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Monday, February 28, 2011
No. 46, Pushing Upward, Line 1:
"Pushing
upward that meets with confidence
Brings great good fortune."
Are you Pushing Upward, but still unsure of your path? Does something inside keep saying, "I'll try this,
but . . . ?"
The Yi says: Think of yourself as the root
of the tree that is Pushing Upward. The "power to rise comes from this low and obscure station."
[Wilhelm]
Your effort - combined with a positive attitude
- is the key to your "great good fortune." Have faith in yourself.
One more element is necessary for growth, and we'll see what that is, with Line 2.
Tomorrow: " . . . it furthers one to bring even a small offering."
Sunday, February 27, 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
very auspicious message: Success is assured if one exerts the appropriate effort.
This is an organic movement upward, like a tree growing. The focus on "the small" continues.
The Image of this hexagram says, "Thus the superior man of devoted character heaps up small things in order
to achieve something high and great."
You may have to consult
someone in authority, but don't be afraid. "It is essential to see a great man, so as to banish anxiety." [Blofeld]
Setting the activity in motion (the departure toward the south) almost guarantees good fortune.
The person "receiving this hexagram is counseled 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."
[Anthony and Moog}
What two paths do you need to choose
between?
Changing Lines 1 and 2 may help you clarify.
Tomorrow: "Pushing upward that meets with confidence."
Saturday, February 26, 2011
No. 63,
After Completion:
"After
Completion. Success in small matters.
Perseverance furthers.
At the beginning good fortune,
At the end disorder."
What you have been working and Waiting
for will be brought to a successful conclusion.
You will
reach the top of the mountain. Note that "Success in small matters" will be the key, as the Yi has been telling
us for some time.
This future message describes "a condition of balance, harmony,
and absolute correctness. It is an ideal situation." [Huang] Rest and enjoy it. You've earned it.
But the Yi, being
the Yi, reminds you: You can't stay on the top of the mountain forever. Eventually, you will have to come
down, and, as every mountain climber knows, that's when most accidents occur.
As a student of the I Ching, however, you
understand the nature of the Universe, and can make wise provision now, while you're not under pressure, for the challenges
of the future.
Friday, February 25, 2011
No. 5, Waiting / Needing
/ Calculated Inaction, Line 2:
"Waiting
on the sand.
There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune."
Sand is shifting. You will not be able to Wait on this spot forever. Be prepared to make your move
when the time is right.
Meanwhile, ignore
the comments of others. "Slander will be silenced if we do not gratify it with injured retorts." [Wilhelm]
Remain detached from the sniping and blaming, and good fortune will be there at the end of your Waiting.
Sometimes it is helpful to look at the changing lines you didn't get,
to see what kind of problems you aren't facing. Here, the other lines describe different kinds of Waiting:
One, "in the meadow;" three, "in the mud; four, "in blood;" five, "at meat
and drink." (By six, you have "fallen into the pit.")
Be happy you're just "in the sand."
Tomorrow:
"After Completion. Success in small matters."
Thursday, February 24, 2011
No. 5, Waiting / Needing / Calculated Inaction:
"Waiting. If you are sincere,
You have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water."
"A time of important change in your life, You have reached a critical point, and there soon have to
be some major alterations to both your circumstances and direction." [Marshall]
But . . . "A period of Calculated Waiting must pass before
the cosmos can address itself to your needs. Many areas are undergoing significant change. Shifting powers are
generating new ideas, animosities are appearing, alliances are forming, systems are breaking down, and collective causes are
being organized. It is the eternal flux of changes as manifested in human affairs." [Wing]
A big - and positive - change is coming. But it's not here
yet. For now, the Yi advises you to wait - patiently - until events have settled.
There is a particular form of danger inherent in this situation, and
the Yi wants to warn you about it, tomorrow, in our only changing line, Line 2.
Tomorrow: "There is some gossip."
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
No. 54, The Marrying Maiden / Subordinate / An Untenable Situation:
"The Marrying Maiden.
Undertakings bring misfortune.
Nothing that would
further."
You are headed into
a situation that will not be right for you. And it could be very difficult to get out.
The main message was The Joyous - joining with others in mutual support.
But choosing those others is very important. The single changing line warned of being tolerant of "disintegrating
influences."
And now the future message comes
to warn of taking a subordinate position, like that of a "junior wife" in ancient Chinese society, subject
to the direction of both the husband and the "senior wife."
Is the relationship you are contemplating truly "mutual support?" Or are you
going to be doing all the supporting? The Yi advises you to step back and think this all the way through.
As The Image says of this message, "Thus the superior
man understands the transitory in the light of the eternity at the end."
The Yi is asking you: Is this Mr. Right? Or Mr. Right Now?
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
No. 58, The Joyous / Lake, Line 5:
"Sincerity toward disintegrating influences is dangerous."
No indication of good or bad fortune here. Just a warning: Now is not
the time to "go along to get along."
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
But if you know that what someone is saying is bogus, don't indulge them by listening and feigning interest.
You don't need to denounce their ideas publicly, nor do you need to confront them. But separate yourself from them,
as quickly as possible.
This single changing line is important,
because you will soon be presented with . . .
Tomorrow:
"An Untenable Situation."
Monday, February 21, 2011
No. 58, The Joyous/ Lake:
“The joyous. Success.
Perseverance is favorable.”
The
Image is of "Lakes resting one on the other. . .Thus the superior man
joins with his friends for discussion and practice."
A balanced relationship and mutual support is what the Yi is talking about here. This type of interaction
is where your success will lie.
"Dealing with people, one should be gentle and joyful but not
flattering and fawning. Dealing with events, one should be firm and stable but not stubborn and opinionated."
[Huang]
A Joyous situation, to be sure.
But . . . a particular danger lurks. We'll be looking at it in our one changing line, and in the future message.
Tomorrow: "Sincerity towards disintegrating influences is dangerous."
Sunday, February 20, 2011
No. 33, Retreat:
"Retreat. Success.
In what is small, perseverance furthers."
"The
only course open to you is to withdraw. This is not in any way unworthy or cowardly, but shows that you genuinely understand
the situation." [Marshall]
As the future of Preponderance of
the Small, Retreat indicates you will reach a point where there is nothing further to be accomplished.
It will be time to take your leave gracefully.
The Image of Retreat explains: "Thus the superior man keeps
the inferior man at a distance, not angrily but with reserve."
Go your own way. And do it in small steps.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
No. 62, Preponderance of the Small / Conscientiousness, Line 6:
"He passes him by, not meeting him.
The flying bird leaves him.
Misfortune.
This means bad luck and injury."
Yesterday's
line told of locating a wise person who you could lure out of "retirement" to help you. Today's
line tells what will happen if you are in such a hurry that you rush right past him.
Or the Yi may be saying: You are missing the point of a lesson that life is trying to teach you. How many times have
you "flown" right past the warning signs, convinced that things will turn out better, only to find yourself
in the same situation you wanted to leave behind?
Keep your steps small
and conscientiously apply yourself, as the main message advises. Go slow enough to recognize the value of what others have
to offer. In this way, you will avoid misfortune, bad luck and injury.
Tomorrow: "Retreat. Success."
Friday, February 18, 2011
No. 62, Preponderance of the Small / Conscientiousness, Line 5:
"Dense clouds,
No rain from our western territory.*
The prince shoots
and hits him who is in the cave."
You have plenty of potential, but it is not being put to use - yet.
That is
as it should be, for right now. The situation is not one in which you can "go it alone." "In such
times a man must seek out helpers with whose aid he can carry out the task." [Wilhelm]
These wise helpers may have "retired" to their caves - withdrawn from the daily battles of life - but their
wisdom is just what you need.
"Through such modesty the right man is
found, and the exceptional task is carried out in spite of all difficulties." [Wilhelm]
Who can you "draw out of retirement" to help you with your "exceptional task?"
Tomorrow:
"The flying bird leaves him." ...............
*(Note: We received "Dense clouds, no rain from our western territory"
in a slightly different context, as a changing line from No. 9, The Taming Power of the Small / Restraint,
on Feb. 5.)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
No. 62, Preponderance of the Small / Conscientiousness:
"Preponderance of the
Small. Success.
Perseverance furthers.
Small things may be done;
great things should not be done.
The flying bird brings the message:
It is not well to strive upward,
It is
well to remain below.
Great good fortune."
The Yi says: Settle down.
You may be "flying high" from recent successes. You are impatient
to reach your goal. You want to ignore the last future message, foretelling a Standstill or Stagnation.
This is an Icarus moment: Trying to fly too high will cause you to crash and burn.
The most successful outcome will be obtained by making small, steady steps in the right direction.
We received two changing lines to direct you toward your "great good fortune."
Tomorrow: "Dense clouds, no
rain from our western territory."
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
No. 12, Stagnation / Standstill:
"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]
This is the future of Following/Adaptability.
Be alert for signs the atmosphere is changing - that "the great" is departing and "the small" is approaching
- and adjust your efforts accordingly.
The Image advises, "Thus the
superior man falls back upon his inner worth in order to escape the difficulties." Focus on a purely
personal interest, or perhaps a spiritual practice. This will be a time to "hide [your] worth and
withdraw into seclusion." [Wilhelm]
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
No. 17, Following / Adaptability, Line 6:
"He meets with firm allegiance
And is still further bound. The King introduces him To the Western Mountain."
You will be asked to lead
and assist others. In this way, you will obtain a Following.
You
may wish to "retire" from this leadership, but you will be rewarded for continuing.
The
Western Mountain was where the ancestors of the King were buried. To be included in this holy place was a very high
honor. This kind of honor will come to you if you continue to aid others.
Tomorrow: "The great departs; the small approaches."
Monday, February 14, 2011
No. 17, Following / Adaptability, Line 1:
"The standard is changing.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
To go out of the door in company
Produces
deeds."
Whether you like it or not, things are
changing - in a very basic way. You can survive these changes by being truly open to other opinions and ways of
life.
But . . . it will not be enough to merely change
your way of thinking. You will need to come out of your comfort zone and actually do things differently.
The action step is often the toughest. If you can take it, you
will meet with . . .
Tomorrow: " . .
. firm allegiance."
Sunday, February 13, 2011
No. 17, Following / Adaptability:
"Following
has supreme success.
Perseverance furthers. No blame."
"In order to obtain a following one must first know how to adapt oneself." [Wilhelm]
You have something you want to accomplish. You can't do
it by yourself. You will need to develop a following - people who will endorse and support your actions. (Do "followers"
on Twitter count? I wonder . . . )
R.L. Wing says, "Rid
yourself of old prejudices and opinions that may be controlling your behavior and holding you back. If your goals and
principles are not consonant with those of your society, then you must make an adjustment in yourself." There is "no blame" in following this course now.
In fact, it will bring you "supreme success."
What life circumstance
is the Yi urging you to adapt to?
Tomorrow: "The standard is changing."
Saturday, February 12, 2011
No. 42, Increase:
"Increase. It furthers one
To undertake something.
It furthers one to cross the great water."
Let's recap
this one in light of the recent events in Egypt:
Wednesday
we receive Splitting Apart, the main message: "This change is beyond your control. It is not
a situation that you can - or should - try to hold together."
Thursday, Line 1: "Those who persevere are destroyed."
Friday, Line 5: "A change
comes, and suddenly, all things flow together in the right direction."
Today, the future reading: "It furthers one to undertake
something. It furthers one to cross the great water."
Coincidence? Or cosmic synchronicity?
Plug
yourself in, as Mubarak apparently did. Let go of a situation you can't salvage. Persevering will only lead to
your destruction. Change direction, and take on a new challenge. It will lead to Increase.
Friday, February 11, 2011
No. 23, Splitting Apart, Line 5:
"A shoal of fishes. Favor comes through the court ladies. Everything acts to further."
A change comes, and suddenly, all things flow together in the right direction.
This is likened to the way a shoal of fish instantaneously moves as though
it were a single being, instead of hundreds of single fish. Although you have Split Apart from some previous situation,
you are not at all alone.
You may take a subordinate position, but at this point,
it will be advantageous to join with others in support of a more powerful leader.
Thus everyone benefits, and true progress can be made, leading to . . .
Tomorrow: "Increase."
Thursday, February 10, 2011
No. 23, Splitting Apart, Line 1:
"The leg of the bed is split. Those who persevere are destroyed. Misfortune."
When
you see the first sign that things are falling apart, you may be reluctant to let go.
You want to save the situation - give it one more try, an extra push
of effort.
The Yi is warning you:
It won't work. This is a fundamental split that can't be repaired.
Does it seem like the Yi always says, "Perseverance furthers?" Well, not this
time: "Those who persevere are destroyed."
Be prepared to move in a different direction. Things will improve, as we will see in Line 5.
Tomorrow: "A shoal of fishes."
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
No. 23, Splitting Apart:
"Splitting Apart. It does not further one
To go anywhere."
You will be separating from some life circumstance
or relationship.
This change is beyond your control. It is not a situation
that you can - or should - try to hold together.
Under
these conditions, now is not the time to begin a new endeavor.
"For
it is a question not of man's doing, but of time conditions, which, according to the laws of heaven, show an alternation of
increase and decrease, fullness and emptiness. It is impossible to counteract these conditions of the time. Hence it is not
cowardice but wisdom to submit and avoid action." [Wilhelm]
Tomorrow: "Those who persevere are destroyed."
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
No.
60, Limitation:
"Limitation. Success.
Galling limitation must not be persevered in."
"Life lived without
guidelines is confusing and troubling. In order to make genuine progress in any direction, we must first give some definition
to our path." [Marshall]
The
main message was "The Taming Power of the Small has success." Today's future message carries much the same
meaning: "Limitation. Success."
Personally,
I find this one of the most comforting tenets of the I Ching philosophy: You can't "have it all." The
idea that there are "no limits" is simply false.
Channeling
your energy appropriately is the key. Do not be too strict with yourself. Limitations that are too limiting are just self-defeating.
A
diet is a good example. You will have success if you limit your intake reasonably. If your diet is too strict, you are setting
yourself up for failure.
Monday, February 7, 2011
No. 9, The Taming Power of the Small / Restraint,
Line 6:
"The rain comes, there is rest.
This is due to the lasting effect of character. Perseverance brings
the woman into danger. The moon is nearly full. If the superior man persists, Misfortune comes."
The rain that was in the "dense clouds"
of the main message finally arrives, because you have maintained your inner dignity and strength.
You can rest, but the Restraint - whatever it is that is holding you in check - is still in control.
To push any further will bring the woman into danger and the superior man into misfortune.
This state of affairs won't change any time soon, but you can turn it to your advantage, as we will see in the future
reading . . .
Tomorrow: "Limitation. Success."
Sunday, February 6, 2011
No. 9, The Taming Power of the Small / Restraint, Line 3:
"The spokes burst out of the wagon wheels.
Man and wife roll their eyes."
You will seem to be moving forward when - snap! Something
fundamental breaks.
This will, of course, bring your progress to a halt. "
. . . [H]ence there are annoying arguments, like those of a married couple." [Wilhelm]
By
sending Line 3, the Yi warns of the futility of placing blame on accidents of fate, or other people.
Don't focus on what someone else should have done, or ought to do. Focus on what small steps you
can take.
Tomorrow: "The rain comes, there is rest."
..................................................
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day, send an email with "The Daily Yi" in the subject line to susanlee@bookofchanges.org.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
No. 9, The Taming Power of the Small / Restraint: "The
Taming Power of the Small
Has success.
Dense clouds, no rain from our western region."
Take small steps only now. There is a restraining force at work that will not allow a great leap forward.
This
is not an unfavorable situation. Potential - like the moisture in the clouds
- is there. Use this time to be prepared to make the most of the "rain" when it does come.
While this influence is in control, be content with preparing the ground, and carefully planting your seeds.
Restraining conditions will continue, as we will see in the two changing lines
we received.
Tomorrow: "The spokes burst out of the wagon wheels."
To receive the Daily Yi in
your inbox every day, send an email with "The Daily Yi" in the subject line to susanlee@bookofchanges.org.
Friday, February 4, 2011
No. 54, The Marrying Maiden / Subordinate:
"The Marrying Maiden.
Undertakings bring misfortune.
Nothing that would further."
Your Progress will eventually bring you to a place where you will have
to either accept a Subordinate position, or go your own way.
In ancient
China, The Marrying Maiden was a concubine or "junior wife," subject to the direction and control of a
husband and the "senior wife."
Whatever
this
situation is - a relationship or a job, for example - it is likely that you are considering it because you want
the security it offers.
The Yi issues a warning: "If one is unable to submit willingly to
the demands of the union, it is better to withdraw at the onset, rather than conduct oneself dishonestly." [McCarver]
Thursday, February 3, 2011
No. 35, Progress, Line 6:
"Making progress with the horns is permissible
Only for
the purpose of punishing one's own city. To be conscious of danger brings
good fortune. No blame. Perseverance
brings humiliation."
Making
progress by lowering your horns and charging forward is okay only if you are trying to correct yourself, or those
in your immediate circle.
Trying to force your standards on others is dangerous. There is no blame in being aware of
the limits of your influence.
To make progress, you will need to exercise some stern self-control. Trying
to control others will bring humiliation.
Tomorrow: "If one is unable
to submit willingly to the demands of the union . . . "
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
No. 35, Progress, Line 2:
"Progressing, but in sorrow.
Perseverance brings good fortune. Then one obtains great happiness from one's ancestress."
Other translations render the first line as "Progressing, but alone,"
or " . . . but burdened with care."
Whatever the exact nature of the difficulty, the second phase of your Progress will not be easy. You
will need to persevere. ( But then, what else is new?)
Help - indeed, "great happiness" - will come from "a person in authority, probably a woman." [Blofeld]
Tomorrow: "Making progress with the horns is permissible . . ."
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
No. 35, Progress, Line 1:
"Progressing, but turned back.
Perseverance brings good
fortune. If one meets with no confidence, one should remain calm. No mistake."
Your new direction and sense of purpose may not meet with universal approval - at first
The Yi's message is straightforward: "If one meets
with no confidence, one should remain calm. No mistake."
Don't let the reactions of others hold you back. You are destined
to Progress.
Tomorrow: "Then
one obtains great happiness from one's ancestress."
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