I Ching - Hexagrams

Tony Crisp

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Hexagram Forty Four

Kou (Pro: Go) - Intimacy

When intimacy occurs, power is gained to influence the partner. Therefore honesty is necessary in order to define how this influence is taking place. The influence may in fact be denied, leading to a false sense of freedom.

The yielding - female - quality here gains power over the more inflexible male quality. This may refer to an actual relationship, or to feeling qualities or an addictive temptation, influencing ones decisions negatively or capriciously. When passions of attraction dominate important decisions one may be led into unfortunate situations. The Chinese text suggests the image of a politician being detrimentally influenced by a call-girl.

Things are as changeable as the wind. The woman holds the power here. Males need to be cautious of taking a wife. The yielding encounters the firm.

With awareness changes can go well. Proclaim yourself. A great deal can come of this situation if the feeling quality is related to in a creative way rather than allowing it to dominate. The situation holds in it great power to sense and nurture creative impulse. Thus may one in authority express their command through those who serve.

Key words: Intimacy brings power to influence. Guard against this being capricious. With strength the situation can be advantageous.

The Moving Lines

1. Something negative has crept into the situation. This may appear a small thing not to be worried about, but it musty be stopped at once. Even a small pig that has wriggled into the garden, can do much damage as it grows.

2. There is a negative element in this situation. It is easy to keep under control. But do not allow it to get, or develop, beyond your reach, as its potential would then unfold.

3. The subject of the query is being influenced by a negative element. Fortunately circumstances prevent any wholehearted co-operation. Understand what is happening and thus avoid serious mistakes.

4. People you do not have much respect for, must nevertheless be tolerated. Otherwise there will be alienation from those who could be useful at some time.

5. Trust that your own inner discipline and strength will influence those you deal with. No need to take threatening postures. In their free choice they will follow.

6. When circumstances no longer press one into actively being a part of the world, its noise and agitation might cause one to withdraw and remain aloof. This may bring criticism, but this can be tolerated.

Hexagram Forty Five

Ts’ui (Pro: Tsway) - Congregating

It is a time to bring people and resources together for a cause. In this spirit one may stand in a temple or church in congregation, giving charitably and honouring the collective good, the family, and the principle of life.

While recognising dependence upon others, be firm in your goals and aid the unity of the assembly. A time of good fortune.

There is a need to recognise and support your relationship with the groups most important to you. This may refer to the family group, society, business, or a religious or political group.

The suggestion is that willing acceptance of our role in the group is necessary. Personal sacrifice in this role is called for, leading to great good fortune. The reason being that when a group of people cooperate, their power and creativity is multiplied.

If you are the central leading figure in the group, recognise the need for acting as a cohesive and uniting power. If your own nature is not itself united, this will be difficult. If you are not in the leading role, give support to whoever has this power.

Take care to provide for the unforeseen. Unexpected events are always the bringer of pain and difficulty. Therefore plan ahead.

Key words: In co-operative action lies greater strength and security. Religious and political groups represent the magic and power of collective action. Defend against the unexpected.

The Moving Lines

1.Indecision arises within the group about relating wholeheartedly with others. Admit to these anxieties. A leader then arises and removes all hesitancy. Then go forward confidently.

2.Follow the impulse that leads to co-operation without trying to have a clear goal. From its own hidden resources the group will form and act, with understanding of each other. Offer what is in ones heart.

3.When feeling an outsider to a group, give allegiance or support to one of the central figures. In this way you will be allowed in.

4.Giving yourself wholeheartedly to a cause or a leader brings great reward in this query. Many will support your action.

5.Sometimes it is not enough to have the qualifications. Confidence and strength are also needed. Persistence in a calm manner will gradually bring results. People will then support this issue.

6.In attempting alliance there has been misunderstanding. Let your difficult feelings about this be known. This will change the situation for the better.

Hexagram Forty Six

Shêng (Pro: Shêng; vowel so short as to be almost non-existent) - Advancement

The humble can now rise to great success. Nobody of power opposes this issue. Those in authority will receive it with sympathy.

Be content with small but constant gains. Move in the direction in which there is no need to struggle. In this direction you can gain your hope. Timing is everything.

Things will not happen by themselves. There needs to be the use of ones will to complete one step after another in moving toward what is wanted. So use what determination one has to move against obstacles. Do each thing that is necessary in turn, and this will accumulate into great progress.

Advance must be made in the manner a tree grows from its seed, moving around obstacles but persevering. Because there is a climate of growth, any action taken will link with the external events. Like a seed growing in spring, the time is ripe for its effort.

Do not hesitate to approach people in authority. They will be inclined to support the action.

Key words: Pushing upward from obscurity takes energy. But the season is right for much growth. Be determined and approach those in power.

The Moving Lines

1.Advancement is now open to you. Those in positions of power will be inclined to support your desire to progress. The actions are complementary.

2.Uprightness and being of sound character carry this issue through, despite the outward lack of refinement and smooth presentation.

3.There are no obstacles in the way for your advance in this issue. Do not hesitate in idle speculation as to how long your good fortune will last.

4.Seldom is so much honour offered anyone. Pushing upward leads to a place amongst the illustrious, with acclaim from all.

5.You are moving toward what is desired. Have no doubt. But advance slowly, taking one step at a time thoughtfully, as if on a mountain. The peak is now only a few paces away. Do not rush.

6.Without being able to see the way ahead, ascending is dangerous. You may not gain as much as you wish, but with care you need not lose all.

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