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Monday, January 31, 2011
No. 35, Progress:
"Progress.
The powerful prince
Is honored with horses in large numbers.
In a single day he is granted audience three times."
This hexagram is Li, fire, over Earth:
the image of the sun rising over the earth, with ever-increasing light.
Progress may be on the outer, or inner, plane.
On the inner plane: “For the individual person, progress always proceeds in the direction of fulfilling his destiny, which is to give expression to his uniqueness.”
[Anthony and Moog] (Also the goal of yesterday's future reading of Grace: " .
. . the "form" the Yi wants you to work on is you: bringing your uniqueness successfully into expression.")
On
the outer plane: A time of rapid and relatively easy progress has arrived. " . . . [G]ranted audience three times" means that people
will listen - attentively - to what you have to say.
We received three changing
lines of guidance on how to navigate this time of Progress.
Tomorrow: "If one meets with no confidence . . . "
Sunday, January 30, 2011
No. 22, Grace:
"Grace has success.
In small matters
It is favorable to undertake something."
Grace in the I Ching means the beauty of form: gracefulness. The future of
Keeping Still will be a time for you to focus on the form and beauty of things.
Anthony and Moog suggest that the "form" the Yi wants you to work on is you: bringing your uniqueness successfully into expression.
What is truly, creatively, naturally and simply You? It
is right to be Keeping Still now, but It will soon be time to start taking small steps in the direction
of Grace.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
No. 52, Keeping Still / Mountain, Line 1:
"Keeping his toes still.
No blame. Continued perseverance furthers."
This line describes the situation before the race begins: You
may be so eager to get going that you "jump the gun."
Receiving this line is a warning from the Yi: Don't make your move yet. Circumstances need to clear.
"A man who halts at the beginning, so long as he has not yet abandoned
truth, finds the right way." [Wilhelm]
Tomorrow: "In small
matters . . ."
Friday, January 28, 2011
No. 52, Keeping Still / Mountain:
"Keeping Still. Keeping his back still
So that he no longer feels his body.
He goes into his courtyard
And does not see his people.
No blame."
The Image explains: "Thus the superior man does not permit his thoughts to go beyond his situation."
That's the key to Keeping Still: Let go of worrying about what has happened,
or what may happen.
I love Wilhelm's explanation of The Image:
"The heart thinks constantly. This cannot be changed, but the movements of the heart - that is, a man's thoughts -
should restrict themselves to the immediate situation. All thinking that goes beyond this only makes the heart sore."
Are you surrounded by others, all clamoring for
attention? There is "no blame" in not paying attention to them right now. Take a yoga break.
Tomorrow: "Keeping his toes still. No blame."
8:10 am mst
Thursday, January 27, 2011
No. 7, The Army / Collective Force:
"The Army. The army needs perseverance
And a strong
man. Good fortune without blame."
Yes, this is the same hexagram we received yesterday, as a future
message. Today we received it again, and without changing lines.
What does this mean? 1. We
need to pay attention; and 2. The forces that are currently controlling events are likely to remain there for the
foreseeable future.
"The Collective Force in its static form becomes a plateau in your development.
Before you can continue to progress, you must acquaint yourself with the goals of humanity, for they, in fact, affect your
own aims. . .
"Be open now and generous toward the feelings and needs of others. In this way you align yourself with humanity
and increase your energies and resources." [R.L. Wing]
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
No. 7, The Army / Collective Force:
"The Army. The army needs perseverance
And a strong man. Good fortune without blame."
This future message advises you to be prepared to gather widespread
support. In this there will be good fortune and no blame.
The Image of this hexagram says, "Thus the superior man increases his masses by generosity
toward the people." Your goals must be higher goals; goals that benefit your entire society.
To reach them, you will need this "energy of mass support." [Wing]
Are you thinking, "But who am I to declare myself a leader?" Don't worry. The
main message and changing lines assured you: If you are acting out of a sincere desire to share your truth, "the
possibility of exerting a lasting influence arises of itself, and no one can interfere." [Wilhelm]
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
No. 15, Modesty / Moderation, Line 3:
"A superior man of modesty and merit
Carries things to
conclusion. Good fortune."
Acting with Modesty insures your success, but . . .
Now is not
the time to indulge in self-congratulation or celebration. "If a man allows himself to be dazzled by fame, he will
soon be criticized, and difficulties will arise." [Wilhelm]
You have more work to do. Stay on your path, and continue
in Modesty and Moderation.
Tomorrow: "Thus the superior
man increases his masses by generosity toward the people."
Monday, January 24, 2011
No. 15, Modesty / Moderation, Line 2:
"Modesty that comes to expression.
Perseverance brings
good fortune."
Modesty
does not mean being quiet or shy. It means a lack of pretentiousness, vanity or egotism.
" 'Out of
the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh.' When a man's attitude of mind is so modest that this expresses itself
in his outward behavior, it is a source of good fortune to him. For the possibility of exerting a lasting influence
arises of itself, and no one can interfere." [Wilhelm]
This line comes to tell you: Do not hesitate to share what is in your
heart.
Tomorrow: " . . . carries things to conclusion."
Sunday, January 23, 2011
No. 15, Modesty / Moderation:
"Modesty creates success.
The superior man carries
things through."
"Thus
the superior man reduces that which is too much, and augments that which is too little. He weighs things and makes them
equal." [The Image]
Wilhelm points out the parallels to be found in the Bible: "Every
valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough
place plain." [Isa. 40:4] ; "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble." [Jas.
4:6]
Proceeding with Modesty and Moderation will ensure your success. The Yi provides two changing lines
to help guide us in this course.
Tomorrow: "Modesty that comes
to expression."
Saturday, January 22, 2011
No. 32, Duration:
"Duration. Success. No blame.
Perseverance furthers.
It furthers one to
have somewhere to go."
Duration does
not mean standing still. It means maintaining your principles in the face of changing events and conditions. This is the future of The Well.
The Yi says: "Thunder and wind: the image of Duration.
Thus the superior man stands firm and does not change his direction."
"You need to have flexibility and strength
to accommodate change without sustaining structural damage." [Marshall]
You know what your are meant to do, and where
you are meant to go. Do not let changing circumstances distract you.
7:22 am mst
Friday, January 21, 2011
No. 48, The Well, Line 5:
"In the well there is a clear, cold spring
From which
one can drink."
The
Well will progress from being lined (Line 4) to providing clear water (Line 5). Life-sustaining clarity becomes
accessible to you.
What becomes important
then? You must lower your bucket down, draw it up and drink from it.
"The best water is only a potentiality for refreshment as long as it is not brought up." [Wilhelm]
Your potential is there.
Now you must use it.
Tomorrow: "Thunder and wind: the image of
Duration."
Thursday, January 20, 2011
No. 48, The Well, Line 4:
"The well is being lined. No blame."
While a well is being lined, it cannot be used. The work is necessary, however, so clear
water will be available long into the future.
Are you working right now on your own clarity? The Yi says, "No problem."
"In life also there are times when a man must put
himself in order. During such a time he can do nothing for others, but his work is nonetheless valuable, because by
enhancing his powers and abilities through inner development, he can accomplish all the more later on." [Wilhelm]
Tomorrow: "In the well there is a clear, cold spring .
. . "
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
No.48, The Well:
“The
Well. The town may be changed,
But the well cannot be changed.
It neither decreases nor increases.
They
come and go and draw from the well.
If one gets down almost to the water
And the rope does not go all the way,
Or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune."
"The town may be changed, but the well cannot be changed." Do you remember what yesterday's message said? " . . . Your success is not dependent
on any particular location or set of circumstances You have within you all that is
necessary."
The
Well is the Yi's reminder that surface circumstances may change, but the truth of each life is there, unchanging. However,
you will have to seek it conscientiously.
Don't just skim the surface. Lower your bucket all the way down. And take time and care drawing
the wisdom out. Grabbing for a quick-fix answer will bring misfortune.
Tomorrow: "The well is being lined. No blame."
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
No. 56, The Wanderer:
"The Wanderer. Success through smallness.
Perseverance brings
good fortune To the wanderer." Contemplation
will bring you into a state of transition. When moving into places
that are unfamiliar, it is wise to take small steps until you understand fully the forces that are at play.
As R. L. Wing says, “You are tasting, testing, sightseeing, and collecting information.” As part of this process, you are advised to remove yourself from any conflicts as soon as possible.
The Joseph Legg translation describes The Wanderer as "carrying with him his
means of livelihood and provided with good and trusty servants." This means that your success is not dependent on any
particular location or set of circumstances
.
You have within you all that is necessary.
Wherever you go, you will attract support, as long as you remain "clear-minded and cautious." [Wilhelm]
Monday, January 17, 2011
No. 20, Contemplation, Line 5:
"Contemplation of my life.
The superior man is without
blame."
"As a leader,
one should be introspective about one's own life, to assess whether it is a good example for others to follow."
[Huang]
The Yi is reminding us,
again, that "the right sort of self-examination . . . consists not in idle brooding over oneself but in examining
the effects one produces." [Wilhelm]
What effect are you producing? Are you setting a good example?
Taking "the high road" will be important for your future as . . .
Tomorrow: The Wanderer
Sunday, January 16, 2011
No. 20, Contemplation, Line 3:
"Contemplation of my life
Decides the choice Between advance and retreat."
It is time for some self-examination.
"However, self-knowledge does not mean preoccupation with one's own thoughts; rather, it means concern about the effects
one creates." [Wilhelm]
The Yi wants your Contemplation to be about something larger than yourself and your immediate concerns and desires.
This will be your surest guide to the right path.
"Contemplate your effect upon the world around you. There you will find yourself." [Wing]
Tomorrow: " . . . not in idle brooding over oneself . . ."
Saturday, January 15, 2011
No.
20. Contemplation:
"Contemplation. The ablution has been made,
But not yet the offering.
Full
of trust they look up to him."
"A fundamental
fact of consciousness is that we take on the attributes and energy of that upon which we focus our attention.
"Through
the contemplation of the I Ching and its principles of independence, detachment, modesty, acceptance and tolerance, we begin
to embody them in our own lives.
" As these strengthen in us, they shine outward, and we begin to have greater
influence." [Walker]
What are you focusing your attention on?
Tomorrow: "Contemplation
of my life decides the choice . . ."
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Synchronicity of Abundance
On Monday, I received the following email from a correspondent
who shares his own experiences with the I Ching:
What I am about to describe, happens quite often. Last night, I cast the coins and the primary reading was abundance,
with three changing lines (1,3 &6). It will be interesting to see which are changing on your reading, although they
needn't necessarily be the same. I find it comforting whenever I encounter synchronicity, in my heart I really believe
that the underlying rhythm of the tao is not simply random kaos and coincidence.
best Hal
The changing lines
that came with my cast of the coins were: 1, 3 and 6.
If you're looking for a sign that the Universal flow
really is toward Abundance --- here it is.
You may want to go back and take the Yi's cautionary advice in
the changing lines a little more seriously. You can't take full advantage of the "electrical circuit" that
is the Book of Changes unless you plug yourself in. This will prepare you for a future of . . .
No. 35, Progress:
"Progress.
The powerful prince
Is honored with horses in large numbers.
In a single day he is granted audience three times."
The future will be a time
of rapid and relatively easy Progress.
" . . . [G]ranted audience three times" means that those in authority will
be listening to what you have to say. If you are creative, people will view your work or read your words with sincere
interest.
Progress is a combination of the elements of Li, fire or light, over Earth: the image of the sun rising over
the earth, with ever-increasing light.
Progress may
be on the outer, or inner, plane. “For the individual person, progress always
proceeds in the direction of fulfilling his destiny, which is to give expression to his uniqueness.” [Anthony and Moog]
Thursday, January 13, 2011
No. 55, Abundance, Line 6:
"His house is in a state of abundance.
He screens off
his family. He peers through the gate And no longer perceives anyone. For three years he sees nothing. Misfortune."
When Abundance
arrives, what will you do?
This line describes a
man who tries to hold on to his Abundance by walling himself and his loved ones off, and being constantly on guard
against anyone who might try to take it away.
With
this cautionary tale, the Yi is telling you: Don't horde your Abundance. This will lead to misfortune.
Rather, remember the final lines of the main message:
"Be like the sun at midday." Whatever light you are bringing to this world, let it shine, far and wide.
Tomorrow: A tale of amazing synchronicity, and the future of Abundance.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
No. 55, Abundance, Line 3:
"The underbrush is of such abundance
That the small stars can be seen at noon.
He breaks his right arm.
No blame."
Abundance --- "over sufficient quantity or supply" --- is not always a good
thing. It depends on what you have an Abundance of.
The underbrush of Line 3 may be your own mistaken ideas about what must, or should, be done. Or, it may be the
incompetence and pettiness of others.
Either way, at some point in the middle of this process, the light
- or clarity - in the situation will seem totally blocked. As the Stranger said in The Big Lebowski, things will be "darker than a black steer's tookus on a moonless prairie night."
You may lose someone on
whom you depend heavily --- your "right hand" man. This is not a circumstance of your own making,
therefore, there is no blame.
How you work your way out of this underbrush will be the key, as we will
see in our final changing line.
Tomorrow: "He screens off his family."
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
No. 55, Abundance, Line 1:
"When a man meets his destined ruler,
They can be together
ten days, And it is not a mistake. Going meets with recognition."
Joining with another who shares your goals will lead to Abundance.
"It is not a mistake to continue in this close relationship until the project
is complete." [Wing]
Reach out now, and don't be afraid of the difficulties that inevitably will arise from a collaborative project.
" . . . it will not be too long, nor is
it a mistake." [Wilhelm]
Tomorrow: "The underbrush
is of such abundance . . ."
Monday, January 10, 2011
No. 55, Abundance:
"Abundance has success.
The
king attains abundance. Be not sad. Be like the sun at midday." Things are on their way up - in fact,
they will reach their zenith, "like the sun at midday."
This time will be "as
good as it gets." Hexagram 55 combines Thunder, the symbol of energy, over Li, the symbol
of fire and light, or clarity. "The inherent message of this hexagram is to make hay while the sun shines and enjoy
your good fortune while it lasts." [Marshall]
The best way to do that, the Yi cautions,
is to be mindful of the transitory nature of all things. The sun rises, reaches its zenith, and then begins its descent.
Share
all that you can from this time of Abundance. Let your light shine.
We received three changing lines. Tomorrow: "Going meets with recognition."
Sunday, January 9, 2011
No. 64, Before Completion:
“Before Completion. Success.
But if the little fox, after
nearly completing the crossing,
Gets his tail in the water.
There is nothing that would further."
The future of Pushing Upward says:
Keep moving.
Like the little fox crossing an ice-covered river,
you need to move carefully. But you do need to keep moving.
Receiving this hexagram as a future message "could suggest that you are not prepared to see clearly what must be
done and take the final steps into the future. This may be a fear of the emptiness that sometimes comes after achieving a
goal . . " [Wing]
"All aspects of life
and human affairs must come to an end and begin anew. The awareness and acceptance of this is the richness of the human experience.
. . Do not become suspended in a meaningless midbreath." [Wing]
No. 64
is the last hexagram in the I Ching, but it is not "The End." This is, after all, the
Book of Changes.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
No. 46, Pushing Upward, Line 6:
"Pushing upward in darkness.
It furthers one to be unremittingly persevering."
In your journey upward, you will not always be able to see
exactly where you are, or where you are going. "One at this place should not become dizzy with success."
[Huang]
"In such a case it is important to be constantly mindful
that one must be conscientious and consistent and must remain so." [Wilhelm]
"Unremittingly persevering." "Constantly mindful." "Conscientious." "Consistent."
The Yi is kind of piling it on here, don't you think?
Bottom line: Don't let success
go to your head. Stick to your path, be sure it is consistent with your values, and keep going.
Tomorrow: "Before Completion. Success."
Friday, January 7, 2011
No. 46, Pushing Upward, Line 4:
“The king offers him Mount Ch'i. Good fortune. No blame."
Your path and your goals are favored by higher powers.
You are about to be elevated in some
way: promoted at work, elected or chosen for higher office, invited on Oprah.
Others will be envious, but there is "no blame" in your good fortune.
Before
everything was homogenized, people used to say, "Cream rises to the top" --- meaning, the best rises
naturally and inevitably. This is what is happening to you.
Tomorrow: "One at this place should not become
dizzy with success."
Thursday, January 6, 2011
No. 46, Pushing Upward,
Line 3:
“One
pushes upward into an empty city."
"All obstacles that
generally block progress fall away here." [Wilhelm]
The main message, Pushing Upward, said this was a favorable time, and that conscientious
effort would be rewarded with "supreme success."
Line 3, in the middle of this progression, says, "There is nothing to stop
you."
Keep Pushing Upward.
Tomorrow:
"The king offers him Mount Ch'i."
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
No. 46, Pushing Upward:
"Pushing upward has supreme success.
One must see the great man.
Fear not.
Departure toward the
south
Brings good fortune.”
A most auspicious
message: Success is assured . . . if one exerts the appropriate effort.
Setting the activity in motion - the departure toward the south - almost guarantees good
fortune. This is an organic movement upward, like a tree growing. But success won't just be dropped in your lap.
You will have to put some energy behind it, and push.
Anthony and Moog
say, "Receiving this hexagram is counsel to make a decision between two paths. . . . the path of his unique destiny that
he alone can trod by following his inner truth, or the one laid out . . . that has been trodden by others."
What path do you choose? The Yi sends three changing lines to help in this consideration.
Tomorrow: "One pushes upward into an empty city."
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
No. 33, Retreat:
"Retreat. Success.
In what is small, perseverance furthers."
You will soon reach a point when your most
successful steps will be in Retreat.
The main message
said that an important situation is at a Standstill. The only changing line pointed the way out: recognizing the inferior elements that have you stuck.
Be
realistic about the situation that requires Retreat. Are you absolutely determined to "save"
a relationship that is, in truth, going nowhere? Are there really "opportunities for advancement" at your
job?
With this future message, the Yi is telling you: It ain't
gonna happen.
"The only course open to you is
to withdraw. This is not in anyway unworthy or cowardly, but shows that you genuinely understand the situation."
[Marshall]
Monday, January 3, 2011
No. 12, Stagnation / Standstill, Line 3:
"They bear shame."
Taoist Master
Alfred Huang translates this line as "Embrace the shame."
Inferior forces that cause
Stagnation must be recognized. Now is not the time to get stuck in denial: "Oh, he
didn't mean it." "She's just under too much pressure." "One more drink won't hurt me,
I've had a rough day."
Realizing that you have allowed inferior elements of yourself
--- or others --- to take control is the first important step toward improvement. The next step is . . .
Tomorrow: "Retreat. Success."
Sunday, January 2, 2011
No. 12, Stagnation / Standstill /
Hindrance:
"Standstill. Evil people do not further
The perseverance of
the superior man.
The great departs; the small approaches."
"It is an
inescapable fact of life that inferior influences sometimes prevail." [Walker]
Receiving this
hexagram signals that this is such a time.
These influences are not under your
control. Be alert for the signs that "the great"
is departing and "the small" is approaching - and adjust your efforts accordingly. Don't waste energy
fighting the tide.
Focus on the small steps you can take.
This will sustain you until more favorable times return.
Tomorrow: Changing Line 3, "They
bear shame."
Saturday, January 1, 2011
No. 16, Enthusiasm:
"Enthusiasm. It furthers one to install helpers
And to set armies marching."
The Yi says: You can start the New Year with Enthusiasm!
Learning the right lesson from your Contemplation
(the main message and three changing lines) is the key.
Do you have a new idea or an innovative way of doing things? The Yi advises: Share it with others.
Enthusiasm signals a time of consensus
combined with energy, and we have received this hexagram three times in the past 30 days - Dec. 3, Dec. 9 and today,
New Year's Day.
Set
your armies marching.
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