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Saturday, August 27, 2011
No. 29, Flowing Water / Danger / The Abysmal:
"Flowing Water repeated.
If you are sincere, you have success in your heart,
And
whatever you do succeeds."
If
you live on the East Coast of the U.S., you don't need The Daily Yi to tell you where the Danger
is coming from: Hurricane Irene. Flowing Water --- tons of it --- is about to
arrive.
The type of Danger you
face is, of course, dependent on your own personal situation. This is the future reading of Waiting/Needing/Calculated
Inaction, so look to what you have been Waiting for. What Danger lies in working your way through
the situation?
"One type of danger comes from
expectations as opposed to keeping an open mind. We may cling to our belief that a person is
good, when objectively we would see that they do not mean us well." [Anthony]
Whatever the Danger is, the Yi says: Get
real. There are many forces at work in the world that you do not control. Expecting a person to be
something that they are not can be as dangerous as expecting to ride out a hurricane.
You are " . . . in danger, but not lost. Maintain your confidence:
soothe your mind. With assurance and faith, caution and trust, you can pass through any difficult situation."
[Huang]
Tomorrow: Tomorrow The Daily Yi takes a break
until after Labor Day, into the high country of Colorado. Hopefully, the East Coast will still be there when it returns!
Friday, August 26, 2011
No. 5, Waiting
/ Needing / Calculated Inaction, Line 3:
"Waiting in the mud
Brings about the arrival of the enemy."
"Instead of having gathered strength . . ., one has made a premature
start that has got him no farther than the muddy bank." [Wilhelm]
What is your "mud?" Indecision? Fear? Anxiety?
Do you want out of a relationship or situation that is bogging you down?
Moving toward what you want still
requires some Calculated Inaction. Confucius's Commentary on this line says "Misfortune is outside.
It is you yourself causing the invader to come." [Huang]
By wavering and hesitating, you are inviting others to take advantage of you.
You are going to have some rapidly flowing water --- danger
--- to contend with, as we will see tomorrow in the future message. Don't wade out to "muddy bank" and get
stuck there. Stay on the high ground, as advised in Line 1, and gather your strength until you are truly ready to move
forward.
"The approaching
evil will not harm us if we exercise proper care." [Blofeld]
Tomorrow:
"We may cling to our belief that a person is good, when objectively we would see that they do not mean us well."
Thursday, August 25, 2011
No. 5, Waiting
/ Needing / Calculated Inaction, Line 1:
"Waiting in the meadow.
It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame."
"This line sends a warning that when a situation demands Waiting,
one must keep one's distance from the danger." [Huang]
Right now, "Conditions are still simple, yet there
is a feeling of something impending." [Wilhelm] We don't usually look at where a reading is going ---
the future message --- at this stage, but yes, there is danger ahead. Our future message is No. 29,
Flowing Water/The Abysmal, foretelling "a hazardous circumstance."
Blofeld translates "Waiting in the meadow" as "Stay on the
outskirts avoiding action."
Is there a battle going on somewhere in your world? Stay out of it. There is
no blame in this.
Tomorrow: "Waiting in the mud."
Wednesday, August 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." [Wing]
The Image of this hexagram is of clouds rising
up to heaven. "When clouds rise in the sky, it is a sign that it will rain. There is nothing to do but
wait until the rain falls. It is the same in life when destiny is at work. We should not worry
and seek to shape the future by interfering in things before the time is ripe." [Wilhelm]
In other words, don't rush it. The last message was about "secret
forces at work, leading together those who belong together," and the pitfalls you might encounter along the
way.
This message comes to tell
you that this destiny is still in process. Wait, and while waiting,
"cultivate self-confidence, steadfastness, and uprightness . . ." [Huang]
Tomorrow: " . . . a feeling of something impending."
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
No. 44, Coming to Meet / Temptation:
"Coming to meet. The influence is powerful.
One should not join with such an influence."
"The temptation to leave our path intrudes,
either in reaction to the inferior nature of others, or because of internal pressure of our own desires." [Anthony]
Most likely, this
Temptation comes in the form of a close personal relationship. Blofeld translated
the title of this hexagram as "Contact, Sexual Intercourse, Meeting, Etc."
" 'The influence is powerful' is also a warning not to allow any negative influence that is drawn
by self-doubt, guilt, or fear." [Anthony & Moog] This includes influences that are disguised
as offers of "help" --- money, security, protection.
You
were advised in Line 2 of Gathering Together, the main message, that " There are secret forces
at work, leading together those who belong together."
This future
message says, "It is necessary for elements predestined to be joined and mutually dependent to
come to meet one another halfway. But the coming together must be free of dishonest
ulterior motives, otherwise harm will result." [Wilhelm]
Is a "powerful influence" tempting you? Or is it "meeting you halfway?" The Yi can warn
you, but only you can decide.
Monday, August 22, 2011
No. 45, Gathering Together / Bringing Together, Line 6:
"Lamenting and sighing,
floods of tears.
No blame."
Now we have not only "sighing" (yesterday's
changing line), but "lamenting and sighing" and "floods of tears." This Bringing
Together will not be easy.
Yesterday's line said "Going is without blame"
when true union is not possible in a relationship or group. This line may be a reminder that even though separating
may be the right thing to do, it will still be very painful.
Or, today's line may refer "to a person who is despairing because he has been on the path of someone else's truth
and has come to its inevitable 'dead end.' " [Anthony & Moog]
Is this the situation you find yourself in? Or does Wilhelm's
explanation hit closer to home:
"It may
happen that an individual would like to ally himself with another, but his good intentions are misunderstood.
Then he becomes sad and laments. But this is the right
course. For it may cause the other person to come to his senses, so that the alliance that has
been sought and so painfully missed is after all achieved."
Remember: "There are
secret forces at work, leading together those who belong together. We must
yield to this attraction; then we make no mistakes." [Wilhelm]
But
how do you distinguish these "secret forces" from . . . .
Tomorrow: "A seemingly harmless
yet potentially dangerous Temptation . . ."
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Gathering Together, Line 3:
"Gathering together
amid sighs.
Nothing that would further.
Going is without blame.
Slight humiliation."
The true spirit of "togetherness"
or cooperation is missing in your current situation. The Yi says, "This is going nowhere."
Perhaps you feel that "the efforts needed to free [your] true self
are too hard, or if achieved, might upset [your] relationships." [Anthony &
Moog]
Yesterday's line urged you to pursue a relationship
with one to whom you are "mysteriously drawn." Receiving Line 3 suggests that you are
reluctant to take this step into the unknown.
The Yi assures you: There
is no blame in leaving a relationship or situation that's stagnant. A little humiliation,
maybe, because others will not understand. But no blame.
Will this be
easy? We will see . . .
Tomorrow: "Lamenting and sighing, floods of tears."
Saturday, August 20, 2011
No. 45, Gathering Together / Bringing Together, Line 2:
"Letting oneself be drawn
Brings good
fortune and remains blameless.
If one is sincere,
It furthers one to bring even a small offering."
"You may feel mysteriously drawn
to certain people or endeavors, although this may not be what you had planned for yourself. Give in
to this impulse." [Wing]
"At the time of Gathering Together, we should make no arbitrary choice of the way. There
are secret forces at work, leading together those who belong together. We
must yield to this attraction; then we make no mistakes." [Wilhelm]
Who are you being mysteriously drawn to? Don't dismiss this person as too fat, too old, too young,
not in your league --- whatever.
Is it an "endeavor" that is intriguing you? A job or business you'd like to try, but ---
it doesn't pay enough, the commute would be too long, you'd never be able to raise the capital?
The Yi advises: This is the time to follow your heart. Start
with your "small offering."
Will this path be free of difficulty? Of course not . . .
Tomorrow:
"Gathering together amid sighs."
Friday, August 19, 2011
No. 45. Gathering Together
/ Bringing Together:
"Gathering Together. Success.
The king approaches his temple.
It furthers one to see the great man.
This brings success. Perseverance furthers.
To bring great offerings creates good fortune.
It furthers one to undertake something."
In your relationships, now is a time for Gathering Together. Huang
translates it as Bringing Together --- implying a "purposeful togetherness."
To attain this purpose, you will be required to "sacrifice" something
--- something significant. Wilhelm says " . . . bring great offerings."
Huang's translation says, "Use big animals."
The Yi is saying: The time is coming to join with others, and in this joining, give it
everything you've got.
Or it may be that
you, personally and internally, need to "get it together."
"When you are not in accord with your goals, you may well feel indecision,
conflict, or malaise; when you are, a sense of confidence and well-being will surround you." [Wing]
The Yi sent three changing lines
to guide us, Lines 2, 3 and 6 . . .
Tomorrow: "You
may feel mysteriously drawn to certain people . . ."
Thursday, August 18, 2011
No. 17, Following / Adapting:
"Following
has supreme success.
Perseverance furthers. No blame."
"If one wants to lead, one must first learn to be led." [Huang]
As the future of The Marrying Maiden/Subordinate/An Untenable Situation,
Following does not mean blind adherence to somebody else's plan. Rather, it means adjusting
to what is, and not struggling to change the reality around you.
"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 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 making this "adjustment in yourself." In fact, it will bring you "supreme success."
What life circumstance is the Yi urging you to adapt to?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
No.
54, The Marrying Maiden / Subordinate / An Untenable Situation, Line 5:
"The sovereign Yi gave
his daughter in marriage.
The embroidered garments of the princess
Were not as gorgeous
As those of the serving
maid.
The moon that is nearly full
Brings good fortune."
The main message cautioned you about a relationship
you are entering. Line 2 likened you "a one-eyed man" --- able to see, but without perspective.
Line 5 advises that not all "subordinate" positions are necessarily
"untenable" --- just those that are power and control-based, or serve no purpose beyond the elevation of one
party at the expense of the other.
"When you can overlook your social position
and stature and place yourself in the service of another, you will realize good fortune. To accomplish
this you must overcome vanity, pride, and any ostentatious behavior." [Wing]
Purpose
is the key here. There is nothing wrong in being subordinate in an effort that accomplishes a higher
good. As The Image pointed out, ". .
. the superior man understands the transitory in the light of the eternity of the end."
Tomorrow:
"If one wants to lead, . . ."
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
No. 54, The Marrying Maiden / An Untenable Situation, Line 2:
“A one-eyed man who is able to see. The perseverance of a solitary
man furthers."
You are partially blinded in some way --- you don't have another "eye"
to help you see things in perspective.
The main message warned of a possibly "untenable
situation." Your first and most important task was to do some soul searching and identify what that is.
Receiving Line 2 tells you that this may be difficult because you are, essentially, by yourself.
However, you need not come to a halt.
Continue on your path, even if
you must go it alone. Eventually you will be rewarded.
Tomorrow: " . . . and place yourself in the service of another
. . ."
Monday, August 15, 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 may not be right for you. And it could be very difficult to get
out.
The Marrying
Maiden symbolizes the "second wife," or concubine, in ancient China. Huang explains: "The second wife had to be totally submissive to the first wife, or else there would be a power
struggle in the household. The situation was not always happy." (Really? Do ya think?)
Is the relationship you are contemplating mutual supportive?
Or are you going to be doing all the supporting?
Or, as William Congreve said in 1693 in his comedy
of manners The Old Batchelour, "Thus grief still treads upon the heels of pleasure: Married in haste, we may
repent at leisure."
Step back and
think this all the way through. 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?
Fortunately, we have two changing lines to help us evaluate the situation.
Tomorrow: "A one-eyed man who is able to see."
Sunday, August 14, 2011
No. 12, Stagnation / Standstill / Hindrance:
"Standstill.
Evil people do not further
The perseverance of the superior man.
The great departs; the small approaches."
We have just received two very favorable
messages --- Possession in Great Measure, and Establishing the New --- both without changing lines,
And yet today we receive Stagnation --- a decidedly unfavorable message --- again, without
changing lines. What is the Yi trying to tell us?
I believe the
message is this: Some personal relationship is literally holding you back, preventing you from
realizing the bounty the Universe is offering.
This relationship
may be with a "significant other," but it could also be with a parent or a
boss --- anyone to whom you have given some measure of control over the direction of your life.
"Stagnation without changing lines indicates that the object
of your inquiry may not be in harmony with the larger
direction of your life at any time." [Wing]
Establishing
the New said: a sacrifice will need to be made. It
is likely that giving up this relationship is that sacrifice. It is not a situation
that you can - or should - try to hold together.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
No. 50, The Ting / Establishing
the New:
"The Ting. Supreme good fortune.
Success."
The Ting was a vessel (a caldron) used to make offerings
in ancient Chinese religious ceremonies. Huang calls this hexagram Establishing the New.
"When a new dynasty began or a new emperor was enthroned,
the first thing done was to cast a new ding (ting) and inscribe the new constitution on it, symbolizing that a new
era had begun." [Huang]
In order for you to truly Establish the New, and obtain "supreme good fortune," it will
be necessary to make a sacrifice: "Earthly values" must be sacrificed to "the divine."
[Wilhelm]
"You will begin to perceive what is actually possible
for you to achieve and not waste precious energies on the impossible, those things that are
not in accord with the Cosmic Order given the circumstances of your life." [R.L. Wing]
Is there something that you are clinging to --- a
hope, a dream, a goal --- that is just not attainable? Sacrificing that unrealistic goal will allow
you to establish a new, richer life.
Like yesterday's reading, Possession in Great Measure, we received this hexagram without changing lines.
This marks a new --- and lasting --- era of "supreme good fortune."
Friday, August 12, 2011
No. 14, Possession
in Great Measure:
"Possession in Great Measure.
Supreme
success."
Possession in Great Measure
and supreme success!
What more could you ask for? Well, you got it --- this message came
without a single changing line. Meaning: You can expect this exceptionally favorable circumstance
to last.
We receive this hexagram immediately after The Well. The Yi is saying: If you "hold to the essential
and let go of the trivial" you will be rewarded with "supreme success."
Wealth alone is not "supreme success"
in Eastern philosophies. "Supreme success" is being able to realize your true self, pursue your true goals,
and develop harmonious relationships.
The Image of this hexagram is "Fire in heaven above . . .Thus
the superior man curbs evil and furthers good, and thereby obeys the benevolent will of
heaven."
"You shine on others as the sun shines on everything under the heavens." [Walker]
Thursday, August 11, 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."
You need to keep Pushing Upward --- the main message --- but in the future
you will need to "dig deep."
Did you find yesterday's
admonition to progress with "patient plodding" more than a little irritating? Then it is likely that you are
not acting in accordance with your true nature.
The goal that you
are Pushing Upward toward may not be what you truly want; otherwise, you would have greeted that message with thanks,
thinking, "It may take a long time, but I will get there!"
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.
In your search for answers, lower your bucket all the way down. Don't just skim the
surface. And take time and care drawing the wisdom out. Grabbing for a quick-fix answer will
bring misfortune.
"Hold
to the essential and let go of the trivial." [Anthony]
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
No. 46, Pushing Upward, Line 5:
"Perseverance brings good fortune. One pushes upward by steps."
You are making progress. Do
not let this favorable situation lure you into trying to jump ahead.
This is our only changing line, meant to tell you that the most important
thing you can do to assure the "supreme success" promised in the main message is to take each step in the
process one at a time.
What are you striving
for? A better relationship? A better job? Trying to finish your book? "This is no time
for rushing forward, but for patient plodding." [Blofeld]
Tomorrow:
"Hold to the essential and let go of the trivial."
Tuesday, August 9, 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: Supreme success
is assured --- if one exerts the appropriate effort.
You have
just received a double dose of Enthusiasm from the Universe. (The last two main messages.)
Use that Enthusiasm to Push Upward.
"Progress
as a tree does, bending around obstacles rather than confronting them, pushing upward steadily but gently."
[Walker]
You may have to consult someone
in authority, or someone who you perceive as being "above" you, but don't be afraid. "Feel free
to ask for help from those who are in a position to give it." [Walker]
Setting the activity in motion (the departure
toward the south) almost guarantees good fortune.
But you're not going to land on top tomorrow. Our single changing line advises . . .
Tomorrow: "One pushes upward by steps."
Monday, August 8, 2011
No. 40, Deliverance / Relief / Release:
"Release. The west
and the south are favourable. Those with nothing to gain from going forward will win good fortune by turning back; those who do have much to gain from going forward
must hasten to be sure of doing
well."
If you follow the Yi's advice, Relief lies ahead.
The Universe has Enthusiasm --- and you can have complete
Confidence --- in your plans. That's what the main message and single changing line said.
Make a realistic assessment
of your current situation. Are you being swept forward in someone else's Enthusiasm? If
there's nothing in this grand plan for you, leave it, and get back on your own path.
If,
however, you're on the right track --- Pick up the pace! "He who hesitates is lost."
Sunday, August 7, 2011
No. 16, Enthusiasm / Confidence, Line 2:
"Firm as a rock. Not a whole day.
Perseverance brings good fortune."
Line 2 comes --- again --- to tell you:. Remain "firm as a rock"
about what you want and where you are going.
The Yi says: You can have "absolute confidence that the action being taken
is the right one." [Blofeld]
Do not be tempted to go along with the desires of others. "Not
a whole day" means: If things are not going in the direction you need to take, depart --- asap. Don't
wait. This steadfastness of purpose in the midst of Enthusiasm will be your
. . .
Tomorrow: "Deliverance."
Saturday, August 6, 2011
No. 16, Enthusiasm / Confidence:
"Enthusiasm. It furthers one to install helpers
And to set armies marching."
Well, it's happened again. Today we received the same hexagram we received three days ago --- complete
with the same single changing line!
This is the Yi's way of saying: 1. You're not quite getting the message; and/or
2. You need to pay more attention. So:
We will look at this message from a slightly different perspective, using the Blofeld translation. Blofeld calls this
hexagram Repose, which he says was "suggested by the Chinese experts who kindly vetted this manuscript."* He hesitated to adopt Repose, since it seems completely opposite to Enthusiasm, until he "realized
that it must be understood as the kind of mental repose which follows absolute
confidence that the action being taken is the right one." "Recognizing
where our true help comes from and how readily it is granted inspires us with the inner independence needed
to find the right direction for our lives. This is true Enthusiasm." [Anthony
& Moog] Do
you know the direction you want your life to take? The Yi is shouting:
Go for it! Tomorrow:
"Firm as a rock." *Of
course, there's always the possibility that the "Chinese experts" were sending the English guy on a snipe hunt on
this one.
Friday, August 5, 2011
No. 40, Deliverance / Relief:
"Deliverance. The southwest furthers. If there is no longer anything where one has to go, Return brings good fortune. If there is still something where one has to go, Hastening brings good fortune."
Receiving Deliverance as
a future message means that, if you follow the Yi's advice, Relief lies ahead.
The Universe
has Enthusiasm for you and your plans. That's what the main message and single changing line said.
Looking to the future, make a realistic assessment of your current situation. If there are
loose ends, deal with them as quickly as you can. If there is really nothing that can be done,
leave it, and get back on your own path. . "If you find yourself in the midst of an intolerable
situation or intrigue, then perhaps the time has come to depart from the situation entirely.
. . . . This should be done without delay and with no show of emotionalism. There is no reason to dwell petulantly upon
the past or glory in your new-found Liberation." [Wing]
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Enthusiasm, Line 2:
"Firm
as a rock. Not a whole day.
Perseverance brings good fortune."
The surge of Enthusiasm that the Universe
is providing is meant for you and your plans.
Look again at yesterday's main message:
You are to "install helpers" and "set armies marching." Now is not the time
to "go with the flow."
Line 2 comes to tell you: Do not
let yourself be swept up in the enthusiasm of others. Remain "firm as a rock" about what you want
and where you are going.
As Huang explains this line, "In a situation full of
delight, most people indulge in worldly pleasures and live day to day." Only one at the place of this line
is "firm as a rock, not merely for a whole day," and "able to remain just and steadfast through
prudent consideration." This steadfastness of purpose in the midst of Enthusiasm will be your
. . .
Tomorrow: "Deliverance."
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
No. 16, Enthusiasm:
"Enthusiasm.
It furthers one to install helpers
And to set armies marching."
Do you have a new idea or an innovative way of doing things? The Yi says: Share it with
others. Enthusiasm signals a time of consensus combined with energy.
"During this time you should seek to analyze the essential nature of the moment.
If you can grasp the direction of the tendencies around you, you can parallel them and accomplish great deeds."
[Wing]
Recognizing "the essential nature of the moment" is what the I Ching
is all about. Take time to throw the coins yourself. This is the time to "plug yourself
in" to the flow of the Universe. Tomorrow: "Firm
as a rock."
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
No. 22, Grace:
"Grace has success. In small matters It is favorable to undertake something."
The fire is back at the foot of the mountain. And it looks like
it's going to stay there for awhile.
We
received Grace again today --- it was our last main message --- and this time, it came with no changing lines.
The Image of Grace is a "Fire at the foot of the mountain . . .," meaning that,
right now, you can see clearly only a small portion of the whole "mountain." Blofeld explains: "From the point of view of divination, it would seem that this
is a time to watch carefully so as to learn how those involved in the situation think and behave .
. ."
Grace in the I Ching
also means beauty of form. Pay attention now to the "form" of your most important relationship. Is
it even and symmetrical, like Mt. Fuji? Or is one party's ego forming a bulge, like on the side of Mt. St. Helens?
Feel free to devote yourself now to the form of whatever you create. Through
immersing yourself in the small details of exterior form, you will enlighten
yourself on the inner substance.
Monday, August 1, 2011
No. 37, The Family / The Clan:
"The Family. The perseverance of the woman furthers."
"Wind
comes forth from fire: the image of The Family . . ."
In our main
message, Grace, the image was of fire at the foot of the mountain, giving light to only a limited
area. In this, the future hexagram, the fire grows, creating its own energy patterns; the influence
of The Family spreads outward.
"The ancient sages always applied the principle of managing
a household to governing a country." [Huang] It is primarily a feudal structure, "emphasizing role models
and the observance of duties." [Anthony & Moog] Duties were strictly defined in accordance with one's place
in the birth order. Harmony comes "when the elder brother is in truth an elder brother, and the younger brother
a younger brother." [Huang]
"Be certain, however, that you are not involved in
carrying out a role for which you are unsuited, or a role that has been cast upon you. This will
rob your life of meaning." [Wing]
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