Present: 09 Small Influences
Question: My regretful act done as youth making adult choices without access to mentor - still blame
A gentle wind gathers the clouds, but still, no rain. Softer influences predominate as the power of the small accumulates. This is a time for smooth and friendly persuasion.
In the ebb and flow of events, there are always "low tides" - times when sweeping action is impossible or inappropriate, but when small matters can be attended to profitably, leading to bigger and better things later on. When the tide is rolling in, by all means, ride the wave; but when it is receding like it is now, focus on little things.
When the time is such that you cannot do much to affect large matters, persuasion and subtle influence can prepare the way for strength in the future. Use your intuition to chart your long-term course, but avoid bold actions for the moment - they are unlikely to work. This is an excellent time to refine existing abilities or develop new talents.
Be wary of others' intentions if they hold the upper hand in a situation. Examine their sources of power, so as to discover subtle influences you may be able to exert upon them.
The condition of things in the present is fairly stable. There are no specific changes indicated right now.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:41 PM.
Present: 09 Small Influences
Question: anger, affronted re loved one who does not trust me with children
A gentle wind gathers the clouds, but still, no rain. Softer influences predominate as the power of the small accumulates. This is a time for smooth and friendly persuasion.
In the ebb and flow of events, there are always "low tides" - times when sweeping action is impossible or inappropriate, but when small matters can be attended to profitably, leading to bigger and better things later on. When the tide is rolling in, by all means, ride the wave; but when it is receding like it is now, focus on little things.
When the time is such that you cannot do much to affect large matters, persuasion and subtle influence can prepare the way for strength in the future. Use your intuition to chart your long-term course, but avoid bold actions for the moment - they are unlikely to work. This is an excellent time to refine existing abilities or develop new talents.
Be wary of others' intentions if they hold the upper hand in a situation. Examine their sources of power, so as to discover subtle influences you may be able to exert upon them.
You cast several changing lines, which indicates a number of changing possibilities in the situation.
The first changing line is Line 1:
When a strong person encounters an obstacle in his or her path, the first inclination is to press forward, to remove it or overcome it by force. In present circumstances, however, do not let yourself be drawn into direct action or conflict. Instead, stand back and take some time to assess the situation, and consider all your options.
The second changing line is Line 3:
When a variety of distracting small problems arise, circumstances favor the weak. Just as one untimely flat tire can ruin an entire journey, so the small details of the current situation can mount up to create a huge problem. Beware of celebrating premature victories when small signs are pointing in the other direction.
The third changing line is Line 5:
In the best partnerships, each partner complements the other, and loyalty is the fuel which allows the partnership to shine. For the weaker partner, loyalty means devotion and service; for the stronger, trustworthiness is essential. A balanced partnership leads to great prosperity - and wealth won in partnership is appreciated and admired all the more because it is shared.
Future: 04 Youthful Folly
Be on guard for careless or rebellious attitudes characteristic of youthful inexperience. Just as a youth requires instruction, this is a good time to focus on learning your lessons from a patient teacher or life experience. Is there a circumstance in your life, which you have failed to comprehend completely, perhaps because you have failed to appreciate its inherent complexities? Be respectful of anything or anyone who has something to teach you right now.
In order to be ready for challenging times, let education be a continuing part of your life. Be continually developing the strong mind and will necessary to carry one through confusing times. The wise realize that experience, especially difficult experience, is a powerful teacher. But we cannot be forced to learn, even from experience. Be a good student, one who delights in learning, one who nourishes his or her expanding awareness.
Examine your attitude for factors which limit your openness. Observe how you deal with the mistakes of others. You must let people live their own lives and learn their own lessons. Offer others your wisdom or advice, but only if they are receptive. Otherwise, give up trying to convince them that you are right - that is only exhausting and counter-productive. If people are not receptive, let them proceed - even into difficulty or dangerous circumstances. It is the only way they can learn - and without learning, no one can achieve success. This does not mean that you should not care -- just that taking care of someone too much can be harmful. Live and let learn.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:49 PM
Present: 24 Returning
Question: held grudge when loved one said I am incapable of knowing children as I never had my own - have I forgiven?
There is a turning point which recharges you and eventually brings success. It is associated with a turning of darkness back towards the direction of the light, the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, the day when darkness begins to decrease and the hours of daylight increase. It is the beginning of a turn-around; a time of letting go of the old and making way for the new; a time of new beginnings, and it starts with rest.
Don't move too fast. The new momentum is just beginning; the turn-around demands that your energy be recharged by adequate rest, so that your life-force will not be spent prematurely. This principle of hibernation, of allowing energy to renew itself and be strengthened by rest applies to many situations - recuperation after an illness, the slow return of trust after period of estrangement, the careful development of new relationships after a splitting apart of old ones.
The condition of things in the present is fairly stable. There are no specific changes indicated right now.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:56 PM
Present: 45 Gathering Together
Question: long treatment by 2 doctors caused me permanent disability - no law-action taken but made escape
The power of gathering together is represented by a rally, where each individual's strength is magnified by the power of the community as a whole. History has shown that mass movements can bring about stable, ordered and durable conditions for the better. This reading may be pointing to an auspicious time for large undertakings. But the guiding force of a shared vision is essential to hold the forces of unity together, and keep them advancing toward a common goal.
Another image for this situation is that of a lake filling with water. Just as the fullness of the lake can bring good fortune to all in its sphere, it can also overflow, leading to calamity. Thus in a time of gathering together it is essential that precautions against unforeseen danger be considered along with efforts to advance along a clearly-charted course. Much of human misfortune comes from unexpected events for which we are ill prepared; when gathered together with others, we are both more powerful and, in some ways, more vulnerable.
Any time of unity is a time of potential greatness. But that greatness can be both positive and negative. Everything is magnified when masses of people unite for a single purpose. When many people unite behind a single goal or strong vision, it is wise to take personal precautions, and to protect your own reasonable self-interests, because these can easily be lost in the crowd.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 2: During times of popular unity, secret forces are often at work. These strong, magnetic forces are best understood by asking, what is it that is actually drawing people together? Before joining in, it is essential that you know the answer.
Yielding to magnetic forces of popular attraction, once they are understood and known to be benevolent, is often necessary and good; in such situations, the usual precautions and formalities associated with meeting new people and developing new relationships can be dispensed with.
Future: 47 Oppression
The image of opression conjures up a dried up lake bed with nettlesome crows stalking the shoreline. Hard times shrivel our spirits, and give rise to a multitude of "crows" in the form of troublesome worries. Times of great loss or personal failure break weaker people; but the strong of heart can bend with fate. To endure hard times - or even grow and benefit from them - it is essential to tap that deepest stratum of personal identity, that which is deeper even than fate, and which is incorruptible by even the harshest realities. It is essential, in other words, to tap the wellspring of human endurance: hope.
In a sense, there is no such thing as failure. There is only sweet and sour reality, and more is learned from the sour, oftentimes, than from the sweet. For failure, hard as it may be to swallow, opens the blinds to the real world, and reawakens the clarity of vision known only to those who have risked, and tasted, disappointment.
When in the throes of hard times, it is essential to be resolute and strong on the inside while remaining quietly cheerful on the outside. Avoid too much talking - except to your closest friends. Your words will have little effect on all others, since your influence will be at a low ebb - and they will drain you of vital energy. Strong silence is the most skillful posture when facing the public during adversity; it shows that your inner core is strong enough to withstand the current troubles, and suggests that your recovery will be complete. At the same time, talking openly to those you trust is equally important, for in times of calamity, talking is part of healing.
Keep in mind that failure - the final taboo in modern society - is but one part of the inevitable cycle of life for those who dare to live fully and completely. Never to fail at all is to fail in the biggest way - avoiding risk altogether, one cannot help but fall far short of what might have been.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:07 PM
Present: 28 Excessive Pressure
Question: single dangerous action by loved one to me - catalyst for mutual healing
Something is out of balance. Some pressure is causing an imbalance and needs correcting. But, if the dam is about to burst, moving out of the way is the first key to success.
When a person in a sagging mine shaft feels the earth begin to tremble, it is a time for quick, instinctive action and nimble footwork. At a time like this, only extraordinary measures can bring success. When the roof is collapsing, run first, choose your destination later.
Extraordinary times bring out the best and worst in people. Natural disasters bring with them stories of great heroism - but also looting and rioting. When great weight is on the world, powerful moments present opportunities to make great gains. Everything is in a state of flux. One can either move in the direction of positive change and improvement or towards stagnation.
This may be the moment you have been waiting for. Although the current challenge may seem to be more than you can handle, remember that a flood reaches its highwater mark for only a few brief moments, and then begins to subside. Action must be taken now to ensure opportunities for success later on. You will never discover the true extent of your own abilities unless you, at least once in your life, dive into a crisis with complete abandon, dedicating every ounce of your energy, every fiber of your being, to the cause at hand.
Dare to win.
There are two changing lines. Either one or the other or some combination of both of them will be relevant.
The first changing line is Line 3: Plunging willfully ahead during risky times, against the advice of your friends and intimates, invites trouble. Action may be called for, but never obstinacy. The support of friends and allies is necessary for any large undertaking; their advice can only be ignored at your own peril.
The second changing line is Line 5: The person who aspires only to relationships with those of higher status, greater wealth, more power and so forth, creates an unstable situation in his or her life. The tree which sinks its roots deepest into the earth is able to stretch its limbs highest into the sky.
Future: 40 Deliverance
After a thunderstorm, or any period of extreme tension, a period of new clarity and fresh opportunity follows. The storm has the effect of clearing the air and suddenly reducing atmospheric tension. Deliverance is at hand. In the wake of a storm on land, deliverance appears in the form of new color and life, which bursts forth in all the fields and flowers. In the wake of a storm at sea, deliverance takes the form of land itself.
In the field of human relations, the rain of forgiveness washes the human landscape clean after a period of enmity and error. Great clarity of purpose and renewed vigor can follow the healing of old wounds. But care must be taken not to re-open these old wounds by moving too quickly. In the same way, it is important to return to normalcy first before moving ahead with new plans after periods of stress.
Following the resolution of a difficult situation, your first priority, should be to return to normal conditions as quickly as possible. Breathe a sigh of relief, but don't relax completely. It would be a mistake to re-awaken the sleeping dogs of the immediate past before the new situation has crystallized. Look ahead. Attend to any residual matters that need resolution, and do so as quickly as possible. Make a clean sweep of the past, move deliberately, and the future will bring good fortune.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:11 PM.
Present: 38 Diverging Interests
Question: turned years of rage onto loved one who accepted challenge - still regret
An image of estrangement is indicated here. When brothers and sisters marry, they grow apart, since their allegiances now lie with new families. Though they will remain close enough to successfully deal with problems and share minor interests, they will be unable to undertake any great projects together. Simply put, when people grow apart - even for the most natural of reasons - their points of view, values and interests diverge.
Divergent natures and interests do bring opposition into the world of human affairs. And when opposition drifts into alienation and enmity, no good results. But when opposition takes the form of healthy competition, or when it is simply part of the natural order of things and is recognized as such, good fortune is possible.
Even when diverging energies make a situation seem stagnant or futile, remember: there are always creative possibilities inherent in polarities. One is reminded of the interplay of opposites that is fundamental for the creation of life itself. But when opposition has its roots in issues of principle, hold to your integrity and individuality. Avoid becoming involved with vulgar or base people who do not share your values. With both people and companies, one measure of stature is the quality of the competition.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 4: If you find yourself in a group of people with whom you have little in common, a seed of inner opposition can grow into true isolation. In such circumstances, the ideal solution is to find a soul-mate, someone with whom you share deep interests, and whom you trust completely. Through the taking of a good friend or lover, inner opposition can be overcome.
Future: 41 Decrease
Increase and decrease are part of the natural cycle of life. As another good book puts it, "To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." Like a reservoir that is being used to irrigate the fields, learning to accept a decrease in position or material possessions is part of preparing for increase in the future.
We may live in materialistic times, but there is no disgrace in material decrease, particularly if it represents an investment in future gain - even if that gain be in the form of learning or the development of personal character. Likewise, the inner strength that comes from bearing loss can be balanced by a corresponding increase in inner strength and insight. When letting go of material desires leads to a greater simplicity in daily life, good fortune often comes calling.
In nature, the lake evaporates to form the clouds that drop the rain which nurtures the surrounding forest. As the forest grows thick, more rain is captured for the lake. Similarly, an "evaporation" or decrease in one area of your life, may give rise to an eventual increase. A loss of responsibility at work can mean more free time; more free time may generate more career options. A decrease in material possessions can free the spirit and fill the soul.
Be mindful of the lesson of young lovers: even with a minimum of possessions, feelings of the heart can bring an unsurpassed richness to life. The smallest of actions, if sincere, have value. So remain confident, for a time of decrease may actually bode good fortune. Especially if you remain open to that possibility.
Let go of frustration, resistance and regret over whatever may be decreasing at this time. Accept the cycle.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:16 PM.
Present: 23 Disintegration
Question: sloppy emotional transformation work done with new friends - cause for shame
In every life, all is not what it seems. At this time, things are on the decline and reality seems like a hall of mirrors, or a house with a collapsing roof. Intrigues are multiplying like flies, and there are rumors of discontent. It is the time of illusion, deception, distrust and disintegration.
When you find yourself about to become trapped in situation that is falling apart, it is necessary to retrace your steps. Return to the familiar; take solace in what is firm and secure. Gather up your energy and do not confront the source of the problem directly. There is no blame in holding back; indeed, it is your responsibility to keep your strength intact for the period of resurrection, which follows the period of disintegration as surely as dawn follows the night.
Discretion is the better part of valor Ñ and good timing is important too. Learn to choose the proper moments for action, thereby avoiding futile effort. Be particularly attentive at such a time as this for changes that signal a time to retreat.
In the realm of personal relations, discovering illusion is always painful, and confusing. When in the midst of such a period, it is wise to avoid undertaking any bold new moves or competing with inferiors; it is especially important not to jump to conclusions too quickly.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 6: The period of disintegration comes to an end. The negative forces have spent themselves. Evil is not destructive of good alone - it also destroys itself. And when it dies, it nourishes the good seed that remains. There is a fresh, new, invigorating energy in the air. Use it!
Future: 02 The Receptive
Great receptivity attracts exceptional results. A natural responsiveness brings about success through support and perseverance, rather than through bold action. Thus, the wise person demonstrates strength like a powerful but gentle mare. This hexagram, consisting of all yin lines, represents a power of the feminine principle no longer honored in our modern world, but such receptivity is most auspicious.
The receptive force is sensual as well as powerful, and it can be missed by too much talk and planning. When spring comes, does the grass "plan" to grow? This is a time to concentrate on realities rather than potentials - with how to respond to a situation rather than how to direct it. The mature mare lets herself be guided by a higher power, and is skilled at graceful acceptance. In a strong spiritual way, her quiet contribution is most effective, and brings success.
Do not be too assertive at this time, for if you try to direct things, you are liable to become confused or alienated. Take your time. Draw strength from carefulness and you will be doubly fortunate. Focus more on feeling than on action. Be broad and deep in your attitudes so that you can accept everything that comes your way with grace and equanimity. Be receptive and spacious like the ocean; let the river of changing developments flow to you. Allow others to take the lead for now. Strive for a pure natural responsiveness that is based on inner strength rather than outer show.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:22 PM.
Present: 51 Shock
Question: spent a lifespan transforming damaged self - right path but fear no time to use acquired wisdom
One hears thunder unexpectedly! First comes fear, then a sharpened, clearer vision. Recall a close brush with danger - a falling branch, an automobile accident barely avoided, an escape from a potentially violent confrontation. Such incidents first arouse every nerve fiber in your body in a brief wave of terror, but soon, once the danger has passed, give way to a heightened awareness of the world. The same process also occurs with other types of shock - the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, business failure and so on.
The lasting impact of a major shock can either be stimulating or debilitating, depending upon one's inner strength of character. The critical factor is the ability to become immune to fear, thereby transforming anxiety into a laser-sharp perception of the world around you.
When overtaken by crisis, the wise search their hearts for inner strengths, in order to face the world with courage. Courage often means daring to take the unexpected path - to bounce back quickly and self-confidently after failure, to have faith in the eternal when confronted with death.
We tend to think of shock only in the context of unpleasant events. We can also be jarred, however, by the sudden release of tension which comes with unexpected success. To keep your bearings in the aftershock of either trauma or victory, it is essential that your inner compass be aligned with "true north", that magnetic force which guides you toward fulfillment of both your deepest desire, and your highest destiny.
The condition of things in the present is fairly stable. There are no specific changes indicated right now.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:27 PM.
Present: 16 Enthusiasm
Question: near death when child at hand of elder - soul stayed groundless, almost forever
Enormous creative energy is unleashed by enthusiasm. This energy is like powerful music which inspires great numbers of people, loosening old constraints and generating new opportunities. Indeed, the power of enthusiasm is best symbolized by music and dance, for it is guided more by the heart than the head. Thus, great good fortune can follow when the leader of an enthusiastic group is a person of strong character, one able to guide this positive force toward a favorable destination.
Enthusiasm within a large group generates a special kind of electricity. When a crowd is "charged," the singer scales new heights, and life becomes its own reward. For who is not in awe of thunder? And who would fail to fill his or her lungs in the aftermath of a cleansing rain?
Arouse the passionate support of others, while adjusting your ideas and plans to suit their needs. In this way you can fill your sails with the mighty wind of popular support.
To arouse others, re-double your own dedication, and dare to create an environment which is free of tension. Take joy in your work. Harness the power of song and dance.
There are two changing lines. Either one or the other or some combination of both of them will be relevant.
The first changing line is Line 3:
"She who hesitates is lost." In this situation, hesitation brings regret. The right moment for seizing an opportunity or approaching a benefactor must be selected carefully, but when that time comes action should be taken immediately. Giving your allegiance to a worthy cause or leader may well be appropriate, if such a move would further your own interests.
Seize the day, or watch your chances disappear. Rather than looking to some outside force, do your best to advance yourself through well-timed personal effort.
The second changing line is Line 4:
Great works spring from those able to awaken enthusiasm in others through self-confidence and decisiveness. A person without doubts, and who is sincere, attracts others naturally. The power of such a person is enhanced through the sharing of power and responsibility with others. Thus others are willing to return the cooperation and become trustworthy allies and supporters.
Future: 15 Humility
This hexagram represents the quality of likely opportunities and challenges arising from changes that are in process now:
Humility is often rewarded in human affairs, just as valleys are filled by the erosion of great mountains. It is the way of the world to fill the empty cup. Regardless of your position, humility is a positive and deceptively powerful attribute. If you are in a high position but are still humble, people will be drawn to you and the causes you espouse. If your position is lowly, humility will endear you to those of higher status. True humility is a virtue to which all should aspire.
The most successful people are those who know how to bring each situation into balance by reducing that which is too great, and adding to that which is too little. Such a person craves not power, but balanced and stable relationships. Humility is the virtue which allows you to perceive the balancing force in each situation; humble people are not prey to the many illusions which grow out of self-importance. If humility is not natural to your disposition, make a conscious effort to develop a strain of self-effacing humor.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:30 PM.
Present: 32 Endurance
Question: skills in art, writing but passion for song - cause for embarrassment
Endurance is fostered when inner constancy is coupled with external flexibility. Long-distance runners must adapt readily to changing conditions, while maintaining an inner determination and strength of purpose. Two trees growing near each other adapt to enhance each other's survival. A strong image of durability is a stable marriage of intimate partners striking a dynamic balance between involvement in the outside world and nourishment in the home.
True endurance is not based on rigidity, for endurance implies movement, not immobilization. Only by adapting to change can we stay in the race; but only by deepening our sense of purpose can we develop the fortitude to win it.
Continuity is achieved through movement, not by keeping still. That which has ceased to grow is close to death. Stay active, but allow yourself time to stay in touch with your innermost thoughts and feelings.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 3: Moody inconsistency invariably brings misfortune. Inconsistency of purpose is usually caused by excessive concern for the affairs of the world. Cultivate the simple pleasures of life in the home, and even your work may improve.
Future: 40 Deliverance
After a thunderstorm, or any period of extreme tension, a period of new clarity and fresh opportunity follows. The storm has the effect of clearing the air and suddenly reducing atmospheric tension. Deliverance is at hand. In the wake of a storm on land, deliverance appears in the form of new color and life, which bursts forth in all the fields and flowers. In the wake of a storm at sea, deliverance takes the form of land itself.
In the field of human relations, the rain of forgiveness washes the human landscape clean after a period of enmity and error. Great clarity of purpose and renewed vigor can follow the healing of old wounds. But care must be taken not to re-open these old wounds by moving too quickly. In the same way, it is important to return to normalcy first before moving ahead with new plans after periods of stress.
Following the resolution of a difficult situation, your first priority, should be to return to normal conditions as quickly as possible. Breathe a sigh of relief, but don't relax completely. It would be a mistake to re-awaken the sleeping dogs of the immediate past before the new situation has crystallized. Look ahead. Attend to any residual matters that need resolution, and do so as quickly as possible. Make a clean sweep of the past, move deliberately, and the future will bring good fortune.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:40 PM
Present: 22 Grace and Beauty
Question: starved body when young, but now crippled with age - still bad attitude towards my troublesome body
A splashy sunset bathes the mountains in a soft radiance; the light of a full moon dances on the surface of a rippling river: Grace and beauty adorning the natural world. Grace is not an all-powerful force, nor is it the essential or fundamental thing. By itself, it is form without content. Grace is moonlight on water, not the sunlight at noon. Yet grace brings artistic expression into the world, and enhances the quality of our lives.
In the arts, grace arises out of adherence to form: the dancer becoming the form of the dance, the musician giving life to the form of a musical score, the painter becoming one with the brush and canvas. In human affairs, grace is also aligned with form - with mastery of aesthetic and cultural forms honed by time and honored by tradition. Through appreciation of graceful forms in human culture we apprehend the pure beauty of the ideal, of life raised above the mere struggle for survival.
Possession of grace, like the bearing of a beautiful gift to a wedding, can add stature to those in humble positions. Take care to lend grace and dignity to small matters, while giving the weight of deep and careful consideration to matters of greater consequence. Though it should not be confused with true substance, an artistic flair can take one far in this world.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 1: Resist the temptation to create false illusions of your position or stature. It is more graceful and dignified to simply wash your own car when picking up an honored guest than to rent a limousine.
Future: 52 Keeping Still
Regular periods of keeping still are an important aspect of personal development and forward motion. The most restful person may not be the one who sleeps twelve hours a day, but the one able to grab catnaps while cruising at 500 miles-per-hour at 35,000 ft. Learning to act when it is time to act, and to keep still when it is time to keep still, is the key to obtaining the peace of mind which helps one stay focused when clear focus is needed.
Consider the spine, which serves as a switchboard for all the nerves of the body which mediate movement. When the spine is kept flexible and healthy through proper rest and relaxation, active movement can always be undertaken without strain. When the spine is held erect in a balanced sitting posture, the inner balancing of meditation can take place.
Treat your innate spark of vitality as if it were a candle in the wind - protecting it as though it were your only light in a dark forest on a moonless night. Avoid external conditions which threaten to snuff out the flame, and be careful not to suffocate it with your own ambitions and worries.
Time out. Relax, take your shoes off, and sit a spell. Let go of thinking. Meditate.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:45 PM.
Present: 60 Limits and Connections
Question: secret sense of superiority in spiritual attainment - hope only passing immaturity
Limits are necessary to give purpose and direction to life. Swimming in a sea of boundless opportunity would soon lead to exhaustion. Winging it alone in a sky of boundless opportunity would lead to being lost. In human affairs, the making of choices, and alliances, implies limitation, for in choosing one path another must be abandoned.
One key to a successful life is to select your limits consciously and carefully - to be discriminating in the setting of personal boundaries and knowing when to join in formation. Thrift, for example, often precedes prosperity; just as the letting go of selfish interests often leads to greater personal reward. Only by consciously accepting useful limits can one's energy be channeled to good purpose, and lead to lasting accomplishment.
Point yourself toward a middle way, the mean between discipline and freedom of spirit. Limits will come of their own accord; but to be able to consciously select your own affiliations in life - that's knowing how to fly! At the same time, do not go overboard on discipline. Even limitation must be limited, so that in attempting to bring order and direction into your life you do not choke off vital sources of enthusiasm and spontaneity.
Similarly, in groups and organizations, the rules and regulations should strike a balance between being too strict and too soft. If too strict, they build frustration among people, and ultimately become destructive. If too lenient, sloppiness becomes acceptable, and energy is soon dissipated. The best path is one which allows for the fulfillment of individual potential, while encouraging self-discipline and focus.
There are two changing lines. Either one or the other or some combination of both of them will be relevant.
The first changing line is Line 3:
To live a life of extravagant luxury before having contributed to society; to act willfully and selfishly in violation of reasonable rules and customs; to defy social conventions for the sheer thrill of doing so - these are all excesses which can quickly lead to serious and unfavorable consequences. Learn to take initiative and pleasure inside the bounds of what is fair and proper.
The second changing line is Line 5:
Do not ask others to wear a yoke you yourself would be unwilling to carry. Impose no rules you yourself could not live by. This is especially true, if you are in a position of leadership. If you are able to impose limits on others which truly fit the circumstance, and do not overly limit their freedom, greater success is possible.
Future: 11 Harmony
Earth stands above heaven and heaven seems to be on earth. The gravity of matter merges with the upward radiation of the light to merge in a deep harmony. This juxtaposition denotes a time of peace and blessings for all living things. In the affairs of men, tranquility comes when the good, strong and powerful show favor to the lowly, and those of more modest means are well disposed towards those who are currently blessed. There is an end to all feuds. In such a state, energy is high, the way clear, and the prospects for great success outstanding.
A deep chaos abides in nature, but man, by carefully responding to the rhythms and cycles of the world around him, can find peace in the natural world. By planting the right crop in the right place in the right season, the farmer brings harmony to the natural world of plants, and prosperity to his family. Similarly, any business must adjust to the natural cycles of the season; only through flexibility and adjustment can order and growth be maintained. Peace produces a time of flowering and prosperity; the wise person channels this positive energy to all quarters, to each in proper proportion, just as a farmer waters his field. But be vigilant: otherwise, peaceful conditions can foster the growth of weeds as well as flowers.
Present: 26 Containment of Potential
Question: examining my conscience
This points to the containment of great power - power that increases as it is wisely stewarded. Like a river which has been dammed, or a cooking pot with the lid on, holding and containing power produces enormous potential. During normal times, daily ritual and habit help keep life ordered and serene; but in times of great opportunity, the force of a powerful personality is required. Focused attention is required to channel this great potential and achieve supreme success.
With regard to what is on your mind, you have considerable reserves of energy and support to draw upon. This is the right time to nurture creativity by collecting and organizing your good ideas and plans. In this way, even great and difficult undertakings can be successful.
A hidden source of power for the great is the study of the past. The lives of wise and successful men and women are like treasures buried in the earth. Great good fortune comes to those who unearth these valuable treasures by applying the lessons of the ages to current events.
There are two changing lines. Either one or the other or some combination of both of them will be relevant.
The first changing line is Line 4:
Early precautions taken to restrain a wild force prevent misfortune. Just as in ancient times a board was fastened to the forehead of young bulls to render their horns harmless, so it is smart to restrain reckless forces before they do great damage. When disruptive forces threaten, extraordinary precautions are necessary. Do not rule out the possibility that the disruptive force, in this instance, is inside you.
The second changing line is Line 6:
Supreme good fortune! Great and powerful forces, inhibited in the recent past by temporary restraints, are now building strength and momentum. Use your creative powers to advance strongly at the present time; ride with the current. Do not hesitate to accept a new level of responsibility. You have an opportunity now to exercise a great positive influence.
Future: 34 Great Vigor
This hexagram represents the quality of likely opportunities and challenges arising from changes that are in process now:
Congratulations! There is strength and vigor in this situation - like a ram who has knocked down a fence to free himself from captivity. This points to a time when a strong force comes into its own and achieves power.
When a leader finally comes into power, his or her personal strength usually has peaked. Great strength has been required in climbing to the mountaintop, but once at the summit, the support of others is needed to maintain position. A shift in attitude becomes necessary. Raw strength must be tempered by wisdom; to maintain power, the strong leader must learn to give it away, to share it with others. Only then will his position be secure, for he will not only be the possessor of power, but the source of it as well.
If you find yourself in a powerful position, it is especially important to act responsibly and react with care. Power must not be allowed to degenerate into raw force which rides roughshod over everything in its path. A strong sense of responsibility to the collective good is the key to the successful exercise of power. By following what we intuitively know to be for the greater good, we avoid reckless abuses of power which in the end undermine the source of our strength. Arrogance contains the seeds of its own undoing.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:18 PM.
Present: 47 Oppression
Question: ultimate test - level of peace attained with Pappa
The image of opression conjures up a dried up lake bed with nettlesome crows stalking the shoreline. Hard times shrivel our spirits, and give rise to a multitude of "crows" in the form of troublesome worries. Times of great loss or personal failure break weaker people; but the strong of heart can bend with fate. To endure hard times - or even grow and benefit from them - it is essential to tap that deepest stratum of personal identity, that which is deeper even than fate, and which is incorruptible by even the harshest realities. It is essential, in other words, to tap the wellspring of human endurance: hope.
In a sense, there is no such thing as failure. There is only sweet and sour reality, and more is learned from the sour, oftentimes, than from the sweet. For failure, hard as it may be to swallow, opens the blinds to the real world, and reawakens the clarity of vision known only to those who have risked, and tasted, disappointment.
When in the throes of hard times, it is essential to be resolute and strong on the inside while remaining quietly cheerful on the outside. Avoid too much talking - except to your closest friends. Your words will have little effect on all others, since your influence will be at a low ebb - and they will drain you of vital energy. Strong silence is the most skillful posture when facing the public during adversity; it shows that your inner core is strong enough to withstand the current troubles, and suggests that your recovery will be complete. At the same time, talking openly to those you trust is equally important, for in times of calamity, talking is part of healing.
Keep in mind that failure - the final taboo in modern society - is but one part of the inevitable cycle of life for those who dare to live fully and completely. Never to fail at all is to fail in the biggest way - avoiding risk altogether, one cannot help but fall far short of what might have been.
There are two changing lines. Either one or the other or some combination of both of them will be relevant.
The first changing line is Line 1:
No matter how overwhelming your challenges may seem, gloom and melancholy will only make them worse. By working to overcome your problems inwardly, and committing to move forward without despair, progress becomes possible. Banish the phantoms of self-pity before moving to slay the dragons of ill-fortune.
The second changing line is Line 5:
When you find that your best ideas and best intentions are being stifled by spurious, red-tape emitting bureaucrats, your only course of action may be to suffer patiently, and consider your efforts a sacrifice to the gods of efficiency.
Future: 54 Careful Affection
Affection is the basis of all lasting relationships, but must be channeled properly in order to bring satisfaction and support the self-esteem of both parties. For example, a married person's lover would necessarily have conflicted feelings: affection coupled with insecurity. Relationships based mainly on personal attraction, especially those which are outside the mainstream, require special caution and tactful reserve.
If you assert yourself too much, or try to make yourself indispensable, you will only incur misfortune. It is never easier to make disastrous mistakes than when you venture outside the bounds of propriety. If you are in doubt as to whether you should follow your heart or your head, allow for some time to pass, and perhaps the answer will become clear. Initiating any action could bring misfortune. Do not attempt to be too creative or attract favorable attention at this time.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:22 PM.
Present: 15 Humility
Question: amount of wisdom learned from 7 years with partner diagnosed psychopath
Humility is often rewarded in human affairs, just as valleys are filled by the erosion of great mountains. It is the way of the world to fill the empty cup. Regardless of your position, humility is a positive and deceptively powerful attribute. If you are in a high position but are still humble, people will be drawn to you and the causes you espouse. If your position is lowly, humility will endear you to those of higher status. True humility is a virtue to which all should aspire.
The most successful people are those who know how to bring each situation into balance by reducing that which is too great, and adding to that which is too little. Such a person craves not power, but balanced and stable relationships. Humility is the virtue which allows you to perceive the balancing force in each situation; humble people are not prey to the many illusions which grow out of self-importance. If humility is not natural to your disposition, make a conscious effort to develop a strain of self-effacing humor.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 6:
When mistakes are made, and disagreement blows in as suddenly as a north wind, there is a great tendency to assign blame in all directions. The immodest immediately raise their shields, thereby obscuring the truth from their own eyes. The weak take offense, and shrink away in self-pity and doubt. But the sincere and humble see the situation as a challenge to be met head-on, first by examining themselves inwardly to identify their role in creating the current problems; and then by having the courage to act forcefully but fairly to rectify mistakes and clear the air.
Humility is the true mark of nobility, and always bodes good fortune.
Future: 52 Keeping Still
Regular periods of keeping still are an important aspect of personal development and forward motion. The most restful person may not be the one who sleeps twelve hours a day, but the one able to grab catnaps while cruising at 500 miles-per-hour at 35,000 ft. Learning to act when it is time to act, and to keep still when it is time to keep still, is the key to obtaining the peace of mind which helps one stay focused when clear focus is needed.
Consider the spine, which serves as a switchboard for all the nerves of the body which mediate movement. When the spine is kept flexible and healthy through proper rest and relaxation, active movement can always be undertaken without strain. When the spine is held erect in a balanced sitting posture, the inner balancing of meditation can take place.
Treat your innate spark of vitality as if it were a candle in the wind - protecting it as though it were your only light in a dark forest on a moonless night. Avoid external conditions which threaten to snuff out the flame, and be careful not to suffocate it with your own ambitions and worries.
Time out. Relax, take your shoes off, and sit a spell. Let go of thinking. Meditate.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:26 PM
Present: 34 Great Vigor
Question: saw Mamma as pitiful - cause for regret
Congratulations! There is strength and vigor in this situation - like a ram who has knocked down a fence to free himself from captivity. This points to a time when a strong force comes into its own and achieves power.
When a leader finally comes into power, his or her personal strength usually has peaked. Great strength has been required in climbing to the mountaintop, but once at the summit, the support of others is needed to maintain position. A shift in attitude becomes necessary. Raw strength must be tempered by wisdom; to maintain power, the strong leader must learn to give it away, to share it with others. Only then will his position be secure, for he will not only be the possessor of power, but the source of it as well.
If you find yourself in a powerful position, it is especially important to act responsibly and react with care. Power must not be allowed to degenerate into raw force which rides roughshod over everything in its path. A strong sense of responsibility to the collective good is the key to the successful exercise of power. By following what we intuitively know to be for the greater good, we avoid reckless abuses of power which in the end undermine the source of our strength. Arrogance contains the seeds of its own undoing.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 3: A ram crashing through a hedge gets his horns tangled up. He may be the strongest animal in the flock, but a proud, haughty ram only brings misfortune upon himself. Avoid empty displays of power or force.
A wise leader measures success in terms of finely-tuned performance, not raw power. Power is the fuel, but precision is the carburetor.
Future: 54 Careful Affection
Affection is the basis of all lasting relationships, but must be channeled properly in order to bring satisfaction and support the self-esteem of both parties. For example, a married person's lover would necessarily have conflicted feelings: affection coupled with insecurity. Relationships based mainly on personal attraction, especially those which are outside the mainstream, require special caution and tactful reserve.
If you assert yourself too much, or try to make yourself indispensable, you will only incur misfortune. It is never easier to make disastrous mistakes than when you venture outside the bounds of propriety. If you are in doubt as to whether you should follow your heart or your head, allow for some time to pass, and perhaps the answer will become clear. Initiating any action could bring misfortune. Do not attempt to be too creative or attract favorable attention at this time.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:31 PM
Present: 05 Patience
Question: only 1 trespass I cannot forgive myself for, yet given the same plight would do same act - dilemma
A fisherman can cast the line, but can only wait for the fish to bite. Your catch will come in its own time; you cannot make it come - neither by working nor by planning nor by wishing. You may need to provide nourishment for you and your loved ones; but only through patience can you become the bridge between the fickle fish and the eventual feast. Strength in a time of trial waits quietly, resolutely. Weakness grows agitated, and abandons the effort before the fish bite. Periods of waiting are most fruitful when used for quiet contemplation.
Proceed cautiously, but resolutely, with whatever you are doing. The situation calls for consistency and patience. Waiting is an essential skill; patience is a powerful force. Time is an ally of those with inner strength - the kind of strength which allows you to be uncompromisingly honest with yourself, while sticking to the path you have charted. If you persevere with a positive attitude, time weakens even the hardest obstacles. To rush anything, or impatiently force results, stimulates resistance and causes setbacks. At best, you achieve surface changes that may just as quickly be reversed. Steadfast waiting - holding to your integrity - leads to slow but permanent improvements. In the end, you accomplish something great. Practice patience.
You cast several changing lines, which indicates a number of changing possibilities in the situation.
The first changing line is Line 1:
Troubling events are looming, causing apprehension. Do not react! Avoid premature action. Just keep your life in order. Do not try to alter the path which has been set for you at this time. You are heading in the right direction; do not become impatient or greedy. Even though a challenge may be impending, the skillful response is to carefully make preparations, gaining strength for future battles. Let go of anxious thinking. Simply remain open, alert, and prepared.
The second changing line is Line 2:
Strife can easily develop. You may have to tolerate gossip, but in the end you will come out very well, if you remain calm and magnanimous now. Things will resolve themselves. Think of small grains of sand, which accumulate over time to form embankments or dykes across wet areas. Sand is more fragmentary than stone but harder than soil, and can be used to alter the texture of both. Like sand you must be strong and accommodating even though others may abuse or blame you. Avoid being sucked into conflict; remain neutral.
The third changing line is Line 3:
You feel stuck, as in mud, and your enemies feel encouraged. You are in an exposed position. Be cautious and considerate in relationships and be on guard. Be alert to shifting alliances.
The fourth changing line is Line 5:
When the storm hits, it behooves one to enjoy a single glass of wine. In the midst of difficult situations, there often comes a temporary pause; use this interval to fortify your position, not by continuing to dwell on the swirl of events around you, but by taking a recreation break. Have fun, but with an eye to recharging your batteries, rather than further draining them.
If you are in a leadership position, it is essential to allow the people on your team time to enjoy life, and increase the pleasure of their work. All work and no play in the end defeats the purpose of the work, and weakens the commitments of others toward the goal. In personal matters, remember that everything cannot be done at once. If you do not take time for recreation and relaxation today, will tomorrow really be any better?
The fifth changing line is Line 6:
It seems as if you are falling into an abyss. This is a time of great difficulty. When all your plans are overturned, it's best to yield gracefully. Just remain cautious and alert; help may be arriving from some unknown corner. Keep an open mind and you will find your way out of current difficulties. You can learn the lessons in this situation. If a remedy does not soon present itself, remember, every trial you survive makes you stronger.
Future: 23 Disintegration
In every life, all is not what it seems. At this time, things are on the decline and reality seems like a hall of mirrors, or a house with a collapsing roof. Intrigues are multiplying like flies, and there are rumors of discontent. It is the time of illusion, deception, distrust and disintegration.
When you find yourself about to become trapped in situation that is falling apart, it is necessary to retrace your steps. Return to the familiar; take solace in what is firm and secure. Gather up your energy and do not confront the source of the problem directly. There is no blame in holding back; indeed, it is your responsibility to keep your strength intact for the period of resurrection, which follows the period of disintegration as surely as dawn follows the night.
Discretion is the better part of valor Ñ and good timing is important too. Learn to choose the proper moments for action, thereby avoiding futile effort. Be particularly attentive at such a time as this for changes that signal a time to retreat.
In the realm of personal relations, discovering illusion is always painful, and confusing. When in the midst of such a period, it is wise to avoid undertaking any bold new moves or competing with inferiors; it is especially important not to jump to conclusions too quickly.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:39 PM.
Present: 09 Small Influences
Question: My regretful act done as youth making adult choices without access to mentor - still blame
A gentle wind gathers the clouds, but still, no rain. Softer influences predominate as the power of the small accumulates. This is a time for smooth and friendly persuasion.
In the ebb and flow of events, there are always "low tides" - times when sweeping action is impossible or inappropriate, but when small matters can be attended to profitably, leading to bigger and better things later on. When the tide is rolling in, by all means, ride the wave; but when it is receding like it is now, focus on little things.
When the time is such that you cannot do much to affect large matters, persuasion and subtle influence can prepare the way for strength in the future. Use your intuition to chart your long-term course, but avoid bold actions for the moment - they are unlikely to work. This is an excellent time to refine existing abilities or develop new talents.
Be wary of others' intentions if they hold the upper hand in a situation. Examine their sources of power, so as to discover subtle influences you may be able to exert upon them.
The condition of things in the present is fairly stable. There are no specific changes indicated right now.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:41 PM.
Present: 09 Small Influences
Question: anger, affronted re loved one who does not trust me with children
A gentle wind gathers the clouds, but still, no rain. Softer influences predominate as the power of the small accumulates. This is a time for smooth and friendly persuasion.
In the ebb and flow of events, there are always "low tides" - times when sweeping action is impossible or inappropriate, but when small matters can be attended to profitably, leading to bigger and better things later on. When the tide is rolling in, by all means, ride the wave; but when it is receding like it is now, focus on little things.
When the time is such that you cannot do much to affect large matters, persuasion and subtle influence can prepare the way for strength in the future. Use your intuition to chart your long-term course, but avoid bold actions for the moment - they are unlikely to work. This is an excellent time to refine existing abilities or develop new talents.
Be wary of others' intentions if they hold the upper hand in a situation. Examine their sources of power, so as to discover subtle influences you may be able to exert upon them.
You cast several changing lines, which indicates a number of changing possibilities in the situation.
The first changing line is Line 1:
When a strong person encounters an obstacle in his or her path, the first inclination is to press forward, to remove it or overcome it by force. In present circumstances, however, do not let yourself be drawn into direct action or conflict. Instead, stand back and take some time to assess the situation, and consider all your options.
The second changing line is Line 3:
When a variety of distracting small problems arise, circumstances favor the weak. Just as one untimely flat tire can ruin an entire journey, so the small details of the current situation can mount up to create a huge problem. Beware of celebrating premature victories when small signs are pointing in the other direction.
The third changing line is Line 5:
In the best partnerships, each partner complements the other, and loyalty is the fuel which allows the partnership to shine. For the weaker partner, loyalty means devotion and service; for the stronger, trustworthiness is essential. A balanced partnership leads to great prosperity - and wealth won in partnership is appreciated and admired all the more because it is shared.
Future: 04 Youthful Folly
Be on guard for careless or rebellious attitudes characteristic of youthful inexperience. Just as a youth requires instruction, this is a good time to focus on learning your lessons from a patient teacher or life experience. Is there a circumstance in your life, which you have failed to comprehend completely, perhaps because you have failed to appreciate its inherent complexities? Be respectful of anything or anyone who has something to teach you right now.
In order to be ready for challenging times, let education be a continuing part of your life. Be continually developing the strong mind and will necessary to carry one through confusing times. The wise realize that experience, especially difficult experience, is a powerful teacher. But we cannot be forced to learn, even from experience. Be a good student, one who delights in learning, one who nourishes his or her expanding awareness.
Examine your attitude for factors which limit your openness. Observe how you deal with the mistakes of others. You must let people live their own lives and learn their own lessons. Offer others your wisdom or advice, but only if they are receptive. Otherwise, give up trying to convince them that you are right - that is only exhausting and counter-productive. If people are not receptive, let them proceed - even into difficulty or dangerous circumstances. It is the only way they can learn - and without learning, no one can achieve success. This does not mean that you should not care -- just that taking care of someone too much can be harmful. Live and let learn.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:49 PM
Present: 24 Returning
Question: held grudge when loved one said I am incapable of knowing children as I never had my own - have I forgiven?
There is a turning point which recharges you and eventually brings success. It is associated with a turning of darkness back towards the direction of the light, the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, the day when darkness begins to decrease and the hours of daylight increase. It is the beginning of a turn-around; a time of letting go of the old and making way for the new; a time of new beginnings, and it starts with rest.
Don't move too fast. The new momentum is just beginning; the turn-around demands that your energy be recharged by adequate rest, so that your life-force will not be spent prematurely. This principle of hibernation, of allowing energy to renew itself and be strengthened by rest applies to many situations - recuperation after an illness, the slow return of trust after period of estrangement, the careful development of new relationships after a splitting apart of old ones.
The condition of things in the present is fairly stable. There are no specific changes indicated right now.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 7:56 PM
Present: 45 Gathering Together
Question: long treatment by 2 doctors caused me permanent disability - no law-action taken but made escape
The power of gathering together is represented by a rally, where each individual's strength is magnified by the power of the community as a whole. History has shown that mass movements can bring about stable, ordered and durable conditions for the better. This reading may be pointing to an auspicious time for large undertakings. But the guiding force of a shared vision is essential to hold the forces of unity together, and keep them advancing toward a common goal.
Another image for this situation is that of a lake filling with water. Just as the fullness of the lake can bring good fortune to all in its sphere, it can also overflow, leading to calamity. Thus in a time of gathering together it is essential that precautions against unforeseen danger be considered along with efforts to advance along a clearly-charted course. Much of human misfortune comes from unexpected events for which we are ill prepared; when gathered together with others, we are both more powerful and, in some ways, more vulnerable.
Any time of unity is a time of potential greatness. But that greatness can be both positive and negative. Everything is magnified when masses of people unite for a single purpose. When many people unite behind a single goal or strong vision, it is wise to take personal precautions, and to protect your own reasonable self-interests, because these can easily be lost in the crowd.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 2: During times of popular unity, secret forces are often at work. These strong, magnetic forces are best understood by asking, what is it that is actually drawing people together? Before joining in, it is essential that you know the answer.
Yielding to magnetic forces of popular attraction, once they are understood and known to be benevolent, is often necessary and good; in such situations, the usual precautions and formalities associated with meeting new people and developing new relationships can be dispensed with.
Future: 47 Oppression
The image of opression conjures up a dried up lake bed with nettlesome crows stalking the shoreline. Hard times shrivel our spirits, and give rise to a multitude of "crows" in the form of troublesome worries. Times of great loss or personal failure break weaker people; but the strong of heart can bend with fate. To endure hard times - or even grow and benefit from them - it is essential to tap that deepest stratum of personal identity, that which is deeper even than fate, and which is incorruptible by even the harshest realities. It is essential, in other words, to tap the wellspring of human endurance: hope.
In a sense, there is no such thing as failure. There is only sweet and sour reality, and more is learned from the sour, oftentimes, than from the sweet. For failure, hard as it may be to swallow, opens the blinds to the real world, and reawakens the clarity of vision known only to those who have risked, and tasted, disappointment.
When in the throes of hard times, it is essential to be resolute and strong on the inside while remaining quietly cheerful on the outside. Avoid too much talking - except to your closest friends. Your words will have little effect on all others, since your influence will be at a low ebb - and they will drain you of vital energy. Strong silence is the most skillful posture when facing the public during adversity; it shows that your inner core is strong enough to withstand the current troubles, and suggests that your recovery will be complete. At the same time, talking openly to those you trust is equally important, for in times of calamity, talking is part of healing.
Keep in mind that failure - the final taboo in modern society - is but one part of the inevitable cycle of life for those who dare to live fully and completely. Never to fail at all is to fail in the biggest way - avoiding risk altogether, one cannot help but fall far short of what might have been.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:07 PM
Present: 28 Excessive Pressure
Question: single dangerous action by loved one to me - catalyst for mutual healing
Something is out of balance. Some pressure is causing an imbalance and needs correcting. But, if the dam is about to burst, moving out of the way is the first key to success.
When a person in a sagging mine shaft feels the earth begin to tremble, it is a time for quick, instinctive action and nimble footwork. At a time like this, only extraordinary measures can bring success. When the roof is collapsing, run first, choose your destination later.
Extraordinary times bring out the best and worst in people. Natural disasters bring with them stories of great heroism - but also looting and rioting. When great weight is on the world, powerful moments present opportunities to make great gains. Everything is in a state of flux. One can either move in the direction of positive change and improvement or towards stagnation.
This may be the moment you have been waiting for. Although the current challenge may seem to be more than you can handle, remember that a flood reaches its highwater mark for only a few brief moments, and then begins to subside. Action must be taken now to ensure opportunities for success later on. You will never discover the true extent of your own abilities unless you, at least once in your life, dive into a crisis with complete abandon, dedicating every ounce of your energy, every fiber of your being, to the cause at hand.
Dare to win.
There are two changing lines. Either one or the other or some combination of both of them will be relevant.
The first changing line is Line 3: Plunging willfully ahead during risky times, against the advice of your friends and intimates, invites trouble. Action may be called for, but never obstinacy. The support of friends and allies is necessary for any large undertaking; their advice can only be ignored at your own peril.
The second changing line is Line 5: The person who aspires only to relationships with those of higher status, greater wealth, more power and so forth, creates an unstable situation in his or her life. The tree which sinks its roots deepest into the earth is able to stretch its limbs highest into the sky.
Future: 40 Deliverance
After a thunderstorm, or any period of extreme tension, a period of new clarity and fresh opportunity follows. The storm has the effect of clearing the air and suddenly reducing atmospheric tension. Deliverance is at hand. In the wake of a storm on land, deliverance appears in the form of new color and life, which bursts forth in all the fields and flowers. In the wake of a storm at sea, deliverance takes the form of land itself.
In the field of human relations, the rain of forgiveness washes the human landscape clean after a period of enmity and error. Great clarity of purpose and renewed vigor can follow the healing of old wounds. But care must be taken not to re-open these old wounds by moving too quickly. In the same way, it is important to return to normalcy first before moving ahead with new plans after periods of stress.
Following the resolution of a difficult situation, your first priority, should be to return to normal conditions as quickly as possible. Breathe a sigh of relief, but don't relax completely. It would be a mistake to re-awaken the sleeping dogs of the immediate past before the new situation has crystallized. Look ahead. Attend to any residual matters that need resolution, and do so as quickly as possible. Make a clean sweep of the past, move deliberately, and the future will bring good fortune.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:11 PM.
Present: 38 Diverging Interests
Question: turned years of rage onto loved one who accepted challenge - still regret
An image of estrangement is indicated here. When brothers and sisters marry, they grow apart, since their allegiances now lie with new families. Though they will remain close enough to successfully deal with problems and share minor interests, they will be unable to undertake any great projects together. Simply put, when people grow apart - even for the most natural of reasons - their points of view, values and interests diverge.
Divergent natures and interests do bring opposition into the world of human affairs. And when opposition drifts into alienation and enmity, no good results. But when opposition takes the form of healthy competition, or when it is simply part of the natural order of things and is recognized as such, good fortune is possible.
Even when diverging energies make a situation seem stagnant or futile, remember: there are always creative possibilities inherent in polarities. One is reminded of the interplay of opposites that is fundamental for the creation of life itself. But when opposition has its roots in issues of principle, hold to your integrity and individuality. Avoid becoming involved with vulgar or base people who do not share your values. With both people and companies, one measure of stature is the quality of the competition.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 4: If you find yourself in a group of people with whom you have little in common, a seed of inner opposition can grow into true isolation. In such circumstances, the ideal solution is to find a soul-mate, someone with whom you share deep interests, and whom you trust completely. Through the taking of a good friend or lover, inner opposition can be overcome.
Future: 41 Decrease
Increase and decrease are part of the natural cycle of life. As another good book puts it, "To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." Like a reservoir that is being used to irrigate the fields, learning to accept a decrease in position or material possessions is part of preparing for increase in the future.
We may live in materialistic times, but there is no disgrace in material decrease, particularly if it represents an investment in future gain - even if that gain be in the form of learning or the development of personal character. Likewise, the inner strength that comes from bearing loss can be balanced by a corresponding increase in inner strength and insight. When letting go of material desires leads to a greater simplicity in daily life, good fortune often comes calling.
In nature, the lake evaporates to form the clouds that drop the rain which nurtures the surrounding forest. As the forest grows thick, more rain is captured for the lake. Similarly, an "evaporation" or decrease in one area of your life, may give rise to an eventual increase. A loss of responsibility at work can mean more free time; more free time may generate more career options. A decrease in material possessions can free the spirit and fill the soul.
Be mindful of the lesson of young lovers: even with a minimum of possessions, feelings of the heart can bring an unsurpassed richness to life. The smallest of actions, if sincere, have value. So remain confident, for a time of decrease may actually bode good fortune. Especially if you remain open to that possibility.
Let go of frustration, resistance and regret over whatever may be decreasing at this time. Accept the cycle.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:16 PM.
Present: 23 Disintegration
Question: sloppy emotional transformation work done with new friends - cause for shame
In every life, all is not what it seems. At this time, things are on the decline and reality seems like a hall of mirrors, or a house with a collapsing roof. Intrigues are multiplying like flies, and there are rumors of discontent. It is the time of illusion, deception, distrust and disintegration.
When you find yourself about to become trapped in situation that is falling apart, it is necessary to retrace your steps. Return to the familiar; take solace in what is firm and secure. Gather up your energy and do not confront the source of the problem directly. There is no blame in holding back; indeed, it is your responsibility to keep your strength intact for the period of resurrection, which follows the period of disintegration as surely as dawn follows the night.
Discretion is the better part of valor Ñ and good timing is important too. Learn to choose the proper moments for action, thereby avoiding futile effort. Be particularly attentive at such a time as this for changes that signal a time to retreat.
In the realm of personal relations, discovering illusion is always painful, and confusing. When in the midst of such a period, it is wise to avoid undertaking any bold new moves or competing with inferiors; it is especially important not to jump to conclusions too quickly.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 6: The period of disintegration comes to an end. The negative forces have spent themselves. Evil is not destructive of good alone - it also destroys itself. And when it dies, it nourishes the good seed that remains. There is a fresh, new, invigorating energy in the air. Use it!
Future: 02 The Receptive
Great receptivity attracts exceptional results. A natural responsiveness brings about success through support and perseverance, rather than through bold action. Thus, the wise person demonstrates strength like a powerful but gentle mare. This hexagram, consisting of all yin lines, represents a power of the feminine principle no longer honored in our modern world, but such receptivity is most auspicious.
The receptive force is sensual as well as powerful, and it can be missed by too much talk and planning. When spring comes, does the grass "plan" to grow? This is a time to concentrate on realities rather than potentials - with how to respond to a situation rather than how to direct it. The mature mare lets herself be guided by a higher power, and is skilled at graceful acceptance. In a strong spiritual way, her quiet contribution is most effective, and brings success.
Do not be too assertive at this time, for if you try to direct things, you are liable to become confused or alienated. Take your time. Draw strength from carefulness and you will be doubly fortunate. Focus more on feeling than on action. Be broad and deep in your attitudes so that you can accept everything that comes your way with grace and equanimity. Be receptive and spacious like the ocean; let the river of changing developments flow to you. Allow others to take the lead for now. Strive for a pure natural responsiveness that is based on inner strength rather than outer show.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:22 PM.
Present: 51 Shock
Question: spent a lifespan transforming damaged self - right path but fear no time to use acquired wisdom
One hears thunder unexpectedly! First comes fear, then a sharpened, clearer vision. Recall a close brush with danger - a falling branch, an automobile accident barely avoided, an escape from a potentially violent confrontation. Such incidents first arouse every nerve fiber in your body in a brief wave of terror, but soon, once the danger has passed, give way to a heightened awareness of the world. The same process also occurs with other types of shock - the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, business failure and so on.
The lasting impact of a major shock can either be stimulating or debilitating, depending upon one's inner strength of character. The critical factor is the ability to become immune to fear, thereby transforming anxiety into a laser-sharp perception of the world around you.
When overtaken by crisis, the wise search their hearts for inner strengths, in order to face the world with courage. Courage often means daring to take the unexpected path - to bounce back quickly and self-confidently after failure, to have faith in the eternal when confronted with death.
We tend to think of shock only in the context of unpleasant events. We can also be jarred, however, by the sudden release of tension which comes with unexpected success. To keep your bearings in the aftershock of either trauma or victory, it is essential that your inner compass be aligned with "true north", that magnetic force which guides you toward fulfillment of both your deepest desire, and your highest destiny.
The condition of things in the present is fairly stable. There are no specific changes indicated right now.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:27 PM.
Present: 16 Enthusiasm
Question: near death when child at hand of elder - soul stayed groundless, almost forever
Enormous creative energy is unleashed by enthusiasm. This energy is like powerful music which inspires great numbers of people, loosening old constraints and generating new opportunities. Indeed, the power of enthusiasm is best symbolized by music and dance, for it is guided more by the heart than the head. Thus, great good fortune can follow when the leader of an enthusiastic group is a person of strong character, one able to guide this positive force toward a favorable destination.
Enthusiasm within a large group generates a special kind of electricity. When a crowd is "charged," the singer scales new heights, and life becomes its own reward. For who is not in awe of thunder? And who would fail to fill his or her lungs in the aftermath of a cleansing rain?
Arouse the passionate support of others, while adjusting your ideas and plans to suit their needs. In this way you can fill your sails with the mighty wind of popular support.
To arouse others, re-double your own dedication, and dare to create an environment which is free of tension. Take joy in your work. Harness the power of song and dance.
There are two changing lines. Either one or the other or some combination of both of them will be relevant.
The first changing line is Line 3:
"She who hesitates is lost." In this situation, hesitation brings regret. The right moment for seizing an opportunity or approaching a benefactor must be selected carefully, but when that time comes action should be taken immediately. Giving your allegiance to a worthy cause or leader may well be appropriate, if such a move would further your own interests.
Seize the day, or watch your chances disappear. Rather than looking to some outside force, do your best to advance yourself through well-timed personal effort.
The second changing line is Line 4:
Great works spring from those able to awaken enthusiasm in others through self-confidence and decisiveness. A person without doubts, and who is sincere, attracts others naturally. The power of such a person is enhanced through the sharing of power and responsibility with others. Thus others are willing to return the cooperation and become trustworthy allies and supporters.
Future: 15 Humility
This hexagram represents the quality of likely opportunities and challenges arising from changes that are in process now:
Humility is often rewarded in human affairs, just as valleys are filled by the erosion of great mountains. It is the way of the world to fill the empty cup. Regardless of your position, humility is a positive and deceptively powerful attribute. If you are in a high position but are still humble, people will be drawn to you and the causes you espouse. If your position is lowly, humility will endear you to those of higher status. True humility is a virtue to which all should aspire.
The most successful people are those who know how to bring each situation into balance by reducing that which is too great, and adding to that which is too little. Such a person craves not power, but balanced and stable relationships. Humility is the virtue which allows you to perceive the balancing force in each situation; humble people are not prey to the many illusions which grow out of self-importance. If humility is not natural to your disposition, make a conscious effort to develop a strain of self-effacing humor.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:30 PM.
Present: 32 Endurance
Question: skills in art, writing but passion for song - cause for embarrassment
Endurance is fostered when inner constancy is coupled with external flexibility. Long-distance runners must adapt readily to changing conditions, while maintaining an inner determination and strength of purpose. Two trees growing near each other adapt to enhance each other's survival. A strong image of durability is a stable marriage of intimate partners striking a dynamic balance between involvement in the outside world and nourishment in the home.
True endurance is not based on rigidity, for endurance implies movement, not immobilization. Only by adapting to change can we stay in the race; but only by deepening our sense of purpose can we develop the fortitude to win it.
Continuity is achieved through movement, not by keeping still. That which has ceased to grow is close to death. Stay active, but allow yourself time to stay in touch with your innermost thoughts and feelings.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 3: Moody inconsistency invariably brings misfortune. Inconsistency of purpose is usually caused by excessive concern for the affairs of the world. Cultivate the simple pleasures of life in the home, and even your work may improve.
Future: 40 Deliverance
After a thunderstorm, or any period of extreme tension, a period of new clarity and fresh opportunity follows. The storm has the effect of clearing the air and suddenly reducing atmospheric tension. Deliverance is at hand. In the wake of a storm on land, deliverance appears in the form of new color and life, which bursts forth in all the fields and flowers. In the wake of a storm at sea, deliverance takes the form of land itself.
In the field of human relations, the rain of forgiveness washes the human landscape clean after a period of enmity and error. Great clarity of purpose and renewed vigor can follow the healing of old wounds. But care must be taken not to re-open these old wounds by moving too quickly. In the same way, it is important to return to normalcy first before moving ahead with new plans after periods of stress.
Following the resolution of a difficult situation, your first priority, should be to return to normal conditions as quickly as possible. Breathe a sigh of relief, but don't relax completely. It would be a mistake to re-awaken the sleeping dogs of the immediate past before the new situation has crystallized. Look ahead. Attend to any residual matters that need resolution, and do so as quickly as possible. Make a clean sweep of the past, move deliberately, and the future will bring good fortune.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:40 PM
Present: 22 Grace and Beauty
Question: starved body when young, but now crippled with age - still bad attitude towards my troublesome body
A splashy sunset bathes the mountains in a soft radiance; the light of a full moon dances on the surface of a rippling river: Grace and beauty adorning the natural world. Grace is not an all-powerful force, nor is it the essential or fundamental thing. By itself, it is form without content. Grace is moonlight on water, not the sunlight at noon. Yet grace brings artistic expression into the world, and enhances the quality of our lives.
In the arts, grace arises out of adherence to form: the dancer becoming the form of the dance, the musician giving life to the form of a musical score, the painter becoming one with the brush and canvas. In human affairs, grace is also aligned with form - with mastery of aesthetic and cultural forms honed by time and honored by tradition. Through appreciation of graceful forms in human culture we apprehend the pure beauty of the ideal, of life raised above the mere struggle for survival.
Possession of grace, like the bearing of a beautiful gift to a wedding, can add stature to those in humble positions. Take care to lend grace and dignity to small matters, while giving the weight of deep and careful consideration to matters of greater consequence. Though it should not be confused with true substance, an artistic flair can take one far in this world.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 1: Resist the temptation to create false illusions of your position or stature. It is more graceful and dignified to simply wash your own car when picking up an honored guest than to rent a limousine.
Future: 52 Keeping Still
Regular periods of keeping still are an important aspect of personal development and forward motion. The most restful person may not be the one who sleeps twelve hours a day, but the one able to grab catnaps while cruising at 500 miles-per-hour at 35,000 ft. Learning to act when it is time to act, and to keep still when it is time to keep still, is the key to obtaining the peace of mind which helps one stay focused when clear focus is needed.
Consider the spine, which serves as a switchboard for all the nerves of the body which mediate movement. When the spine is kept flexible and healthy through proper rest and relaxation, active movement can always be undertaken without strain. When the spine is held erect in a balanced sitting posture, the inner balancing of meditation can take place.
Treat your innate spark of vitality as if it were a candle in the wind - protecting it as though it were your only light in a dark forest on a moonless night. Avoid external conditions which threaten to snuff out the flame, and be careful not to suffocate it with your own ambitions and worries.
Time out. Relax, take your shoes off, and sit a spell. Let go of thinking. Meditate.
Consultation on Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 8:45 PM.
Present: 60 Limits and Connections
Question: secret sense of superiority in spiritual attainment - hope only passing immaturity
Limits are necessary to give purpose and direction to life. Swimming in a sea of boundless opportunity would soon lead to exhaustion. Winging it alone in a sky of boundless opportunity would lead to being lost. In human affairs, the making of choices, and alliances, implies limitation, for in choosing one path another must be abandoned.
One key to a successful life is to select your limits consciously and carefully - to be discriminating in the setting of personal boundaries and knowing when to join in formation. Thrift, for example, often precedes prosperity; just as the letting go of selfish interests often leads to greater personal reward. Only by consciously accepting useful limits can one's energy be channeled to good purpose, and lead to lasting accomplishment.
Point yourself toward a middle way, the mean between discipline and freedom of spirit. Limits will come of their own accord; but to be able to consciously select your own affiliations in life - that's knowing how to fly! At the same time, do not go overboard on discipline. Even limitation must be limited, so that in attempting to bring order and direction into your life you do not choke off vital sources of enthusiasm and spontaneity.
Similarly, in groups and organizations, the rules and regulations should strike a balance between being too strict and too soft. If too strict, they build frustration among people, and ultimately become destructive. If too lenient, sloppiness becomes acceptable, and energy is soon dissipated. The best path is one which allows for the fulfillment of individual potential, while encouraging self-discipline and focus.
There are two changing lines. Either one or the other or some combination of both of them will be relevant.
The first changing line is Line 3:
To live a life of extravagant luxury before having contributed to society; to act willfully and selfishly in violation of reasonable rules and customs; to defy social conventions for the sheer thrill of doing so - these are all excesses which can quickly lead to serious and unfavorable consequences. Learn to take initiative and pleasure inside the bounds of what is fair and proper.
The second changing line is Line 5:
Do not ask others to wear a yoke you yourself would be unwilling to carry. Impose no rules you yourself could not live by. This is especially true, if you are in a position of leadership. If you are able to impose limits on others which truly fit the circumstance, and do not overly limit their freedom, greater success is possible.
Future: 11 Harmony
Earth stands above heaven and heaven seems to be on earth. The gravity of matter merges with the upward radiation of the light to merge in a deep harmony. This juxtaposition denotes a time of peace and blessings for all living things. In the affairs of men, tranquility comes when the good, strong and powerful show favor to the lowly, and those of more modest means are well disposed towards those who are currently blessed. There is an end to all feuds. In such a state, energy is high, the way clear, and the prospects for great success outstanding.
A deep chaos abides in nature, but man, by carefully responding to the rhythms and cycles of the world around him, can find peace in the natural world. By planting the right crop in the right place in the right season, the farmer brings harmony to the natural world of plants, and prosperity to his family. Similarly, any business must adjust to the natural cycles of the season; only through flexibility and adjustment can order and growth be maintained. Peace produces a time of flowering and prosperity; the wise person channels this positive energy to all quarters, to each in proper proportion, just as a farmer waters his field. But be vigilant: otherwise, peaceful conditions can foster the growth of weeds as well as flowers.
posted by amiCreative at 10/06/2005 09:26:00 PM
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