Post by SSaiYen on Sept 4, 2020 18:41:00 GMT
The I-Ching
The Book of Changes
Summary of Basic Concepts
Compiled by Silk, Edited by DDarkstorm, Sarina and SSaiYen.
To understand the I-Ching or the Book of changes, we should try to understand what change is in the first place. First for change to occur there must be something that it works upon, in ancient philosophies this is called the Wu Chi (see definition below). Once there is a possibility of change to the Wu Chi, it becomes the beginning of Tai Chi (see below).
An example: An apple ripens, where did it come from? The state of Wu Chi. It is ripe, but then bacteria forms and it begins to rot. It is now entering Tai Chi, a state of change. At this point there is a part that is good and ripe, and another part that is decaying. Decay will eventually take over the entire apple until it becomes nothing, back to the state of Wu Chi.
Once a thing begins to exist, there is a duality in its nature. The unchanging part is Yin and the changing part is Yang. They interact together to form the Tao.
“One Yin and one Yang make the Tao” I-Ching. 
Tao: The forces of Life, the Universe as a whole
Wu Chi: What there is before the universe comes into being
Tai Chi: The state wherein there is change or the possibility of change
Yin: Unchanging, feminine
Yang: Energy, action, masculine
Confucius’ comments on the I Ching:
"Heaven was above, Earth below: Thus the universe took form.
The lofty and the lowly segregated: Thus the correct positions were established.
Motion and rest became regulated: Thus the active and the passive found their roles.
The likes congregated, and all the things divided into classes: Thus good and evil arose.
Signs were displayed in heaven, and the shapes appeared on Earth: Thus change was manifest.
The active and passive massaged each other. The eight trigrams excited one another. Driven by thunder and lightning, nurtured by wind and rain, with the rotations of the Sun and Moon, with the seasonal alternation of cold and heat, the pure Yang became male, and the pure Yin the female…
A Yin. A Yang. That is the Tao.
The compassionate finds in it, humanity.
The intellectual finds in it, reason.
The common people are daily immersed in it unawares.
Thus the way of the sages is subtle… "
I-Ching as an Oracle
Yarrow Stalks: This is the traditional way to cast an I-Ching reading. However, it is too long to be practical if we are to use this in Nexus. I do recommend that you read about it. Many consider it the more accurate way to cast a reading, and there is virtue to the long ritual. Having a set ritual conditions your mind to quiet itself, and to take your question seriously.
Coins: I have found many ways that the coins have been used. It is not as accurate as the yarrow method.
Find three coins an Cleanse them clean them to signify that they are for other purposes than for trade.
Form your question The questions would be best if they are more than just ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions. (i.e. ‘what is going on with my boyfriend?’ Is better if asked as ‘what will happen if I remain in this relationship with ___?
Intro to The I-Ching
Step 1: Form your question
The questions would be best if they are more than just ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions. (i.e. ‘what is going on with my boyfriend?’ Is better if asked as ‘what will happen if I remain in this relationship with ___?.
Step 2: Toss the Coins Six Times
A set of three coins will be thrown six times. Each throw will create one line in each Hexagram (present/future). The two hexagrams will then be formed, stacking each throw on top of the previous throw.
Example:
6. Sixth Toss: ------------ (2 tails, 1 head)
5. Fifth Toss: ------------ (2 tails, 1 head)
4. Fourth Toss: ----- ----- (1 tail, 2 heads)
3. Third Toss: ----- ----- (1 tail, 2 heads)
2. Second Toss: 0------------ (3 heads)
1. First Toss: 0------------ (3 heads)
Now you have 2 Trigrams. (3 lines each)
(Read from bottom up)
*You will need 1 Hexagram (6 lines) for a complete reading.
-Line Legend-
3 Tails = Yin Line (X---- -----) Changing Line- Future (Changes to Yang on 2nd reading)
3 Heads = Yang Line (0-----------) Changing Line- Future (Changes to Yin on 2nd reading)
2 Heads, 1 Tail = Yin Line (----- -----) Present (No Change)
2 Tails, 1 Head = Yang Line (------------) Present (No Change)
*If you get changing lines, it means you now have two readings.
Step 3: Consult the Trigram Chart:
Trigrams
_____
_____
_____
Heaven –Chien, The Creative - Heaven, Sky
Circle, Jade, Metal, cold, Ice, Deep Red
Attribute: Strength, Creativity, Creative Force
Animal: Horse
Body: Head
Family: Father
Direction: Northwest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
__ __
__ __
__ __
Earth – Kun, The Receptive
Clothe, Cauldron, Frugal, Black, Soil
Attribute: Docility, Receptivity, Yielding, Obedient
Animal: ox
Body: Belly (Abdomen)
Family: mother
Direction: Southwest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
__ __
__ __
_____.
Thunder – Chen, The Arousing
Blue, Sand stone, the great highway
Attribute: Movement, Initiative, Action, Arousing Force, Stimulus, Causing Motion
Animal: Dragon
Body: Foot
Family: Eldest (1st) son
Direction: East
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
__ __
_____.
__ __
Water – Kan, The Abysmal - Water, Moon, The Deep
Bow, wheel, Red, thief
Attribute: Danger, Entrap, Distress of mind
Animal: Pig
Body: Ear
Family: 2nd Son
Direction: North
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_____
__ __
_____
Fire – Li, The Clinging – Sun, Fire
Teacher, Artist, Sun, spear and sword, armor and helmet
Attribute: Brightness, Light, Magnificence
Animal: Pheasant
Body: Eye
Family: 2nd Daughter
Direction: South
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
__ __
_____.
_____.
Pond – Tui, The Joyous, Lake, Mist, Marsh
Singer, kitchen, bird, sword
Attribute: Pleasure, Joy, Delight, Attraction
Animal: Sheep
Body: Mouth
Family: Youngest (3rd) daughter
Direction: West
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_____.
_____.
__ __
Wind – Sun, The Gentle – Wind, Wood
White, lofty, long, travel
Attribute: Penetration, Following, Gentleness
Animal: Fowl
Body: Thigh (Leg)
Family: Eldest (1st) daughter
Direction: Southeast
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_____.
__ __
__ __
Mountain – Ken, Keeping still
By-path, gateway, bridge
Attribute: Stillness, Stopping, Keeping Still, Unmoving, Rest
Animal: Dog
Body: Hand
Family: Youngest (3rd) son
Direction: Northeast
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Examples:
From the first 3 tosses: (Lower Trigram)
Wind - Sun, The Gentle - Wind, Wood
White, lofty, long, travel
Attribute: Penetration, Following, Gentleness
Animal: Fowl
Body: Thigh (Leg)
Family: Eldest (1st) Daughter
Direction: Southeast
-------
-------
--- ---
Second 3 tosses: (Upper Trigram)
Pond - Tui, The Joyous, Lake, Mist, Marsh
Singer, kitchen, bird, sword
Attribute: Pleasure, Joy, Delight, Attraction
Animal: Sheep
Body: Mouth
Family: Youngest (3rd) daughter
Direction: West
--- ---
-------
-------
Results: Wind(Upper) and Pond(Lower).
Step 4: Consult the Hexagram Chart
Cross Reference the two and you get 61!
Step 5: Consult the Hexagram Meaning List (Below)
Result: 61
Chung Fu
The Truth Within- truth, transformation, flawlessness, deliberation, wisdom, humility. Wind over Pond, wind invigorates the pond. Perfect truth and sincerity will transform you. Lose self/selfishness and be guided by inner light.
Truth will prevail
Congratulations you have just completed your first complete I Ching reading!!
Step 6: (Only applicable if you have changing lines)
You will replace the Yin --> Yang lines
You will replace the Yang -- > Yin Lines
Example:
3 Tails = Yin Line ( -----X----- ) Changing Line- Future (Changes to Yang on 2nd reading)
3 Heads = Yang Line ( -----O----- ) Changing Line- Future (Changes to Yin on 2nd reading)
2 Heads, 1 Tail = Yin Line ( ----- ----- ) Present (No Change)
2 Tails, 1 Head = Yang Line ( ----------- ) Present (No Change)
And repeat the same process to retrieve your Hexagram result.
__________________________________________________________________________________
The Hexagram Meaning List
1
Ch’ien
Heaven – pure Yang, it is strength, firmness, life, innate knowledge, primal unified energy. Heaven above Heaven below, use of great forces to create. A goal is realized by the use of creative powers. Strength means to be unbending in the face of troubles. Summon your deepest resources and act with strength.
Create, Act with Strength
2
K’un
Earth – pure Yin, receptivity, submission, humility, obedience, flexibility, yielding, stillness, essence and innate capacity. Earth above Earth below, receptivity and docility. In any movement, the path is lost unless another takes the lead. Beware of impatience; do not act on impulse. Seek assistance, take advice. Find strength in quiet firmness, not in rash actions.
Heed advice, be patient, be receptive
3
Chun
Difficulty – the process of fostering strength of primal energy, adversity at the beginning, inexperience, lack of perception. Water and Thunder, thunder rises and water descend. Hazards and difficulties are expected. Maintain humble faith. Appoint assistants. If you have faith in yourself, the difficult task will be accomplished.
Problems ahead, but have faith
4
Meng
Darkness – negativity, obscurity, unknowing, innocence, ignorance. Mountain with dangerous Waters below. Dangerous situation. The folly of youth. Something that was thought to be a truth may not really represent the real state of affairs. Review all the elements of the problem, the truth will eventually be known.
Review the problem, something was hidden or misunderstood
5
Hsu
Waiting – wait for proper timing, perseverance, patience. Water above the Heavens, danger impedes creative force. Attend to the responsibilities already undertaken, but wait for proper timing to take on new projects, new movements. Stay calm and gather resources. Maintain self-control.
Await the proper time to act
6
Sung
Contention – depend on your strength because of dangers, conflict due to imbalance, caution. Heaven above Water. Temporary set backs. You have strength, but conflicts still arise. Do not fuel the fight. Do not set yourself in strong opposition; to fight is to bring great misfortune.
Conflicts and fights ahead, do not join the fight, wait for better circumstances
7
Shih
The Army – using the real to get rid of the false, authority, devotion. Earth over Water, the one strong yang line rises in the middle of conflict. In the face of change you will find the correct path. Like a general in the army, people will look to you for guidance. You will be able to overcome all obstacles and gain a position of distinction.
Follow the correct path and you will inspire others to follow you
8
Pi
Accord – alliance, balance is rectified, cooperation, union. Water above the receptive earth, river meets the ground and joins. Strengthen alliances, but not with the wicked. Do not delay your undertakings. Confidence from others and key people will point you to success.
In union, good fortune will result
9
Hsiao Ch’u
Nurturance by the Small – nurturing inner strength by outward submissiveness, growing through humility, patience. Wind above, Heaven below. The one yin line holds great forces in check. There may be obstacles, but restraint and self-mastery is what will see you through. Do not press your luck on a perceived advantage, or act haughty towards others. Be humble.
That which is small and humble finds success
10
Lu
Treading – progress, prevention of danger by caution, empowerment by calm and trust, courtesy, order. Heaven over the Pond. Use correct conduct and propriety to succeed. Cultivate good will of important people, you need their blessing.
There will be progress, act with propriety and good faith
11
T’ai
Tranquility – harmony of strength and flexibility, cooperation, prosperity, peace. Earth over Heaven, three strong yang lines rise to overcome the three weak yin lines. The situation is auspicious, your position is favorable. Focus on joining together. There will be good fortune, with progress and success.
Position is favorable
12
P’I
Obstruction – submitting inwardly to personal desire, acting aggressively outwardly, disharmony, deterioration. Heaven over the Earth, time of growth is over, the weak yin lines oppose the strong yang lines. The wrong course has been taken. This is not the time to launch into new activities.
Difficult or unlucky set of circumstances
13
T’ung Jen
Sameness with People – Fellowship, like-mindedness, assimilating to others. Heaven over Fire, fire rises selflessly to heaven. You are advised to take action, commit to mutual advantage. Any hint of selfishness or pettiness will undermine the project. Bear in mind the opinion of others. Be sure your relationships with others are under the spirit of fellowship.
Common cause with others, victory in numbers
14
Ta Yu
Great Possession – inward discipline, possessing plenty, abundance, prosperity. Fire rises with Heaven, a state of prosperity and abundance. All is clarified, evil is overcome. Unusually auspicious occasion for you. Great forces stand in approval of your under takings.
Supreme good fortune
15
Qian
Humility – having personal attainment but not dwelling on it, generosity, sincerity, compensation. Earth over the Mountain, the mountain knows it is made of earth, Humility. The circumstances are auspicious if you do not set yourself above others. Be willing to show respect and honor towards others.
Favorable, but remain humble
16
Yu
Joy – enthusiasm, proper timing, opportunity, preparation. Thunder and movement above the receptive Earth. Enthusiasm, take advantage of your situation. Prepare your self against any misfortune then act boldly. Take proper action and give all your energy, you will be well rewarded.
Great energy and action will bring rewards
17
Sui
Following – listening, counsel, cooperation. Pond is placed above Thunder. Yield to the viewpoints of others. The best leader is the one who knows when to follow. Note the advice of others; you may need to change the direction of your plans.
Attend other people’s observations
18
Ku
Degeneration – disorder, decay, corruption, past errors, illness. Mountain blocks the Wind, stagnant air hold corruption. The state of affairs is unusually complex and confused, yet this may be an opportunity for you. Personal integrity and independence is important. Remedy with love and patience.
Confusion and disorder, if you can fix, there is great success
19
Lin
Overseeing – benevolence, increasing power, moral strength, generosity. Earth over Pond. Strength and influence shall increase. The action you are about to take is powerful and will be met with success. However, nothing lasts forever, while you are on top be generous.
Impressive advantage, nothing lasts forever, be generous
20
Kuan
Observation – alertness, inner vigilance, manifestation, perception, watching, observance, contemplation. Winds blow over the Earth, before walking against the wind, one should know the landscape. Watching over the current affairs is more important than pushing for new projects. Important information may come to light.
Study the situation at hand, so you may know the path you are following
21
Shih Ho
Biting through – investigating things and finding out principles, justice. Fire over Thunder, high and low must unite. Removal of potentially dangerous obstacles. High and Low come together to an understanding. Show firmness in the right cause.
Troubles ahead, but stay on the path of righteousness
22
Pi
Grace – adornment, beauty, cultivation of self. Mountain over Fire, fire illuminates the mountain, adornment. Elegance and brightness, Theoretical and artistic endeavors will be beneficial. Arrange and put things in order.
Undertake the little things, make it beautiful and in order
23
Po
Splitting apart – stripping away, submission to desire, challenge and endurance to face the challenge. Mountain over Earth, the single Yang line looks about to break from the pressure of all the Yin lines. How firm is the foundation of the Mountain? It will not be advantageous to move in any direction. Contemplate your position. Danger from subversive forces.
Unwise direction, think very hard about your move.
24
Fu
Returning – return to consciousness, gradual improvement. Earth covers Thunder, first stirrings of great powers. Advantages in all directions. Freedom and success. Be tactful and do not stress yourself, success will happen.
Friends approach, time of emerging, advantageous
25
Wu Wang
Innocence – fidelity, sincerity, guilelessness, naturalness. Heaven above Thunder, primordial life force, innocent and guileless. Be selfless and great fortune will happen. If you are contriving something, misfortune. Unusual adversity/challenges if you pursue the course of selfishness. Let things happen naturally.
Natural forces will bring successful conclusion, but not if you are self-centered
26
T’a Ch’u
Nurturance of the Great – stillness, power, restraint, creativity. Mountain over Heaven, Heaven is in the Mountain, great thing are stored. Stillness builds strength. Power is stored. Gather power and strength and overcome your challenge. Opportunities arise, do not dismiss them.
Gather great powers and overcome obstacles.
27
I
Nourishment - self-discipline, discretion, opportunity. Mountain over Thunder, movement under the stillness, the stirring of life. Be careful at what you wish to nourish. Good fortune will come if you seek healthy/positive aspects to nourish. Ill fortune will come if you cultivate the baser/negative parts of your life.
Good fortune to nourish the correct path.
28
Ta Kuo
Exceeding what is Great – extraordinary developments, flexibility, and caution. Pond over Wind/wood, a single tree grows in the middle of the Pond. Expect some difficulties, but maintain the ability to be flexible and great success will happen. Be cautious but trust your instincts.
Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures.
29
K’an
Recurring Hazards – lack of direction, caution. Water above and below, all the dangers. You find yourself in a situation of danger. Move appropriately and without hesitation, that is the only way out of the troubles. None of the options look good; you must just pick the best out of them.
Danger. Be guided by doing the proper thing and your instincts
30
Li
Fire – illumination, brilliance, intelligence, clinging. Fire above and below, light and intelligence. Take the advantage and express your creativity. Look at the long term, heed advice, and work with others. Work on your humility.
Fire and Light. Good fortune to the humble.
31
Hsien
Courtship – sensitivity, harmony. Pond on the Mountain, its waters give to the mountain, the mountain gives moisture to the clouds, which then give moisture to the pond. Reciprocal relationship. The maiden marries, good fortune. Union in a partnership. Make sure the right kind of relationship is established before committing.
Keep an open mind and work on relationships.
32
Heng
Persistence – constancy, commitment, endurance. Thunder over Wind, Eldest son and Eldest daughter in an enduring relationship. Single-minded application to a task will bring good fortune. Perservere in your intended path and you will reach your goal.
Advantage in any direction. Be persistent. Endurance
33
Tun
Retreating – strategic withdrawal, unfavorable forces, endurance. Heaven above, Mountain below. Small problems will multiply to threaten. Do not try to force matters, know when to step back. Do not confuse retreat with surrender. Back up and reassess your situation.
Retreat and reassess
34
Ta Chuang
The Power of the Great – power, influence, authority, propriety. Thunder sounds in the Heavens, great power gathers. You will be surprised at what your power will be able to attain. Exercise your influence selflessly, impartially and for all the good of all concerned. Make sure your aim is virtuous.
Great power, exercise it with firm sense of moral correctness
35
Chin
Moving Forward – advance, clarity, sincerity, clear-minded. Fire over the Earth, sunrise. That which enlightens over that which darkens. You will be at the right place at the right time. Actions are going to be fruitful. People in power will support and cooperate.
Rewards for worthy and virtuous actions. Clarity and brilliance
36
Ming I
Diminishing of the Light – repression, obstruction, and misfortune. Earth over Fire, light falls into the depths of the earth, light is obscured. The (possible) following of orders even if you know it is wrong. Stand firm on your principles. Acknowledge that you face difficulties with your leader, then steel your self morally.
Serious obstacles, be firm and correct.
37
Chia Jen
People in the Home – members of the family, harmony, balance. Wind over Fire, wind issues from fire, just as order and harmony must come from the home. Harmony and attention to duty will bring you to your objective. Know your proper place in the group so that good teamwork will benefit all.
Bring the house to order.
38
K’uie
Opposition – alienation, division, disagreement. Water and Fire go in different directions, no harmony. Try to find common ground.
Difficult times, challenges are a necessary part of gaining unity.
39
Chien
Barriers – danger, dilemmas, caution, dangerous pathways. Water restrained on top of Mountain. Distinguish when to act and not to act. Be wary about your next move. Dangers ahead.
Peril ahead.
40
Hsieh
Release – growth and joy. Thunder and Rain. Cloudburst, then the air is cleared. Finish things as fast as possible. A good time to forgive old wrongs. It is a time of growth and advancement.
Take advantage of the auspicious circumstances. Don’t hesitate.
41
Sun
Reduction – sacrifice, restraint, self-control, discipline. Pond at the foot of the Mountain. Pond gives moisture to the Mountain. It is a time of some loss, but this sacrifice will result in new life. Show self-discipline and you will be rewarded.
Sacrifice will lead to rewards.
42
I
Increase – Addition, reinforcement, abundance, and gain. Wind above Thunder, each strengthens each other. A time of satisfaction. You will come across the possibility of great bounty; share it with others when it arrives.
Advantage in all directions, bounty and abundance.
43
Kuai
Displacing – corruption, threatening skies. Pond over Heaven, water from pond evaporates up to heaven: Cloudburst on the horizon. Make your stand with regards to poor characters in power. Face the challenge by winning the hearts of those concerned.
Do not fight, advantage will be found if you move forward.
44
Kou
Encountering – corruption, encroachment. Heaven over Wind, weak encounters the strong. The winds scatter royal command over the kingdom. Positive action will ward off the influence of wicked people.
Be strong, take strong action. Do not let wicked people into power.
45
Ts’ui
Gathering – unity, prosperity, order and happiness. Pond over Earth, happiness over obedience: contented people. It is a time of unity and wisdom says to preserve this as long as possible.
Obedience and satisfaction
46
Sheng
Pushing Up – growth, fertility, patience, attentiveness, progress, virtue. Wind under Earth, wind/wood pushes through the earth and there is growth of the forest. Gradual increases in fortune, just like the tree.
Great progress and success, patience is needed. Flexibility and obedience.
47
K’un
Exhaustion – scarcity, trials, opposition. Pond over Water, all the water is being drained away. Danger and Joy. Stay cheerful in the face of difficulties. However mush you are pressured, you must remain master of your self and pursue the noble aim you have settled on.
Trials but remain cheerful.
48
Ching
The Well – community, propriety, order, commonality. Water over Wind/wood, wood (bucket) in the water: a well. There is a sense of community, all benefit from the well.
Times may change, but the harmonious dealings remain the same.
49
Ko
Shedding of old Skin – change, progression, preparation, reform. Fire in the Pond, times of great changes. Two very different aims, Revolution. Let the old be replaced by the new.
Great change brings progress and success.
50
Ting
The Caldron – order, stability, alliances. Fire and Wind/wood brings to mind cooking. The Holy people prepare their offerings to the gods. Develop stable alliances. They will help you with your goal.
Great progress and success.
51
Chen
Thunder – poise, movement, expansion, beginnings. Thunder above and Thunder below. Others fear the Thunder, but the one who can smile into the storm will overcome it. Movement and action. Be wary of dangers and take appropriate measures.
Be stronger than the forces that confront you.
52
Ken
Stillness, the Mountain – correct action, observation. Mountain above and below. Stillness means to know when to stop and rest and when to act. Hold fast to your principles and plan your moves accordingly. “To everything there is a season…”
Focus properly at the situation at hand
53
Chien
Gradually progressing – patience, order, steady advancement, deliberation. Wind/wood on top of a Mountain. The tree grows slowly on the mountain, enriching as it grows. Progress slowly and carefully.
Stay on course
54
Kuei Mei
The younger maiden marries – decay and renewal. Thunder over Pond, autumn time, time of decay. Younger daughter marries older man, marries before her sister, misfortune in dealing with others. Moral codes being ignored, relationships broken. This is part of the cycle of life; it is a time to be endured.
Disharmony with relationships
55
Feng
Abundance – power, plenty, opportunity. Thunder over Fire. Thunder and Lightning, clearing of air with great powers. The power of the thunderstorm is in your hands, resolve disputes and set about getting your goals. Good times don’t last forever, use the situation wisely.
Progress and development
56
Lu
The traveler abroad – drifting, humility. Fire burns on the Mountain. Fire moves about aimlessly on the mountain, traveler. Long term benefits should not be expected. Restraint is needed to calm the wandering fire. Do nothing rash.
Small success, unless the traveler controls self and becomes firm
57
Sun
Wind, penetration – communication, authority, subtlety, obedience, harmony. Wind above and below, gentleness and penetration. Strength has penetrated to the core and central place. There maybe need to repeat instructions to get the task done.
Be sure the message is received.
58
Tui
The Delighted, Pond – contentment, satisfaction, freedom from anxiety and doubt. Pond above and below, serene happiness. Wholeness and good dealings with others. Integrity and pleasure.
Actively cultivate joy in your life
59
Huan
Dissipation – piety, righteousness, order. Wind above Water, water ripples and scatters in the face of the wind. Warning about becoming unfocused if your mind wanders. The situation requires your commitment and focus.
Maintain a clear, ready and open mind
60
Chieh
Limitation – regulation, proper restrain, moderation, timing. Water above Pond, too much water in the pond will cause flooding, not enough will cause drought. Regulation of elements, moderation is needed.
Moderation and prudence
61
Chung Fu
The Truth Within- truth, transformation, flawlessness, deliberation, wisdom, humility. Wind over Pond, wind invigorates the pond. Perfect truth and sincerity will transform you. Lose self/selfishness and be guided by inner light.
Truth will prevail
62
Hsiao Kuo
Exceeding in what is small – humility and discretion. Thunder over the Mountain. The thunder sounds but recedes as it travels. Be modest in your ambition. Know when not to attempt too much. The situation does not need major changes, just one little vital twist.
Efforts in large affairs not recommended, look to the small
63
Chi Chi
Having Crossed the Stream – balance, prudence, consolidation. Water over Fire, if water is released it kills the fire; if the fire is too hot it evaporates the water. They stand in balance, taking proper places. The pattern of yin and yang lines in alternating pattern shows that after a period of a trying undertaking, there is success. There is harmony and completion.
Harmony, but maintain that balance, do not drop control of the situation
64
Wei Chi
Having not yet crossed the Stream – incoherence, lack of order, disharmony. Fire above Water. Fire burns upward and Water flows downwards, no harmony. To create order, extreme caution is needed. The great undertaking had not yet happened. Disorder is expected in human affairs, the ability to react properly is an advantage that should not be under estimated.
Strength, cunning and impulsiveness will not be enough, be careful
The Taoist I Ching translated by Thomas Cleary
Shambahala Publication, Inc.
Boston, Mass. 1986
I Ching for Beginners by Brandon Toropov
Writers and Readers, Ltd.
London, England 1996-Elder SSaiYen (Hyul 114)