I Ching - Hexagrams

Tony Crisp

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Hexagram Thirty Eight

K’uei (Pro: Kway) - Contrariness

Water and fire do not mix well but are both important and can work together as when water is boiled in a kettle. In this situation care must be taken in attempting any scheme.

Be aware of likely differences and find advance in small things. For when there is opposition great matters cannot be undertaken.

When connection can be found there can be brilliant meeting and creativity. Meanwhile let each shine in their own way. In the hidden heart there is beauty.

In this query there may be a situation where people are not opposed as enemies, but are pulling in different directions. This may arise either from external or internal factors. Nevertheless there is a lot of potential in the situation.

Whatever is done may arouse opposition from an involved party. One might deal with this by carefully defining areas of difference and areas where co-operative action can take place. Also, opposites are necessary within the scheme of things, and can work well if an overall authority or situation incorporates them in a greater whole. When such meetings can be found however, then great rewards arise.

Remain true to yourself in all. Do not relinquish the important personal qualities just to be the same as others in order to agree with them.

Key words: Differences of opinion and direction. No great problem. Find small ways of advancing.

The Moving Lines.

1.Do not chase friendship or agreement. Like an escaped horse it only runs faster. Where there is goodwill, friendship arises again even after disagreement. Stay neutral in dealing with evil people and all will be well.

2.Sometimes it is difficult not to step on someone’s toes. An accidental meeting informally may ease the misunderstanding. No blame.

3.This is a very real problem. It can’t be avoided. There may even be humiliation or damage involved. Remain true to what you know is right, and those you honour. Bad start, but a good ending.

4.If the query involves relationship, then after isolation an intimate friend is found. If the query is not about relationship, then what you have been separated from for so long is now becoming a reality.

5.Straightforwardness in another remove the obstacles in becoming a companion. Be as open and direct in wanting friendship.

6.A friend once trusted now seems lost and estranged. Anger and mistrust make the friend appear repugnant. But drop your hostility and see that they sincerely want your companionship. Difficult feelings then melt.

Hexagram Thirty Nine

Chien (Pro: Jee-en) - Obstacles

Problems are evident. Certain directions you cannot take. Moves toward those unsympathetic or offering difficulties are not recommended.

Obstacles, even danger, beset this enquiry. It may feel like being caught between choices none of which offer any way out. The difficulties are not sudden or out of context, but are a part of the attitudes and habitual ways of doing things connected with the question.

Deep feelings may be involved, all the more entrenched because of the apparent immovability of the obstacles. Such feelings only strengthen the obstacles.

The situation calls for a temporary retreat, a cessation of progressive activity. This may be difficult as one needs to walk away from ones goal for a while. But this is not an abandoning of ones aims, only a necessary pause.

It will aid to join with those who are of like mind in order to tackle the difficulty. And do not give up ones aim because of this set-back. Perseverance is called for even in this temporary retreat.

It is important to avoid blaming. This refers to self blame, but particularly to blaming others for the situation. Blaming others removes the possibility of finding the personal sources of the obstacle, and learning from the difficulty. The obstacle then enriches.

The change must come from within. Then good fortune can arise out of this, of a sort that can be of great benefit to many.

Key words: Obstacles appear immovable. Seek the causes within and cooperate with friends. Perseverance brings good fortune.

The Moving Lines.

1. Frantic action to deal with the obstacle is not advisable in this issue. It will only compound the difficulty. Remain without action until it is clear what can be done. This brings reward.

2. Difficulties pile one upon another. Do not blame yourself for what is happening. Others depend upon you to see the process through. Be committed to confronting the problems.

3. Do not meet the problem by actively assaulting it. Only trouble can emerge that way and dependants would suffer. In withdrawing from danger happiness can arise.

4. Do not tackle this problem alone. To do so would lead to misfortune. Be patient and others will arrive to give aid through connections with a wider group. Inform them of the situation to gain their help.

5. At the very height of difficulty friends arise to help. They see the effort being made and are ready to support in this endeavour.

6. Although you are capable of finding within yourself a place of retreat, away from this problem, that direction is barred. Others need your experience. Seek alliance with a powerful figure in order to create the great work and rescue.

Hexagram Forty

Hsieh (Pro: Shee-ay; the second vowel rhymes with ‘Hay’) - Releasing

Tension has developed. Now is the time to discharge it. Recognise its source, and as with thunder clouds and rain, stay under cover to enjoy its benefits.

A period of difficulty and obstacles is in process of going. But do not enter into relationships or schemes requiring new adjustments or changes. Return to what is established and working well. As if one were released from a prison cell, return to the strength of the ordinary life. But it is not a time for inactivity. Strength is needed.

If advance is imperative hasten to the goal. When you achieve the release there is much to be gained.

If the situation is extremely fraught, and any rescue from it seems unlikely, stay on your guard, but a last minute reprieve is on the way. Deliverance from the tension that has existed is imminent.

In the release, as with falling rain, wash the slate clean. Let go of the attitudes that built up. This is a low point you must take time to rebuild from. Forgiveness may be a part of this. Many mistakes and regretful things may be done in a time of crisis. Recognise this and pass over.

If this can be handled successfully, there is great fruitfulness in the situation that follows. It can be a time of regeneration and a period of much growth.

Key words: Obstacles are melting. An enlivening energy arises and brings release. Let go of the darkness active in the past.

The Moving Lines.

1. The crisis is past. Do not take to heart what has happened. Such feelings held within only produce withdrawal, when what is needed now is to actively cultivate the fertile situation arising.

2. There has been a skilful dealing with several things or people being predatory or cunning in regard to the issue. This removes much of the danger that threatened, and brings recognition. Take a balanced responsibility now.

3. Acting as if you were a lord or lady brings predatory interest which could prove unfortunate. Better not to continue in this.

4. Be ready to leave a circle of people circumstances pushed you into. Now the situation has changed, move on to your natural circle, or else lose trust.

5. Release from what is inferior in your life is not assured. Only by earnestly leaving behind what constrained you from past difficulties, can you deliver yourself. This will gain the confidence of the opposition, but may still be a lonely path.

6. Great skill brings triumph in the situation, perhaps against an powerful opponent. Being in command means riding the ungovernable forces of life like a good horseman. Predators are dispatched. All is favourable.

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