I Ching - Hexagrams

Tony Crisp

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Hexagram Twenty Three

Po (Pro: Por; but with the final ‘r’ not pronounced) - Shedding

The enthusiasm of growth is missing. It is a time of shedding and losing. Let things fall, like the leaves in Autumn. Do not be afraid of letting go activity in this issue.

People and events prevail against our efforts through inertia. It is not productive to actively seek goals or start projects. Neither seek dependence upon others, for it is a time of people falling away and few can be trusted to lean upon.

If there is to be activity, let it be that of shedding what is no longer necessary, of dropping activities only habit keeps alive. Rely only on what can sustain itself through the period of stripping away.

The dark prevails, the lesser dominate the greater. Even those close may depart and be lost. Who or what is to be trusted? Only that which remains when all else falls away, just as the laws of nature survive the events they produce.

Even so there is a great power of abiding and receptivity evident. Perhaps this receptive longing is threatening. But it has the power to attract new life and change. This waiting receptiveness may feel like idleness, or loss of power, and cause one to be a prey to fearful urges.

The seasons roll, abide until change brings new opportunity. Share goodwill.

Key words: The inert and receptive prevail without enough motivation to make change. Abide until new life is attracted by the feminine quality.

The Moving Lines.

1.To realise we cannot rely on what had seemed trustworthy may be painful, but it is necessary. Continue the search for steadfastness.

2.Those we thought were friends have gone. Is there anyone to trust? The uncovering proceeds. Meet the growing pains of independence.

3.To stand outside all one relied upon for support and expression is to feel naked and alone. Nevertheless it breeds great strength. Look beyond fears and doubts to wisdom of spirit.

4.To depart from or lose all that was known and offered security is nakedness. Such an awful misfortune comes to all at some time. This is the darkest hour, now move to the dawn.

5.The tide has turned for you, moving from darkness and loss. The receptive blossom now enlivens as the pollinator draws near.

6.The rose does not produce seeds from the pollen of an oak tree. If ones receptiveness was toward what brings life, then a new beginning starts. The unfertilised seed pod dies.

Hexagram Twenty Four

Fu (Pro: Foo) - Renewal

New beginnings. Seeds germinate. A time to wait upon the processes of inner growth.

A new cycle begins successfully. At this conception of something new, it is the time to meet friends, old and new; to let the movement of events bring change. It would be unwise to be too active in promoting growth. This would be like digging the seed up just as it begins its development - of being too active when strength is returning after illness.

As this period of growth is in force, it is beneficial to begin projects. Some directions for new activity may become evident with a little observation. This is because what was hidden now takes form in the world and its events.

A period of darkness, like winter and its decline have passed. Now begins the power of increase and regeneration. But as with the winter solstice, there should be a period of rest, to allow the transformation of the old into the new to take place without too much interference.

Now that an old cycle has ended and a new beginning, much that occurred in the past can be understood. Like the seasons, you have been here before, and will pass this way again.

Key Words: New beginnings emerging from the old. Quiet support is sufficient to allow the new to take form.

The Moving Lines.

1.Returning to the beginning, or the main direction, is valuable if you have strayed. Re-establishing connections brings great good fortune.

2.Renewing connections with those who are supportive and honourable is allied with good fortune. You will find welcome, and should express kindness and help.

3.To break connections with what is honourable. and then re-establish them so many times suggests uncertainty, but is not blameworthy.

4.Finding ourselves in company of others who are taking a path unwise for us, we see our established and tried friendships have more to offer. Best to leave and take ones own direction alone.

5.If you can analyse the situation now and honestly admit the mistake, no harm can come. Return with this clarity and there is no regret.

6.Somehow you missed the signal and lost the moment of opportunity. Now problems arise touching yourself and many others. This is serious misfortune and much time will have to pass to move beyond it.

Hexagram Twenty Five

Wu Wang (Pro: Woo Wung: rhymes with ‘Flung’) - Unsought Kindling

From a sense of unity the power of creative word and deed touches you. Persisting in the way that accords with the situation will bring reward.

Move with and uphold what is occurring naturally from within. Like waiting for a wave moving toward the shore, if we catch its movement and ride it, we can make exceptional progress. The progress is one of expressing in action a harmonious creative impulse. The impulse in accord with the best in yourself and others.

It is important not to grasp this advantage too greedily, but to allow others to profit also. Be sure of your motives, for you may lose the advantage.

Opposing the impulse arising from the harmony of things leads to obstacles. It is not of advantage to have a purely personal direction or goal. This would be working against the prevailing influences.

Do not try to alter the course of things, especially not for your own benefit. When such powerful forces are at work, they must be handled with respect.

As it is the unexpected and spontaneous you are dealing with, it is wise not to have any fixed goal in mind. Like a gardener in Spring, aid the growth flourishing naturally.

Key words: An impulse from beyond purely personal welfare arises. Let it flow through into action.

The Moving Lines.

1.Acting from beyond purely personal motives and remaining without deceit now leads to good fortune. What you aim for can be achieved.

2.Labour as an expression of yourself, not for gain only. Work to achieve quality today, not for an imagined fortune beyond the horizon. Then success will come.

3.It is not an advantage to profit by someone else's loss. The loss may in fact be our own. Beware of leaving what is valuable unattended.

4.Being persistent with integrity will bring the gain sought. Use what arises spontaneously to move toward ones goal.

5.Whether this ill is to the body or in ones endeavours, avoid using untried remedies to cure it. If it arises through no personal fault the healing will be from within.

6.Even an unexpected change should be avoided. Be patient on this issue and let weeks pass. A time for being and not doing.

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