Today: “Forms of convention have been exploited beyond their usefulness.  Look inside yourself for truth in your relations with yourself, the world and all that exists.  Then form your own expression. ” – from the I Ching

Forms of convention have been exploited beyond their usefulness.  Look inside yourself for truth in your relations with yourself, the world and all that exists.  Then form your own expression.

See Today: “A woman who is capable of giving birth must give birth to a saint, a hero, or a giver.” – Yogi Bhajan

See If you have separated from your righteous path, you are lost.  Aligning with the wisdom of your ancestors will bring good fortune and prosperity.

See previous reading:  Today: “If you have separated from your righteous path, you are lost.  Aligning with the wisdom of your ancestors will bring good fortune and prosperity.” – from the I Ching

See previous previous reading: Today: “Give close attention to the natural development of your enterprise.  Pushing forward recklessly will lead to disaster.  Contemplating every move brings great success.” – from the I Ching

See Related posts

Meditation: NM0365-20001024-On Communication II

Meditation: KWTC 19970630 – For Faculty of Self Engagement

Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny

Meditation: LA088 790222 Egyptian Meditation

Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426

29 – Twenty-Nine.  K’an / Dangerously Deep

Water follows Water, spilling over any cliff, flowing past all obstacles, no matter the depth or distance, to the Sea.
The Superior Person learns flexibility from the mistakes he has made, and grows strong from the obstacles he has overcome, pressing on to show others the Way.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are facing a crucial trial along your Journey.
The danger of this challenge is very real.
It is a test of your mettle.
If you can maintain your integrity and stay true to your convictions, you will overcome.
That’s not as easy as it seems when you are faced with the sacrifice of other things you’ve come to depend upon or hold dear.

Six in the fourth place means:

A simple meal of rice and wine, eaten from earthen bowls.
This is correct.

A jug of wine, a bowl of rice1 with it;
Earthen vessels
Simply handed in through the window.
There is certainly no blame in this.

Rice man

In times of danger ceremonious forms are dropped. What matters most is sincerity. Although as a rule it is customary for an official to present certain introductory gifts and recommendations before he is appointed, here everything is simplified to the utmost. The gifts are insignificant, there is no one to sponsor him, he introduces himself; yet all this need not be humiliating if only there is the honest intention of mutual help in danger. Still another idea is suggested. The window is the place through which light enters the room. If in difficult times we want to enlighten someone, we must begin with that which is in itself lucid and proceed quite simply from that point on.
40 – Forty.  Hsieh / Liberation

A Thunderous Cloudburst shatters the oppressive humidity:
The Superior Person knows the release in forgiveness, pardoning the faults of others and dealing gently with those who sin against him.

It pays to accept things as they are for now.
If there is nothing else to be gained, a return brings good fortune.
If there is something yet to be gained, act on it at once.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The relief you experience here is not your own personal pardon, but the release of others from your rigid expectations.
Like a hot air balloon, you will rise to new heights as you cast the heavy sandbags of resentments and restrictions away from you.
Feel the lightness of being that results from forgiving others and accepting them as they are.
Free yourself of the endless vigil of policing the behavior of others.
See them for who they are, not what they can or can’t do for you.

[/su_spoiler]

Today: “If you have separated from your righteous path, you are lost.  Aligning with the wisdom of your ancestors will bring good fortune and prosperity.” – from the I Ching

If you have separated from your righteous path, you are lost.  Aligning with the wisdom of your ancestors will bring good fortune and prosperity.

See Today: “The mind has to be focused in creativity to generate adaptability to total universe. That is what we mean by creative meditation.” – Yogi Bhajan

See If you have separated from your righteous path, you are lost.  Aligning with the wisdom of your ancestors will bring good fortune and prosperity.

See previous reading: Today: “Give close attention to the natural development of your enterprise.  Pushing forward recklessly will lead to disaster.  Contemplating every move brings great success.” – from the I Ching

See previous previous reading:  Today: “With your great creativity, try not to become too smug or ambitious.  It could be your downfall.” – from the I Ching

See Related posts

Meditation: LA721-920325: for the Intuitive Intellect

Meditation: LA860-960131-Increase the Flow of Earth Within You

Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny

Meditation: LA088 790222 Egyptian Meditation

Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426

47 – Forty-Seven.  K’un / Exhaustion

A Dead Sea, its Waters spent eons ago, more deadly than the desert surrounding it:
The Superior Person will stake his life and fortune on what he deeply believes.

Triumph belongs to those who endure.
Trial and tribulation can hone exceptional character to a razor edge that slices deftly through every challenge.
Action prevails where words will fail.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is the realm of the Shaman.
You have exhausted every alternative, spent yourself completely, taxed body and mind beyond your former limits.
Survival and salvation lie beyond your reach now.
Only transcendence to a new existence — a higher plane of being — will see you through.
The Old You is just a dry husk.
You can’t return to it.
Metamorphosis is the only grace offered.
You can only return to your homeland as a New You.

Six in the third place means:

Hemmed in by stone, with nothing to climb but thorns: a trap of his own making.
Struggling home, he cannot find his wife.
Misfortune.

A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone,
And leans on thorns and thistles.
He enters the house and does not see his wife.
Misfortune.

Thorns and thistle

This shows a man who is restless and indecisive in times of adversity. At first he wants to push ahead, then he encounters obstructions that, it is true, mean oppression only when recklessly dealt with. He butts his head against a wall and in consequence feels himself oppressed by the wall. Then he leans on things that have in themselves no stability and that are merely a hazard for him who leans on them. Thereupon he turns back irresolutely and retires into his house, only to find, as a fresh disappointment, that his wife is not there. Kongfu (Confucius) says about this line:

If a man permits himself to be oppressed by something that ought not to oppress him, his name will certainly be disgraced. If he leans on things upon which one cannot lean, his life will certainly be endangered. For him who is in disgrace and danger, the hour of death draws near; how can he then still see his wife?

Baboon in thistles

‘Baboon in thistles’ – Stichting AAP – Almere Holland 2011
photo Lex van den Bos

 

Hemmed in by stone, with nothing to climb but thorns: a trap of his own making.
Struggling home, he cannot find his wife.
Misfortune.

31 – Thirty-One.  Hsien / Attraction

The joyous Lake is cradled by the tranquil Mountain:
The Superior Person takes great satisfaction in encouraging others along their journey.
He draws them to him with his welcoming nature and genuine interest.

Supreme success.
This course leads to marriage.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There is no greater natural law in the Cosmos than Attraction.
From the magnetic pull of an atom’s nucleus to the centripetal force that spirals a galaxy, the face of the universe is shaped by Attraction.
On a human scale, it is Attraction that fuels procreation and furthers our species.
Yet it is also Attraction that spawns greed and covetousness, threatening our extinction.
Attraction is the underlying force of the situation in question.
You are refined or debased by the objects of your desire.
What gravitational pull are you now under?
Around what sphere of influence do you circle?
Can you use your own ability to attract?

[/su_spoiler]

Today: “Give close attention to the natural development of your enterprise.  Pushing forward recklessly will lead to disaster.  Contemplating every move brings great success.” – from the I Ching

Give close attention to the natural development of your enterprise.  Pushing forward recklessly will lead to disaster.  Contemplating every move brings great success.

See Today: “You are what you think. Your mental projection is the highest projection in existence in the human body.” – Yogi Bhajan

See Tao Te Ching – Verse 81 – True words aren’t eloquent; eloquent words aren’t true.

See previous reading:  Today: “With your great creativity, try not to become too smug or ambitious.  It could be your downfall.” – from the I Ching

See previous previous reading: “If you want to know the truth about anything and everything, you can find it within you.”

See Related posts

Meditation: LA860-960131-Increase the Flow of Earth Within You

Meditation: LA741 – 921125 – Dance of Shiva

“The main thing is to remain safe from the danger around us without panic.  Follow the path of least resistance toward safety in your affairs and you will be OK.” – Today’s Reading

Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny

Meditation: LA088 790222 Egyptian Meditation

Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426

53 – Fifty-Three.  Chien / Gradual Progress

The gnarled Pine grows tenaciously off the Cliff face:
The Superior Person clings faithfully to dignity and integrity, thus elevating the Collective Spirit of Man in his own small way.
Development.
The maiden is given in marriage.
Good fortune if you stay on course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Adaptability mixed with integrity will bring a calm, steady progress.
Move from your center, always faithful to your principles, yet with the flexibility to weather any tempest.
Yours is not a meteoric rise to the top, but the solid, confident footing of one who has a clear vision of what can be, and who is willing to climb the distance to reach it.
The oracle foresees companionship along the way — a Divine comfort on any journey.

Nine in the third place means:

The wild geese nest in the open prairie.
The male leaves to forage; he will not return.
The brooding female will not hatch her young.
Predators close in.

The wild goose gradually draws near the plateau.
The man goes forth and does not return.
The woman carries a child but does not bring it forth.
Misfortune.
It furthers one to fight off robbers.

Goose

The high plateau is dry and unsuitable for the wild goose. If it goes there, it has lost its way and gone too far. This is contrary to the law of development.
It is the same in human life. If we do not let things develop quietly but plunge of our own choice too rashly into a struggle, misfortune results. A man jeopardises his own life, and his family perishes thereby. However, this is not at all necessary; it is only the result of transgressing the law of natural development. If one does not willfully provoke a conflict, but confines himself to vigorously maintaining his own position and to warding off unjustified attacks, all goes well.

20 – Twenty.  Kuan / Contemplation

The gentle Wind roams the Earth:
The Superior Person expands his sphere of influence as he expands his awareness.
Deeply devoted to his pursuit of clarity and wisdom, he is unconscious of the inspiring, positive example he is setting for others to emulate.

You have cleansed yourself; now stand ready to make your humble, devout offering.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The situation marks a rising to new heights.
As you climb for a better view of the panorama, you make yourself more conspicuous to those below.
This hexagram is also known as the Watchtower, because the shape formed by its lines resembles the ancient guardposts manned by Chinese soldiers.
These towers were placed on mountainsides to give a better vantage point.
To those below, the watchtowers served as landmarks to help them find their way.
The quality of your search for clarity in this situation serves as such a guidepost for others along the Way.

[/su_spoiler]

Today: “With your great creativity, try not to become too smug or ambitious.  It could be your downfall.” – from the I Ching

With your great creativity, try not to become too smug or ambitious.  It could be your downfall.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day

See today’s verse from the Tao Te Ching

See previous reading:  “If you want to know the truth about anything and everything, you can find it within you.”

See previous previous reading:  Today: “You have the necessary knowledge, will and means to eradicate the evil that has plagued  your country for too long.  Now you must summon the courage.” – from the I Ching

See Related posts

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Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny

Meditation: LA088 790222 Egyptian Meditation

Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426

1 – One.  Ch’ien / Creative Activity

Heaven above and Heaven below:
Heaven in constant motion.
With the strength of the dragon, the Superior Person steels himself for ceaseless activity.

Productive Activity.
Potent Influence.
Sublime Success if you keep to your course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The time for action has come.
You now have the focus and the stamina necessary for accomplishing great tasks.
The path before you is being cleared and reward lies ahead.

Nine at the top means:

Even a dragon may fly too high.
Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.

Dragon

When a man seeks to climb so high that he loses touch with the rest of mankind, he becomes isolated, and this necessarily leads to failure. This line warns against titanic aspirations that exceed one’s power. A precipitous fall would follow.
4 – Four   Mêng / Inexperience

A fresh Spring at the foot of the Mountain:
The Superior Person refines his character by being thorough in every activity.
The Sage does not recruit students; the students seek him.
He asks nothing but a sincere desire to learn.
If the student doubts or challenges his authority, the Sage regretfully cuts his losses.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is a time of interchange between a mentor and pupil.
Whether you are the teacher or the student, it is a time of companionship along a mutual path.
This hexagram also emphasizes the eternal, cyclical nature of the mentor/student relationship — a mentor is merely a more seasoned pupil, further along on the journey.
A pupil holds within himself the seed of a future Master.

[/su_spoiler]

Today: If you want to know the truth about anything and everything, you can find it within you. Do this: – from the I Ching

If you want to know the truth about anything and everything, you can find it within you.

Renounce all of your preconceptions about everything.  Choose what you would like to know about something or even someone.   With that intention, feel the effects of that choice from within you. Allow your viewpoint to dissolve and merge with the subject.

You can use as many iterations of this process as required until your perceptions, feelings and thoughts stabilize.

What you can then witness within you from this merged perspective will be infallible.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day

See previous reading:  Today: “You have the necessary knowledge, will and means to eradicate the evil that has plagued  your country for too long.  Now you must summon the courage.” – from the I Ching

See previous previous reading:  “A reckoning is at hand. Justice will have its due. Prepare for a challenging time.”

See Related posts

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Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426

61 – Sixty-One.  Chung Fu / Inner Truth

The gentle Wind ripples the Lake’s surface:
The Superior Person finds common ground between points of contention, wearing away rigid perspectives that would lead to fatal error.

Pigs and fishes.
You may cross to the far shore.
Great fortune if you stay on course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The subject of this hexagram discovers a key to Tranquility by first gaining insight into his own nature, then turning that vision outward.
By resolving inner conflicts and being at peace with himself, he learns to gain insight into others.
In effect, he enters another, sees with the other’s eyes, listens with the other’s ears, feels with the other’s heart.
He then returns to his own center, with new perspective and understanding.

yang
yang above: Sun / The Gentle, Wind
yin
yin
yang below: Tui / The Joyous, Lake
yang

 

The wind blows over the lake and stirs the surface of the water. Thus visible effects of the invisible manifest themselves. The hexagram consists of firm lines above and below, while it is open in the centre. This indicates a heart free of prejudices and therefore open to truth. On the other hand, each of the two trigrams has a firm line in the middle; this indicates the force of inner truth in the influences they represent.
The attributes of the two trigrams are: above, gentleness, forbearance toward inferiors; below, joyousness in obeying superiors. Such conditions create the basis of a mutual confidence that makes achievements possible.
The character of fu (“truth”) is actually the picture of a bird’s foot over a fledgling. It suggests the idea of brooding. An egg is hollow. The light-giving power must work to quicken it from outside, but there must be a germ of life within, if life is to be awakened. Far- reaching speculations can be linked with these ideas.

THE JUDGEMENT

INNER TRUTH. Pigs and fishes.
Good fortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Perseverance furthers.

Pigs and fishes are the least intelligent of all animals and therefore the most difficult to influence. The force of inner truth must grow great indeed before its influence can extend to such creatures. In dealing with persons as intractable and as difficult to influence as a pig or a fish, the whole secret of success depends on finding the right way of approach. One must first rid oneself of all prejudice and, so to speak, let the psyche of the other person act on one without restraint. Then one will establish contact with him, understand and gain power over him. When a door has thus been opened, the force of one’s personality will influence him. If in this way one finds no obstacles insurmountable, one can undertake even the most dangerous things, such as crossing the great water, and succeed.

But it is important to understand on what the force inner truth depends. This force is not identical with simple intimacy or a secret bond. Close ties may exist also among thieves; it is true that such a bond acts as a force but, since it is not invincible, it does not bring good fortune. All association on the basis of common interests holds only up to a certain point. Where the community of interest ceases, the holding together ceases also, and the closest friendship often changes into hate. Only when the bond is based on what is right, on steadfastness, will it remain so firm that it triumphs over everything.
 

Wind on water

THE IMAGE

Wind over lake: the image of INNER TRUTH.
Thus the superior man discusses criminal cases
In order to delay executions.

Wind stirs water by penetrating it. Thus the superior man, when obliged to judge the mistakes of men, tries to penetrate their minds with understanding, in order to gain a sympathetic appreciation of the circumstances. In ancient China, the entire administration of justice was guided by this principle. A deep understanding that knows how to pardon was considered the highest form of justice. This system was not without success, for its aim was to make so strong a moral impression that there was no reason to fear abuse of such mildness. For it sprang not from weakness but from a superior clarity.
[/su_spoiler]

Today: “You have the necessary knowledge, will and means to eradicate the evil that has plagued  your country for too long.  Now you must summon the courage.” – from the I Ching

You have the necessary knowledge, will and means to eradicate the evil that has plagued  your country for too long.  Now you must summon the courage.

Your iron will must come to the forefront now.
It will take great personal determination to resolve the situation in question.
Your adversary would love to force you into an angry display.
That would legitimize his opposition to you.
Such a berserker rage would drag you down to his level.
You must resolutely take a public stand against what he represents, but refuse to engage him.
Without compromise, you show others the way to higher ground.

Even if only one inferior man is occupying a ruling position in a city, he is able to oppress superior men. Even a single passion still lurking in the heart has power to obscure reason. Passion and reason cannot exist side by side- therefore fight without quarter is necessary if the good is to prevail.
In a resolute struggle of the good against evil, there are, however, definite rules that must not be disregarded, if it is to succeed. First, resolution must be based on a union of strength and friendliness. Second, a compromise with evil is not possible; evil must under all circumstances be openly discredited. Nor must our own passions and shortcomings be glossed over. Third, the struggle must not be carried on directly by force. If evil is branded, it thinks of weapons, and if we do it the favor of fighting against it blow for blow, we lose in the end because thus we ourselves get entangled in hatred and passion. Therefore it is important to begin at home, to be on guard in our own persons against the faults we have branded. In this way, finding no opponent, the sharp edges of the weapons of evil become dulled. For the same reasons we should not combat our own faults directly. As long as we wrestle with them, they continue victorious. Finally, the best way to fight evil is to make energetic progress in the good.

See Yogi Bhajan’s quote for the day

Tao Te Ching – Verse 76 – Men are born soft and supple; dead, they are stiff and hard. Plants are born tender and pliant; dead, they are brittle and dry.

See previous reading:  “A reckoning is at hand. Justice will have its due. Prepare for a challenging time.”

See previous previous reading: “In this time, as danger approaches, it is important not to take premature action, especially hostile ones. Wait in contemplation to see more clearly more viable and less costly alternatives.”

Share The Magical Story of Mushkil Gusha with friends over a meal today.

See Related posts

43 – Forty-Three.  Kuai / Breakthrough

A Deluge from Heaven:
The Superior Person rains fortune upon those in need, then moves on with no thought of the good he does.

The issue must be raised before an impartial authority.
Be sincere and earnest, despite the danger.
Do not try to force the outcome, but seek support where needed.
Set a clear goal.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Your iron will must come to the forefront now.
It will take great personal determination to resolve the situation in question.
Your adversary would love to force you into an angry display.
That would legitimize his opposition to you.
Such a berserker rage would drag you down to his level.
You must resolutely take a public stand against what he represents, but refuse to engage him.
Without compromise, you show others the way to higher ground.

yin
yang above: Tui / The Joyous, Lake
yang
yang
yang below: Ch’ien / The Creative, Heaven
yang

 

This hexagram signifies on the one hand a break-through after a long accumulation of tension, as a swollen river breaks through its dikes, or in the manner of a cloudburst. On the other hand, applied to human conditions, it refers to the time when inferior people gradually begin to disappear. Their influence is on the wane; as a result of resolute action, a change in conditions occurs, a break-through. The hexagram is linked with the third month [April-May].

THE JUDGEMENT

BREAK-THROUGH. One must resolutely make the matter known
At the court of the king.
It must be announced truthfully. Danger.
It is necessary to notify one’s own city.
It does not further to resort to arms.
It furthers one to undertake something.

Even if only one inferior man is occupying a ruling position in a city, he is able to oppress superior men. Even a single passion still lurking in the heart has power to obscure reason. Passion and reason cannot exist side by side- therefore fight without quarter is necessary if the good is to prevail.
In a resolute struggle of the good against evil, there are, however, definite rules that must not be disregarded, if it is to succeed. First, resolution must be based on a union of strength and friendliness. Second, a compromise with evil is not possible; evil must under all circumstances be openly discredited. Nor must our own passions and shortcomings be glossed over. Third, the struggle must not be carried on directly by force. If evil is branded, it thinks of weapons, and if we do it the favor of fighting against it blow for blow, we lose in the end because thus we ourselves get entangled in hatred and passion. Therefore it is important to begin at home, to be on guard in our own persons against the faults we have branded. In this way, finding no opponent, the sharp edges of the weapons of evil become dulled. For the same reasons we should not combat our own faults directly. As long as we wrestle with them, they continue victorious. Finally, the best way to fight evil is to make energetic progress in the good.

THE IMAGE

The lake has risen up to heaven:
The image of BREAK-THROUGH.
Thus the superior man
Dispenses riches downward
And refrains from resting on his virtue.

When the water of a lake has risen up to heaven, there is reason to fear a cloudburst. Taking this as a warning, the superior man forestalls a violent collapse. If a man were to pile up riches for himself alone, without considering others, he would certainly experience a collapse. For all gathering is followed by dispersion. Therefore the superior man begins to distribute while he is accumulating. In the same way, in developing his character he takes care not to become hardened in obstinacy but to remain receptive to impressions by help of strict and continuous self-examination.

[/su_spoiler]

Today: “A reckoning is at hand.  Justice will have its due.  Prepare for a challenging time.” From the I Ching

A reckoning is at hand.  Justice will have its due.  Prepare for a challenging time.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 75 – When taxes are too high, people go hungry. When the government is too intrusive, people lose their spirit

 Today: “Host those who have been your enemies, respect those who have slandered you, and communicate with those who have been all your life angry with you.” – Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “In this time, as danger approaches, it is important not to take premature action, especially hostile ones. Wait in contemplation to see more clearly more viable and less costly alternatives.”

Previous previous reading: “Running headlong into a quagmire, despite your formidable power, stop and contemplate the situation. Do not proceed until a viable solution has emerged. This will allow you to merge with the cosmic flow, resolving all resistance.”

 Related Posts

Meditation: LA046 – 780614 – Hari Shabad Meditation – Use the Wind to Produce Trance and Dissolve Negativity

Meditation: Milarepa

Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny

Meditation: LA088 790222 Egyptian Meditation

Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
21 – Twenty-One.  Shih Ho / Biting Through

The merciless, searing judgement of Lightning fulfills the warning prophecies of distant Thunder.
Sage rulers preserved Justice by clearly defining the laws, and by delivering the penalties decreed.

Though unpleasant, it is best to let justice have its due.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

A terrible reckoning is due.
A wrong will be righted — and even if it has been you who has been wronged, you will tremble at the terrible power of Justice untempered by Mercy.
Pray for your oppressor, that his punishment will fit his crime.

  yang  
  yin above: Li / The Clinging, Fire
  yang
 
  yin  
  yin below: Chên / The Arousing, Thunder
  yang
This hexagram represents an open mouth (cf. hexagram 27) with an obstruction (in the fourth place) between the teeth. As a result the lips cannot meet. To bring them together one must bite energetically through the obstacle. Since the hexagram is made up of the trigrams for thunder and for lightning, it indicates how obstacles are forcibly removed in nature. Energetic biting through overcomes the obstacle that prevents joining of the lips; the storm with its thunder and lightning overcomes the disturbing tension in nature. Recourse to law and penalties overcomes the disturbances of harmonious social life caused by criminals and slanderers. The theme of this hexagram is a criminal lawsuit, in contradistinction to that of Sung, CONFLICT (6), which refers to civil suits.

Red squirrel

Squirrel – Ede Holland 2009 – photo Lex van den Bos

THE JUDGEMENT

BITING THROUGH has success.
It is favorable to let justice be administered.

When an obstacle to union arises, energetic biting through brings success. This is true in all situations. Whenever unity cannot be established, the obstruction is due to a talebearer and traitor who is interfering and blocking the way. To prevent permanent injury, vigorous measures must be taken at once. Deliberate obstruction of this sort does not vanish of its own accord. Judgement and punishment are required to deter or obviate it.
However, it is important to proceed in the right way. The hexagram combines Li, clarity, and Chên, excitement. Li is yielding, Chên is hard. Unqualified hardness and excitement would be too violent in meting out punishment; unqualified clarity and gentleness would be too weak. The two together create the just measure. It is of moment that the man who makes the decisions (represented by the fifth line) is gentle by nature, while he commands respect by his conduct in his position.

 

Lightning and fire

THE IMAGE

Thunder and lightning:
The image of BITING THROUGH.
Thus the kings of former times made firm the laws
Through clearly defined penalties.

Penalties are the individual applications of the law. The laws specify the penalties. Clarity prevails when mild and severe penalties are clearly differentiated, according to the nature of the crimes. This is symbolized by the clarity of lightning. The law is strengthened by a just application of penalties. This is symbolized by the terror of thunder. This clarity and severity have the effect of instilling respect; it is not that the penalties are ends in themselves. The obstructions in the social life of man increase when there is lack of clarity in the penal codes and slackness in executing them. The only way to strengthen the law is to make it clear and to make penalties certain and swift.

Today: “In this time, as danger approaches, it is important not to take premature action, especially hostile ones.  Wait in contemplation to see more clearly more viable and less costly alternatives.” From the I Ching

In this time, as danger approaches, it is important not to take premature action, especially hostile ones.  Wait in contemplation to see more clearly more viable and less costly alternatives.  

You’ll be glad you did.  

Tao Te Ching – Verse 74 – If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to.

 Today: “There is no doubt that we are all very wise.” – Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “Running headlong into a quagmire, despite your formidable power, stop and contemplate the situation. Do not proceed until a viable solution has emerged. This will allow you to merge with the cosmic flow, resolving all resistance.”

Previous previous reading: “When a seemingly insurmountable obstacle arises, you must look inward. See within you what must give. That is, literally, compassion.”

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Meditation: LA544 – 870610 – Know and Experience the Unknown

Meditation: Milarepa

Meditation: Breath to Conquer Time Space and Destiny

Meditation: LA088 790222 Egyptian Meditation

Meditation: Magic Mantra-19760426

Read the text from Richard Wilhelm's, Thomas Cleary's, Brian Arnold's and other translations of the I Ching
5 – Five.  Hsü / Calculated Waiting

Deep Waters in the Heavens:
Thunderclouds approaching from the West, but no rain yet.
The Superior Person nourishes himself and remains of good cheer to condition himself for the moment of truth.

Great Success if you sincerely keep to your course.
You may cross to the far shore.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:
You must now endure this Dangling — either a carrot before your nose, or a sword above your head.
This strange mix of apprehension and anticipation is a Purgatory.
There is nothing more you can do to affect the outcome.
You must now submit to the Fates.

Nine in the second place means:

Taking your post in the sand, ceaselessly watching the far shore for enemy movements, you must endure the taunts and contempt of your comrades.
Good fortune in the end.

Waiting on the sand.
There is some gossip.
The end brings good fortune.

Mitsuke sandbank


The danger gradually comes closer. Sand is near the bank of the river, and the water means danger. Disagreements crop up. General unrest can easily develop in such times, and we lay the blame on one another. He who stays calm will succeed in making things go well in the end. Slander will be silenced if we do not gratify it with injured retorts.

63 – Sixty-Three.  Chi Chi / Aftermath

Boiling Water over open Flame, one might extinguish The other:
The Superior Person takes a 360 degree view of the situation and prepares for any contingency.

Success in small matters if you stay on course.
Early good fortune can end in disorder.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:
Victory at the expense of another is a merciless taskmaster.
The precarious balance here is reflected in the lines of the hexagram: each of the yin lines rests upon a strong yang line — a seemingly perfect arrangement.
But the scales will be tipped with the change of any one line.
And there WILL be change.
Tireless vigilance and an answer to every challenge — that is the uneasy Seat of Power occupied by the conqueror.

Today: “Running headlong into a quagmire, despite your formidable power, stop and contemplate the situation.  Do not proceed until a viable solution has emerged.  This will allow you to merge with the cosmic flow, resolving all resistance.” From the I Ching

Running headlong into a quagmire, despite your formidable power, stop and contemplate the situation.  Do not proceed until a viable solution has emerged.  This will allow you to merge with the cosmic flow, resolving all resistance.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 73 – The Tao is always at ease.

 Today: “Life is an unsolved mystery. Those who solve it don’t talk about it. Those who don’t solve it talk a lot.” – Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “When a seemingly insurmountable obstacle arises, you must look inward. See within you what must give. That is, literally, compassion.”

Previous previous reading: “You are done when the universe says you are done. Where there is need, se

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34 – Thirty-Four.  Ta Chuang / Awesome Power

Thunder fills the Heavens with its awful roar, not out of pride, but with integrity; if it did less, it would not be Thunder:
Because of his Great Power, the Superior Person takes pains not to overstep his position, so that he will not seem intimidating or threatening to the Established Order.

Opportunity will arise along this course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The Awesome Power available in this hexagram stems from what the Taoists call your Te, a term not perfectly translated into English.
Roughly, it is your Integrity — not in the Western sense of honor — but more in the psychological definition of a full integration of Who You Are.
This Awesome Power is achieved only by fully embracing both the good and the bad, the strong and the weak, the masculine and the feminine — all polarities within you.
Such self-knowledge spawns a Mastery tempered with the humility necessary to rein in and harness this Awesome Power.

Six at the top means:

If the ram butts into the hedge, the entangling thorns will prevent both advance and retreat.
It is best to recognize this danger and avoid it.

A goat butts against a hedge.
It cannot go backward, it cannot go forward.
Nothing serves to further.
If one notes the difficulty, this brings good fortune.


Goat in hedge

If we venture too far we come to a deadlock, unable either to advance or to retreat, and whatever we do merely serves to complicate things further. Such obstinacy leads to insuperable difficulties. But if, realizing the situation, we compose ourselves and decide not to continue, everything will right itself in time.

50 – Fifty.  Ting / The Caldron

Fire rises hot and bright from the Wood beneath the sacrificial caldron:
The Superior Person positions himself correctly within the flow of Cosmic forces.

Supreme Accomplishment.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Your needs are coming into harmony with the requirements of the Cosmos.
Blending brilliantly with the Dance of Life, you are becoming an actual element of Cosmic Law.
Your goals will now be realized because you no longer cut against the Cosmic grain; you are no longer swimming against the flow of the Tao.
You are acquiring an intuitive sense of what can and cannot be, and aligning your efforts accordingly.

Today: “When a seemingly insurmountable obstacle arises, you must look inward.  See within you what must give.  That is, literally, compassion.” From the I Ching

When a seemingly insurmountable obstacle arises, you must look inward.  See within you what must give.  That is, literally, compassion.  In this case, what must be given is simply what incapable of being given by external agents to resolve the impasse.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 72 – When they lose their sense of awe, people turn to religion. When they no longer trust themselves, they begin to depend upon authority.

 Today: “Your deeds shall decide whether God is near to you or away from you.” – Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “You are done when the universe says you are done. Where there is need, serve in your best capacity. Share your good fortune.”

Previous reading: “You are done when the universe says you are done. Where there is need, serve in your best capacity. Share your good fortune.”

Previous reading: “If you have veered from your life path and the new direction is not working for you, return to your old life. You are assured good fortune.”

Previous previous reading: “You are done when the universe says you are done. Where there is need, serve in your best capacity. Share your good fortune.”

 

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39 – Thirty-Nine.  Chien / Obstacle

Ominous roiling in the Crater Lake atop the Volcano:
When meeting an impasse, the Superior Person turns his gaze within, and views the obstacle from a new perspective.

Offer your opponent nothing to resist.
Let a sage guide you in this.
Good fortune lies along this course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The Obstacle lies in obstinance.
An insistence on only one way of proceeding has brought things to an impasse.
You may either continue banging your head with irresistible force against this immovable object, or you might step back and survey this situation from a fresh perspective.
Which is immobile here — the obstruction or your attitude?


Chien – Obstruction

Click on any hexagram line below to read the original Richard Wilhelm translation for that line…


  yin  
  yang above: K’an / The Abysmal, Water
  yin
 
  yang  
  yin below: Kên / Keeping Still, Mountain
  yin

 


The hexagram pictures a dangerous abyss lying before us and a steep, inaccessible mountain rising behind us. We are surrounded by obstacles; at the same time, since the mountain has the attribute of keeping still, there is implicit a hint as to how we can extricate ourselves. The hexagram represents obstructions that appear in the course of time but that can and should be overcome. Therefore all the instruction given is directed to overcoming them.


THE JUDGEMENT


OBSTRUCTION. The southwest furthers.
The northeast does not further.
It furthers one to see the great man.
Perseverance brings good fortune.

The southwest is the region of retreat, the northeast that of advance. Here an individual is confronted by obstacles that cannot be overcome directly. In such a situation it is wise to pause in view of the danger and to retreat. However, this is merely a preparation for overcoming the obstructions. One must join forces with friends of like mind and put himself under the leadership of a man equal to the situation: then one will succeed in removing the obstacles. This requires the will to persevere just when one apparently must do something that leads away from his goal. This unswerving inner purpose brings good fortune in the end. An obstruction that lasts only for a time is useful for self-development. This is the value of adversity.

THE IMAGE

Water on the mountain:
The image of OBSTRUCTION.
Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself
And molds his character.

 

Heaven Lake - Baekdu Mountain

Heaven Lake, Baekdu Mountain – a crater lake on the border separating China and North Korea


Difficulties and obstructions throw a man back upon himself. While the inferior man seeks to put the blame on other persons, bewailing his fate, the superior man seeks the error within himself, and through this introspection the external obstacle becomes for him an occasion for inner enrichment and education.

Today: “If you have veered from your life path and the new direction is not working for you, return to your old life.  You are assured good fortune.” From the I Ching

If you have veered from your life path and the new direction is not working for you, return to your old life.  You are assured good fortune.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 71 – Not-knowing is true knowledge. Presuming to know is a disease.

 Today: “You have to be you, but you can only be you when you understand that you are a part of infinity.” – Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “Though rejected for your brilliant efforts, stay with it. Your good works will be recognized.”

Previous previous reading: “You are done when the universe says you are done. Where there is need, serve in your best capacity. Share your good fortune.”

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9 – Nine.  Hsiao Ch’u / Gentle Restraint

Winds of change high in the Heavens:
Air currents carry the weather.
Dense clouds blow in from the West, but still no rain.
The Superior Person fine tunes the image he presents to the world.

Small successes.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

No matter what you do, the fruit of your labors never seems to ripen.
Your reward remains just out of reach.
Men have gone mad from such anticipation.
Don’t lose your balance lunging for the brass ring.
While the Fates continue to restrain you, go them one better and display a self-generated restraint and grace.
Look for the humor in the situation.

Nine at the beginning [yang at bottom] means:

He turns back to his proper course.
No harm done.
In fact, good fortune comes of this return.

Return to the way.
How could there be blame in this?
Good fortune.

Enjoy the Time You Have

‘Enjoy the Time You Have’ – 王文華 (Wang Wen-Hua)

It lies in the nature of a strong man to press forward. In so doing he encounters obstructions. Therefore he returns to the way suited to his situation, where he is free to advance or to retreat. In the nature of things this will bring good fortune, for it is wise and reasonable not to try to obtain anything by force.

57 – Fifty-Seven. Sun / The Penetrating Wind

Wind follows upon wind, wandering the earth, penetrating gently but persistently:
The Superior Person expands his influence by reaffirming his decisions and carrying out his promises.

Small, persistent, focused effort brings success.
Seek advice from someone you respect.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Gentle persuasion is the key in this instance.
Though the words are soft, their speaker must be firm, calm and confident.
Gentle words are worthless if spoken with trepidation.
Wordless influence by example is also effective in this situation.
All persuasion should be almost unfelt, yet consistent and persistent.
Ask for feedback from someone you know to be an effective persuader.

Today: “Though rejected for your brilliant efforts, stay with it.  Your good works will be recognized.” From the I Ching

Though rejected for your brilliant efforts, stay with it.  Your good works will be recognized.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 70 – My teachings are easy to understand and easy to put into practice.

 Today: “You have to be you, but you can only be you when you understand that you are a part of infinity.” – Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “You are done when the universe says you are done. Where there is need, serve in your best capacity. Share your good fortune.”

Previous previous reading: “Be mindful of everything and to whom you say anything. Realize the impact of your words.”

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35 – Thirty-Five.  Chin / Aspiration

The Sun shines down upon the Earth:
Constantly honing and refining his brilliance, the Superior Person is a Godsend to his people.
They repay his benevolence with a herd of horses, and he is granted audience three times in a single day.

Promotion.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is a time of reward for good works.
Those you have helped want to show their gratitude.
Benefits come both from on high and from the humble you uplifted.
Accept all gifts graciously, though the reward may not be what you truly need or hoped for.
Some may bestow more than they can afford to give, but you must realize that they need to feel that they have repaid you.

Six at the beginning [yin at bottom] means:

Meet their distrust with tolerance and benevolence; such graciousness will wear away any heart of stone.

Progressing, but turned back.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
If one meets with no confidence, one should remain calm.
No mistake.

The Merry Fiddler

‘The Merry Fiddler’, 1623 – Gerrit van Honthorst (1590 -1656)
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

At a time when all elements are pressing for progress, we are still uncertain whether in the course of advance we may not meet with a rebuff. Then the thing to do is simply continue in what is right; in the end this will bring good fortune. It may be that we meet with no confidence. In this case we ought not to try to win confidence regardless of the situation, but should remain calm and cheerful and refuse to be roused to anger. Thus we remain free of mistakes.
21 – Twenty-One.  Shih Ho / Biting Through

The merciless, searing judgement of Lightning fulfills the warning prophecies of distant Thunder.
Sage rulers preserved Justice by clearly defining the laws, and by delivering the penalties decreed.

Though unpleasant, it is best to let justice have its due.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

A terrible reckoning is due.
A wrong will be righted — and even if it has been you who has been wronged, you will tremble at the terrible power of Justice untempered by Mercy.
Pray for your oppressor, that his punishment will fit his crime.

Today: “You are done when the universe says you are done.  Where there is need, serve in your best capacity.  Share your good fortune.” From the I Ching

You are done when the universe says you are done.  Where there is need, serve in your best capacity.  Share your good fortune.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 69 – Rather than make the first move it is better to wait and see.

 Today: “I am nonviolent, but if I see that the weak is being molested by the unrighteous, I will be first to put myself between the two.” – Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “Be mindful of everything and to whom you say anything. Realize the impact of your words.”

Previous previous reading: “Be yourself rather than trying to become somebody. Fix internal turmoil with trusted practices rather than trying a quick fix. Enduring practice and patience are the proven remedies.”

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17 – Seventeen.  Sui / Following

Thunder beneath the Lake’s surface.
The Superior Person allows himself plenty of sheltered rest and recuperation while awaiting a clear sign to follow.

Supreme success.
No mistakes if you keep to your course.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Thunder from the Lake — the lulling, rhythmic roar of the faithful tide, eternally wearing away the stone of the shoreline, forever obedient to the phases of the moon.
The pull of the moon on the tide is the Following called for now.
As mighty as the tide is in its own right, it is ever the puppet of the invisible, irresistible gravity of the moon.
What cyclical forces pull you along?
Are you futilely attempting to resist a natural attraction?

Six at the top means:

By virtue of your wise heart, you are followed by a leader.
Come down from your mountain, and you will be rewarded with another.

He meets with firm allegiance
And is still further bound.
The king introduces him
To the Western Mountain.

Confucius

K’ung Fu Tzu (Confucius), born 551 b.C., lived during the Chou Dynasty

This refers to a man, an exalted sage, who has already put the turmoil of the world behind him. But a follower appears who understands him and is not to be put off. So the sage comes back into the world and aids the other in his work. Thus there develops an eternal tie between the two.
The allegory is chosen from the annals of the Chou dynasty. The rulers of this dynasty honored men who had served them well by awarding them a place in the royal family’s temple of ancestors on the Western Mountain. In this way they were regarded as sharing in the destiny of the ruling family.
25 – Twenty-Five.  Wu Wang / Remaining Blameless

Thunder rolls beneath Heaven, as is its nature and place:
Sage rulers aligned themselves with the changing seasons, nurturing and guiding their subjects to do the same.

Exceptional Progress if you are mindful to keep out of the way of the natural Flow.
It would be a fatal error to try to alter its course.
This is a time of Being, not Doing.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

This is thoroughly a matter of the heart.
If everything you attempt, no matter how carefully planned, ends in disarray, then examine your motives.
They are the cause of your predicament.
It isn’t that your motives aren’t pure — even the best intentions will fail under these circumstances.
What stymies you in this situation is that you have a motive at all.
Free yourself of all expectations, release any tenuous grip you may have, and roll with it.
This is totally out of your control.
There are higher powers and more elements affecting the outcome of this situation than you can imagine.
Get out of their way.

Today: “Be mindful of everything and to whom you say anything.  Realize the impact of your words.” From the I Ching

Be mindful of everything and to whom you say anything.  Realize the impact of your words.  

Tao Te Ching – Verse 68 – The best athlete wants his opponent at his best. The best general enters the mind of his enemy. The best businessman serves the communal good. The best leader follows the will of the people.

 Today: “The purpose of knowledge is to develop infinite faith in self.” – Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “Be yourself rather than trying to become somebody. Fix internal turmoil with trusted practices rather than trying a quick fix. Enduring practice and patience are the proven remedies.”

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52 – Fifty-Two. Kên / The Mountain

Above this Mountain’s summit another more majestic rises:
The Superior Person is mindful to keep his thoughts in the here and now.

Stilling the sensations of the Ego, he roams his courtyard without moving a muscle, unencumbered by the fears and desires of his fellows.
This is no mistake.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There is a higher vantage point available to you, but it is obscured by the visible peak of personal ambition.
To climb to this higher plane, you must shake off the desires and fears of the conscious, visible world around you.
To make this journey you must quiet the Ego, empty your mind of past and future, and dwell totally in the moment at hand.
Thorough mindfulness of what is before you is the only tranquility.
Be. Here. Now.

Six in the fifth place means:

Keeping his jaw relaxed, what words he speaks carry order and deliberation.
Conflict dissolves.

Keeping his jaws still.
The words have order.
Remorse disappears.

Ramana Maharshi

Ramana Maharshi – the sage of Arunachala
Tiruchuzli 1879 – Tiruvannamalai 1950

A man in a dangerous situation, especially when he is not adequate to it, is inclined to be very free with talk and presumptuous jokes. But injudicious speech easily leads to situations that subsequently give much cause for regret. However, if a man is reserved in speech, his words take ever more definite form, and every occasion for regret vanishes.
20 – Twenty.  Kuan / Contemplation

The gentle Wind roams the Earth:
The Superior Person expands his sphere of influence as he expands his awareness.
Deeply devoted to his pursuit of clarity and wisdom, he is unconscious of the inspiring, positive example he is setting for others to emulate.

You have cleansed yourself; now stand ready to make your humble, devout offering.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

The situation marks a rising to new heights.
As you climb for a better view of the panorama, you make yourself more conspicuous to those below.
This hexagram is also known as the Watchtower, because the shape formed by its lines resembles the ancient guardposts manned by Chinese soldiers.
These towers were placed on mountainsides to give a better vantage point.
To those below, the watchtowers served as landmarks to help them find their way.
The quality of your search for clarity in this situation serves as such a guidepost for others along the Way.

Today: “Be yourself rather than trying to become somebody.  Fix internal turmoil with trusted practices rather than trying a quick fix.  Enduring practice and patience are the proven remedies.” From the I Ching

Be yourself rather than trying to become somebody.  Fix internal turmoil with trusted practices rather than trying a quick fix.  Enduring practice and patience are the proven remedies.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 67 – Some say that my teaching is nonsense.

 Today: “If any person is unhappy, it is because he wished for unhappiness. When you wish for happiness, you also wish indirectly for unhappiness, just as day precedes night and night precedes day. ” – Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “Others depend on you for sustenance. It is important that you be there for them now and always.”

Previous previous reading: “Allow things to take their course. Don’t rush it. Don’t force it.”

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52 – Fifty-Two.  Kên / The Mountain

Above this Mountain’s summit another more majestic rises:
The Superior Person is mindful to keep his thoughts in the here and now.

Stilling the sensations of the Ego, he roams his courtyard without moving a muscle, unencumbered by the fears and desires of his fellows.
This is no mistake.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

There is a higher vantage point available to you, but it is obscured by the visible peak of personal ambition.
To climb to this higher plane, you must shake off the desires and fears of the conscious, visible world around you.
To make this journey you must quiet the Ego, empty your mind of past and future, and dwell totally in the moment at hand.
Thorough mindfulness of what is before you is the only tranquility.
Be. Here. Now.

Nine in the third place means:

He seeks stillness through rigidity instead of relaxation.
He will paralyze his legs and overtax his heart.

Keeping his hips still.
Making his sacrum stiff.
Dangerous. The heart suffocates.


Buddha's meditation

Buddha’s meditation

This refers to enforced quiet. The restless heart is to be subdued by forcible means. But fire when it is smothered changes into acrid smoke that suffocates as it spreads.
Therefore, in exercises in meditation and concentration, one ought not to try to force results. Rather, calmness must develop naturally out of a state of inner composure. If one tries to induce calmness by means of artificial rigidity, meditation will lead to very unwholesome results.

42 – Forty-Two.  I / Expansion

Whirlwinds and Thunder:
When the Superior Person encounters saintly behavior, he adopts it; when he encounters a fault within, he transforms it.

Progress in every endeavor.
You may cross to the far shore.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

Get ready to ride a tide of accelerated growth toward self-actualization.
A joyful awareness of the best within you, coupled with an acceptance of your Shadow, will provide a greater repertoire, a much bolder vision, and new depth and clarity that will compel you to expand your horizons.

Today: “Others depend on you for sustenance.  It is important that you be there for them now and always. From the I Ching

Others depend on you for sustenance.  It is important that you be there for them now and always.

Tao Te Ching – Verse 66 – If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them.

 Today: “Regardless of your history of abuses or kindness, opportunity, or challenge, it is within you to direct your mind. ” – Yogi Bhajan

Previous reading: “Allow things to take their course. Don’t rush it. Don’t force it.”

Previous previous reading: “It is best to reconcile with those whom you are estranged. You will likely expand your view to include tolerance for their faults. If it’s too late, you can forgive them and release the burden of ill feelings.”

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27 – Twenty-Seven.  I / Providing Nourishment

Beneath the immobile Mountain the arousing Thunder stirs:
The Superior Person preserves his freedom under oppressive conditions by watching what comes out of his mouth, as well as what goes in.

Endure and good fortune will come.
Nurture others in need, as if you were feeding yourself.
Take care not to provide sustenance for those who feed off others.
Stay as high as possible on the food chain.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are a conduit in this instance, able to provide the sustenance needed by others.
Position yourself to nourish the truly needy and worthy.
Avoid situations where you might be coerced into supporting the parasites and vermin who deprive your true charges.
Your own nourishment is an issue here, too.
Remember Lao Tzu’s three Great Treasures:
Only the person possessed of Compassion, Modesty and Frugality can remain fit enough to stay free of desperation and keep control of the situation.

Nine at the top means:

Others depend on you for sustenance.
If you are aware of the great responsibility such a position carries, all will share good fortune.
You may cross to the far shore.

The source of nourishment.
Awareness of danger brings good fortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.

 

Edgar Fernhout - Zee (4)

 

 

‘Zee (4)’, 1958  – Edgar Fernhout (1912 – 1974) – Museum Van Bommel van Dam – Venlo Holland

This describes a sage of the highest order, from whom emanates all influences that provide nourishment for others. Such a position brings with it heavy responsibility. If he remains conscious of this fact, he has good fortune and may confidently undertake even great and difficult labors, such as crossing the great water. These undertakings bring general happiness for him and for all others.
24 – Twenty-Four.  Fu / Return

Thunder regenerates deep within Earth’s womb:
Sage rulers recognized that the end of Earth’s seasonal cycle was also the starting point of a new year and a time for dormancy.
They closed the passes at the Solstice to enforce a rest from commerce and activity.
The ruler himself did not travel.

You have passed this way before but you are not regressing.
This is progress, for the cycle now repeats itself, and this time you are aware that it truly is a cycle.
The return of old familiars is welcome.
You can be as sure of this cycle as you are that seven days bring the start of a new week.
Use this dormancy phase to plan which direction you will grow.

SITUATION ANALYSIS:

You are about to experience a rebirth — about to be given another chance, a new lease on life.
You have persevered, gone the distance through an entire cycle — through the Spring of hope or new passion, through a Summer of growth and building, only to be sacrificed like the archetypal Harvest King at the Autumn reaping.
You lie dormant like seed beneath Winter snows now, healing and absorbing new energies in preparation for the new young Spring coming shortly to your life.