Visionary I Ching by Paul OBrien - PDF - 2013

The Visionary I Ching
A Book of Changes for Intuitive Decision Making
Paul O’Brien
© Paul O’Brien. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means
without written permission of the author.
Divination Foundation Press, January 2013
www.divination.com
ISBN-13: 978-0-9884942-0-6
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK: If you are already familiar with the I Ching, just cast the
coins or sticks to construct your hexagram, then use the Hexagram Lookup Table below in the
Table of Contents to find your hexagram and all its changing lines. For new I Ching users, go to
the chapters in Part II, which give instructions for casting a reading, some history of the I Ching,
and an explanation of how the I Ching works. Enjoy!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Author’s Preface
PART I. The Visionary I Ching Hexagrams

1. Creative Power
2. The Receptive
3. Difficulty at the Beginning
4. Youthful Folly
5. Patience
6. Conflict
7. Organized Discipline
8. Holding Together
9. Small Influences
10. Treading Carefully
11. Harmony
12. Standstill
13. Fellowship
14. Affluence
15. Humility
16. Enthusiasm
17. Following
18. Repairing What is Spoiled
19. The Approach of Spring
20. Overview
21. Cutting Through
22. Grace and Beauty
23. Splitting Apart
24. Returning
25. Innocence
26. Containment of Potential
27. Nourishment
28. Excessive Pressure
29. Dangerous Depths
30. Clinging like Fire
31. Mutual Attraction
32. Endurance
33. Retreat
34. Great Vigor
35. Easy Progress
36. Darkening of the Light
37. Extended Family
38. Diverging Interests
39. Temporary Obstacles
40. Deliverance
41. Decrease
42. Increase
43. Determination
44. Liaison
45. Gathering Together
46. Pushing Upward
47. Oppression
48. The Well
49. Revolution
50. The Cauldron
51. Shock
52. Keeping Still
53. A Steady Pace

54. Careful Affection
55. Great Abundance
56. The Wanderer
57. Gentle Penetration
58. Joy
59. Dispersing
60. Limits and Connections
61. Centering in Truth
62. Attention to Detail
63. After Completion
64. Nearing Completion
PART II. ABOUT THE I CHING
Chapter 1. What is the I Ching?
Chapter 2. Why the I Ching works
Chapter 3. How to Cast an I Ching Reading
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
APPENDICES
• About the I Ching Artist, Joan Larimore
• Yarrow Stalk Method of Casting a Hexagram
• Historical and Mythological Origins of the I Ching
• About the Author

Author’s Preface
We live in a time of accelerating change, a time when things are happening so rapidly that it can
feel like chaos. While change may seem more furious than ever, life has always been in a state of
flux. In fact, change is really the only constant, the one thing we can always count on. The key to
success and happiness in a time of accelerating change is learning how to better manage the
changes we live through. The central skill involved in adjusting, adapting and taking advantage of
change is better decision-making.
The ancient Taoist sages left us a powerful and profound change management system in the form
of the I Ching, or “Book of Changes.” One of the oldest books in the world, the I Ching is much
more than a book. It is a psychologically sophisticated system designed to stimulate the intuition in
order to see how things evolve, interpret what is happening from a broader point of view and make
larger decisions going forward. The more I have used the I Ching for insights or advice during the
past four decades, the stronger my feelings of reverence and gratitude for it have grown. Indeed,
the I Ching has helped me make every major decision in my adult life since the first day I was
introduced to the oracle at the University of California in Berkeley.
In that carefree period of my life as a college student, most of my problem-solving involved the
fascinating and confusing terrain of love. Despite a predilection for philosophy, my teenage
attraction to girls became stronger than academic and spiritual interests. So, when a fetching
Berkeley co-ed offered to show me how to cast a “reading” -- using an ancient Chinese book that
could answer questions -- she already had my attention. Skeptical of her “oracle,” but glad of the
opportunity to spend time with her, I played along with it.
She instructed me to write down some topic of personal concern. Without taking the process at all
seriously, I scribbled something. Then she had me toss three Chinese coins six times (I found out
later that copper pennies do nicely), and taught me how to construct a “hexagram” from the way
the coins had landed. She looked up the response in a large book, which was a classical translation
of the I Ching by Richard Wilhelm. The I Ching responded to my smart-aleck query with
Hexagram #4, titled “Youthful Folly,” which describes the student who lacks respect for the
teacher. The I Ching had ignored my meaningless question and had reflected on my careless
attitude instead. Almost chastised, I asked my friend if I could cast the I Ching again … this time I
was just wanting to test it. Once again it ignored my meaningless query and replied that it was
“questioning the sincerity of the seeker.” It was testing me right back!
In hindsight, I can see that the I Ching was generously offering me an opportunity to take it
seriously and learn what it is really about. And, in the 40 years since I have accepted that
invitation, I have done so. In the process, I have benefitted enormously, which is why I am
compiling our modern version of the I Ching -- to share this benefit with you.
There have been pivotal times throughout my life when I’ve faced fateful, life-changing decisions
and have used the I Ching to overcome self-doubt, renew my sense of direction, strengthen my
sense of purpose or steer myself onto an inspiring path. On rare occasions, I Ching readings have
prompted me to make a momentously risky decision -- such as quitting a well-paid executive
position to publish a multimedia version of the I Ching itself which, at the time, seemed to my
peers to be a totally crazy idea. Whether I used a book version, or later my software versions that
contained the first rendition of the I Ching text in this book, I have turned to it again and again for
guidance. Out of respect, I’ve been careful not to misuse or overuse it. My policy has been to only
turn to the oracle only when I have a dilemma that logic can’t handle. No worries about that -- life
provides many of those!
In the early years of my personal I Ching use, I used the Wilhelm-Baynes version by Princeton
Press -- the best-selling translation of the I Ching and, partly because of Carl Jung’s forward to the
book, widely considered the most authoritative. As my interest in studying the I Ching grew
stronger, I acquired some twenty different versions and would use, read and would compare the
text of several different versions whenever I consulted the I Ching. Although I always included it, I
had become aware of the Wilhelm version’s limitations. My forays into Chinese history supported
the idea that the version Wilhelm translated, from the Chinese texts that he had access to, reflected
some of the political biases of 19th century China, perhaps to shed some favorable light on the
rulers of the Manchu Dynasty (1644–1912 AD). Also, being so classical, the Wilhelm text
necessarily reflected the cultural limitations of the I Ching’s ancient pedigree, including a
patriarchal and militaristic slant. Furthermore, this first English translation suffered from a stiff
Germanic flavor, having been translated from Chinese into Wilhelm’s German, then to English
from that.
Some 2600 years ago Confucius spent a good portion of his life studying and writing about the I
Ching. His commentaries reflect his social philosophy, which had an emphasis on doing one’s duty
and knowing one’s place in a hierarchical society. Of course, I could use the classical translations
and make allowances for antiquated cultural aspects, which is what I did for years. At the same
time, even though I respected the traditional I Ching greatly, I imagined how the language and
imagery could better speak to me and other modern users. For instance, I simply could not relate to
the sexism of “the superior man” or “the army marches to the southwest.” After having used the I
Ching for twenty years at the time, I felt the need for a modern version that would be more
accessible to, and satisfying for, modern users like myself.
At the time in 1988, I was a marketing executive for a high-tech software company in Portland,
Oregon. Although I was fascinated by the future potential of interactive multimedia software, the
technology emphasis of the company left me feeling empty. I was lacking a sense of personal
mission. I felt I was at a crossroads, because I had no strong sense of direction. To make things
worse, I had lost respect for my employer and saw little hope of the company’s abusive culture
changing for the better. So, as I had done for twenty years when facing a confusing dilemma, I
found myself turning to the I Ching for counsel more often.
During one particularly tough week, things got so stressful at work that I brought my large
Wilhelm I Ching book into the office, so I could consult it, if and when I felt the need. After using
it a few times over a couple of weeks, I noticed that amidst all the practical, psychological advice
on how to adapt and go with the flow, my readings also seemed to be encouraging me to seek
greener pastures. At the time, however, leaving my job would require a major leap of faith, since
Portland was a small market for software marketing positions. Nevertheless, the I Ching’s advice
was persistent: I was stuck, it said, and in need of a “breakthrough.”
Meanwhile, the act of using the I Ching at work had given rise to a new idea in my mind. I was,
after all, getting a lot of benefit from it now, even at work. It helped me adapt to the changing
circumstances and improved my timing by reminding me that there are times to assert oneself, but
there also times to do nothing and just let dark clouds pass, and there are even times when it’s wise
to run like hell!
Since finding private space to toss coins was difficult at work, and lugging around a large book
cumbersome, it occurred to me how convenient it would be to have a software version that I could
consult via my computer. This led to visions of multimedia, which had long been a dream of mine
(even though CD-ROM technology was still 7 or 8 years into the future). I began to visualize a
program that would use a mouse to replicate traditional I Ching casting methods, perform all the
“busy work” of recording the lines cast and constructing a hexagram and looking up the relevant
text, keep a journal of past readings in order to study changes and their evolution over time and, if
my multimedia fantasies were to be realized, incorporate soothing sounds and beautiful
contemplative art. It was 1988. I looked around but could not find I Ching or any divination
software of any kind -- with or without any of the beautiful features I was visualizing.
On a whim, I consulted the I Ching to inquire if I should try to produce I Ching software myself,
even though up to that point I had no experience with the design or development side of software.
In response, I received the hexagram “Enthusiasm,” changing into “Abundance.” Convinced that
the ancient oracle was encouraging me to go for it, I started to become fascinated by the idea. In
spite of a multitude of practical reservations, I decided to give it a try and see what came out of it.
To this end, I ended up spending my life savings on a free-lance programmer and an artist to help
me develop and produce a prototype. The result turned out to not only be the world’s first
divination software title, but one of the first multimedia programs too. I called this, my first of
many software creations, Synchronicity. It worked and I thought it was good.

This creative inspiration turned into a tiny startup business, when I decided to set up a company,
Visionary Software, to publish this intersection my two fascinations -- the I Ching and multimedia
software. I was inspired by a vision of using technology to support spirituality by providing a kind
of “ritual space” that could help a lot of people make better, more enlightened decisions.
As my creative project developed, I realized that a software version of the I Ching would need I
Ching text, which I strongly felt needed to be more modern, individualistic, non-sexist and
nonmilitaristic. At the same time, I wanted to make sure that my new text was in alignment with
the Princeton version in terms of essential meanings, even as it rendered the meaning in language
that was non-Germanic, using metaphors that were more Taoist than Confucian. Such a text, it
seemed to me, would be more suitable to the temperament of modern individuals who might be
willing to access the I Ching via their personal computer or the Internet.
Considering my profound respect for the I Ching, it was imperative that the program work in a
completely authentic way. For instance, I would not abide the use of a “random number generator”
program to automate the casting of the lines. We had to figure out how to use a computer to cast
the coins in way that was both mathematically authentic, but also “energetically” authentic,” which
meant that the process of casting was not to interfere with the personal energetic connection
required to generate a meaningful coincidence, or as Carl Jung called it, “synchronicity.” The lines
that came up had to be generated by the user, not the computer. The final product took nearly a
year to produce (and almost bankrupted me), but we eventually brought it to market in the form of
a multimedia program on two floppy disks and called the product Synchronicity. It was the
foundation of the more elaborate Oracle of Changes CD-ROM that came ten years later, and the
popular websites (I-Ching.com, then Tarot.com) that followed upon that, and which continue to
attract millions of visitors to this day. We hope that you find it useful in e-book format!
The Visionary I Ching e-book provides a modern but faithful version of the ancient classic, with
the addition of beautiful paintings by Joan Larimore that are fine in grayscale, but show up more
brilliantly on color reading devices. Furthermore, we have put some fascinating historical and
psychological information related to how the I Ching works in Part II of this book, for your
possible interest.
Note for readers who have never cast the I Ching: Jump to Chapter 3, which gives detailed
instructions for casting a reading. Otherwise, to go back to the hexagram chart, click here.
Artist’s note on painting, “Creative Power” -- sky above, sky below:
“This hexagram depicts yang or male energy above and below. The sperm below symbolizes
yang energy, and I continued with a dragonfly and finally a winged serpent figure made of trees,
which, at the top, is penetrating the sun, a source of creative energy.”
1. Creative Power
The air is ripe with imagination, inspiration and energy. The dragon is an ancient symbol of
an electrically charged, dynamic, arousing force that bodes well for creative initiative. If your
goals are in alignment with the greater good, and you assert yourself in a positive way, your
actions will meet with success. This is a good time to exercise leadership, because you can be
strong now. But be forewarned: success turns to failure when strength turns to arrogance.
This hexagram is one of the most auspicious in the Book of Changes. In effect, whoever
draws this hexagram is assured success by following the six stages of its lines. By being sensitive
to conditions and doing things in the right order, one develops greater influence. Time itself
becomes the means to make real what is potent.
Believe in your dreams and persevere, and everything around you will flourish. Call upon
creative power and let it work through you. Stay focused on your goals. Do not let yourself be
distracted, or you may lose the power available to you now. And remember that when taking
action, success requires good timing.
Moving Line Interpretations
Line 1 (at the bottom): There is creative potential in your situation that you are not able to perceive. And you are not
yet recognized. Hold your power in reserve temporarily, because the timing is not right for action. Trying to make a lot
of progress now would be like trying to cook noodles in cold water. Wait until the water boils. Fear not about your
ability to win. Be confident. Your time is coming.
Line 2: Events are moving in the right direction. Your influence is growing, and you are being noticed, but the real
game has not yet begun. Take a wider perspective, and the best strategy will become clear. You are not yet in position
to make great changes, but aligning yourself with an ally or two would help lead to a breakthrough.
Line 3: A sphere of influence is opening up. Let yourself be active, but do not expect an immediate reward. And don’t
let your energies become scattered. Hold to your vision and your integrity, and you can make progress in a stable way.
Do not use your creative powers just to attract attention to yourself. Remember, freedom is not always an invitation to
dance; it may be a chance to step out on a ledge. Be careful.
Line 4: Your creative power is growing. You have a clear choice in this situation -- to lunge forward or to draw back.
It’s natural to feel some anxiety in a situation like this. But you have the freedom to act as the situation requires -- to
engage or to withdraw. Do not be influenced by what happened in the past. Be sure to consider the long-term
consequences of any action you might take. Such attention will leave you without blame.
Line 5: Your power is growing. Be like the leader who is considerate to those under his or her influence. In return, the
respect of those who work with you, or from a partner, is deepening. Your position may be a bit lonely, but influential
people will soon recognize your talent. Seek out allies whom you respect. When leaders and lovers unite as peers, their
power is multiplied. Those who belong together, come together.
Line 6 (at the top): Be aware that your ambition may be exceeding your true power. If so, there may be cause for
remorse. Avoid arrogance; isolating oneself will only lead to sorrow. Now is not a time to engage in conflicts or
criticize others. Relax and recharge your creative potential.
Artist’s note on painting, “The Receptive” -- earth above, earth below:
“For the receptive (earth or female energy) below, a fertile earth with ploughed furrows or
indications of vaginal-like areas represents The Receptive principle. For the receptive above, I
depicted a full moon representing feminine energy above this particular landscape.”
2. The Receptive
Great receptivity attracts exceptional results. A natural responsiveness brings about success
through support and perseverance, rather than through bold action. Thus, the wise person
demonstrates strength like a powerful but gentle mare. This hexagram, consisting of all yin lines,
represents a power of the feminine principle no longer honored in our modern world, but such
receptivity is most auspicious.
The receptive force is sensual as well as powerful, and it can be missed by too much talk
and planning. When spring comes, does the grass “plan” to grow? This is a time to concentrate on
realities rather than potentials -- with how to respond to a situation rather than how to direct it. The
mature feminine lets herself be guided by a higher power, and is skilled at graceful acceptance. In a
strong spiritual way, her quiet contribution is most effective, and brings success.
Do not be too assertive at this time, for if you try to direct things, you are liable to become
confused or alienated. Learning to receive should be your main concern. Take your time. Draw
strength from carefulness, and you will be doubly fortunate. Focus more on feeling than on action.
Be broad and deep in your attitudes so that you can accept everything that comes your way with
grace and equanimity. Be receptive and spacious like the ocean; let the river of changing
developments flow to you. Allow your partner to take the lead for now. Strive for a pure natural
responsiveness that is based on inner strength rather than outer show. You will be able to go much
further down your chosen path in this way than continuing under your own steam would allow.
The power of the Receptive comes from aligning itself with the Creative, not by opposition to it.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Something in your situation or relationship is foreboding, like the first frost of autumn that
warns of the deadly cold of winter. Heed any small warning signs that you see at this time. Prepare yourself. Gather
firewood now, and you will be prepared to fend off the fiercest cold. Watch for signs of approaching decay.
Line 2: Let movement and stillness meet. When action springs naturally from inner calm, and proceeds to harmonize
with external creative forces, all is well. Good results are achieved without artifice, complex intentions or great effort.
Let nature serve as a reminder of how, without artificiality, everything good comes to pass.
Line 3: Leave the pursuit of fame and praise to others. Focus on accepting yourself. Freedom from vanity can be a
powerful force. Do not display your virtue for all to see, but nurture it within yourself. Attempt to be of service, and
your life will improve by itself. Allow fruit to ripen slowly. Quiet perseverance is called for now.
Line 4: If things are not going well, be reserved. Act with caution. It’s possible that an antagonistic force has been
aroused against you, causing everything you do to be misunderstood. Avoid challenging this force; that would only
bring about hateful retaliation. On the other hand, avoid the appearance of capitulation, which could allow the force to
gather strength against you. Maintain your reserve and caution, and lose yourself either in solitude, or in the tumult of
the crowd. Don’t let yourself be a target.
Line 5: When called to play an important role in a project or relationship, success comes from reliability and
discretion. Be polite and kind, and you will secure greater influence. Discretion is essential at this time. If you are
genuine without making a show of it, good fortune follows.
Line 6 (at the top): Beware of troublesome relationships or confusion over personal boundaries. Do not try to gain a
position to which you may not be entitled. When boundaries are not clearly defined, both dogs and nations quarrel. If
you attempt to change your role at this time, a bloody battle may ensue. Slow down. Do not act until roles and
responsibilities have been made clear.
Artist’s note on painting, “Difficulty at the Beginning” -- water above, thunder below:
“For this hexagram, my aim was to illustrate a rainstorm just getting started. The drops at the
top are just beginning to fall, and the thunder below indicates that a storm will follow.”
3. Difficulty at the Beginning
The birth of anything -- including a new relationship or venture -- is an entry into the realm
of the unknown. At the same time, new things seem to be rushing upon you, and confusion can
easily take over. But chaos is a powerful force if you harness it properly. Just don’t rush things. Do
not let events overwhelm you. Stay calm and persevere, but do take the first step. And get
whatever help you can.
Challenges lie ahead. Gain strength; find courage. Like a newborn fawn, the opportunity
for rapid development is real, but only by being determined can the fawn rise to its feet and survive
to grow to full stature. Keep going despite difficulties, and you will find the success you desire.
Your primary challenge is maintaining personal clarity. Avoid lunging at solutions; wait until a
good course of action becomes clear. Do not start a new project or relationship before thinking it
through. A careless step in the beginning can easily cause events to get out of control later. Enlist
the advice of experienced people.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Your way is blocked for now. Remain determined but act sensibly. Do not hesitate, but don’t
force things either. You have little power over the situation for the time being, but do not give up. With a strong spirit
and some humility, you can attract the people and knowledge you need. Seek the advice of someone more experienced
than you are.
Line 2: When facing obstacles or difficulties, sometimes there is a sudden turn of events. For instance, people who had
seemed useless, or even negative, may turn out to be surprising benefactors. Others whom you immediately trusted
could turn out to be rogues. Even in the case of what appears to be a new benefactor or ally, be careful not to rush into
a mismatch -- be it marriage or some other kind of partnership.
It is critical to wait for the right moment, even if this means working hard for a long time before you find the partner
you want. Although you look forward enthusiastically to relief from this situation, it may be the wrong solution that
appeals to you now, one that is full of restrictive obligations. For the time being, you should remain uncommitted. In
moving beyond obstacles, keep a high priority on maintaining your freedom.
Line 3: Continuing what you have been doing would bring regret. Take a look at your desires -- perhaps they are
inappropriate. You are like a mushroom gatherer in a strange forest, who failed to bring along a guide. You are losing
your way. The wise person foresees difficulties, knows when it would be foolish to continue alone, and gives up the
chase before becoming hopelessly lost.
When standing on the edge of a cliff, it is better to give up the dream of flying than to give in to it and crash on the
rocks.
Line 4: An unusual opportunity is about to arise. It could involve some embarrassment or other form of self-denial in
the beginning, but humility is essential and the opportunity must be seized. To accept help in a difficult situation is no
disgrace. Try to assess everything properly and give partners time to learn that you are trustworthy.
Line 5: You will find it difficult to grant the favors another may expect of you. In this situation, careful behavior leads
to success in minor affairs. Any attempt to deal with major issues at this time will not succeed. Just put your nose to
the grindstone. This is a time to work diligently and conscientiously.
Line 6 (at the top): Some people constantly get stuck in the difficulties that arise at the beginning of projects or
relationships. They throw up their hands, and become cynical about making any effort at all. This is the greatest danger
of difficulty at the beginning of things -- that the growing pains will be mistaken for a permanent condition, and lead to
resignation. Once you give up the struggle, you are like a cart that has lost its horse.
Artist’s note on painting, “Youthful Folly” -- mountain above, water below:
“When depicting Youthful Folly, I chose pink and blue pastel colors to indicate youth and
freshness, and also to use reflections and shadows and indeterminate areas as hints of youth’s
lack of experience and tendency to cling to illusions. I wanted the painting to show the
seductiveness of illusion and how that can mask pitfalls.”
4. Youthful Folly
Be on guard for careless or rebellious attitudes that are characteristic of youthful
inexperience. Just as a youth requires instruction, this is a good time to focus on learning your
lessons from a patient teacher or life experience. Is there a circumstance in your life that you have
failed to comprehend completely, perhaps because you have failed to appreciate its inherent
complexities? Be respectful of anything or anyone who has something to teach you right now. If
your inquiry was about a relationship, you may want to ask yourself which of you is the student,
which of you is the sage? If you are a parent, ask yourself: Who is being the teacher -- you or your
child?
In order to be ready for challenging times, let education be an ongoing part of your life.
Continually develop the strong mind and will necessary to carry you through confusing times. The
wise realize that experience, especially difficult experience, is a powerful teacher. But we cannot
be forced to learn, even from experience. Be a humble student, one who delights in learning, one
who nourishes his or her expanding awareness.
Examine your attitude for factors that limit your openness. Observe how you deal with
partners’ mistakes. You must let people live their own lives and learn their own lessons. Offer
others your wisdom or advice, but only if they are receptive. Otherwise, give up trying to convince
them that you are right -- that is only exhausting and counter-productive. If people are not
receptive, let them proceed -- even into difficulty or dangerous circumstances. It is the only way
they can learn, and without learning, no one can achieve success. This does not mean that you
should not care -- just that taking care of someone too much can be harmful. Live and let learn.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Education begins with discipline. All progress requires some degree of order. It is the nature
of youth to stumble into error through carelessness and playfulness; similar problems can plague adults as well. But
while discipline is essential to achieve success, boring routines or extreme regulations that choke off creativity should
be avoided.
Line 2: Treating foolishness kindly brings good fortune. Be patient with the ignorant. For instance, if you have
children, learn to accept their shortcomings. Give them a good education, be there when they need you, and your
family life will prosper. Also, treat your associates kindly, especially if they have not achieved what you have. This
kind of inner strength combined with outer reserve is what develops true leadership.
Line 3: Devotion to the rich, powerful or beautiful is dangerous! A weak person can easily lose his or her individuality
in trying to imitate, woo the affection or win the respect of others. Like the flippant young girl who throws herself at
the handsome millionaire, it is undignified to offer oneself unequivocally to anyone. Better to let the other -- your
superior, your desired lover, your investor, whomever -- come at least part of the way down the road to meet you.
Line 4: Clinging to fantasies leads to humiliation. In a state of hopeful excitement, it is easy to entangle oneself in
fantastic dreams. From these entanglements, there are only two escapes: awakening to reality, or suffering humiliation.
The choice is yours.
Line 5: A fresh innocence brings good fortune. A lack of preconceptions, combined with a respect for life’s teachers,
will bring success to many endeavors. When you maintain a childlike openness of mind, you become a magnet for
fresh insights and gain special glimpses into the real nature of things.
Line 6 (at the top): You may want to correct another for a perceived wrongdoing, but take care that the punishment fit
the “crime.” While it’s true that Fate evens the score with those who spurn natural laws, persons in authority offend the
same natural laws if they let a crime go unpunished. Be firm, but remember that the goal of all truly effective
punishment is equilibrium, not revenge.
Artist’s note on painting, “Patience” -- water above, sky below:
“For this hexagram the water above is contained in the clouds. The water is about to be
released through the sky below. The landscape with no movement shows how “the everything”
waits for the release to happen.”
5. Patience
A fisherman can cast the line, but can only wait for the fish to bite. Your catch will come in
its own time; you cannot make it come -- neither by working nor by planning nor by wishing. You
may need to provide nourishment for you and your loved ones, but only through patience can you
become the bridge between the fickle fish and the eventual feast. Strength in a time of trial waits
quietly, resolutely. Weakness grows agitated, and abandons the effort before the fish bite. Periods
of waiting are most fruitful when used for quiet contemplation.
Proceed cautiously, but resolutely, with whatever you are doing. The situation calls for
consistency and patience. Waiting is an essential skill; patience is a powerful force. Time is an ally
of those with inner strength -- the kind of strength that allows you to be uncompromisingly honest
with yourself, while sticking to the path you have charted. If you persevere with a positive attitude,
time weakens even the hardest obstacles. To rush anything, or impatiently force results, stimulates
resistance and causes setbacks. At best, you achieve surface changes that may just as quickly be
reversed. Steadfast waiting -- holding to your integrity -- leads to slow but permanent
improvements. In the end, you accomplish something great. Be content to practice patience.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Troubling events are looming, causing apprehension. Do not react! Avoid premature action.
Just keep your life in order. Do not try to alter the path that has been set for you at this time. You are heading in the
right direction; do not become impatient or greedy. Even though a challenge may be impending, the skillful response is
to carefully make preparations, gaining strength for future battles. Let go of anxious thinking. Simply remain open,
alert, and prepared.
Line 2: Strife can easily develop. You may have to tolerate gossip, but in the end you will come out very well, if you
remain calm and magnanimous now. Things will resolve themselves. Think of small grains of sand, which accumulate
over time to form embankments or dykes across wet areas. Sand is more fragmentary than stone but harder than soil,
and can be used to alter the texture of both. Like sand, you must be strong and accommodating even though others
may abuse or blame you. Avoid being sucked into conflict; remain neutral.
Line 3: You feel stuck, as in mud, and your enemies feel encouraged. You are in an exposed position. Be cautious and
considerate in relationships and be on guard. Be alert to shifting alliances. Such awareness will prevent harm.
Line 4: You may be isolated and in a vulnerable position. Although escape is essential in such instances, the only way
out is to retain your composure and patience. There is no chance of great success now; survival is the more immediate
concern. New opportunities will come from the sacrifices you are willing to make now. If necessary, keep out of sight
in order to avoid direct confrontation. Sometimes the only honorable course is to accept fate, and avoid the humiliation
of railing against the inevitable.
Line 5: When the storm hits, it behooves one to enjoy a single glass of wine. In the midst of difficult situations, there
often comes a temporary pause; use this interval to fortify your position, not by continuing to dwell on the swirl of
events around you, but by taking a recreation break. Have fun, but with an eye to recharging your batteries, rather than
further draining them.
If you are in a leadership position, it is essential to allow the people on your team time to enjoy life, and increase the
pleasure of their work. All work and no play defeats the purpose of the work, and weakens the commitments of others
toward the goal. In personal matters, remember that everything cannot be done at once. If you do not take time for
recreation and relaxation today, will tomorrow really be any better?
Line 6 (at the top): It seems as if you are falling into an abyss. This is a time of great difficulty. When all your plans
are overturned, it’s best to yield gracefully. Just remain cautious and alert; help will be arriving from some unknown
corner. Keep an open mind and you will find your way out of current difficulties. You can learn the lessons in this
situation. If a remedy does not soon present itself, remember, every trial you survive makes you stronger. Good fortune
awaits.
Artist’s note on painting, “Conflict” -- sky above, water below:
“In this illustration the water below became a thunderstorm beginning to emerge in the sky. The
clouds seem to be at odds with each other, almost like boxers’ gloves, and the resultant rain
(water below) turns to blood, indicating that injury often follows Conflict.”
6. Conflict
Conflict arises when a person who is convinced that he or she is entitled to something
meets with opposition. In such cases, the wiser choice is not to push things to the bitter end,
because knocking heads only perpetuates bad will. Creative solutions that meet others halfway are
more valuable and longer lasting than victories achieved through force.
Conflicts in which one party is not sincere inevitably lead to subterfuge and distortions. In
such situations, those of strong character keep a clear head, protect their own integrity, and look
out for their own interests, even while seeking compromise. Sometimes this means finding a fair-
minded mediator who can settle matters.
In these times of conflict and turmoil, new ventures and new initiatives are to be avoided.
This is a good time to examine the sincerity of your own beliefs and those around you.
Seek advice or arbitration from an impartial and mature person. Consider everything carefully
before making any major decisions. It may be time to compromise. Try to clarify the roles and
responsibilities of those you work and live with so as to avoid conflict in the future.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Disputes and a dangerously charged atmosphere are likely, but the storm will blow over if you
remain cautious. Do not force things; avoid fighting. There still may be a simple solution at hand, since it is possible
that a minor misunderstanding is at the root of the present conflict. If you face an adversary who is much stronger than
you are, drop the dispute quickly. If you are engaging an equal, now is the time to seek allies.
Line 2: When challenging a superior force, retreat is merely a tactic, not a disgrace. In the face of insurmountable
obstacles, misplaced valor -- perhaps fueled by a sense of personal pride -- is not only stupid, it’s dangerous to those
around you: your allies, your friends and your community. If an adversary with a loaded rifle has you in his sights, it
furthers you to duck.
Line 3: People with expansive personalities often generate conflict by attempting to acquire more -- more credit for
accomplishments or more material possessions -- than is their due. Learn to live within your means, to possess most
dearly only those things which cannot be taken away. You can avoid much conflict by working solely to produce good
results, and to receive fair compensation for your efforts. Let the prestige go to others.
Line 4: Winning isn’t everything. In situations in life where you face a weaker opponent, winning is not always even
the strategic thing, particularly if you are not sure of the rightness of your position. Remember that all conflict, no
matter how much the odds favor you, carries a price. Learn to demonstrate goodwill when you hold the upper hand,
and you will find that in the long run your position will be strengthened.
Line 5: In disputes where you know you are in the right, look for a just arbiter who can turn the tide in your favor.
This person must be strong and above reproach, so that he or she has both moral authority and personal clout. In such
situations it behooves you to let go, and let the arbiter take over. If you have satisfied your own conscience that your
cause is just, chances are that you will convince others of good conscience as well. And remember, not every field is a
battleground; many conflicts simply resolve themselves.
Line 6 (at the top): When success over others is achieved through sheer force of authority or superior position, the
victory will not last. Those who can win only by the sword are condemned to carry shields with them everywhere.
Beware of hollow victories.
Artist’s note on painting, “Organized Discipline” -- earth above, water below:

“Camouflage colors of khaki and tan are used for this hexagram to symbolize the Discipline of
an army. The water below is well contained and level, also suggesting discipline and control.
The trees seem to advance up the hill like soldiers.”
7. Organized Discipline
Discipline in this hexagram is symbolized by the elements of water under the earth -- a
resource available to use but hidden; something powerful that requires effort to access; and, a
potential of great means that can be harnessed in times of need. Once accessed and applied, great
things can be accomplished by means of organized discipline.
The most successful general is not the one who triumphs on the battlefield, but the one
able, through strength of discipline and inner power, to triumph without spilling blood. Likewise,
in any large organization, the key virtues are discipline and conscientiousness. The most effective
platoon marches with a single purpose -- a dedication to a lofty common goal that is held dear by
all. Otherwise, even with an excess of external discipline, unpopular wars are seldom winnable.
Let power be held in check by the acceptance of a common discipline, and submission to a
higher authority for the common good. When life is in balance, evil impulses are checked by
human decency; parents die before their children; leaders lead and followers follow. If you hold or
aspire to a position of leadership, remember that the true leader captures the hearts of the people,
and articulates a clear, simple vision that binds them together.
In the realm of government, the relationship between the army and state is critical. Only
when the state is economically prosperous can the army be strong. Only when the army is
disciplined can the state be protected from disruptive outside forces. For this balance to be
preserved, government must be steady, and mild toward its own people. When balancing strong
complementary forces, modesty and generosity at the center can be a magnetic force that keeps the
relationships intact. Solidarity among all elements is essential for success at this time.
Line 1 (at the bottom): At the beginning of any campaign, order is essential. Get your ducks in a row before you start
quacking orders. Nothing good can be achieved without organizing your assets.
Line 2: Good fortune follows when the general works in the midst of his troops. Then, when honors are bestowed, the
entire army is proud to see the general rewarded.
Line 3: Impending misfortune awaits. Whenever you overestimate your capabilities or underestimate your
weaknesses, misfortune inevitably follows. Be certain that you and those around you are playing the role for which
each is best suited, and the difficulty will be lifted.
Line 4: A strategic retreat is called for. This is not a final defeat, but an opportunity to gain strength by removing
yourself from the battleground. Retreat is a disciplined disengagement from all response, into neutrality and
acceptance of the situation as it is.
Line 5: It is time to resist some invasive force. Strengthen your position by making sure that relationships and roles
are in alignment as they should be. Do not allow your defense of the boundaries to deteriorate into a free-for-all, which
would only make things worse. Wise leadership is what is called for. In a time of combat, those who are experienced
should lead; otherwise, be supportive.
Line 6 (at the top): In times of victory, financial generosity is the cleanest reward to those who have helped you
achieve success. Avoid making complicated promises in exchange for good work on your behalf, and never give
rewards based on sentiment alone. Rewards have as much to do with the future as with the past.
Artist’s note on painting, “Holding Together” -- water above, earth below:
“The goal for this image was to depict harmony, so the painting shows the water embracing the
earth as it falls from above. The water and earth are Holding Together to promote fertility, hence
the blooming undergrowth in the scene.”
8. Holding Together
Holding together brings success. But high-level teamwork is achieved when the right
players, on the right team, share a clear goal at the right time. A team forms its relationships in a
delicate manner; chemistry is brewed in the vat of shared experiences. Latecomers cannot share the
same depth of union as earlier members. Whole-hearted commitment is required for team success.
All successful teams have a shared vision and a leader. If a team’s leadership is up to the
challenge, the team will prosper. In political and business affairs, just as in basketball, it is hard to
win without a strong center.
Accept the structure of the team if you wish to receive its benefits; otherwise, go off on
your own. In holding together with others, cling to your own principles, but be willing to
subordinate your personal desires for the good of the group. Perhaps you are contemplating
becoming a leader of a group; remember that to become the center of influence, binding people
together is a considerable challenge and a serious responsibility. Assess yourself carefully first to
see if you qualify for this role. If not, it would be better that the group not be formed than for you
to lead it without proper preparation.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Sincerity is the foundation of all successful relationships. In a thirsty world, it is not the form
of the water jar that matters -- it’s the contents.
Line 2: When circumstances demand that you rise to the call to action and be a role-player for the good of the team
and the respect of its leader(s), the best way is to respond out of your innate sense that your work contributes to a
greater good. This approach has dignity and leads to good fortune. Another way is to visibly support those in a more
powerful position, in order to ingratiate oneself and maneuver into a stronger competitive position. In this approach,
one throws oneself away and loses dignity.
Line 3: People often find themselves living inside various circles of friends and professional relations. It is critical that
you strike the right balance with each. Be open to your intimates, sociable with your lesser friends, cautious with all
others. Developing strong relationships with weak or dishonest characters will greatly diminish your position.
Line 4: Now is a time for loyalty. Show your support of those in leadership positions; they deserve your support, so
long as you can provide it without compromising your integrity.
Line 5: A very beneficial union is in the offing. There will be good fortune, as long as you are careful not to force
things. Let the people come and go, and when the right one arrives, you will know. It may be time to align yourself
with a person at the center of things.
Line 6 (at the top): Difficulties arise when matters are not begun properly. Even with a good beginning, problems are
inevitable; however, without a sound beginning, the problems that come with the passage of time will be
insurmountable. Once its head has been severed, no amount of “correction” will cause a frog to jump.
Artist’s note on painting, “Small Influences” -- wind above, sky below:
“The wind above is just beginning to stir up the sky below. The wind’s effect is small now, but it
has influenced all sorts of clouds to form already. There is even some moisture shown by the
rainbow-colored reflections that flicker throughout.”
9. Small Influences
A gentle wind gathers the clouds, but still, no rain. Softer influences predominate as the
power of the “small” accumulates. This is a time for smooth and friendly persuasion.
In the ebb and flow of events, there are always “low tides” -- times when sweeping action
is impossible or inappropriate, but small matters can be attended to profitably, leading to bigger
and better things later on. When the tide is rolling in, by all means, ride the wave, but when it is
receding like it is now, focus on little things.
When the time is such that you cannot do much to affect large matters, persuasion and
subtle influence can prepare the way for strength in the future. Use your intuition to chart your
long-term course, but avoid bold actions for the moment -- they are unlikely to work. This is an
excellent time to refine existing abilities or develop new talents.
Gentleness is the keyword here. Regarding your enquiry, gentleness combined with
determination is likely to generate more progress than brute force ever could.
Line 1 (at the bottom): When a strong person encounters an obstacle in his or her path, the first inclination is to press
forward, to remove it or overcome it by force. In present circumstances, however, do not let yourself be drawn into
direct action or conflict. Instead, stand back and take some time to assess the situation, and consider all your options.
Give yourself the space to advance or retreat or do nothing at all for the time being.
Line 2: When skating on thin ice, it behooves one to allow others to take the lead. There is no disgrace in learning
from others, particularly when doing so avoids putting oneself in harm’s way. Fortune awaits those who remain
determined … and patient.
Line 3: When a small problem arises, keep it simple and focus on the immediate solution. Just as forcibly continuing
to drive with a flat tire can ruin an entire journey, one can prevent small problems from creating a huge problem by
attending to them without overreacting or trying to force things.
Step back, give the situation some space and focus on patching the tire. This is more effective in getting you further up
the road than bewailing your fate or wasting energy assigning blame.
One is often disappointed when an easy time was expected. But exerting force now would only deepen your troubles.
Line 4: In a world of constant change, personal sincerity creates an inner core of consistency. By seeking truth from
verified evidence rather than self-interest, one becomes a valued advisor to others. Sticking to the facts is like adding
weight to the scales a spoonful at a time; eventually, great weight is ultimately achieved. In times of conflict, clear and
objective insights count heavily, helping to avert violence and dispel fear.
Line 5: In the best partnerships, each partner complements the other. Loyalty and trust are the fuel that allows a
partnership to shine. For the weaker partner, loyalty means devotion and service; for the stronger, trustworthiness is
essential. A balanced partnership leads to great prosperity -- and wealth won in partnership is appreciated and admired
all the more because it is shared.
Line 6 (at the top): Gentle winds have gathered the clouds, and the rain finally arrives. The softer forces have gained
strength for a moment of victory. But just as the full moon is followed by inevitable waning, so a triumph of weak
forces is doomed to be short lived. The mature person learns to enjoy the fullness of the moon on its own terms. A
brilliant moon is a full cup; toast the moment, and be content in the knowledge that patience will reward you with
more influence when the time is right.
Artist’s note on painting, “Treading Carefully” -- sky above, lake below:
“Since this hexagram is about conduct, I wanted to depict a landscape that is tricky to navigate.
There are obstacles to treading here, like tree roots and odd reflections; care is indicated.
Although the sky above seems most inviting, it also seems a bit illusory as well.”
10. Treading Carefully
People of ability find their way, and make progress even in difficult circumstances.
Consider your steps carefully when powerful forces surround you. Weak and strong forces (or
people) can coexist when the weaker element does not impose upon the stronger, when the weaker
maintains good humor and avoids taking bold action. When treading among sleeping tigers -- or
slippery stones -- step gingerly, and don’t stumble.
At this time the weak are in a position of influence over the strong, and for this reason, one
must be particularly careful of one’s conduct. In the company of brash people, rushing wildly
ahead brings misfortune. Now is not a good time for taking the initiative; rather, try getting by with
a little grace and good humor. In the court of a powerful king, the jester often has more power than
the prince.
Line 1 (at the bottom): When starting from a humble position, inner strength in the form of personal modesty is the
key to advancement. Conscientious work is always rewarded when motives are simple and intentions genuine --
especially when credit goes to the supervisor. Simplicity in action will leave you free of obligation. To strive
aggressively now would place you in a position of greater difficulty.
Line 2: Beyond the silence of failure lies the stillness of wisdom. Withdrawing from the bustle of events and
eliminating unnecessary desires brings clarity of purpose. Life becomes a smoother road when you understand that
happiness comes less from having what you want, than from wanting what you have.
Line 3: When those with poor vision tread among tigers, they meet disaster. Do not try to go beyond your capacity at
this time. You will create problems if you think your power is greater than it actually is. If you believe you can
overcome all obstacles by aggressive effort alone, misfortune is likely. To plunge recklessly ahead is to risk great
failure. Even if you think you are in the right, do not overestimate your strength. Keep ambition in check.
Line 4: When you are certain of ultimate success, it doesn’t matter if you stomp on the tiger’s tail. The most important
thing is to take action, when outer circumstances are favorable. But great caution and consideration should have been
taken beforehand, so that the outcome is clear before you lower the boom.
Line 5: Walking among tigers is dangerous. Resolute conduct in the face of danger, and a clear-eyed assessment of the
situation, are the only means of successful resolution.
Line 6 (at the top): Your work has reached a stage of completion, and it’s time to count your winnings. Only by
assessing the results of your past efforts can you know what to expect in the future. The farmer who harvests healthy
crops in the fall can safely predict a prosperous winter.
Artist’s note on painting, “Harmony” -- earth above, sky below:
“Earth is being supported by the heavens, so I made this illustration look as idyllic as possible,
using soft peaceful colors. Spring blossoms represent the earth above; the floating cloud
shapes at the bottom represent the sky below.”
11. Harmony
Earth stands above heaven, and heaven seems to be on earth. The gravity of matter merges
with the upward radiation of the light to merge in a deep harmony. This juxtaposition denotes a
time of peace and blessings for all living things. In the affairs of men, tranquility comes when the
good, strong and powerful show favor to the lowly, and those of more modest means are well
disposed toward those who are currently blessed. There is an end to all feuds. In such a state,
energy is high, the way clear, and the prospects for great success outstanding.
A deep chaos abides in nature, but man, by carefully responding to the rhythms and cycles
of the world around him, can find peace in the natural world. By planting the right crop in the right
place in the right season, the farmer brings harmony to the natural world of plants, and prosperity
to his family. Similarly, any business must adjust to the natural cycles of the season; only through
flexibility and adjustment can order and growth be maintained. Peace produces a time of flowering
and prosperity; the wise person channels this positive energy to all quarters, to each in proper
proportion, just as a farmer waters his field. But be vigilant: otherwise, peaceful conditions can
foster the growth of weeds as well as flowers.
Line 1 (at the bottom): In times of peace and prosperity, an individual of high purpose is able to draw like-minded
people to a good cause. As such people become available to you, enlist their support. Now is the time for people of
talent to set out to accomplish something.
Line 2: The great danger in any time of peace is a weakening of resolve at the center of things. The true leader uses
such periods to tend to all necessary tasks, pleasant and unpleasant, safe and unsafe, so that nothing is neglected. The
master of events, like any great artist, finds a use for everything, and gives everyone a role to play.
Be watchful for the rise of factions or cliques; they are often the first sign of approaching decay.
Line 3: Change is the great constant of the universe. What goes up must come down. Just as the ripest, sweetest fruit
hangs by a mere thread, so periods of prosperity often fall of their own weight. Death and decay are always with us;
they can be held at bay temporarily, but never banished altogether. Let this knowledge dwell like an eternal flame
inside you. Only by being realistic about the world can you escape the illusion that good fortune lasts forever, and
prepare properly for your destiny. Keep in mind, however, that fortune never completely abandons he whose inner
riches remain superior to his fate.
Line 4: When general confidence is high, large and small mingle pleasantly. It furthers the strong to meet with the
weak, or the wealthy with the poor, during such periods, for the lowly possess a kind of truth which penetrates the
artifices created by excessive advantage. Mutual benefit is the key here. Spontaneous contact based on the truth of
inner feelings never fails.
Line 5: A princess marries a man of lesser rank, but honors him as other wives do their husbands. In a union of the
high and low, modesty on the part of those of higher rank brings great success.
Line 6 (at the top): When prosperity leads to decay, misfortune follows. Imagine a city wall collapsing into its own
moat. In times of collapse, it helps no one to fight against overwhelming odds. Moral strength is called for instead of
violence.
In times of peace, necessary defenses can erode. The city becomes vulnerable to attack. Try not to be like the citizens
who, becoming lazy and indifferent, put their homes at risk. Be prepared for external problems. Do not allow yourself
to become complacent.
Artist’s note on painting, “Standstill” -- sky above, earth below:
“This hexagram indicated no movement. Heaven and earth are in a central circle, which
symbolizes the blind spot we have when we’re at a Standstill and can’t see a way out. Outside
the central circle, the sky and the earth change places, indicating that with enlarged vision
comes more options.”
12. Standstill
In a state of standstill and decline, confusion and disorder prevail. Inferior forces are on the
rise, while the powers of clarity and creativity are on the decline. In such times, the wise take
shelter in their own integrity and quietly remain faithful to their principles. Retreat from public
activities and common exchanges until the times once again favor direct action.
During periods of stagnation, inferior elements in society prevail. When the inmates are
overrunning the asylum, summon up your fortitude, hide your worth and withdraw. Concentrate on
your personal affairs with a quiet dignity, even if that means forfeiting short-term rewards.
Desiring to change a situation too quickly often creates extra conflict. By accepting
hardship, while striving to maintain integrity, you are preparing for future growth. “A seed of
prosperity is often hidden inside the husk of misfortune.”
Line 1 (at the bottom): Inferior forces are advancing, so it is best to remain in a position of low visibility. Others of
like mind may follow you into a temporary shelter from events; it is through this means that plans may be made for
future action.
Line 2: When events have reached a standstill because of the corrupt influences of inferior people, the wise endure the
period of stagnation, and accept suffering willingly in order to preserve their integrity. Avoid submission to
inducements that do not serve your long-term interests.
Line 3: Lesser people who have usurped power improperly eventually realize that they are not equal to the task they
have taken upon themselves. When this occurs, a sense of shame overwhelms them, and though they may not admit it,
they know that they have committed a serious miscalculation. When this happens, events may soon take a turn in your
favor. Observe your adversaries closely, for their inner feelings may hold the key to the future.
Line 4: Stagnation is waning; the dam is about to burst. At such times, it is essential to act only within the boundaries
of your authority. Personal exuberance during the potential breaking of a deadlock can lead to excesses and error if you
are not careful. Use your intuition, and trust your instincts. Are the time and conditions ripe for you to act? If this is
your calling, the energy of the time will support you.
Line 5: The moment of transition has arrived, and conditions are changing rapidly. But before you take action, ask
yourself, “How could I fail? What could go wrong?” Here danger besets a man overly confident of his capacities.
Remain alert and skeptical, and take care to see that all of your assets are well protected. Move cautiously but
determinedly, like someone crossing a canyon on a tightrope. There is no going back -- and there is no safety net
below.
Line 6 (at the top): The period of stagnation is at an end, and the time has come for direct action. Disintegration does
not automatically give rise to peace and harmony, but requires the action of a strong person capable of creating a new
order. In such circumstances, great achievement is possible -- particularly if fresh thinking results in new options that
excite those who have been mired in stagnation.
Artist’s note on painting, “Fellowship” -- sky above, fire below:
“For the sky above, I depicted the rainbow serpent of the Australian aborigines -- a symbol of
sky carved creatively into the cave’s ceiling. Below there is a hearth fire with bones placed
precisely at regular intervals around it, representing human community.”
13. Fellowship
When communal bonds unite a group of people, great success is possible. But such bonds
can develop only when personal interests are subjugated to goals that carry in them the essential
virtues of humanity. The broader the basis for action, the greater is the good that can be achieved.
And the greater the potential good, the more powerful is the support behind it. A spirit of
cooperation steadies the boat, but it helps to have a beautiful island to row toward.
Learn to respect the strength in diversity, for a community’s true power lies not in its
numbers, but in the diverse skills and collective resources of its members. Just as the stoutest walls
are reinforced with many different materials, so the strongest groups allow differences to coexist
inside the whole.
With a unified group solidly behind you, even very difficult enterprises can be attempted
without great risk.
Line 1 (at the bottom): When guests gather at the door, enthusiasm is high, and divergent aims have not yet arisen.
Such are the beginning days of a fellowship. Use such moments carefully, for they are opportunities not to be missed.
To foster goodwill among many at the outset of great enterprises, avoid secret agreements; goodwill is a shrub that
flowers only in the light.
Line 2: Fellowship within an exclusive group brings regret or humiliation. If social contacts are elitist, snobbishness
and unhealthy quarreling result. This creates limitations for everyone. Avoid pettiness and shallow discrimination. Be
open to others. Serious loss is unlikely, but hard feelings created by an attempt to gain a temporary advantage are
almost always troublesome down the road.
Line 3: Those who mistrust their allies, spying on them and planning surprise maneuvers, usually become trapped in
their own nets. Avoid unnecessary plotting and scheming, for this is a sure sign of the disintegration of community
fellowship. When such a pattern has begun, put a stop to it immediately! Things will only get worse if you continue to
play the game.
Line 4: Quarrels and misunderstandings among associates often have a way of settling themselves, and this brings
good fortune. Let it happen, because at this time, fighting openly is not a good idea. The image is of the man who,
through a small mistake, comes to see the error of his ways before it is too late. Only by allowing for open
disagreement can a community find its way; similarly, each of us must be willing to make a few missteps in order to
triumph in the end.
Line 5: The strongest bond on earth is the one between two human hearts that have come to know and share each
other’s inmost thoughts and desires. Though separated by circumstances or fate; though divided by differences of
opinion; though angered by each other’s behavior -- if the bond is true, nothing can break it. This type of union may
cause some sadness and difficulty, but in the end brings the sweetest joy known to humankind.
Line 6 (at the top): There is fellowship with convenient associates, but heartfelt warmth is lacking. The image is a
group of people who happen to live beside a certain lake; though they are cordial enough, no great purpose unites
them. But that’s okay; civility may be the lowest form of community, but there is nothing inherently wrong with it. The
situation is not terribly satisfying, but neither is it a cause for great regret.
Artist’s note on painting, “Affluence” -- fire above, sky below:
“Above I painted fire as a symbolic flame within a kind of cosmic pyramid shape. Sky below
(often called the creative) is depicted as a fertilized egg; the eye indicates the individual, the
human soul.”
14. Affluence
Supreme success has come! Like the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, a
person whose fortunes have turned for the better shines brightly. At the core of this success lies
unselfishness and modesty, for it is the tendency of a flexible or yielding nature to bind powerful
forces to it, particularly when prosperity begins to manifest. When power is wielded with grace
and dignity, there is supreme success and great abundance!
Ah, but be careful. Along with any accumulation of wealth or influence may come an
increase of pride and arrogance. Fight this tendency if you want to continue prospering. Stay
attentive enough to manage your affairs well. And remember that while prosperity of any kind
certainly beats the alternative, it is only one of many elements of a satisfying life. True prosperity
always furthers the collective good.
Line 1 (at the bottom): In its first stages, success is innocent and blameless, since it has not yet faced the challenges
which accomplishment brings. Avoid harm in the future by guarding against self-indulgence -- show consideration by
exercising the proper restraint. Learn to speak of personal or business matters only with trusted advisors; to all others,
remain relaxed and detached. Leave your ego at the door; there is no space for arrogance. Acting thus will strengthen
others’ perception of you as a person endowed with confidence as well as wealth.
Line 2: The first lesson after the realization of success is to stay fluid and mobile. It is not the sheer amount of wealth,
which matters so much as its usefulness to you. Wealth of any kind is most useful when it can be used to launch new
undertakings for the good of all rather than just to strengthen your position. One means of doing this is to be generous
with those who have helped you, for the dedicated support of trustworthy people is among the greatest of all assets.
Line 3: Philanthropy is the obligation of those in possession of mature wealth. Only by donating a portion of his
wealth to the service of a greater good can a man become free of the prison of his possessions. Those who lack great
possessions should feel no shame in taking assistance, for all wealth is but a passing trust, to be administered by any
one person only for a short time. A small-minded person is unable to assume this attitude and, as a result, can never be
truly free.
Line 4: If pride and envy have surfaced in your life, it’s time to let them go. Don’t attempt to compete with others’
images of themselves; another person’s ego is a wild goose waiting to be chased, if ever there were one.
This change also points to the dilemma of one who finds himself suddenly among the rich and powerful. In order to
dine with the rich, the poorer man often must pick up the check. Be willing to do so without hesitation or resentment,
and you will remain free in spirit, and therefore be the equal of those around you.
Line 5: The person who is able to win over others by unaffected sincerity and dignity always finds himself or herself
in a favorable position. This applies as much to persons of great wealth and stature as to those beneath them. It is the
combination of sincerity and dignity that brings best results. Those who respond to improper behavior with these
qualities have good fortune assured them.
Line 6 (at the top): You are blessed by providence and enjoy good fortune. You experience improvement in every
way. Remember that supreme success goes to those who are in the world, but not of it -- who, in the fullness of
possession and at the height of power, remain modest and wink often toward heaven. Providence helps those who live
with faith and gratitude, while people help the person who is true. To he who has, more will be given.
Artist’s note on painting, “Humility” -- earth above, mountain below:
“The idea here is that beauty is hidden within. To symbolize that hidden beauty, I painted a rose
within the mountain below. Humility allows one to be obscure, even if dazzlingly brilliant and
beautiful.”
15. Humility
Humility is always rewarded in human affairs, just as valleys are filled by the erosion of
great mountains. It is the way of the universe to fill the empty cup and to empty the full.
Regardless of your position, humility is a positive and deceptively powerful attribute. If you are in
a high position but are still humble, people will be drawn to you and the causes you espouse. If
your position is lowly, humility will endear you to those of higher status. True humility is a virtue
to which all should aspire.
The most successful people are those who know how to bring each situation into balance
by reducing that which is too great, and adding to that which is too little. Such a person craves not
power, but balanced and stable relationships. Humility is the virtue that allows you to perceive the
balancing force in each situation; humble people are not prey to the many illusions, which grow
out of self-importance. If humility is not natural to your disposition, make a conscious effort to
develop a strain of self-effacing humor.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Unnecessary complications arise in the minds of the arrogant when facing a major task.
Concern about how one will be perceived while carrying out the task becomes an extra obstacle to its completion. The
unassuming attitude that goes with humility, on the other hand, permits greater focus on the job at hand. While the
conceited fret over appearances or the opinions of others, the humble concentrate on what needs to be done. Make no
claims or stipulations that can be contested, and you will meet no resistance.
Line 2: Profound humility is a gift. When a person is so sincere that his or her motives cannot be called into question,
great good fortune is the reward.
Line 3: There are few sadder sights than that of someone who is dazzled by his or her own fame, beauty or brilliance.
Success for such people is usually short lived, because in order to persevere to the end, some degree of simple
humanity is needed to gain the continued support of others. Conversely, there are few more noble achievements in
creation, than that of a person who, despite great success, retains his or her humility. Good fortune attends them.
Line 4: Beware of false modesty. Even humility, the most benevolent virtue, can be carried too far. In this case,
however, it is no grave mistake, because service is the responsibility bestowed upon you. People in humble positions
can also use false modesty as an excuse for weakness or vacillation. True humility does not imply humble goals, or a
slack attitude regarding performance standards. Taking pride in your work is very different from a pride born of self-
importance.
Line 5: The wise do not hesitate to take desperate measures, when circumstances dictate such a response. But when
the responsible person resorts to bold action, he or she takes great care to see that the response is not born of a sense of
self-importance but is equal to the need, and that objectivity and clarity of purpose preserve your position in the right.
When strong action does win the day, the honorable warrior shrinks back into the crowd.
Line 6 (at the top): When mistakes are made, and disagreement blows in as suddenly as a north wind, there is a great
tendency to assign blame in all directions. The immodest immediately raise their shields, thereby obscuring the truth
from their own eyes. The weak take offense, and shrink away in self-pity and doubt. But the sincere and humble see
the situation as a challenge to be met head-on, first by examining themselves inwardly to identify their role in creating
the current problems, and then by having the courage to act forcefully but fairly to rectify mistakes and clear the air.
Humility is the true mark of nobility, and always bodes good fortune.
Artist’s note on painting, “Enthusiasm” -- thunder above, earth below:
“This landscape depicts enthusiasm, and I chose the example of female sexual energy,
depicting the earth itself as a female body, with the indication of thunder above as rising
excitement.”
16. Enthusiasm
Enormous creative energy is unleashed by enthusiasm. This energy is like powerful music
that inspires great numbers of people, loosening old constraints and generating new opportunities.
Indeed, the power of enthusiasm is best symbolized by music and dance, for it is guided more by
the heart than the head. Thus, great good fortune can follow when the leader of an enthusiastic
group is a person of strong character, one able to guide this positive force toward a favorable
destination.
Enthusiasm, whether in a personal relationship or within a group, generates a special kind
of electricity. When a concert crowd is charged up, the singer scales new heights, and life becomes
its own reward. For who is not in awe of thunder? And who would fail to fill his or her lungs in the
aftermath of a cleansing rain?
Arouse the passionate support of others, while adjusting your ideas and plans to suit their
needs. In this way you can fill your sails with the mighty wind of popular support.
To arouse others, redouble your own dedication, and dare to create an environment that is
free of tension. Take joy in your work. Harness the power of song and dance.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Self-consciously flaunting your own enthusiasm brings misfortune; those around you must
ignite their own flames. Simply turning up the jets on your burners will not help if those around you are out of fuel. If
others cannot keep up with you, you may have to slow the pace. But if your associates have fuel but no fire, your
selfless absorption in the work at hand can become the flint that ignites their enthusiasm. A sense of unity is called
forth.
Line 2: When waves of enthusiasm take over a group, the wise man watches for small signs, and views the world
without illusion. When the first signs of misfortune appear, he withdraws quickly, waiting not even until the end of the
day. In this way he advances his own position, while serving the interests of the group. Clear-headedness is vital in
times of great excitement.
Line 3: “She who hesitates is lost.” In this situation, hesitation brings regret. The right moment for seizing an
opportunity or approaching a benefactor must be selected carefully, but when that time comes, action should be taken
immediately. Giving your allegiance to a worthy cause or leader may well be appropriate, if such a move would further
your own interests.
Seize the day, or watch your chances disappear. Rather than looking to some outside force, do your best to advance
yourself through well-timed personal effort.
Line 4: Great works spring from those able to awaken enthusiasm in others through self-confidence and decisiveness.
A person without doubts, and who is sincere, attracts others naturally. The power of such a person is enhanced through
the sharing of power and responsibility with others. Thus others are willing to return cooperation and become
trustworthy allies and supporters.
Line 5: If enthusiasm is blocked, you may be experiencing constant pressure, or psychological suffocation. In such a
context, when you feel restricted, bogged down, or lacking in the ability to express your ideas or put them into effect,
do not worry. It is this exact situation that will prevent you from wasting your energies and keep you alive. View this
situation as an advantage.
Line 6 (at the top): Even if your enthusiasm is misguided at this time, it’s not a big problem. Everyone suffers
delusions from time to time. The bigger problem would be an inability to dream at all. The sober realization that a false
dream has run its course can, in itself, be a sign of a fresh beginning. For those with chronic enthusiasm, it’s essential
to be able to separate the dreamer from the dream.
Artist’s note on painting, “Following” -- lake above, thunder below:
“Here we have a path in the form of stones across the lake, so that Following can occur. The
thunder is implied by the slight disturbance in the lake near the stones. The path here seems to
lead to comfort and protection in the caves.”
17. Following
Following brings supreme success. You may not be able to change the direction of the
wind, but by frequently adjusting your sails, you can arrive at your destination and realize a joy
that moves others to follow.
Those who would acquire a following must speak the language of their followers. Those
who would be loved must become the imagined lover of their beloved. Those who would prosper
must bend with the pressures of the world. In matters of principle, stand firm; in matters of style
and taste, swim with the current. If guile or self-aggrandizement enters the equation, resistance will
be what follows. Focus on the common good in order to remain unharmed.
In the affairs of humanity, change is constant, and old ideas are continually discarded in
favor of new ones. Only by being adaptable to the demands of the time can a great leader emerge.
Only by adjusting to changing circumstances can one prosper in the world of commerce. Remain
flexible, and you will gain the confidence of those around you. Bend and you shall not break.
Activity and rest in good balance will not only serve the situation well, but will maintain a
state of healthy energy, minimizing internal and external resistance to your goals.
Line 1 (at the bottom): When a person of vision undertakes a great task, he or she must often change objectives in the
course of events. When these changes grow out of sincere communication with those of different opinions, good
fortune follows. But care must be taken, not to become a mere weather vane of current opinion. Carry your convictions
out into the crowd, stay open to the ideas of others, but hold your ground on matters of integrity.
Line 2: Choose your associates carefully. If you have incompetent people around you, the time may have come to
dismiss them, or at least distance yourself from them. At the same time, be wary of associating only with the strong
and powerful. The moon shines brightly in a sea of small stars, but vanishes with the rising of a single sun.
Line 3: As you move through life, opportunities arise to develop new associations with powerful, distinguished or
otherwise worthwhile persons. Associating with good people brings good fortune. But each new connection with
someone important also requires an equal and opposite diminishing of a relationship you have with someone less
important. The stouthearted leave behind what is inferior and superficial, and accept the challenges of developing new
relationships.
Line 4: It often happens that as a person attains a position of influence, he or she attracts a chorus of flatterers who use
their supposed loyalty to gain personal advantage. Be wary of such flatterers. Their influence is subtle, but can be very
destructive. Flattery is most effective with the immodest, those with large egos. Hold your ego in check during times
of success, and you will be able to see through the insincere intentions of subordinates. Not being able to see parasites
for what they are is a precursor to misfortune.
Line 5: Set your compass toward what is beautiful and true, have confidence in your own intuition, and sail out into
the glistening sea. Perseverance furthers and good fortune ensues.
Line 6 (at the top): It may be time to seek the counsel of someone wiser and more experienced than you. Be receptive
to advice from someone you respect, and make the proper adjustments. If such a person agrees to work actively on
behalf of your cause or enterprise, supreme good fortune awaits! Another possibility here is that through understanding
and respect, you are the one joined by a follower, with whom a supportive bond is formed.
Artist’s note on painting, “Repairing What is Spoiled” -- mountain above, wind below:
“The wind coming up from below will eventually blow away the rot. This takes time, so I used
colors of decay as much as possible. However, the wind is vigorous and ultimately will triumph.”
18. Repairing What is Spoiled
Something has been spoiled, and it is time to repair the damage. In the world of human
affairs, indulgence and corruption grow like weeds in an untended garden; they must be faced
squarely, and rooted out through bold action. Eliminating corruption -- and the sloppiness that
often leads to corruption -- is one of the most ennobling of all human enterprises, and can clear the
way for fresh, new beginnings. Such repair leads to supreme success.
The time has come to be lean and efficient. The weeds must be rooted out now, before the
whole garden is lost. Fighting decay, indifference and corruption is not a simple matter; all steps
must be evaluated carefully, and planning must precede action. Resist the temptation to strike out
prematurely. Gather strength behind you, and marshal your inner resources, because arresting
decay is no simple matter. When you do act, pay close attention to the process. Make your strike as
precise and clear as the path of the surgeon’s knife.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Excessive reliance on tradition has produced corruption, but this corruption is not deeply
rooted. Repair can be achieved without too much effort, even though some danger is always present. Remain alert to
the risks inherent in all change, and you will be able to avoid possible damage. Remember that repair in itself is not a
panacea. Repair efforts must be watched carefully, particularly in their early stages, to see that the previous rot is not
contaminating them as well.
Line 2: In attempting to repair difficult situations that involve long-standing relationships, a certain lightness of spirit
is called for. Among friends and intimates, a well-timed jest can be an effective lance. Righteous indignation, on the
other hand, is more like a crude bomb -- and one that is liable to blow up in your face.
Line 3: Everyone makes mistakes; everyone wants to correct them, but only the wise know when and how to stop
trying. What’s done is done; you cannot unring the bell. At the same time, it is better to be a bit too energetic in trying
to rectify past errors than to have no conscience at all about them.
Line 4: Sloppiness is just beginning to show itself, but you may be too weak by yourself at this time to take much
effective action. What is now spoiling might decay further, unless you begin to turn things around now. Prepare
remedial action.
Line 5: You are able, with some help, to sort out problems resulting from past neglect. You can’t do it all by yourself,
but with the help of able supporters, you will be able to bring about a thorough reform or usher in a new beginning.
Support for your efforts will not come easily, but eventually others will praise you for it.
Line 6 (at the top): Not all important work takes place in the day-to-day world. Stopping to let the world go by on its
own, and using the time to cultivate your own personal growth, can be of great value -- not only to you, but ultimately
to others as well. Remember that, when withdrawing from events, it is essential not to fall into the trap of simply
sitting idly and criticizing the actions of others.
Artist’s note on painting, “The Approach of Spring” -- earth above, lake below:
“The theme in this painting is the approach of dawn. The earth above has already been touched
by first light, and the lake below is still in pre-dawn gloom. I wanted to give this illustration the
anticipatory feeling of a new beginning.”
19. The Approach of Spring
Spring is approaching. Good times ahead seem inevitable; there is vitality in the air. This is
a most auspicious time. Like a snake emerging from hibernation, negative forces are only just
beginning to stir, and can be effectively controlled. This is a time of hopeful progress, and must be
used to best advantage. When approaching good fortune, conscientious work pays great dividends.
A clear road lies ahead. In the spring, seeds that have been lying dormant are ready to bloom.
Act now, for at some point this ripe opportunity for advancement will be challenged. No
spring lasts forever. It’s always wise to stay alert and note the changing signs of the times. In doing
so, preparing for less abundant times is a noble and fruitful effort. Make the most of it.
Line 1 (at the bottom): When the forces of good begin to prevail, people of influence take notice, and men and
women of ability are drawn to the center of action. If you sense such movement, you are well advised to join in. But
don’t let yourself be swept away by the tide of events. This brings good fortune.
Line 2: When you are offered a good opportunity, prospects for success are very favorable. This is a good time to take
strong, valiant action. When a person possesses inner strength and self-confidence, the future need not be a concern,
for everything will move in a positive direction.
Line 3: When things are going well, the great danger is that you will relax and become careless. Enjoy your successes,
but remain mindful of how you have achieved them. There is a natural human tendency to let up once you are ahead,
but the great players challenge themselves until the end of the game.
Line 4: An open-minded approach brings success. Organizations that value performance over superficial qualities
advance much more quickly than those that take a complacent, cliquey attitude. Avoid prejudices against those of
different backgrounds. When complacency creeps into your personal life, radical action may be necessary to change
the prevailing mood.
Line 5: The greatest leaders reveal their true power by attracting people of excellent ability, and by allowing key
associates the freedom to exercise their own judgment. The person able to give power to those who can effectively
exercise it, gains much more power in return.
Line 6 (at the top): When a sage returns from seclusion to reenter the day-to-day world, great good fortune falls on
those whom he teaches and helps. Seek objective advice from those you respect, particularly those who have not been
caught up in your worldly affairs. Their perceptions may be to provide you with a new window on the world.
Spring is always the season of new relationships. In the bounty of good times, new bonds are formed effortlessly.
Relationships born in spring can serve well to warm the following autumn and winter.
Artist’s note on painting, “Overview” -- wind above, earth below:
“The idea for this hexagram is that the wind is everywhere and can be viewed as either far or
near. To depict near and far and in-between, I showed the earth in detail close up, but more
ephemeral in the distance. When we contemplate the present, we see a lot of detail, and as
things recede in distance or time, the picture often gets hazy.”
20. Overview
Overview is a time for composure and contemplation. As a result of profound
contemplation, a hidden force emanates from us, influencing others without their being aware of it.
Do not underestimate the power of this force. Like the wind blowing across the treetops, its
presence is perceived through the effect it has on everything it touches.
Shallow wells rarely strike water, and shallow minds often come up empty. The ability to
keep still and simply observe deepens resolve, and attracts good fortune. Discern the difference
between what is deep and what is surface within yourself -- and you will be able to distinguish
between the two in the outer world as well.
During a period between events, the practice of stillness with awareness is a good idea.
Only by observing and absorbing the true nature of things -- by apprehending the rhythms and
cycles, which guide all creation -- can we discover the laws that apply to our lives. Examine
yourself and the overall situation, not just with the thought of discovering truth, but also with the
idea of focusing your personal power. This is a time to see and be seen.
Line 1 (at the bottom): When the novice practices contemplation, he or she often fails to perceive the unity of forces
at work in the current environment due to a lack of experience, wisdom or good judgment. While such a view is all
right for beginners, people of substance should know better than to be misled by the surface appearance of things, and
thereby miss the connectivity of the whole. One must look more deeply.
When in the presence of someone possessing deep understanding, pay close attention. Even when you do not actually
comprehend a wise person’s advice, it can still help you.
Line 2: Self-centeredness inhibits contemplation by replacing the larger vision with one that is small. It’s like trying to
view the wide, wide world through a small crack in a closet door. If you would be successful in the affairs of the
world, let go of self-absorption, kick the door open, and let the world enter your soul. Only in this way can you avoid
the harm that small-mindedness inevitably brings.
Line 3: Introspection does not mean escaping into the fantasy world of your own dreams. Learn to contemplate the
effects your actions have upon the real world. In so doing, you will discover whether or not you are truly making
progress.
Line 4: A person who has comprehended the solution to a problem or envisioned a path to success should be placed in
an honored position, similar to that of a revered guest. The independence of the guest continues to allow him or her to
offer fresh insight, while being close enough to be heard clearly and often. Avoid regarding perceptive people merely
as tools to further your own work; their value is greater than that.
Line 5: Self-examination is called for. Don’t brood over your own shortcomings -- that is a trap for the weak! Study
the effect you have on people, and how events tend to unfold around you. If such effects are positive, then you will be
able to enjoy fulfillment. Do not try to deny the obvious. Seek truth from experience, and keep your eyes unflinchingly
upon the flame of reality, rather than the shadows of illusion.
Line 6 (at the top): Here a person has achieved a contemplation of life that transcends egocentric considerations and
feelings. He is like the hiker who has finally reached the top of the mountain. If you have attained this position, and
perspective, sit for a while and enjoy the view. If not, it might be time to hit the trail.
Artist’s note on painting, “Cutting Through” -- fire above, thunder below:
“In this painting, the fire as lightning and the thunder below are obvious. Since this hexagram
refers often to reward and punishment, I added heavy borders to the picture, which symbolize
the boundaries, legal parameters, and official borders that we are Cutting Through.”
21. Cutting Through
The situation calls for confronting a tenacious knot and cutting through it. Somehow, the
way to harmony and unity is blocked or frustrated -- perhaps by a tangle of deceit or corruption.
Like Alexander the Great cutting the Gordian knot, take decisive action and you will meet with
good fortune. Don’t be afraid to shake things up a bit. The ability to take corrective measures,
when they are needed, is an essential trait of true leadership.
Those who bring discipline to bear must, above all, be honest -- with others, and with
themselves. Honesty is the hallmark of the strong and self-confident. The successful person
masters the art of honesty much as a swordsman masters fencing. When lies, delusions and game
playing are getting in the way of teamwork, a swift sword of honest action, perhaps even
punishment, must be wielded to protect one’s integrity and values. Decisiveness with integrity at a
time like this brings good fortune.
Though your actions be vigorous, they must not be hasty, severe, or arbitrary. Be sure to
carefully consider all the circumstances. In the case of a serious disruption of relations or events,
you must forgive, but not forget -- at least until a person has made reparation for his mistakes. If
corrective action is necessary, make certain that it fits the crime. When rules have become slack
and useless, only through the institution of clear and swift penalties can their effectiveness be
restored.
In situations where serious issues of justice are at stake, keep careful records, and do not
hesitate to go public with the truth.
Line 1 (at the bottom): A single, first offense is not cause for condemnation and stiff punishment, but some form of
corrective action is needed in order to prevent further transgressions. If you have been wronged, confront the matter
openly, but without hostility.
Line 2: The true miscreant must be punished for his crimes, and all serious violations of decency dealt with directly.
There is an inclination to go too far in such situations, as personal indignation muddies the waters. Even so,
punishment is warranted.
Line 3: In trying to cut through a knotty old problem, you may have gotten your saw stuck in the wood. Old, hard
feelings may still attach themselves to the problem, and can kick back at you if you attempt to right past wrongs. It is
not your responsibility to rewrite the past; and since the guilty do not submit, you cannot solve the problem. At this
point there is no blame in just walking away from the whole situation, before it gets any worse.
Line 4: When facing great obstacles or powerful adversaries never overreach your authority and never outstrip your
resources. Move ahead with caution, and harden your resolve. Persevering with difficult situations in the end brings
good fortune. As when biting through a tough nut, sharp teeth may be required.
Line 5: This change points to a very difficult situation. All decent people have a tendency toward leniency, but when
the facts of a situation are clear-cut, and a grievous wrong has been committed, strong corrective action must be taken.
Such action may take the form of punishment to those who have committed the offense. In such cases, bear in mind
that the first job of the administrator of punishment is to see that the punishment is effective. In other words, that it
serve its highest intended purpose -- to cause the offenders to understand the wrong they have committed, and prevent
them from committing it in the future.
Line 6 (at the top): Those who believe that small sins do no harm are often sliding on the slippery slope to ruin. When
someone turns a deaf ear to legitimate grievances in small matters, he or she may be acquiring guilt at such a pace that
there will be no alternative but to take stern measures against them.
Another possibility is that the culprit is not greedy and does not desire what belongs to someone else. He may simply
be unaware of small indecencies, or not even perceive them as such. If helped to see his error in small things, he may
improve in larger matters as well.
Artist’s note on painting, “Grace and Beauty” -- mountain above, fire below:
“This is another hexagram that seemed to deal with illusion. The fire below gleams on the
mountain and clarifies the view beautifully, but sporadically. The fire is far away from the
mountaintop it illuminates. The light is a gift that cannot be taken for granted.”
22. Grace and Beauty
A splashy sunset bathes the mountains in a soft radiance; the light of a full moon dances on
the surface of a rippling river -- grace and beauty adorn the natural world. Grace is neither an all-
powerful force, nor is it the essential or fundamental thing. By itself, it is form without content.
Grace is moonlight on water, not the sunlight at noon. Yet grace brings artistic expression into the
world, and enhances the quality of our lives. Grace brings success in small matters.
In the arts, grace arises out of adherence to form: the dancer becoming the form of the
dance; the musician giving life to the form of a musical score; the painter becoming one with the
brush and canvas. In human affairs, grace is also aligned with form -- with mastery of aesthetic and
cultural forms honed by time and honored by tradition. Through appreciation of graceful forms in
human culture, we apprehend the pure beauty of the ideal, of life raised above the mere struggle
for survival.
Possession of grace, like the bearing of a beautiful gift to a wedding, can add stature to
those in humble positions. Take care to lend grace and dignity to small matters, while giving the
weight of deep and careful consideration to matters of greater consequence. Though it should not
be confused with true substance, an artistic flair can take one far in this world.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Resist the temptation to create false impressions of your position or stature. It is more graceful
and dignified to simply wash your own car when picking up an honored guest than to rent a limousine.
Line 2: Petty self-adornment does not bring success. It can be fatal to confuse vanity with grace. Devoting too much
attention to external appearances stifles grace of movement and bearing -- which are far more important.
Line 3: All lives have their charmed moments. This reading refers to the “mellow mood” induced by wine: we can be
transported by the spell of the wine, or overcome by its negative effects. Learn to stay awake for the pleasant
moments, and through kindness and good humor, gracefully bring charm into the lives of others. Avoid
overindulgence, and good fortune will be yours.
Line 4: Grace, brilliance, fame and fortune? Or simplicity, dignity, honor and transcendence? If this is your choice,
look for a sign from the outside. If you have any doubts at all, very likely simplicity is the answer. This choice may
cause a slight feeling of regret at first, but in the end will bring true peace of mind and stable relationships with good
people.
Line 5: People with few material possessions may feel ashamed (and lacking in grace) when meeting someone of
great wealth whom they admire. Though a certain amount of apprehension is natural, sincerity of feeling is the most
valuable gift between friends. In the end, it is this sincerity that brings success.
Line 6 (at the top): The fully developed person exudes grace from his inner being, and has little need of superficial
adornments. When form is perfectly aligned with content, simple measures are sufficient to assure success.
Artist’s note on painting, “Splitting Apart” -- mountain above, earth below:
“This hexagram shows an earthquake. In this case the mountain above is a volcano, as there
are often volcanoes in an area of seismic activity. Using opposite colors -- red and green --
heightened the impression of strong forces pulling apart and splitting from one another.”
23. Splitting Apart
All is not what it seems. At this time, reality seems like a hall of mirrors. Intrigues are
multiplying like summer flies, and there are rumors of discontent. It is the time of illusion,
disintegration, distrust and deception.
When you find yourself trapped in a hall of mirrors, sometimes it is necessary to retrace
your steps. Return to the familiar; take solace in what is firm and secure. There is no blame in
holding back; indeed, it is your responsibility to keep your strength intact for the period of
resurrection, which follows the period of disintegration as surely as dawn follows the night.
Discretion is the better part of valor -- and good timing is very important too. Learn to
choose the proper moments for action, thereby avoiding futile effort. Be particularly attentive at
such a time as this for changes that signal a time to retreat.
In the realm of personal relations, discovering illusion is always painful, and confusing.
When in the midst of such a period, it is wise to avoid undertaking any bold new moves, and it is
especially important not to jump to conclusions when you sense that nothing is quite what it seems.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Slander and intrigue abound: the image of rats scurrying about, undermining the foundation of
a house. At such moments, any action at all can provide new ammunition for the inferior forces at work. Only by doing
nothing can you hasten the end. Be patient. And brave.
Line 2: The rise of troublesome people and disintegrating forces is continuing. There is no help on the horizon. When
the streets are filled with an angry mob, it furthers one to bolt the door. Stubborn obstinacy in such circumstances
could be fatal to your cause.
Line 3: Perhaps the time has come to break away from old relationships or situations that are exerting a negative
influence on you. One way to accomplish this is to proclaim your loyalty to, or affection for, a person who is of like
mind. Be prepared for direct opposition when you do this, but know that you are doing the right thing. Remember that
change is necessary for growth.
Line 4: Have you experienced misfortune recently? Accept your fate, and know that all suffering does pass. Take heart
in the belief that things won’t get any worse than they are right now.
Line 5: The forces of deception have undergone a sudden change, yielding to the superior force of truth. What is
inferior will ultimately weaken; those who have waited for this outcome will be in position to take advantage of the
situation when the tide turns. It is time to start rallying support for your position.
Line 6 (at the top): The period of disintegration comes to an end. The negative forces have spent themselves. Evil is
not destructive of good alone -- it also destroys itself. And when evil decays, the compost it leaves behind nourishes
the good seeds that remain. There is a fresh, new, invigorating energy in the air. Use it!
Artist’s note on painting, “Returning” -- earth above, thunder below:
“This hexagram often refers to the winter solstice or the return of the sun after darkness. I
chose to show the depth of dark and winter, just before return takes place, with the small light
at the end of the tunnel.”
24. Returning
There is a turning point that recharges you and eventually brings success. It is associated
with the turning of darkness back toward the light -- the winter solstice, the shortest day of the
year, the day when darkness begins to decrease and the hours of daylight increase. It is the
beginning of a turnaround -- a time for letting go of the old and making way for the new; a time of
new beginnings -- and it starts with rest.
Don’t move too fast. The new momentum is just beginning; the turnaround demands that
your energy be recharged by adequate rest, so that your life force will not be spent prematurely.
This principle of hibernation, of allowing energy to renew itself and be strengthened by rest,
applies to many situations: recuperation after an illness; the slow return of trust after a period of
estrangement; the careful development of new relationships after a splitting apart of old ones.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Everyone suffers setbacks from time to time. The lucky ones suffer some small ones early in
life, so that they learn that they can survive a period of collapse. In this case, a minor setback is little more than an
inconvenience, but could serve to build character, so long as proper action is taken before it goes too far. Persevere,
return to the main road, and good fortune will lie ahead.
Line 2: Spectacular comebacks in any field are a sign of self-mastery. Achieving success the first time, on the strength
of one’s natural abilities, is good luck; coming back after failure or disappointment is a sign of true strength of
character. Follow the example of such people; they have much to teach you about discarding egocentric concerns and
embracing the good. This will only bring good fortune.
Line 3: Those who continually reverse their direction through a lack of self-control run great risks, and are sometimes
thought to be brilliant, but most often are considered foolish and unstable. Chart a steady course, and move steadily
toward your goal.
Line 4: Those under the influence of inferior people can often be turned around by the positive influence of one true
friend. A willingness to abandon the herd instincts of the small-minded crowd may lead to lonely moments, but with
the help of a like-minded person can lead to success.
Line 5: When the turning point arrives, the noble search their own heart, and in so doing discover their proper course.
Those who are honest with themselves rise to the occasion during moments of great importance.
Line 6 (at the top): Blind obstinacy always brings misfortune, because opportunities available to the open-minded are
lost when rigid pride prevails. Once a golden opportunity has been missed, trying to re-create it will not work. The best
attitude in such a circumstance is to be humble, let go, and learn from your mistakes.
Artist’s note on painting, “Innocence” -- sky above, thunder below:
“The suggestion in the text is that there isn’t much one can do about the unexpected, whether
the outcome is benign or unfortunate, so I used a hurricane as a symbol of this powerlessness
in the hands of nature.”
25. Innocence
Innocence implies a natural harmlessness, openness, and pure intentions which are
unsullied by ulterior motives. The state of innocence has less to do with age than attitude;
innocence springs from a heart that remains open to joy and wonder. Innocence, when guided by a
firm faith in what is right, brings supreme success. Naivete unanchored by the ability to discern
right from wrong, on the other hand, brings misfortune.
The hallmark of innocence is a willingness to treat all creatures with compassion and
respect.
Those who possess a pure heart are best guided by their instincts and intuition. Thinking
too much severs links with the guidance of the heart -- namely, a clear intuition and strong guiding
instincts. Be wary of courses of action that require too much cleverness.
Line 1 (at the bottom): The first impulses of the heart are almost always pure and good. It is safe to follow them
confidently, provided your conscience is not offended. When you reach an impasse in tangled affairs, it is helpful to
review the original impulse for that action, to examine the original purpose. Good fortune awaits.
Line 2: The superior farmer doesn’t calculate the harvest while still plowing the field. Success in the current situation
is likely, so long as you don’t try to measure how well you are doing while you are still in the field. Focus on the task
at hand. Like the farmer, cultivate your field one row at a time, focus on the work, and the rewards will take care of
themselves. It is this innocence that will lead to a good harvest.
Line 3: Unexpected and undeserved misfortune can befall even the most innocent. In such situations, it is of no use to
claim that you have been treated unfairly; as parents tell their children, life is unfair, the world is unfair. There is
nothing to do in the face of unfair loss except to accept it with equanimity.
Line 4: Remember, that if something truly belongs to or with you, it cannot be taken from you. Let go of it and it will
naturally return to you. Similarly, as long as you are true to yourself, and listen to your intuition, you can make no
mistakes.
Line 5: Sudden misfortune! It is important to discover whether a misfortune has been an accident of nature, or the
result of your own mistakes. If it was an accident, take no action; let nature take its course without interference. Do not
try to come up with a clever quick-fix solution.
Line 6 (at the top): Even innocent action can backfire if the timing is not right for progress. When there is little hope
in a situation, the best thing to do is to wait peacefully. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating trouble for yourself and
others.
Artist’s note on painting, “Containment of Potential” -- mountain above, sky below:
“The diamond pyramid form symbolizes the sky within the earth in this hexagram. I attempted to
show that the cosmic diamond here had influenced the very shape and texture of the earth
itself -- a divine design beneath the mundane.”
26. Containment of Potential
This points to the containment of great power -- power that increases as it is wisely
stewarded. Like a river which has been dammed, or a cooking pot with the lid on, holding and
containing power produces enormous potential. During normal times, daily ritual and habit help
keep life ordered and serene; but in times of great opportunity, the force of a powerful personality
is required. Focused attention is required to channel this great potential and achieve supreme
success.
With regard to what is on your mind, you have considerable reserves of energy and support
to draw upon. This is the right time to nurture creativity by collecting and organizing your good
ideas and plans. In this way, even great and difficult undertakings can be successful.
A hidden source of power for the great is the study of the past. The lives of wise and
successful men and women are like treasures buried in the earth. Great good fortune comes to
those who unearth these valuable treasures by applying the lessons of the ages to current events.
Line 1 (at the bottom): A changing element in the first position indicates that you should restrain your impulse to act
at this time. You may wish to make strong advances, but there is an obstacle in your way. Compose yourself and wait
for a better time to vent pent-up energies. Meanwhile, keeping still will cause your strength to increase.
Line 2: There is no point in struggling. The forces opposing you are simply too strong; waiting patiently is imperative.
Submit to the current condition and content yourself with buying time. In this way, your energy will accumulate for
vigorous action when the time is right.
Line 3: The obstacle has been cleared from the road; the time has come to ride with fresh horses. Working with people
of like minds and strong wills brings good fortune. In the period immediately following the removal of a major
roadblock, take care to remain alert not only for challenges ahead, but also for threats approaching from the rear. If the
“obstacle” was your own attitude, you may have to remove the roadblock more than once. This is best accomplished
by joining with others whose powers of focused attention are perhaps stronger than your own.
Line 4: Early precautions taken to restrain a wild force prevent misfortune. Just as in ancient times, a board was
fastened to the forehead of young bulls to render their horns harmless, so it is smart to restrain reckless forces before
they do great damage. In doing so, good fortune ensues, because prevention is better than cure. When disruptive forces
threaten, extraordinary precautions are necessary. Do not rule out the possibility that the disruptive force, in this
instance, may be inside you.
Line 5: When confronting a powerful force, it is often best to meet the challenge through indirect action. The matador
restrains the bull not by blocking its path, but by deftly stepping aside, and draining its force bit by bit. By his
understanding of the beast, he gains power over it. Similarly, by understanding the source of one’s challenge, one can
and will render it powerless. Good fortune awaits.
Line 6 (at the top): Supreme good fortune! Great and powerful forces, inhibited in the recent past by temporary
restraints, are now building strength and momentum. Use your creative powers to advance strongly at the present time;
ride with the current. Do not hesitate to accept a new level of responsibility. You have an opportunity now to exercise a
great positive influence.
Artist’s note on painting, “Nourishment” -- mountain above, thunder below:
“In this case, the thunder below is symbolized by the energy of the planted harvest at the foot of
the mountain. This harvest will provide Nourishment, but only because it has been nurtured with
a lot of work. This hexagram seemed to have to do with the actual energy one uses to make
something happen, so the harvest is located in a landscape that would require effort and
planning to farm.”
27. Nourishment
Nourishment refers to much more than just a healthy diet. It is the care-giving function.
Eating properly implies care for oneself; providing healthy meals in the home is a sign of caring
for the family. The writer of a great book or composer of an inspiring piece of music also provides
nourishment -- to humanity in general, by caring deeply about his or her work and offering the
fruits of it to the world.
You can know people by observing what they choose to nourish in their own lives. Do they
feed and develop their own bodies? Do they cultivate their spirits, their intellects, their moral
values? Do they nourish and care for those around them? If so, to whom do they devote their
energies? The most successful people are temperate in eating and drinking, thinking and dreaming.
They strengthen the world by nurturing the higher nature in man.
Pay heed to your inner thoughts and impulses, ignoring thoughts that undermine a healthy
and persevering attitude. A wise person is temperate in the consumption of food and drink, because
to be otherwise only leads to discomfort; the fact that temporary pleasure may precede the
discomfort does not influence the person of mature character. In the same way, be discriminating in
your words and actions, lest a desire for temporary advantage lead you to cause pain for yourself
or others. Enrich your own character, and you will naturally nourish everyone around you.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Envy is the dark, mealy underside of the rock of healthy ambition. Deep envy, the kind fed by
self-pity, always brings misfortune. To counter a tendency toward envy, practice self-reliance; take control.
Line 2: Those who earn their daily bread are much happier than those who subsist on the charity of others. Continuing
to be over reliant on the generosity of others brings misfortune. They who chop their own firewood are twice warmed.
Line 3: When real nourishment is rejected in favor of “junk food” of the body or mind, natural strength wanes quickly
and significant achievement becomes difficult.
Line 4: When seeking help for a worthy enterprise, one must be as zealous as a hungry tiger. To the degree your
enterprise serves the common good, others will honor your determination. Only by generating a strong head of steam
can the train’s engine scale the mountain pass. Good fortune.
Line 5: Learning to listen brings success! Personal advice, especially from the wise and perceptive, must be heeded
when you are facing difficult tasks. But when someone’s advice helps you through a critical situation, you must not
delude yourself into thinking that you succeeded on your own. You must recognize this dependence upon the other, or
face misfortune when undertaking your next assignment.
Line 6 (at the top): A burden is borne by those in exalted positions, for the influence of such people is great, and they
are responsible in some way or other for the nourishment of those below them. Awareness of this should not inhibit
action; the general must feed his troops daily, regardless. A continuing awareness of the responsibility that comes with
power is often the best means of preventing its dissipation, for responsible attitudes lead to good fortune, steadfast
leadership and smart decisions.
Artist’s note on painting, “Excessive Pressure” -- lake above, wind below:
“Because this hexagram deals with being overwhelmed, I made the lake above rise over the
entire foreground, almost like a tsunami. The lake is not just above the wind. The wind has, in
fact, lifted the lake itself in a great overbearing wave that just might engulf us. That is why there
are several suns in the sky here as well; they are another symbol of overwhelming, or just too
much.”
28. Excessive Pressure
Something is about to give way. Some pressure is causing an imbalance and needs
correcting. But if the dam is about to burst, moving out of the way is the first key to success.
When a person in a sagging mine shaft feels the earth begin to tremble, it is a time for
quick, instinctive action and nimble footwork. At a time like this, only extraordinary measures can
bring success. When the roof is collapsing, run first, choose your destination later.
Extraordinary times bring out the best and worst in people. Natural disasters bring with
them stories of great heroism, but also looting and rioting. When such a great weight is on the
world, powerful moments present opportunities to make great gains. Everything is in a state of
flux. One can either move in the direction of positive change and improvement or toward
stagnation. To achieve the former, one must go gently to the heart of the issue, to the cause. Then a
smooth transition is assured.
This may be the moment you have been waiting for. Although the current challenge may
seem to be more than you can handle, remember that a flood reaches its high-water mark for only a
few brief moments, and then begins to subside. Action must be taken now to ensure opportunities
for success later on. You will never discover the true extent of your own abilities unless you, at
least once in your life, dive into a crisis with complete abandon, dedicating every ounce of your
energy, every fiber of your being, to the cause at hand.
Dare to win.
Line 1 (at the bottom): When embarking on an ambitious undertaking in turbulent times, the wise take great care in
the beginning. Proper planning and the laying of a good foundation are too often neglected in the excitement of the
moment; such an oversight, if it cannot be avoided, will undoubtedly cause problems later. Attending to careful
preparation now will leave you in a better position.
Line 2: Unusual partnerships are favored at this time. The image is one of an old tree putting forth new shoots or an
old man who marries a young woman. Despite the unusualness of the situation, all goes well. This is a time of renewed
vitality and rejuvenation, a time of advancement.
Line 3: Plunging willfully ahead during risky times, against the advice of your friends and intimates, invites trouble
and will make things far worse. Action is not advised, and neither is obstinacy.
Line 4: Friendly relations with all types of people can become critical and bring good fortune in times of crisis. But if
you use the support of those of lower rank and status, you must keep their interests at heart as well as your own.
Otherwise, misfortune awaits.
Line 5: The person who aspires only to relationships with those of higher status, greater wealth, more power and so
forth, creates an unstable situation in his or her life. The tree that sinks its roots deepest into the earth is able to stretch
its limbs highest into the sky.
Line 6 (at the top): Brave determination often leads one into deep water. Though it is careless to forge ahead
regardless of the risk, sticking to one’s principles can become more important than mere survival. There is no shame in
this, as long as you remain aware that plunging ahead on your own is risky, and perhaps quite dangerous. Nevertheless,
nobody can blame such courage.
Artist’s note on painting, “Dangerous Depths” -- water above, water below:
“My intention here was to illustrate water following the path of least resistance. The water above
falls down as rain, collects in pools and streams, and then overflows the banks. The feeling is a
kind of surrender to the inevitable.”
29. Dangerous Depths
Exposure to danger brings good fortune to those who move beyond it. Like boaters passing
through white-water rapids, those faced with serious challenges must remain alert. They must take
all available precautions and, above all, must keep going forward so as to remove themselves from
harm’s way. Once the danger has passed, good fortune awaits.
The positive side of danger is that it offers an excellent chance to cleanse the senses and
strengthen the spirit. Surviving danger brings with it tremendous reinvigoration, and sharpens the
eye and mind for future challenges.
It is reckless to court danger, but critical to inner development not to shrink from it either.
Those who respond to danger most effectively are those who are able to establish an inner bubble
of calm in the midst of the action. A calm center keeps one rooted in the moment, alert and
focused. Courage at such times springs from focused attention, from a willingness to penetrate the
moment of danger to its very core, so as to shape it and transform it.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Harm eventually comes to those who let themselves become accustomed to taking
unnecessary risks. Like a man who awakens suddenly to find he is balancing on a tightrope, it is obvious to all but the
man himself how he got there. Caught in such a predicament, there is little to do but avoid further recklessness, and
regain your balance as best you can.
Line 2: Calmly take stock of your situation, and be realistic. When one is in trouble, it is unwise to think immediately
of escape unless the causes of the current dilemma are clear. Sit still, and learn what you can, for this is what the time
allows.
Line 3: Like a rock climber stuck on a narrow ledge high on a cliff, any move, forward or backward, leads to trouble.
Forget escape -- it’s impossible for the time being. The only thing to do is wait for help or a way out. To move
prematurely will only complicate the efforts of forces that are trying to help you.
Line 4: Make cooperation the priority now. When danger is at hand, there is no need to stand on ceremony. Outer
forms of polite society fall away quickly, and blamelessly, when mutual aid in the face of danger becomes the priority.
Simplicity wins the day.
Line 5: Excessive ambition takes one to the brink of danger. When the water rises quickly in a narrow canyon, think
only of escape. To discover an escape route, follow the path of least resistance. No blame.
Line 6 (at the top): One is like a prisoner, bound and shackled. This is a very risky position to be in. If you behave
properly and remain faithful, you will survive, no matter how tough things become. It’s good to remember that you are
only the victim of your own mistakes. You have lost the way and are trapped in a thicket of troubles -- seemingly
without hope of escape. Don’t give up all hope, however. After a while, you will find the way again.
Artist’s note on painting, “Clinging Like Fire” -- fire above, fire below:
“Fire below and above is pretty self-evident here. There is a reference to the fact that the fire
clings to its fuel -- a necessary consummation for the fire’s very existence. The fuel here is
below in the form of dark trees, which have burst into flame.”
30. Clinging Like Fire
Flames cling to their source of fuel in order to keep the fire burning. Likewise, in the
human world, everything that radiates light or love is dependent upon something else. Through
these dependencies, we discover that everything is related, each thing to the other. Awareness of
your own dependency on others is the key that unlocks the door to your true place in the world. No
one is an island.
Fire is also a symbol of liberation -- crackling little molecules flying away from home.
Paradoxically, by clinging to what is right and proper, we gain inner freedom.
Given perseverance on your part, this reading indicates success. In spite of challenges,
cling to what is luminous in yourself, in others, and in life itself, never forsaking your belief in
what is right. When events seem foreboding, or people seem oppressive, remember the good that
has been and is yet to be. Holding to this idea is to cling to the power of the light, the force that
enables inner darkness to be illuminated.
Line 1 (at the bottom): When awakening to a new day, focused concentration is necessary, so that the central task at
hand is not obscured by frenzied activity. It is at the beginning that one needs composure most, for as seeds are
planted, so shall they grow. Do not begin a new project without careful consideration.
Line 2: The sun has reached its highest spot in the heavens. Supreme good fortune is here. When the central fires of
life are at their peak, light shines evenly on the entire world. It furthers one to remain active at such a time, and to
persevere in steady, moderate action.
Line 3: At the end of the day, the setting sun calls to mind the transitory nature of all existence. The great souls
understand that death comes in its allotted time and that, until that moment, life is for living. Enjoy simple pleasures
while they last. In this way each person holds his fate in his own hands.
Line 4: Clarity of mind is most valuable when it illuminates events slowly and evenly. It is possible to be too clever.
Intelligence must be tied to sincerity and genuine feeling; otherwise, it may burn itself out like a fire in dry straw.
Those in possession of brilliance must learn to temper their insights, so as not to arouse enmity in others. Those who
are restless and impatient with others may rise to prominence quickly, but are likely to descend just as rapidly.
Line 5: Clarity of vision can enable one to penetrate the veil of life’s illusions. This can bring good fortune, if such a
vision is also accompanied by the appropriate change of heart, even if it has been a long time coming. Once the vanity
of all human endeavors has been exposed, two outcomes are likely. Either you will continue to strive for life’s rewards
as if they were real -- or you will find yourself falling into the depths of awful despair. But after despair, then what?
First there is a mountain, then there is no mountain, then there is. No blame.
Line 6 (at the top): Discipline that is too severe, like punishment that is too cruel, fails to achieve its true purpose.
Seek the underlying cause of difficulties, and take strong action to cut off negativity at its roots. But be merciful and
reasonable about small imperfections. Does the fact that the sun has spots mean that it should be removed from the
sky?
Artist’s note on painting, “Mutual Attraction” -- lake above, mountain below:
“This hexagram depicts a situation that implies seduction or persuasion. The landscape here is
as seductive as I could make it, including the lake resting on the mountain, trying to set the
scene for the ultimate Saturday night date.”
31. Mutual Attraction
The attraction of opposites is a powerful and fundamental force. The image of this reading
is that of the attraction between a young man and a young woman in the courtship stage. In
response to the magnetic attraction between them, the masculine principle (the creative, outgoing)
seizes the initiative and then submits to the feminine (the receptive, nourishing). When the
assertive is able to defer to the receptive, and when the receptive accepts responsibility and
exercises its quiet leadership, an electric and profitable union is the result. This brings good
fortune, for all success depends upon the effects of mutual attraction.
Consistency is important in matters of mutual attraction, for this is what separates courtship
from seduction.
If you are by nature an instigator, it is good to take the initiative. But you must remain
sensitive, and highly principled, and avoid the temptation to be manipulative. Let the power of
mutual attraction pull you along. If you are the receptive one, keep your mind innocent and free of
pride, so that you may remain open to good advice or helpful assistance. When your influence
arises from innocence, a powerful magnetic force is at work for you.
Remaining open to the forces of attraction brings good fortune. Closing yourself to them
heralds the death of the soul. Learn to yield to the natural tugs and pulls of the heart.
Line 1 (at the bottom): In the safety of his bed, a man wiggles his toes. Does this mean he is about to undertake a
long journey? No one knows. The situation is of little importance to the world at large.
Line 2: If a woman winks or a man smiles, is this grounds for marriage? Hardly. Avoid premature infatuation or hasty
action. Waiting patiently for more information, and a clearer reason for acting, will prevent early misfortune.
Line 3: Beware of knee-jerk emotional reactions. When the legs are ruled solely by the heart, there is a tendency to
rush in all directions. Use your brain too, and plan your moves carefully, so that your energy is not dissipated, and you
are not harmed by an impulse to act. Such balance provides a foundation for better decisions and true freedom.
Line 4: When attraction touches the heart and the spirit moves you, it is of no use to attempt to stand still. Let nothing
stand in your way. Avoid conscious plotting and manipulation, for this will choke off the source of true feeling, leaving
you stressed and tired. Follow your heart and it becomes more likely that the one on whom you focus your thoughts
and feelings will follow you in this.
Line 5: Your will remains firm, and wayward influences do not lead to confusion. This indicates the resolve of
someone whose beliefs are strongly held. There is no cause for remorse in this. However, your dogged ambition to
make progress could become so preoccupying that you no longer listen to positive suggestions or assistance. Do not
allow impatience or fear to cause you to lose your ability to accept help, or listen to good advice.
Line 6 (at the top): Talk is cheap. Mere tongue wagging is a waste of everybody’s time and does not increase the
prospects for success. It’s just plain foolish to try to influence people by meaningless or flattering phrases. No amount
of talk will ever alter the fundamental physics of mutual attraction; without a spark, no amount of wind will cause a
fire to burn.
Artist’s note on painting, “Endurance” -- thunder above, wind below:
“This painting was to illustrate the endurance of some things regardless of stress, weather or
time. The thing that endured in this landscape is a stone structure buffeted by wind and storms.
Time is a factor, which is indicated by the moons above.”
32. Endurance
Endurance is fostered when inner constancy is coupled with external flexibility. Long-
distance runners must adapt readily to changing conditions, while maintaining an inner
determination and strength of purpose. Two trees growing near each other adapt to enhance each
other’s survival. A strong image of durability is a stable marriage of intimate partners striking a
dynamic balance between involvement in the outside world and nourishment in the home.
True endurance is not based on rigidity, for endurance implies movement, not
immobilization. Only by adapting to change can we stay in the race, but only by deepening our
sense of purpose can we develop the fortitude to win it.
Continuity is achieved through movement, not by keeping still. That which has ceased to
grow is close to death. Stay active, but allow yourself time to stay in touch with your innermost
thoughts and feelings.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Trying to establish an enduring relationship too hastily will repeatedly bring misfortune.
Have patience, and do not expect immediate success. Work step by step. That which is to endure must be developed
gradually and with great care. By wanting too much, too quickly, you may end up with nothing.
Line 2: Success in lengthy undertakings comes to those who know how to manage their resources. If you are
attempting something that appears to be beyond your capabilities, perhaps time is your best ally. Focus on seeing
things through; control your energy. Avoid serious risk-taking. In this way, there is no cause for remorse.
Line 3: Moody inconsistency invariably brings misfortune. Inconsistency of purpose is usually caused by excessive
concern for the affairs of the world. Cultivate the simple pleasures of life in the home, and even your work may
improve. And develop consistency of character to keep humiliation at bay.
Line 4: Pure motives alone do not bring success. Skill is also required, but even that is not all. The hunter who
searches for game in deserted areas might wait forever without firing a shot. Persistent searching is not enough.
Master the essential skills of your enterprise, and your efforts will not be in vain. What is not searched for in the right
way will not be found.
Line 5: Only the true nature of the times can determine whether you should be supportive or assertive. What role do
circumstances need from you right now -- to be an active leader or a follower? There are no absolute answers, no
permanent solutions, on the path to good fortune. To endure to the end, you must be adaptable and continually
readjust yourself like a sailor tacking. Let yourself be guided by the winds of your higher calling.
Line 6 (at the top): Restlessness defeats endurance. Scurrying about in circles just makes one dizzy. Seek to regain
inner composure, so that you can tune your body and mind like a fine violin. Only when the inner frenzy stops can
sweet music echo through the halls of time. Perseverance furthers.
Artist’s note on painting, “Retreat” -- sky above, mountain below:
“This illustration is a fairly formal and stylized landscape. Retreat is simply indicated by the
three receding and contained squares in the middle of the picture and by the subdued color
throughout.”
33. Retreat
All worthy goals meet resistance of some kind. When negative forces predominate, a well-
timed retreat is necessary in order to keep your energy high and persevere on the path to the
heights. Tibetans know this.
Strategic retreat is not to be confused with escape or surrender. Successful retreat can
demand quick and nimble movement -- take up a new position before you are damaged severely by
a current situation. You are not admitting defeat by such action, but increasing your options and
preserving your resources. Sometimes it is necessary to slow down, let go or move back
temporarily in order to develop countermoves for the future or to draw an opponent closer. Timing
is critical, as is positioning after realignment. Considerations of personal security are critical.
Retreat in this way is actually a sign of strength.
Periods of withdrawal or retreat call for cool headedness. It is necessary to keep your wits
about you. Attend to small details while allowing yourself time to contemplate the whole picture.
Be creative; not all progress follows a straight line. Self-confidence is also essential; small
setbacks can easily become defeats if we allow ourselves to become mired in self-doubt or self-
pity. In this way, success can be achieved.
Waves of progress are, by their nature, short lived. Learn to attune yourself to the up-and-
down cycles of life. Sometimes if you want something, you must allow it to come to you. Don’t
fool yourself into thinking that you can “fix” any situation whenever you feel like it. Some things
are bigger than you are. Hold your pride in check, and you will be better prepared to find creative
openings.
Line 1 (at the bottom): In retreat, positioning is everything. Avoid being too visible, too near the source of opposition.
If you find yourself positioned in an opponent’s sights, the best tactic often is to keep still, lay low, and hope that the
moment passes. Be extremely careful; any movement now will only be to the opposition’s advantage.
Line 2: This change refers to the situation when someone of integrity is under direct attack, and is being pursued
strongly by an opposing force. In a treacherous situation, movement in the face of critical danger is essential.
Retreating when under attack, rather than engaging in direct confrontation, also has the advantage of gaining sympathy
for your cause from others.
Line 3: To be blocked during retreat brings misfortune. If it has become necessary to retreat from a bad or complicated
situation, you have to move. But sometimes the process of retreat is impeded by hangers-on or incompetents impede
the process of retreat. Though these are not people you would normally want on your team, in a time of retreat, it may
be necessary to deal with them. This strategy will be successful only if you keep in mind that these people are not truly
qualified, and must not be allowed to play a prominent role after retreat has run its course.
Line 4: By gracefully withdrawing from conflict, you may be able to protect yourself from humiliation and the
enduring enmity of others. Furthermore, you deprive the opposition of an enemy to confront, which in itself can be a
successful strategic move. To gracefully retreat in a heated atmosphere is not easy; however, it has the advantage of
preventing the compromise of integrity and a loss of grace. This can only be achieved by the exercise of superior
character. In this case, it is only inferior characters that suffer, losing the guidance of the superior. So, rise to the
occasion. Proper handling of a setback is an opportunity for greater progress in the long run.
Line 5: If precisely the right moment is selected for retreat, the withdrawal can be affected quickly and smoothly, and
with all the proper amenities observed. The key is resolute action -- and taking advantage of the element of surprise.
Once your mind is made up, move!
Line 6 (at the top): When all signs point to retreat or resignation, the proper course of action must be followed
without regret. Sometimes great issues resolve themselves; in such cases, it doesn’t help you to remain attached to
futile goals and ambitions. The most successful approach is a cheerful acceptance of fate, and a willingness to proceed
along the open road -- even if it leads you into unfamiliar realms. If you can leave them smiling, this is a great success.
Artist’s note on painting, “Great Vigor” -- thunder above, sky below:
“Again this illustration is pretty stylized showing thunder and sky symbolically. For the sky
below, I used deep blues and stars and tried to achieve a radiant quality, while above, thunder
is collecting ominously.”
34. Great Vigor
Congratulations! There is strength and vigor in this situation -- like a ram that has knocked
down a fence to free himself from captivity. This points to a time when a strong force comes into
its own and achieves power.
When a leader finally comes into power, his or her personal strength usually has peaked.
Great strength has been required in climbing to the mountaintop, but once at the summit, the
support of others is needed to maintain position. A shift in attitude becomes necessary. Persevere in
what is right and just. Raw strength must be tempered by wisdom; to maintain power, the strong
leader must learn to give it away, to share it with others. Only then will his position be secure, for
he will not only be the possessor of power, but a source of it as well.
If you find yourself in a powerful position, it is especially important to act responsibly and
react with care. Power must not be allowed to degenerate into raw force that rides roughshod over
everything in its path. A strong sense of responsibility to the collective good is the key to the
successful exercise of power. By following what we intuitively know to be for the greater good, we
avoid reckless abuses of power, which in the end undermine the source of our strength. Arrogance
contains the seeds of its own undoing.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Simply possessing great personal vigor does not assure success. If you start your movement
from a lowly or weak position, attempting to advance prematurely through forceful efforts will only bring misfortune.
Even for those of great strength and ability, progress is achieved step by step.
Line 2: The gates of good fortune are swinging open; the time has come to plunge ahead. In times of great
opportunity, beware of premature celebrations. Keep your balance.
Line 3: A ram crashing through a hedge gets his horns tangled up. He may be the strongest animal in the flock, but a
proud, haughty ram only brings misfortune upon himself. Avoid empty displays of power or force.
A wise leader measures success in terms of finely tuned performance, not raw power. Power is the fuel, but precision is
the carburetor.
Line 4: The resolute application of a strong force brings success. Like the axle of a large wagon, a powerful person’s
real strength is often hidden inside, and this is as it should be. The less of a show, the greater the power. By quietly
bringing inner strength to the outer world, resistance dissolves, and great achievements become possible.
Line 5: When a strong person finds himself or herself in a loose and easy situation, a loss of alertness and a weakening
of power can set in. If external resistance is absent at work, relax and enjoy the situation, but avoid becoming
complacent, and learn to create challenges for yourself in recreational activities.
Line 6 (at the top): Use of excessive force can generate strong opposition, often leading to deadlocks that make it
impossible either to advance or retreat. Once you have pushed things too far, the only option is to recognize the
impasse created by an overly aggressive attitude, and make the proper adjustments.
Artist’s note on painting, “Easy Progress” -- fire above, earth below:
“Some of the images, like the pyramids on the horizon, are meant to suggest the ephemeral
quality of progress -- that progress today might be dust tomorrow. Other images here, although
abstract, point to the forward direction of progress. The bright colors indicate optimism.”
35. Easy Progress
The general situation is one of easy, natural progress. What has been weak is steadily
ascending, and by gaining a prominent position, becomes more powerful. The image is the light of
the rising sun, which at first appears dimly through the mists. But this weak light later radiates with
powerful clarity once the sun has reached a high position in the sky.
Progress is made when those in subordinate positions make peace with those above, and in
so doing create a natural means for their talents and abilities to become prominent. It is by
recognizing and riding with the natural course of events -- by hitching our wagon to the rising sun,
as it were -- that we advance our position and earn respect.
Don’t forget that goodness in human nature is like the dim but beautiful early morning
light. Greed, hatred and other forms of self-absorption can easily obscure it -- just as the morning
light can be swallowed by the fog. Be reminded that progress is achieved most effortlessly when
right action is taken without concern for immediate reward, and when the path of the weaker aligns
with that which is strong.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Progress seems to be thwarted. If you lack confidence, remain calm and accept that your
influence may not yet be strong enough to achieve great progress. Though advancement is fervently sought by many,
the hour for you to play a leading role may not have yet come. If that is the case, do not feel downhearted or resentful
because no one is paying attention to you. Remain calm and dedicated, and you will avoid serious mistakes that could
block your progress altogether.
Line 2: A lack of progress is often caused by a lack of contact with the right people. Though this can be
disheartening, progress will cease altogether if you push too hard with people who have not yet developed strong trust
in you. By persevering in your efforts now, important people will notice and help you along, but only in due time.
Avoid becoming too frustrated because of a lack of immediate progress.
Line 3: Pushing ahead brings good fortune! With the support of those both above and below you, progress is
inevitable.
Line 4: In times of great progress, it is easy for powerful people to acquire many possessions. When such possessions
are acquired by devious means, sooner or later the facts will come to light. Proceeding with questionable behavior
will lead to misfortune.
Line 5: When one is in an important position of service to others who wield even more power, a gentle and
benevolent attitude often seems to further the interests of the whole. You may berate yourself for not being more
aggressive and for not taking greater advantage of your position, but opportunities for small gains now must be
passed up for greater good fortune in the long run.
Line 6 (at the top): When strong, energetic action is required to achieve progress, make certain that your ducks are in
a row before you begin. Be particularly careful to avoid overly energetic initiatives to those with whom you do not
enjoy a close relationship. If a bridge can’t handle the weight, don’t use it.
Artist’s note on painting, “Darkening of the Light” -- earth above, fire below:
“The implication here is that the light is gradually obscured like the sun sinking into the horizon
at sunset. Because this darkening brings doubt and fear with it, the trees in this landscape
appear to have a threatening aspect -- the sort of fearful thing one might imagine at twilight.”
36. Darkening of the Light
When the light goes down, it may be wise to become invisible. The image is of fresh
darkness, the period after the sun has gone down or the fire has gone out. There is still much
activity left over from the light of day, and movements in the outer world are at their most
dangerous. Even the smallest sound, the faintest glow of light, can attract unwanted attention.
When the darkness of stupidity reigns, it is best that your own brilliance stay “hidden under
a bushel basket.” That is, your thoughts and efforts should be quiet, self-contained, and protected,
as much as possible, from harmful external influences.
Whatever you do, don’t let yourself be swept along on the current of conventional wisdom
when dangerous uncertainties exist. Try not to become too depressed or anxious; this period will
pass. Just endure it for now and inwardly preserve your self-confidence, while outwardly
remaining cooperative and flexible. The time to assert yourself will come. Avoid looking too far
ahead if you have not yet achieved your goals -- that will only bring regret and longing, which can
eat away at your inner resources.
Be cautious and reserved. Control yourself. Do not needlessly awaken dormant forces of
opposition. During dark, unsettled periods, it is best to step gingerly around the sleeping dogs.
Line 1 (at the bottom): When lost in a cave, one small candle is better than the light of a thousand dreams.
Attempts to soar above obstacles by ignoring them are usually futile. When impediments are real, one should not
engage in flights of fancy about imagined success. To do so can result in a great loss of face with others, for attempting
to solve large problems is actually a sign of weakness unless there is an objective chance at success.
Line 2: Doing one’s duty during a crisis brings good fortune. The image is that of someone who is injured in a
disaster, but works effortlessly to save others who were wounded in the same event. In times of calamity, rescue efforts
bring lasting benefit to both the saved and the heroic. Such an effort surely brings good fortune.
Line 3: Victory over dark forces is achieved, as if by accident. But don’t be too hasty in righting wrongs. Some
wounds can only heal themselves. Yet, if a sudden opportunity arises to cage a raging beast, close the gate and lock it.
Line 4: There is impending danger in the night: the image is that of a person who has grown close to a source of
negative energy. Once you have perceived a true source of negativity, it is of no use to pretend that it does not exist.
Only by accepting the truth of this instinctual perception can you find shelter before evil is unleashed like a dark
storm.
When near a source of dark energy, perseverance on the wrong road brings misfortune.
Line 5: When confronting a dark force, small deceptions may be necessary, so long as your innermost convictions are
not compromised. Even though you may be forced to take extraordinary measures -- action you would never consider
in normal circumstances -- stick to your inner principles, and however much you may deceive those with evil
intentions, be careful not to deceive yourself.
Line 6 (at the top): The climax of the dark times has arrived, and the darkness has begun to consume even itself.
When negative energy is finally spent, people of intelligence and good spirit naturally re-emerge, and gain positions of
rightful prominence.
Artist’s note on painting, “Extended Family” -- wind above, fire below:
“The family is symbolized by a fire, presumably contained by a hearth, within a primitive
structure in this illustration. All the foliage and trees that almost obscure the dwelling represent
the many and varied entanglements having to do with the concept of family. The wind above
carries away the smoke from the family hearth.”
37. Extended Family
A family that thrives is one where healthy interdependence is supported. Respect for
different roles is essential, especially between a wife and a husband whose joint authority is
critical; however, strong and harmonious kinship is dependent upon every member of the clan.
Trust, shared responsibilities, and good communication are essential. Each member must be
encouraged to find his or her position and appropriate contribution.
The functional family is a team that symbolizes the ideal of human interdependence, and
has long provided a firm foundation for society. The healthy family is an embryo of society and the
native soil in which ethical values take root and grow. Fertilize this soil, and the whole of society
benefits.
The forces that bind a family are the feminine and masculine balanced -- nurturing and
receptivity combined with leadership and responsibility. In other words, good parenting. Their
words should be consistent, have meaning and power. Siblings’ relationships between themselves
and the parents carry variations of feminine and masculine energies too. Relations on all kinds of
teams are improved through cultivation of the receptive/responsible, yin/yang balance. Learn to
listen and receive advice and aid from others, and be willing to assume an appropriate role in any
group you are a part of or join. A good team player is supremely valuable to others.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Every group must establish strict guidelines in order to succeed. When beginning any activity
or project that requires the exercise of authority, it is vital to exercise power firmly and evenly. This may cause
problems at first, but it is the only way to create a stable situation from which positive results can emanate.
Dissatisfaction soon vanishes, and things start to go well, particularly if kindness remains an element of authority.
Remember that training or leading others requires that you embody both integrity and consistency.
Another aspect of this particular line has to do with not spoiling children. Structure your family sensibly, and all will
be well. Within either a family or a team, you owe it to those for whom you are responsible to respond appropriately to
their egos -- including temper tantrums and other emotional demands -- with inner calm. If you are lenient with a child
who marks on the furniture one time, can you blame the child for doing it again? If you have spoiled someone by
yielding to childish demands, you are faced sooner or later with having to reform an errant rascal -- not an easy task.
Line 2: It serves you to attend to the needs of your team. Manage your brood like a housewife. Your caring
perseverance will rebound to the benefit of the whole group. Now is the time to quietly confine yourself to duties at
hand. In this way, everyone prospers.
Line 3: Corrective measures should be firm but not excessive -- although it is better to be too firm than too lax. While
it is important not to overindulge those in your charge, it’s also important not to come down too hard on them when
things go awry. Excessive severity would cause regret. The best thing is to set up firm limits within which group
members are allowed total freedom of movement.
An unwillingness on the part of those in authority to tolerate bad habits brings good fortune.
Line 4: Successful bonding is aided by the moderating influences within the group. Balancing income and
expenditures brings good fortune.
Line 5: When in a position of authority, it furthers one to be loving and trustworthy rather than bold and inconsistent.
For instance, when parents choose love as the true center of family life, the whole world is ready to respond with
goodwill.
Line 6 (at the top): You are confident, and your work commands respect. This is a time of reward and recognition for
you. Remember that the leader of a circle of influence -- a group of friends, teammates or family -- has a responsibility
to set a good example. It is only through developing your own character that you can influence others and create order.
Artist’s note on painting, “Diverging Interests” -- fire above, lake below:
“Given the two elements for opposition here, flame above and lake below, I attempt to show
opposition as the pull of temperature extremes; in this case, a frozen lake in winter and the fire
above being only warm color from the sun and not warmth in temperature. The flame and lake
have not melded here.”
38. Diverging Interests
An image of estrangement is indicated here. When brothers and sisters marry, they grow
apart, since their allegiances now lie with their new families. Though they will remain close
enough to successfully deal with problems and share minor interests, they will be unable to
undertake any great projects together. Simply put, when people grow apart -- even for the most
natural of reasons -- their points of view, values and interests diverge.
Divergent natures and interests do bring opposition into the world of human affairs. And
when opposition drifts into alienation and enmity, there are no good results. But when opposition
takes the form of healthy competition, or when it is simply part of the natural order of things and is
recognized as such, good fortune is possible.
Even when diverging interests make a situation seem stagnant or futile, remember that
there are always creative possibilities inherent in polarities. One is reminded of the interplay of the
opposites, yin and yang, that is fundamental for the creation of life itself. And, just as the symbol
of the Tao illustrates, the yin and the yang have the seed of the other residing within each of them.
Nevertheless, when opposition has its roots in issues of principle, hold to your integrity and
individuality. Avoid becoming involved with vulgar or base people who do not share your values.
With both people and companies, one measure of stature is the quality of the competition.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Trying to rectify estrangements caused by small personal misunderstandings can easily lead to
situations similar to that of a man whose horse escapes his barn. When the man dashes after the horse in a futile effort
to capture it, the horse merely runs faster, and farther away. But if the man simply returns home, the matter is settled
quite easily, for the horse will likely return to the barn once it becomes hungry or thirsty.
Let small disputes solve themselves; just let the other person come back around of his own accord. Application of too
much power in petty disputes can drive you further from your goal, and make reconciliation more difficult afterward.
Caution is justified against negative people who have forced themselves upon us, perhaps through some
misunderstanding. In this case, to actively intervene will only cause hostility and more problems. The better course
now is to endure them for the time being, until they eventually move on of their own accord.
Line 2: This is a difficult time to get together with others with whom you belong, yet have misunderstandings.
However, if you do get the chance to meet “accidentally” in informal circumstances, there will be an opportunity for
compromise, provided there is an inner affinity between you. This can only happen when you let go of mistrust and let
yourselves be open to each other’s truth.
Line 3: This is the line of Murphy’s Law: everything that could have gone wrong, has. It may seem at times that all of
creation is conspiring against you, but when opposition to progress is at its peak, an opening often emerges. When bad
luck strikes, the best strategy may be to join up with someone whose luck is better. With the right attitude and
persistence, good fortune asserts itself in the end.
Line 4: If you find yourself in a group of people with whom you have little in common, a seed of inner opposition can
grow into true isolation. In such circumstances, the ideal solution is to find someone with whom you share deep
interests, and whom you trust completely. Through the taking of a good friend or lover, inner opposition can be
overcome.
Line 5: When someone with sincere intentions at first appears to oppose you, look deeper. It may be that you have
misjudged this person, or that you have been wrong in your own attitudes or behavior. In this world, sincere people
should be met openly: how could this be a mistake?
Line 6 (at the top): Estrangement can arise from a failure to clearly perceive the world. Overly defensive people often
ascribe all sorts of sinister motives to other people, even to those who would be their friends. This kind of thinking
obviously leads to isolation. All that is necessary to reverse this kind of cycle is to observe the world more closely,
without prejudice and by being honest about possible errors in your attitude.
This can lead to an increase in self-esteem, which may strike at the root of the problem. Those who think well of others
tend to think well of themselves, and vice versa.
Artist’s note on painting, “Temporary Obstacles” -- water above, mountain below.
“The water on the mountain is all too clearly obstructed here by many jagged rocks. The path of
the water is circuitous, and the ambient weather is overcast and ominous in tone. I made the
obstacles in the water’s path look more dangerous by painting them red. This isn’t a picture of
an easy journey. The birds are probably not singing.”
39. Temporary Obstacles
Have temporary obstacles been blocking your way? In the course of trying to reach a goal
or fulfill a personal ambition, obstructions inevitably present themselves. This is not always a bad
thing. Obstacles, difficulties and even setbacks that are eventually overcome often become assets.
Without irritating grains of sand, oysters would never make pearls.
The obstacles pointed to here are not permanent, yet they are in the way. As when a large
boulder falls in the road, the best course of action is usually to go around it, rather than to try to
move it out of the way. Temporary obstacles must be seen for what they are -- temporary -- and
should not be allowed to take on too much significance.
A positive aspect of even the most difficult obstacle is that it may cause a person to turn
inward, and gain greater depth of character and self-knowledge. While the ignorant bemoan their
fate and seek to blame their problems on others, the wise seek the cause of the problem within
themselves. Through this type of introspection, obstacles become a means for personal growth and
self-discovery.
Without air resistance, no plane would ever fly.
If you are facing temporary obstacles, try not to be overly concerned. Obstacles are a part
of achieving every goal and furthering every undertaking. Setbacks and reversals can affect
morale, but keeping up your self-confidence in the face of obstacles is part of a successful solution
to many of life’s problems. Obstacles of short duration are best handled with a yielding attitude.
Go around a large boulder; don’t put your shoulder to it.
Line 1 (at the bottom): The way ahead is totally blocked; the time is not right for direct action. Retreat, reflect on the
situation, and wait for the right moment to overcome the current obstacle. When confronted with a threatening
roadblock, it is a mistake to forge ahead blindly. Look for an opening, a detour around what is in your way, but wait
for the right time to move.
Line 2: Normally, if a large boulder blocks your road, you would be well advised to just find another road. The one
exception to this is when duty or previous commitments demand that you face the obstacle directly -- that is, you try to
remove the rock. Even if confronting the obstacle suggests a personal risk, duty and moral obligations must be
honored, for personal integrity is a resource that is hard to replenish.
Line 3: When one is in a position of responsibility or leadership, great caution must be exercised when confronting an
obstacle. A wider array of needs and consequences must be considered. Rash decisions and actions in such situations
bring misfortune. Nevertheless, a leader must remain firm and decisive once a course of action has been set. Keep your
priorities in mind. Those who rely on you will be happy to see you have put them first.
Line 4: When confronting a large rock in the road, many hands make light work if it must be moved. Many obstacles
cannot be removed single-handedly. Do not venture out to confront such a serious obstacle until the proper support is
behind you; in this way, you will find union. To move before your support is firm, in this case, would bring misfortune.
Line 5: In true emergencies, one should not wait to devise a cautious strategy or enlist the support of others before
taking action. In such cases, immediate helping action precedes strategy, and your resolute spirit will spur others into
action too. Acting boldly when action is called for brings good fortune. In such circumstances, it is better to be 51
percent right in your efforts to surmount the obstacle than 100 percent wrong in making the decision to avoid dealing
with it.
Line 6 (at the top): When a difficult situation degenerates into a real mess, only bold, forthright action can bring
success. This line points to the situation of a person facing an obstacle to forward progress -- and facing an obstacle
behind as well. There is no way forward, no going back. The situation is so complex there appears to be no way out.
When this happens, you must reenter the fray. Do your best not to worry too much about the results. Look for help
from above -- from others in positions of authority and power. When you find such support, success becomes probable.
Have faith in your experience, and be sure you can help save the situation. Good fortune awaits.
Artist’s note on painting, “Deliverance” -- thunder above, water below:
“The illustration here is straightforward, showing a thunderstorm; the rainfall brings deliverance
to a dry, desert landscape. This is a release from built-up pressure.”
40. Deliverance
After a thunderstorm, or any time of extreme tension and obstacles, a period of new clarity
and fresh opportunity follows. The storm has the effect of clearing the air and suddenly reducing
atmospheric tension. Deliverance is at hand. In the wake of a storm on land, deliverance appears in
the form of new color and life, which bursts forth in all the fields and flowers. In the wake of a
storm at sea, deliverance takes the form of land itself.
In the field of human relations, the rain of forgiveness washes the human landscape clean
after a period of enmity and error. Great clarity of purpose and renewed vigor can follow the
healing of old wounds. But care must be taken not to reopen these old wounds by moving too
quickly. In the same way, it is important to return to normalcy first before moving ahead with new
plans after periods of stress.
Following the resolution of a difficult situation, your first priority should be to return to
normal conditions as quickly as possible. Breathe a sigh of relief, but don’t relax completely. It
would be a mistake to reawaken the sleeping dogs of the immediate past before the new situation
has crystallized. Look ahead. Attend to any residual matters that need resolution, and do so as
quickly as possible. Make a clean sweep of the past, and move deliberately. Forgive, forget, move
on, and the future will bring good fortune.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Few words are needed -- the recent obstacles have clearly been overcome. Now there is
peace; so just recuperate, and relax. It is a good time to be still.
Line 2: Success stems from your integrity, in contrast to the cunning and deceit of those around you. It may be time to
take a careful look at those you are considering working with. In light of objective performance standards, do they
measure up? Be wary of working with those who do not truly share your vision, or your standards. Upholding your
ethics and standards of performance brings good fortune in the long arc of a professional career, vocation or
relationship.
Line 3: In overcoming hard times, a residue of the past often lingers. When making the transition from struggle to
success, take care not to bring baggage from the past with you on this journey. On the other hand, avoid taking on airs
and flaunting newfound good fortune. Those who wear their money on their sleeve soon have little in their pocket.
Line 4: In periods of stagnation, relationships are often formed on the basis of convenience. Since there is little
challenge during such a time, not much is demanded of friends and associates. But when important action is required,
only the able and trustworthy can be counted on to perform competently. Free yourself of the entanglements of random
relationships of low value; good fortune comes from associating with men and women of talent and integrity.
In times of great opportunity or crisis, it is better to have a weak person as an enemy than as an ally.
Line 5: Letting go of bad influences requires inner resolve and strength of character. Weak people who have attached
themselves to a stronger person are not easily shaken off. The only way to free yourself from negative associations is
to free yourself from them inwardly first; sooner or later, these unwanted others will get the message, and fall away of
their own accord. Tolerating unhealthy relationships and associations brings misfortune.
Line 6 (at the top): When your main obstacle is a cunning adversary, forceful removal of that person from the scene
may be the only option. When such drastic measures are called for, quick, precise action is necessary. As the element
of surprise may be critical to success, discuss your plans only with those who have an absolute need to know. The
superior man has everything he needs by way of means in which to accomplish this. This line can also be interpreted to
apply to a bad habit or situation, or anything calling for immediate removal in order to assure success.
Artist’s note on painting, “Decrease” -- mountain above, lake below:
“In this image the lake below is receding from the mountain in little waves, which is meant to be
a symbol of Decrease -- a gradual recession in a natural setting.”
41. Decrease
Increase and decrease are part of the natural cycle of life. As another good book puts it, “To
every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Like a reservoir that is
being used to irrigate the fields, learning to accept a temporary decrease in position, feelings or
material possessions is part of preparing for increase in the future.
We may live in materialistic times, but there is no disgrace in material decrease,
particularly if it represents an investment in future gain -- even if that gain be in the form of
learning or the development of personal character. Likewise, the inner strength that comes from
bearing loss can be balanced by a corresponding increase in inner strength and insight. When
letting go of material desires leads to a greater simplicity in daily life, good fortune often comes
calling.
In nature, the lake evaporates to form the clouds that drop the rain, which nurtures the
surrounding forest. As the forest grows thick, more rain is captured for the lake. Similarly, an
“evaporation” or decrease in one area of your life, inevitably gives rise to an eventual increase in
another. A loss of responsibility at work can mean more free time; more free time may generate
more career options. A decrease in material possessions can free the spirit and fill the soul.
Be mindful of the lesson of young lovers: even with a minimum of possessions, feelings of
the heart can bring an unsurpassed richness to life. The smallest of actions, if sincere, have value.
So remain confident, for a time of decrease may actually bode good fortune -- especially if you
remain open to that possibility.
Let go of frustration, resistance and regret over whatever may be decreasing at this time.
Accept the cycle.
Line 1 (at the bottom): If you want to be of service to others who have less than yourself, no blame. But you must be
careful not to assume too much responsibility for others, lest you deprive them of their dignity and a chance to advance
through their own effort. At the very least, learn to be sensitive when taking on the burdens of others, and avoid self-
righteousness. Likewise, when the tables are turned, a mature person seriously considers how much help he or she can
accept without putting the helper at risk. Such deep consideration makes giving and receiving happen with ease, and
without concern for decrease.
Line 2: In order to render true service to those who are lacking advantages, it is essential that you not give up your
own dignity. A decrease in personal dignity growing out of excessive subservience to some higher goal can lead to a
decrease in performance and feelings of personal worth, and is essentially counterproductive. To truly be of good
service to others, you must also take care of yourself.
Line 3: If three people go off on a journey, one will drop out. If one goes out alone, a second will join up along the
way. The strongest bonds and deepest relations are between two people; agreements among three people, no matter
how lofty the intentions, are never as stable. Two’s company, three is a committee. Let go of extraneous relationships.
Line 4: If your negative habits and personal faults are keeping others at bay, there is only one solution. Straighten-up!
When people let go of negative habits, new opportunities rush in to fill the void. In such a case, great good fortune will
be yours.
Line 5: Natural good luck is here! Great good fortune is your fate right now, and you need fear nothing. Enjoy. Invest.
Higher energies are supporting you.
Line 6 (at the top): There are many different ways to acquire wealth, but the highest and most satisfying way is by
increasing the common wealth of all. For supremely successful and enlightened people, their increases cause no
decreases for others. They have learned to advance by generating more for all -- not by maneuvering slickly to see that
others get less than they do. The prosperity of such people is the good fortune of all of humankind.
Artist’s note on painting, “Increase” -- wind above, thunder below:
“For the image of increase I used the early stages of a thunderstorm or perhaps a cyclone. The
wind above is whipping up the clouds into larger and larger masses. The central thundercloud
has assumed the shape of a cornucopia, also a symbol of Increase.”
42. Increase
Substantial progress and increasing prosperity is exhilarating, as long as you go with the
flow while it lasts and keep the interests of others in mind. Like white water on a river, periods of
increase are often of short duration; it furthers one, therefore, to shoot the rapids now, while the
opportunity is there.
Leadership in times of opportunity involves commitment to the needs of one’s cohorts or
dependents. Only by realizing that to lead is to serve, can a leader fortify his or her position to
bring about a lasting increase in prosperity. In a time of general increase, those who contribute
most directly to the common good will achieve the greatest rewards.
When opportunities for increase arise, supreme good fortune comes to those who act
swiftly and boldly, while avoiding the trap of letting their actions are merely self-serving. If you
aspire to a position of prominence, the most enduring strategy is to work to raise the tide of your
entire community, company or relationship, rather than to try to swim upstream on your own.
When the times favor prosperity, and when leadership is in the hands of the broad-minded,
supreme good fortune results.
Line 1 (at the bottom): When you are the recipient of what seems to be blind luck, realize that luck has found you
because you left room in your life for it to enter. Luck is attracted to selflessness. When luck does arrive, in the form of
new wealth, power or energy, it can best be preserved and strengthened by sharing this bounty with others --
particularly by donating some of your time to worthwhile and selfless pursuits.
A self-absorbed individual, whose entire purpose is the acquisition of wealth or power, soon becomes a prisoner of his
own desires.
Line 2: Sudden good fortune is often as disruptive as the reverse. The surest means of staying on course when good
fortune falls into your life is to cultivate a love of the good -- to operate from a sincere wish to bring your own
integrity and loyalty into the outer world. When you remain true to your self, good fortune becomes a lasting
condition, and small obstacles along the way are easily overcome.
If you have any instinctive desires to help others at such a time, heed them. Don’t be afraid to follow your heart
whenever it has a desire to do good.
Line 3: Ironically, even miscalculation or seemingly unfortunate events can lead to good fortune in a time of general
increase. This line is reminiscent of a baseball player on a hot streak who is fooled by an inside pitch; he accidentally
bloops a hit to the outfield while trying to get out of the way. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than skillful. When you
are on a roll, it behooves you to step up to the plate.
Line 4: Be careful to maintain a high level of trustworthiness. Perhaps you are called upon to act as a mediator.
Whatever the circumstance, it’s important that you maintain fairness and a sense of balance. If you make the benefit of
all concerned your highest priority, your advice will be followed, and you will be respected. Whatever you do, do not
take advantage of your position when fortune smiles upon you.
Line 5: A kind heart does not make demands or ask for recognition. Genuine kindness and consideration come
naturally and are spontaneous. Supreme good fortune!
Line 6 (at the top): This line refers to someone who has isolated himself or herself by abusing power or being
insensitive to the needs of others, particularly those in dependent positions. Becoming greedy or power-hungry often
causes one to lose touch with the times, because a broad vision is needed to observe what is coming up on the horizon.
The easiest way to lose good fortune is to take it for granted or abuse the privilege.
Artist’s note on painting, “Determination” -- lake above, sky below:
“For Determination I used the image of the lake or perhaps deluge in this case, just starting to
come through the clouds and sky to the earth. The drops of blood in the center indicate the pain
that sometimes accompanies something breaking through.”
43. Determination
Personal resolution points to a breakthrough, but decisive action is necessary. As long as
you diligently hold your ground and ward off negative tendencies or evil influences, the good will
prevail.
The persistence of evil is a constant in human affairs; just when you think it has been
eradicated, up it will pop again, sprouting through some crack in the pavement of decent society.
Evil need not take extravagant forms, such as those exhibited in Nazi Germany. Garden-variety
lies and deceit are much more common and persistent, but should be rooted out just as diligently.
One must be determined against negativity -- whether in one’s social or professional life, or in
one’s own soul. In either case, definite rules must be followed for the struggle to succeed.
The first rule: Do not compromise with evil. Negative actions must be identified openly for
what they are, and discredited. The second: One cannot successfully resist negativity on its own
terms. New, positive alternatives that lead away from the source of the problem are generally more
successful and appropriate than trying to counter negativity with raw power. The third rule: The
means used to counter negativity must be consistent with the end to be achieved. One cannot stop
the spreading of lies by spreading more of them.
By adding to the good in a situation, one automatically diminishes the bad. This is the only
way in which to successfully battle negativity. The time calls for unrelenting self-awareness and
the necessity to share one’s bounty and virtue with others.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Pressing forward when you are not equal to the task invites mistakes and misfortune. Gauge
your own strength carefully before undertaking any new initiative, and venture only as far as you can go with certainty
of success. To plunge ahead blindly at the beginning is unskillful, because this is precisely the time when an
unexpected setback would produce the most disastrous results. Beware of self-confidence that is not well grounded.
Line 2: Determination requires sensitivity, readiness and caution. Expect the unexpected, moving through life with the
calm alertness of someone driving through a mountain forest at night, watchful for movement around each new bend
in the road. Be optimistic, but take care. A strong character will triumph.
Line 3: This particular lines points to someone caught in an ambiguous situation, where existing relationships interfere
with a determined struggle against negative forces. In such a situation, you may have to use your position to turn
things around, even though others impugn your motives, with the result that your reputation may become muddied.
But if you keep your motivation pure, even association with disruptive influences will leave you free of blame.
Line 4: A restless person with an obstinate attitude invariably meets with misfortune. Failure to heed good advice
when confronting antagonistic forces is bound to lead to failure.
Line 5: Uprooting corruption in high places is a difficult task, and can only be accomplished by a steady and
determined effort. Just as weeds often spring back to life after they have been chopped down, so corruption tends to
reemerge even after initial efforts to be rid of it seem to have worked. Only a persevering effort can succeed against
deeply rooted negative forces.
Line 6 (at the top): The image is of someone who seems to have overcome adversity, and is ready to begin anew. But
beware -- the seed of negativity still remains, and a lax attitude is precisely what allows destructive forces to reassert
themselves. Thoroughness is required when preparing new soil, so that the remnant seeds of past problems are not
allowed to sprout up again. When starting a new project after solving a problem, take care to see that destructive
tendencies in your personality are overcome or balanced at the beginning.
Artist’s note on painting, “Liaison” -- sky above, wind below:
“The natural phenomenon I use for this image is the cyclone, which directly encounters all in its
path. Here it is shown approaching over fields far and near. There is no escape from this
encounter.”
44. Liaison
The attraction is strong. But the relationship is not destined to last. Be careful -- the coming
together of disparate forces may not be what it seems. An apparently harmless, but potentially
dangerous element has attracted attention to itself and is pulling on a stronger one. One ancient
image is of a bold but immature young girl who uses her charms to gain influence with a powerful
man. The man dallies with her, thinking that it can do him no harm. Ha, famous last thoughts!
When power shifts into the hands of those unprepared for it, harm comes to all parties.
Still, you need not fear meetings with those whose positions are widely different from your
own, so long as you know you are free of ulterior motives.
Be especially wary of temptations that arise because of your position, or your connection to
someone in an important position. Generally, it is best to combat such temptations by nipping them
in the bud before they can flower. As soon as a dangerous liaison presents itself, that is the time to
speak up. On the other hand, there are times when the meeting of the yielding and the strong turn
out to have been opportunities for truly positive and constructive relationships. The difference
between careless connection and a relationship of depth lies in the motives of the heart. How
sincere are you?
Line 1 (at the bottom): As soon as it becomes clear that an inferior element has crashed the party, show that
distraction to the door. One relatively weak person can disrupt the lives of many good people; that party-crasher may
have many derelict relations. The intrusion of inferior forces is like a small, unhealthy craving which, if not checked
in time, can ultimately become a destructive obsession.
Line 2: Here, the inferior force is held at bay through gentle means. There will be good fortune -- if you can pull it
off. The image is that of a viral epidemic which is contained through quarantine rather than through a massive
program of vaccinations and other aggressive measures.
Line 3: There is danger of your being influenced by an inner weakness, but circumstances are temporarily preventing
it. As much as you might like to indulge a certain petty desire, you must not do so, at least not right now. Indecision,
in such a situation, can actually be helpful, if it leads to insight and proper action in the long run.
Line 4: It is not smart to turn one’s back on the lowly people, for you may need their support sometime in the future.
When people of small influence have good intentions, it is wise to keep them on your side in case their support is ever
needed. Seemingly insignificant people have a way of becoming significant eventually.
Line 5: Strong personalities can find a way of exerting control over weaker ones without even seeming to act. One
need not bring attention to one’s attributes, but simply allow events to take their natural course. This is skillful
leadership, and the greatest sign of true power.
Line 6 (at the top): Those who have been sitting quietly on the mountaintop often find the tumult of the city
unbearable. The mere suggestion of reentering the active arena can be repulsive after times of peaceful withdrawal.
Yet holding yourself aloof from normal concerns or activities can open you to criticism and reproach. So what? When
your work is done, your time is your own; take quiet time if you need it. Ignore the expectations of others when
charting your own course.
Artist’s note on painting, “Gathering Together” -- lake above, earth below:
“Several waterfalls gather together in one lake. I used the colors of early morning to indicate the
feeling of the beginning of union. In this illustration, the grouping seems natural, like it’s the right
place to be.”
45. Gathering Together
The power of gathering together is represented by a rally, where each individual’s strength
is magnified by the power of the community as a whole. History has shown that mass movements
can bring about stable, ordered and durable conditions for the better. This reading may be pointing
to an auspicious time for large undertakings. But the guiding force of a shared vision is essential to
hold the forces of unity together, and keep them advancing toward a common goal.
Another image for this situation is that of a lake filling with water. Just as the fullness of
the lake can bring good fortune to all in its sphere, it can also overflow, leading to calamity. Thus
in a time of gathering together, it is essential that precautions against unforeseen danger be
considered along with efforts to advance along a clearly charted course. Much of human
misfortune comes from unexpected events for which we are ill prepared; when gathered together
with others, we are both more powerful and, in some ways, more vulnerable.
Any time of unity is a time of potential greatness. But that greatness can be both positive
and negative. Everything is magnified when masses of people unite for a single purpose. When
many people unite behind a single goal or strong vision, it is wise to take personal precautions, and
to protect your own reasonable self-interests, because these can easily be lost in the crowd.
Line 1 (at the bottom): There is a crying need for strong leadership. A suitable person -- already present as a potential
center of strength and purpose -- stands in the midst of the crowd; that person should be approached, and asked to take
the lead position. The group needs to recognize its need for help. As soon as such an overture to the right person is
made, distress will disappear. Finding the right leader brings good fortune.
Line 2: During times of popular unity, secret forces are often at work. These strong, magnetic forces are best
understood by asking the question: what is it that is actually drawing people together? Before joining in, it is best that
you know the answer. One need not make grand designs to achieve such a gathering. Those involved need only
understand each other intuitively. Any heartfelt offer should be enough.
Yielding to magnetic forces of popular attraction, once they are known to be benevolent, can be necessary and good. In
such situations, the usual precautions and formalities associated with meeting new people and developing new
relationships can be dispensed with.
Line 3: If unity with a certain group is desirable, but you remain an outsider, the first step is to align yourself with the
leader of the group. Even if this at first feels awkward or humiliating, take the initiative! Consider the development of
a relationship with the leader a strategic necessity, and take direct action to achieve it.
Line 4: When one takes on a temporary or subordinate leadership role in service to a greater leader, supreme good
fortune results! To play such a role properly is a sign of maturity and balance, and bodes well for you in the future,
providing you can play the part properly.
Line 5: When people rally around a person because of their confidence in him or her, that is a good thing. However, if
they rally because of the leader’s power and influence, it can be reason for regret. Indeed, few situations provide a
better opportunity for combining personal advancement with contributions to the general welfare than that moment
when others look to you for guidance and direction. Beware of the possibility that others are not so much attracted by
your competence as they are by what they perceive to be your potential for power over others. This kind of
sycophancy is regrettable, so be on the lookout for it. The only way to really gain the confidence of such people is to
intensify your own commitment to competence and high performance standards. In this way you will be renouncing
the role of petty influence in your own career -- and thereby make greater progress in the long run.
Line 6 (at the top): When a person’s good intentions toward others are rebuffed, it is only natural that sadness and
regret be the result. Expressing your true feelings may bring the others to their senses, resulting in good fortune for all.
Then again, it may not.
Artist’s note on painting, “Pushing Upward” -- earth above, wind below:
“In this hexagram, the wind is the force that pushes a growing plant upward toward growth and
maturity. As with plant growth, Pushing Upward indicates a gradual process, which, if not
interrupted, culminates in the production of a beautiful bloom. Although there are obvious
obstacles here -- stones and rough patches -- the perfect potential of the bloom is always in
sight above.”
46. Pushing Upward
Advancement is represented by growth in springtime, when new plant life pushes upward
through the earth’s crust. The emphasis is on upward motion, from obscurity to influence, with
growth fostered by adaptability and the absence of opposition. Constant, flexible growth is the key
attribute of a plant pushing upward. This reading suggests a period of promotion and prosperity in
your life.
A wise person, in harmony with fate, is sensitive but determined. Make a sincere effort to
apply resolute effort against the forces of inertia, bending around any obstacles that may arise, and
good fortune will follow. By remaining tolerant and flexible, you will be able to retain the kind of
conscious innocence that fuels growth and advancement. Willpower and self-control are necessary
to manage this growth properly, but an inner enthusiasm for life is what nurtures it.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Advancing with confidence brings good fortune. Just as a tree draws its power from its roots,
so even the most humble beginnings can serve as the foundation for great achievement, given the right attitude at the
start. Even though new movement may induce sadness, there is no regret, so long as you are willing to forsake the
comfort of the past for the vitality of the future.
Line 2: You have limited resources, but if you are sincere, your efforts will be appreciated. This particular line
suggests that changes are developing which point to success and advancement growing out of inner strength of
character, rather than material advantage.
Line 3: Obstructions that have previously blocked your path may be falling away now. Either an easy path has opened
up, or you have succeeded in finding the line of least resistance. You likely will achieve your immediate goals, but
there is no promise of continued good fortune beyond this immediate success. Don’t worry, that would only sap you of
energy. Be happy with your present success, and push ahead in a positive direction.
Line 4: When lofty goals are achieved, great merit is earned in the world of gods and men. In times of special
recognition, strive to make your influence a lasting one. There is no better fortune than to achieve your goals while
exerting a lasting positive influence in the world. Remember, deception burns out quickly, but integrity resounds
forever.
Line 5: When some level of success is achieved, but further goals lie ahead, keep your head. It is essential to proceed
on your appointed path one step at a time. There is great temptation to skip ahead carelessly toward your reward at the
end of a long journey, just because a minor first reward has been obtained. Keep your attention riveted on the
processes at work, and the rewards will take care of themselves, supporting even more progress on the path of good
fortune.
Line 6 (at the top): Those who push blindly toward greater fame, fortune and power delude themselves. As a result of
recent successes, you may feel that you are fated always to advance, never to retreat. But such unabashed ambition
leads to exhaustion -- and often embarrassment. The shortest distance between where you are now and where you want
to be is undoubtedly a curvy, winding path, so enjoy the scenery.
Artist’s note on painting, “Oppression” -- lake above, water below:
“Although both trigrams refer to a form of water, the idea here is that everything is drying up,
and the only thing to be seen is desolation. The sky is gloomy but it gives no rain. The land is
tired and oppressed in all directions.”
47. Oppression
The image of oppression conjures up a dried-up lakebed with nettlesome crows stalking the
shoreline. Hard times shrivel our spirits, and give rise to a multitude of “crows” in the form of
troublesome worries. Times of great loss or personal failure break weaker people, but the strong of
heart can bend with fate. To endure hard times -- or even grow and benefit from them -- it is
essential to tap that deepest stratum of personal identity, which is deeper even than fate, and which
is incorruptible by even the harshest realities. It is essential, in other words, to tap that wellspring
of human endurance: hope.
In a sense, there is no such thing as failure. There is only sweet and sour reality, and more
is learned from the sour, oftentimes, than from the sweet. For the oppression of failure, as hard as it
may be to swallow, opens the blinds to the real world, and reawakens the clarity of vision known
only to those who have risked, and tasted, disappointment.
When in the throes of hard times, it is essential to be resolute and strong on the inside while
remaining quietly cheerful on the outside. Avoid too much talking -- except to your closest friends.
Your words will have little effect on all others, since your influence will be at low ebb, and they
will drain you of vital energy. Strong silence is the most skillful posture when facing the public
during adversity; it shows that your inner core is strong enough to withstand the current troubles,
and suggests that your recovery will be complete. At the same time, talking openly to those you
trust is equally important, for in times of calamity, talking is part of healing.
Keep in mind that failure -- the final taboo in modern society -- is but one part of the
inevitable cycle of life for those who dare to live fully and completely. Never to fail at all is to fail
in the biggest way -- by avoiding risk altogether, one cannot help but fall far short of what might
have been.
Line 1 (at the bottom): No matter how overwhelming your challenges may seem, gloom and melancholy will only
make them seem worse. By working to overcome your problems inwardly, and committing to move forward without
despair, progress becomes possible. Banish the phantoms of self-pity before moving to slay the dragons of misfortune.
Line 2: Does this situation seem familiar? Outwardly, things appear fine; but inwardly, you feel oppressed, weighted,
and dreary? At such times, help often appears suddenly, randomly, as if miraculously from the gods. Problems may
remain after such help arrives, but the anchor which had been keeping your mind mired in your troubles -- real or
imagined -- has suddenly been raised. At such moments, personal effort may be necessary to smooth out the wrinkles
in your life, but great new energy becomes available to do so. When you find yourself in the dumps, hitch a ride to the
hills with whatever will get you there. And don’t look back.
Line 3: Indecision in times of adversity only brings added misfortune. The image is of a man who has gone on a walk
in order to wrestle with a personal dilemma involving a relationship with his mate. Failing to resolve the problem
within his own mind, he becomes more and more frustrated. He comes across a tree whose position annoys him, so in
his frustration he kicks at it, stubbing his toe. He then sits down to examine his toe, only to find he has chosen to sit on
thorns and nettles. Screaming with anger, he races back to his house … only to find that his mate has left him. What
good advice can reach an individual who has become his own worst enemy?
Line 4: Progress can be made in helping others, but due to obstructions, it may seem as if you become the one in need
of help. This may feel somewhat embarrassing, but it will pass. In times of misfortune, it’s good to accept help where
you find it, so long as your inner dignity is preserved. On the other hand, if charitable aid is being asked of you, now
might be an opportune time to give. In the end, due to one’s strength of character, the setbacks are minor compared
with the ultimate achievement of the desired result.
Line 5: When you find that your best ideas and best intentions are being stifled by spurious, red-tape-emitting
bureaucrats, your only course of action may be to suffer patiently, and consider your efforts a sacrifice to the gods of
efficiency.
Line 6 (at the top): The future suddenly grows brighter. You have been oppressed by bonds that can now be broken,
and recent troubles are drawing to an end. Allow yourself to go forward; kick up your heels even -- there’s no need to
be overly cautious any longer. Your problems may well be more illusory than real at this point. As soon as you grasp
the reality of your current situation, take a positive attitude, and become determined. You will then master the
situation, and reap the rewards.
Artist’s note on painting, “The Well” -- water above, wind below:
“In this hexagram The Well or source is described as a constant, even though its surroundings
may change. I painted this well in an old ruin to indicate that The Well’s setting had changed,
but it was still the same place and available. The wind below is only implied, as perhaps the
force that has worn away the stones.”
48. The Well
Throughout various cultures and political systems of the world, the well has served as a
universal symbol for that which sustains life and provides a constant, inexhaustible source of
nourishment for humankind.
Like the well, human nature is the same around the world. The passage of time cannot add
to its essential dimensions, nor take anything away. Still, just as a well can be deepened to produce
clearer water, so can we enrich our lives by delving deeply into our essential natures to reach the
source of true nourishment.
Beware of shallow thinking; like a little learning, it can be dangerous. The image of the
well suggests that going deeper within produces clarity. Be patient, and penetrate both your
problems and your own nature to the core. Self-development is key to reaching the deep, clear
waters. If you do not lower your bucket to the depths, you’re likely to come up empty. When
greater depth is desired, a lessening of speed is often required. Carelessness in the process of
meeting needs can be dangerous.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Drinking from a muddy well leads to great misfortune. The mind can easily become confused
as a result of being preoccupied with trivialities or phantom images. Go to the source; live your life, plunge in deeply
-- but don’t dive in too far over your head. Foolhardy endeavors are a waste of time.
Line 2: The water in the well is clear, but it is not being used. This illustrates the situation of a person who possesses
talents that are being neglected. Others may begin to neglect you, if you neglect what is best in yourself. At a time such
as this, nothing significant can be accomplished, but no specific bad fortune is indicated either.
Line 3: The well is clean, but is not being used. This is a shame, for like an abandoned well, your abilities are not
being recognized -- to your own chagrin, and to the detriment of others also. If someone in a high position (or perhaps
the highest part of yourself) recognizes your abilities -- then great good fortune results.
Line 4: The walls of the well are being lined with stone, so the time is not yet ripe to lower the bucket. Similarly, there
are times when the priority in life is to put the details in order, and save profound exploration for another time. For
now, it is most important to gain discipline in small things, so that you will be able to profit from your self-
improvement in the future.
Line 5: The well is fed from a clear, cool spring. A good and honest character is as clean and refreshing as spring
water. This points to profit, advancement, and success; but the water is not drawn just yet, so your potential is not yet
fulfilled. It’s not enough to have access to a good well; for it to be of use, you must drink from it -- you must walk
your path. You can only make knowledge yours through real-life experience.
Line 6 (at the top): You draw from the well without hindrance because you have grown to be as dependable as it is.
Supreme good fortune, for you possess the qualities necessary for success. Just as when a well is brimming with fresh
water, your openness and generosity benefit everyone as well as yourself.
Artist’s note on painting, “Revolution” -- lake above, fire below:
“The setting for this hexagram is an early morning scene, because revolution often means a
dawn, or new beginning. The rocks at the shore here are soldier-like -- sentinels watching the
fire of revolution appear in the lake.”
49. Revolution
According to Chinese symbolism, the juxtaposed elements of this hexagram are fire under
water. Fire evaporates water, and water puts out fire. Change often causes conflict; conflict brings
about change. This hexagram refers to that time in the cycle of human affairs when things are
stirring up, and when the hint of dramatic change is in the air.
In order to succeed, revolutions must be in alignment with certain immutable laws. They
must begin at the right moment, gather support from a broad base of people, be guided by sincere
and capable leaders and -- most important of all -- must address a real need. The strength of the
forces of change will always be in proportion to the urgency of the need being championed. This is
true whether the revolution is in government, in business, in education or in one’s personal affairs.
Revolutionary change points to a time when chaos arises from order. It is important to
realize that not all order is good, not all chaos bad. Chaos, in fact, is an integral part of the way of
things -- as any parent (and modern science) will confirm. Have the courage to radically change
and renew the way you present yourself. In this way, you can summon chaos to your cause, and
you will unleash a new power on your behalf. If engaging in a negotiation, change the rules; if
composing a piece of music, add the unexpected; if courting a lover, dare to be unconventional.
Combat between forces of dark and light are cyclical; one can become aware of these
cycles and master them by preparing in advance. In periods of drought, even wild storms are
preferable to yet another sunny day. A new season awaits.
Line 1 (at the bottom): At the outset of a period of great change, there is no need to hurry. You can restrain yourself
for now, for the timing is not yet ripe. Events are just taking shape -- you can never know precisely what form will
solidify in the end. In the great revolutions of history, the first wave of leaders is usually killed; it is the second wave
that endures. Premature action right now will lead to misfortune.
Line 2: When an honest attempt has been made to bring about gradual reform, but such efforts have proven futile,
revolutionary change becomes necessary. But before attempting to institute sweeping changes, take time to imagine
in some detail what outcome you hope to achieve. Only by knowing clearly what goal is to be achieved can that goal
ever be met.
Line 3: Initiating action at the present time might well bring negative results. Even when change really seems
necessary, it is unskillful to proceed with haste and ruthlessness, which could be courting disaster. The opposite error
lies in excessive hesitation and conservatism, which is also not advisable, for not every demand for change in the
existing order should be heeded. On the other hand, repeated and well-founded complaints should not fail to get a
hearing. Examine and consider the situation thoroughly. Timing is especially important. Do not be led astray.
Line 4: Radical change requires an appropriate level of authority. The emphasis here is on unselfish motives and
broad, mature views. Be wary of pettiness and narrow thinking. The image is of institutions in which certain values
need to be changed, stressing justice as opposed to hypocrisy. Good luck, promotion, and success are indicated,
especially if you are now in a humble position or living a quiet life.
Line 5: Fortune favors the bold, and the stout of heart. Go ahead and make the necessary changes; you know what to
do. Don’t stand on ceremony, don’t consult the oracle, don’t call home for advice: Just do it! You will meet with
success. Fear not.
Line 6 (at the top): The major objective is reached, and only the fine-tuning remains. Although you may see
limitations in the new set of conditions, you must not fall into a boring funk by striving for perfection. Try to find
satisfaction in what is now possible. The happiest person is the one who passionately desires what he or she already
possesses.
Artist’s note on painting, “The Cauldron” -- fire above, wind below:
“The classic-looking cauldron here has evidence of the fire above. Below is the fuel that heats
The Cauldron; the flame is fed by the wind, which is implied.”
50. The Cauldron
The cauldron symbolizes nourishment and rejuvenation. Sooner or later, good comes to
those who do good; joy comes to those who bring humor to others; opportunity comes to those
who persist in their dreams. Rejuvenation is a returning to one’s natural desires -- and a recharging
of batteries that comes through the fulfillment of such aspirations. This reading suggests
nourishment and transformation for people of goodwill. Great good fortune and success are
indicated.
Healthy, regular sustenance is important, as symbolized by the cooking pot, which provides
nourishment to all. When the cycle of humanity reaches its apex, each person’s sustenance comes
in the form of his or her deepest needs and desires.
Rejuvenation simply means that men and women of talent and insight are being properly
nourished and valued. When society is functioning properly, such people are supported, and
encouraged to contribute to their best abilities. A fresh approach to old habits is indicated in a
period of rejuvenation. Look for ways of putting new life into old forms; for only when great
vitality is present, can breakthroughs be achieved.
Line 1 (at the bottom): If you are virtuous and talented, you will succeed -- even if you are in a humble position at the
present time. Cleanse yourself of inferior elements such as pride and excessive concerns about money; be open-
minded to other people even when their worst traits are showing -- they may yet have something to teach you. If
sadness or grief has been a part of your life recently, use the depth of emotion inherent in the situation to nourish your
soul and clarify your vision.
Line 2: You are confident, and may well be able to secure some measure of prosperity in the near future. You may
experience some envy and mistrust from others in the process, but that is their problem. This is your moment, the time
for you to achieve something. There is no real danger. Limit your attention to the challenges -- and opportunities -- in
front of you right now.
Line 3: You are impeded in your progress. Resources are being wasted; perhaps your talents are not being recognized.
But if you meet difficulties with a good attitude, they will be overcome. You may be confronted with obstacles,
perhaps even loss, but good fortune comes in the end to those whose inner identities are solid.
Line 4: Character, resources, or helpers are insufficient to the challenge at hand. Either one was not fully trained or
prepared for the task, or simply did not commit to it wholeheartedly. Meager talent -- or resources -- coupled with
large plans can spell disaster.
Line 5: Modest people often find many helpers, particularly if their humility is coupled with true ability. Good fortune
comes to those who can combine great talents with mild temperament. Continuing with a modest attitude is most
productive.
Line 6 (at the top): Wisdom is transmitted from a sage to a worthy disciple. Remain open to wisdom; it is as real as
the wind, and its sources just about as predictable. Great good fortune results from this and all goes well.
Artist’s note on painting, “Shock” -- thunder above, thunder below:
“Here I wanted to show not only the natural phenomenon of earthquake, lightning and thunder,
but also the effects of these things on our attempts to order our environment. The structures are
being shocked above and below, and will be changed forever.”
51. Shock
One hears thunder unexpectedly! First comes fear, then a sharpened, clearer vision. Recall
a close brush with danger -- a falling branch, an automobile accident barely avoided, an escape
from a potentially violent confrontation. Such incidents first arouse every nerve fiber in your body
in a brief wave of terror, but soon, once the danger has passed, give way to a heightened awareness
of the world. The same process also occurs with other types of shock -- the loss of a job, the death
of a loved one, business failure and so on.
The lasting impact of a major shock can either be stimulating or debilitating, depending
upon one’s inner strength of character. The critical factor is the ability to become immune to fear,
thereby transforming anxiety into a laser-sharp perception of the world around you.
When overtaken by crisis, the wise search their hearts for inner strengths, in order to face
the world with courage. Courage often means daring to take the unexpected path -- to bounce back
quickly and self-confidently after failure, to have faith in the eternal when confronted with death.
We tend to think of shock only in the context of unpleasant events. We can also be jarred,
however, by the sudden release of tension that comes with unexpected success. To keep your
bearings in the aftershock of either trauma or victory, it is essential that your inner compass be
aligned with “true north” -- that magnetic force which guides you toward fulfillment of both your
deepest desire, and your highest destiny. When receiving this reading for the present or future,
prepare yourself to take some normally jarring surprise in stride. Gains and losses alike will
require calm in order for you to ride or overcome such shocks.
Line 1 (at the bottom): The movement of this first line indicates a time when good fortune follows sudden change
that at first seemed unfortunate. If we remain open to all possibilities in a time of crisis, sometimes the results will be
shockingly positive.
Line 2: When tumultuous events strip you of what is rightfully yours, it is of no use to contend with the prevailing
forces while the storm is yet raging. Retire to the mountaintop temporarily: take the high ground. In the end, after the
storm has passed, this strategy will result in a full restoration of all that is rightfully yours without need for contention.
Confronting uncontrollable forces when they are at their peak only brings misfortune and loss.
Line 3: The shock of unexpected change can be almost paralyzing. At such a time, your concentration is easily
scattered, and your mind can come to resemble the Milky Way. This is not the time to stand back and watch things take
their course. First of all, focus is what is needed now. Begin with small details, and gradually rebuild normalcy around
you. The resumption of normal habits and routines can become an armor that keeps external misfortunes from
infecting the soul. If you allow a jarring situation to motivate you to restore your focus, you will be freed of possible ill
effects.
Line 4: A nimble mind evades on-rushing fate much as a matador swings away from the charging bull. But even a
nimble mind can become mired in the muck of jarring circumstances. Sometimes when you are stuck in a situation,
you become a target for the bullhorns of fate. If only you had a clear problem, you could do something about it. For
now, just try to keep your wits about you.
Line 5: A series of repetitious shocks is indicated. It may be possible to avoid danger by remaining calm and staying
near the center of the storm, instead of dashing toward the extremities, where added movement increases the risk.
Line 6 (at the top): When startling events are at their peak, clarity of vision and perspective are often lost. The smart
move, in such a situation, is to withdraw temporarily, in order to gain time enough to develop a coherent strategy. This
can only be done if withdrawal comes soon enough in the course of events, before the outer turmoil has muddied your
inner perspective. Friends and associates may not understand the reason for your actions, and may talk about you
behind your back, but no great general ever plotted his strategy while mounted on his horse.
Sometimes retreating to your private tent takes more strength and courage than charging the front lines -- and more
brains.
Artist’s note on painting, “Keeping Still” -- mountain above, mountain below:
“The idea here is that the two mountains rest side by side and neither stress each other unduly
or motivate each other to move. Two icebergs depict Keeping Still; all their contents are held
frozen and unmoving. They are peaceful and at rest.”
52. Keeping Still
Regular periods of keeping still are an important aspect of personal development and
forward motion. The most restful person may not be the one who sleeps twelve hours a day, but the
one able to grab catnaps while cruising at 500 miles-per-hour at 35,000 feet. Learning to act when
it is time to act, and to keep still when it is time to keep still, is the key to obtaining the peace of
mind which helps one stay focused when clear focus is needed.
Consider the spine, which serves as a switchboard for all the nerves of the body that
mediate movement. When the spine is kept flexible and healthy through proper rest and relaxation,
active movement can always be undertaken without strain. When the spine is held erect in a
balanced sitting posture, the inner balancing of meditation can take place.
Treat your innate spark of vitality as if it were a candle in the wind -- protecting it as
though it were your only light in a dark forest on a moonless night. Avoid external conditions that
threaten to snuff out the flame, and be careful not to suffocate it with your own ambitions and
worries.
Time out. Relax, take your shoes off, and sit a spell. Let go of thinking. Meditate.
Line 1 (at the bottom): At the beginning of a great undertaking, store up your reserves by pausing for rest and
reflection at the outset. Taking a moment to chart your course before hitting the trail brings good fortune. This is a time
where few mistakes have yet been made and innocence is untainted by ulterior motives. Persevere in your constancy,
and you will maintain a firm footing.
Line 2: If you find yourself being led by someone going down a misguided path, leave them to their fate or you will
also become lost. When the road leads nowhere, stopping to sit by the side of the road brings good fortune.
Line 3: Trying to induce rest through artificial rigidity is like expecting a computer to write poetry: an essential
contradiction makes such effort futile. When you are bone tired, a good sleep will be much more rejuvenating than a
stringent form of meditation.
Line 4: Letting go of the ego’s desires facilitates the deepest kind of rest, though sometimes the easiest way to let them
go is to satisfy them. They are most free who are able to move through the world with sublime indifference to its
rewards. Letting the heart rest is an integral part of this process and will leave you free of mistakes. A higher, more
profoundly satisfying level of consciousness awaits those who can let go and be still.
Line 5: Light-hearted, foolish chatter about problems can often make them worse. If you lack inner calm, your words
are bound to reflect the presence of fears, doubts, desires, impatience or other restless forces operating within you.
This can cause harm in any number of subtle ways. For example, if you constantly babble about your travel difficulties
while on vacation, you may put others off, and thereby miss the rejuvenating good times and new companionship you
were seeking. Plus, you may inadvertently say things that allow others to take advantage of you, particularly when you
find yourself dependent on strangers for essential needs. If you give your mouth a rest and govern your speech, then
when you do speak, the words will carry a greater power and remorse will disappear.
Line 6 (at the top): This line points to the ability to maintain stillness and composure in the midst of a chaotic world,
which is a noble-hearted achievement. When positive-minded acceptance of all of life has been achieved, what harm
can ever follow? Peace and good fortune await.
Artist’s note on painting, “A Steady Pace” -- wind above, mountain below:
“The main metaphor in this hexagram is the experience of advancing ever higher as in climbing
a tree. I tried to depict the ascent as gradual but steep, with a tree at its apex that almost
seems to take flight at the very top.”
53. A Steady Pace
Like an ancient old-growth forest -- where the subtle play of light, texture and shadows is
the product of a process measured in centuries and inches -- most things of lasting value develop
gradually, at their own pace. The ability to learn from experience -- one of humanity’s greatest
treasures -- implies constant yet gradual progress. The combination of stillness within and
determination without are the essence of this condition. Good things sometimes sprout quickly; the
truly delightful take much longer, like a beautiful tree on a mountainside.
The principle of gradual development also applies to human relationships. For love,
marriage, and business partnerships to endure, progress must be slow but steady: slow enough to
allow for the bonds to knit properly; steady enough to move in the right direction. A firmly rooted
tree has a certain dignity. Because its roots penetrate deep beneath the soil, it is not easily toppled.
Such steady development is what makes long-term progress possible.
You can’t expect to have everything all at once. Development must be allowed to take its
proper course; events must neither be rushed nor manipulated, but allowed to unfold in due course.
In this way, you will come to enjoy long-lasting relationships, and achieve success in the world.
Line 1 (at the bottom): A lonely young man sets forth on his own, and his perception of facing an overwhelming
challenge makes him cautious and careful. Employ such caution, and persevere, and you will have good fortune. When
situations are allowed to develop gradually, liabilities can evolve into assets.
Line 2: You reach a point of rest and safety -- an initial level of success. The way ahead appears clear and bright. It is
right for you to feel pleased about your personal progress. The timing is ideal for expansion, especially in the area of
personal relationships.
Line 3: Have you ever soared too far, too high, and found yourself in a hostile place? Perhaps even lost your way?
Sometimes we don’t let things develop quietly, but forge ahead rashly to find ourselves suddenly caught up in a
struggle. In such instances, the first requirement is to slow down -- or climb down -- very, very carefully.
Line 4: When you find yourself in an awkward position, apparently through no fault of your own, find a safe place to
land temporarily, and regain your balance. When tumbling through the air, it furthers one to find a net. Quickly. And
then rest there awhile before getting back on the tightrope. Don’t worry; you will find your feet again.
Line 5: When moving rapidly toward the heights, it’s common to separate from old friends and past associates -- even
partners. Naturally, in such circumstances, you may come to feel isolated, but periods of isolation and withdrawal are
unavoidable in the process of self-development, a kind of social sleep that makes reawakening possible. Even though a
period of withdrawal from others can complicate your life for a while, you must move through such times with
patience -- rather than ignore your personal needs for privacy and concentration. Misunderstandings will become
resolved over time, and reconciliation with important others will be achieved.
Line 6 (at the top): When gradual development reaches its climax, supreme good fortune results, and a great example
is provided for others. Be true to your own goals; even though they may appear selfish to others, your success in
achieving them brings great value to the lives of those around you.
Artist’s note on painting, “Careful Affection” -- thunder above, lake below:
“The thunder above the lake is painted in a straightforward way. I indicated the traditional
female element of this hexagram by the feminine shapes of the hills and the lake’s shore.”
54. Careful Affection
Affection is the basis of all lasting relationships, but must be channeled properly in order to
bring satisfaction and support the self-esteem of both parties. For example, a married person’s
lover would have the conflicted feelings of affection coupled with insecurity.
Relationships based mainly on personal attraction, especially those that are outside the
mainstream, require special caution, attention and tactful reserve.
To overcome relationship difficulties and achieve longevity, remain mindful of the possible
extremes of such an attraction and the transitory nature of the relationship. Such is an irony of life
-- that the happiest people are the ones who have what they want and who want what they have.
It is never easier to make disastrous mistakes than when you venture outside the bounds of
propriety. If you assert yourself too much, or try to make yourself indispensable, you will incur
misfortune. If you are in doubt as to whether you should follow your heart or your head, allow for
some time to pass, and perhaps the answer will become clear. Initiating action right now could
bring misfortune, so do not attempt to be too creative or to attract favorable attention. At the same
time, allowing yourself to drift aimlessly is also a mistake. The traditional analogy for this
hexagram was the delicate situation of the marrying maiden, making the transition from girl to
woman.
Line 1 (at the bottom): This is a time of achievement -- even though you may find yourself in a disadvantageous
position with limited resources. If you accept your status, and your destiny, you may discover new secrets close to
home and feel most happy in these circumstances. Being in the proximity of power is something to be appreciated. The
time has come to play the wild card. Luck is riding with you.
Line 2: A time of no advance is indicated here, but everything will be all right in the end. The image is of a
disappointed girl who maintains her desirability in spite of her loneliness, and finds a lover after a time.
Line 3: Excessive desire for forbidden or unobtainable fruits does not lower the branches of the fruit-bearing tree.
Still, no blame.
Line 4: Purity of intention supports the effortless manifestation of dreams. Avoid overt manipulation of others when
seeking their affection or support. Here, conscientiousness is rewarded with the manifestation of one’s dreams.
Line 5: When someone of superior qualities accepts a humble position with graciousness, good fortune follows for all
involved. Just as an intelligent woman is far more interested in a man’s character than in his money or looks, you may
find deep satisfaction and value in what appear to be limited circumstances. Fulfillment and satisfaction are indicated.
Line 6 (at the top): Within an intimate relationship, irreverence and cynicism kill the magic that lies at the heart of a
bond. Whether bonded now or contemplating it in the future, remember that a union of the heart only works when both
parties are as concerned about their mate’s happiness as they are about their own.
Artist’s note on painting, “Great Abundance “ -- thunder above, fire below:
“This hexagram seemed to call for another thunderstorm, with the flame depicted in this
painting representing lightning. A lot of rain is coming down and it is abundant, but also
abundant are all the plants and flowers the rain has brought forth.”
55. Great Abundance
A time of abundance comes into full flower when the powers of a leader are at their peak.
The situation is like that of the sun at midday -- a high noon of clarity, insight and progress. Such
peak periods can be brief. Whether this refers to a national cycle, a business boon or a period of
personal abundance, it is important to bale your hay while the sun is shining.
During a period of abundance, it benefits one to show benevolence, to share the fruit of
one’s good fortune. Think of good deeds now as a hedge against times of scarcity in the future.
This reading bodes well in the raising of children, and in the nurturing of a healthy family or any
close-knit group.
Line 1 (at the bottom): To usher in an era of abundance, a mixture of energy and vision is required. Often this
combination comes from two people uniting in their efforts. They are well matched, and their coupling is well
founded. This line indicates that the timing is right to seek a partner who can help you advance to the top. Great good
fortune awaits.
Line 2: In times of radiant abundance, plots and intrigues are like eclipses of the sun. Often the best way to handle
dark periods is to just let them pass, to sink of their own weight. To try to do battle with negative forces now would
only cause you to stumble blindly. Hold inwardly to what is true, and the sun will reemerge soon enough.
Line 3 Your recent success is eclipsed by a fast-moving element that could snatch the reins from your hands. In the
ensuing confusion, even insignificant people are gaining power. This makes it impossible for you to accomplish much
right now. Though you are not to blame, a time of loss and difficulty may well follow.
Line 4: When a dark shadow has temporarily passed over a land of prosperity and success, an unsettled feeling
remains afterward. In order to prevent a temporary setback from becoming a permanent condition, an effort must be
made to find complementary strengths that bolster your position. The search for wise counsel, in particular, is
indicated here.
Line 5: Those who bring personal modesty to high positions attract those who are capable of offering brilliant counsel.
Accepting their advice brings great blessings and supreme good fortune. The situation is like that of a wealthy man
who hires the best investment advisors, and then actually listens to them! The rich get richer.
Line 6 (at the top): Arrogance in the administration of power always tends to bring the opposite of the desired effect.
If you strive for abundance so single-mindedly that you alienate those close to you, you will find yourself left holding
an empty bag in the end. Too bad. Holding power is like bringing a large torch into a sea of candles: the more the
flame is passed to others, the greater the chance that the torch will be reignited should its flame die out. Otherwise,
isolation and misfortune are the result.
Artist’s note on painting, “The Wanderer” -- fire above, mountain below:
“This hexagram sometimes uses the image of the fire traveling on the mountain as a metaphor.
I took pains to make the bottom of the mountain here appear to have a road map on it. The fire
might follow the map or it might wander to the top of the mountain by a random, meandering
path. Sometimes wanderers have plans and sometimes they don’t.”
56. The Wanderer
A seasoned traveler knows that a special kind of decorum is called for when one ventures
far from home. He or she must develop a yielding nature outwardly, so that the “local contact,” or
host, can open doors and prevent unseemly errors. But inwardly, the wanderer knows that it is
sometimes impossible to discern the true intentions of strangers -- are they hostile, or friendly, or
merely opportunistic?
The twin houses of mystery and discovery rule any journey. Each new day is launched on a
fresh landscape, one that reaches out to grab our full attention. Though travel is often a great
teacher -- and a great equalizer -- there is a definite art to living with your home on the road.
Increased caution and discernment become the keys not only to success, but also to survival.
If you are entering a new environment of any sort, attempt to be sincere, flexible, and
undemanding, rather than obstinate. You must jettison attitudes and habits that could encumber
you, or make you overly conspicuous. The onset of a great journey is not a favorable time to enter
into binding agreements, or to start new enterprises. And remember, though being the wanderer
offers you a certain freedom because you cannot be judged by your history; you also have no
history to acquit you. Keep a keen eye on local customs.
Line 1 (at the bottom): When you are in a vulnerable position, as is any wanderer, do not let yourself become too
involved with trivial matters that are not your concern. Maintain your sense of purpose, and don’t allow yourself to
become overly distracted. If forced into tempting circumstances, maintain your dignity and reserve; otherwise
misfortune will occur. A traveler preoccupied with petty things invites bad luck. As ever, perseverance furthers.
Line 2: Two of the greatest assets of any traveler are modesty and a natural affection for people, even those very
different from oneself. This attitude should be cultivated whenever you find yourself in a new environment; great
benefit will come from it. Also, the more ambitious a journey, the more beneficial it is to share it with a trustworthy
companion.
Line 3: When a traveler in a strange land has no one to trust, the situation can quickly become dangerous. If you
meddle in affairs and controversies that do not concern you, you are taking a great risk. If you treat cavalierly those
who are willing to help you, you lose their support. Those who become arrogant in the company of pygmies are soon
cut off at the knees. No place is safe for the ill behaved.
Line 4: Here is the predicament of the traveler who takes up temporary residence in a strange place: Even though he
has managed to acquire a safe haven, he must remain alert, because he is not yet in full harmony with his
surroundings. In his heart, he is still unsettled, for he has not yet found a permanent home.
Line 5: A skillful traveler shows good manners, and thus wins acceptance. A time of success, promotion, and reward is
indicated. Those who learn to thrive in new lands will prosper anywhere. Supreme good fortune results.
Line 6 (at the top): A changing line in the 6th place suggests a bird whose nest has burned up. The worst mistake a
traveler can make is to forget that he is an outsider. This induces carelessness, and a careless traveler is easily lost.
Carelessness on the road -- or in any new situation -- inevitably brings misfortune.
Artist’s note on painting, “Gentle Penetration” -- wind above, wind below:
“The meaning here is that wind above and below penetrates everywhere, and everything is
affected. There are also some hints of a supernatural or magical influence here, which is why I
included the carved crescent moon on one of the standing stones in the center.”
57. Gentle Penetration
The general situation suggests a subtle penetration. Reeds bend softly in the wind,
symbolizing flexibility and endurance. Here we see quiet, relaxed effectiveness in action. A gentle
influence is at work, but just as the wind is ceaseless in its efforts, so too small forces can persist to
produce lasting results.
Gentle penetration bodes well for new relationships. Just as a summer breeze slowly
penetrates the woods to cool the forest, the ideas of gifted leaders slowly reach the minds and sink
into the hearts of the people. In personal relationships, a gentle beginning is often linked to a long-
lasting union.
When employing a force that is weak but persistent, careful aim is necessary, for only when
a small force continually moves in the same direction can it have much effect. In human affairs,
this kind of influence comes more through strength of character than by any direct confrontation or
seduction. It’s important to have, and stick to, clearly defined goals. Maintaining a strong vision
and following a steady course of least resistance often brings good fortune.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Inborn gentleness often has indecision as a negative side effect. This situation points to a case
of a gentle spirit drifting into quandary, becoming filled with self-doubt. When the rudder of personal will flaps back
and forth uncontrollably, with no clear direction, it must be grasped firmly, and set back on course. Some kind of
external discipline may be necessary to accomplish this.
Line 2: When dark forces seem to be undermining your plans, trace the shadows back to their source, and gently
expose them to the light. Openness and honesty succeed, but only if you are first honest with yourself. Search your
heart and mind for hidden enemies: self-pity, pride or a rigid view of what “should” happen in life. An excess of
feelings -- either hard and arrogant, or soft and self-indulgent -- obstructs progress and saps your strength. By gently
bringing negative inner feelings to the light of day, you can effectively rob them of their power over you. Do so, and
good fortune awaits you.
Line 3: Even a penetrating mind can be driven to excess. After having fully researched and pondered a serious
decision, further deliberation only leads to a subversion of the will. In such instances, an overactive mind will begin to
use fresh doubts as a shield against taking needed action. When analysis becomes overheated, the will becomes
paralyzed, and a weakness of purpose sets in. Great misfortune results.
Line 4: When responsibility, experience and energy are combined with modesty, the effects can be enduring, and
success is almost unavoidable. When approaching difficult situations that require sustained effort to achieve the
desired goal, keep these virtues in mind.
Line 5: A changing line in the fifth place indicates a situation in which things are far from perfect and a new direction
must be taken. The beginning has not been good, even if it has not been horrendous. Some careful reform is in order,
but don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. Afterward, be prepared to continue making changes and adjustments,
until the situation is aligned with your purpose. This will bring you success.
Line 6 (at the top): When the quiet, penetrating power has reached its apex, both success and difficulty are indicated,
for a certain loss of strength is inherent in this situation. Once this happens, if you penetrate deeply into a situation and
discover the presence of strong opposing forces, you are practically helpless. In such a case, immediate withdrawal is
the only course of action.
Artist’s note on painting, “Joy” -- lake above, lake below:
“For this hexagram, the idea is that lakes interpenetrate each other and multiply their natural
Joy. The images are of water and lakes, but more than that is implied with the phallic shape
pushing up into the lake, hinting at the joys of physical union.”
58. Joy
A joy that is shared suggests a group of friends playing, or a carefree young girl singing to
herself while engaged in her work. Happiness is rising within, and spreading out into the world!
Joy comes into the world through gentle means, but springs from a solid inner base. The
power of pure joy should not be underestimated. The enjoyment of learning and discovery, for
example, has been the source of much progress. Accordingly, that which brings joy into the world
is a source of considerable power.
If happiness is supported by personal stability, it will in time wear down the stiffest barrier
and win over the hardest heart. True joy is a beacon in the world, and though it is, indeed, rare, its
presence is an indication of great good fortune, both now and in the future. How could it be
otherwise?
Line 1 (at the bottom): Living a life of quiet, self-contained joy is the height of good fortune. Eat when you are
hungry, sleep when you are sleepy, and take your pleasures as you will -- what could be better?
Line 2: True joy is incompatible with any pleasure that cannot also be fully appreciated and relished the morning
after. Take this lesson to heart.
Line 3: The source of true joy is from within. If one is empty of joy, the tendency to search for it outside oneself
easily takes the form of indulgence in pleasant but superficial distractions. Those who do not control their idle desires
often do so because of a lack of grounding. Knowing your deepest wishes, and acting on them, is the better path to
joyful exuberance and energy. Looking for something “out there” to fill you up always delivers an unsatisfactory
result.
Line 4: When a variety of pleasures abound, it furthers one to be decisive. Failure to choose joy over mere pleasure is
as self-defeating as the failure to act in the face of danger. Choosing the higher desire brings fulfillment. Passionate
self-indulgence produces suffering.
Line 5: When a period of joyousness begins to degenerate, slowly but surely problems arise. However sincere you
are, it is possible to become involved with unworthy circumstances or people. Only by recognizing this tendency, and
guarding against it, can you avoid pitfalls and remain free from harm.
Line 6 (at the top): Pleasant circumstances do not always indicate success. Having lost touch with one’s deeper self
and true purpose in life, it is possible to be swept along by vanity and circumstance, to be carried away from the
sources of true joy. When this happens, it is no longer a question of good or bad fortune. By losing control of one’s
choices, one has left everything to chance.
Artist’s note on painting, “Dispersing” -- wind above, water below:
“Dispersion here is symbolized by the wind blowing away the foam from the waves of water
below. There are also several references to old places of worship in this hexagram, which is
why I included an ancestor’s temple on the land.”
59. Dispersing
Nothing survives forever, not even rocks, not even the most rigid of structures. All
obstacles dissolve in time. The erosion of that which has been solid is not necessarily bad; it can
mean that something new is being created. Another image is of ice floes, hardened in winter,
dispersing in the warmth of spring; when the ice melts, a mighty river emerges. This is a time of
small changes producing big results over time.
Rigidity in the hearts of men tends to breed a separateness that can only be thawed by a
greater force -- typically, a strong spiritual stirring. The thawing of cold hearts always improves
conditions.
The first thing to dissolve is any internal rigidity within yourself that separates you from
others. Try to work more closely with others, concentrating on common activities which evidence
your integrity and native goodwill. Sudden, strong action in support of a greater good can lift the
spirit, and lead toward new possibilities in many areas. Spiritual impulses, including a sense of
justice, should be honored, and acted upon. They can provide an initial, gentle impulse to
important and constructive change. Avoid righteous indignation and aggressive force of any kind,
and disunity will be overcome. Nevertheless, if you should have any lingering business or other
partnerships that are inactive or not working, you might consider dissolving these.
Line 1 (at the bottom): In all great undertakings, it is critical that disunity be nipped in the bud. Misunderstandings
and feuds that are allowed to fester quickly develop into open wounds that can affect an entire project. Conflicts
caused by hidden elements must be dissolved immediately to avoid further enmity. Once this is done, good fortune
awaits.
Line 2: If you sense that trouble is on the horizon for a group in which you are involved, establish firm, reliable
channels of communication both within the group and outside it (with those in a position of influence). Trustworthy
information is the greatest asset during a time of rapid dissolution of an enterprise or relationship. Once things are
clear, all regret will fall away, along with obstructions.
Line 3: Often in the course of a great work, one must completely abandon any thought of self and let go of any desire
for reward. One must look within oneself for what may be causing an obstruction. Losing oneself in the work, if the
work is vital, removes any regrets.
Line 4: When a group’s bond is dissolving, only by rising above partisan interests can anything of value be achieved.
Take the high ground. Great good fortune results!
Line 5: Crisis can mean opportunity, but only when like-minded people are organized behind a compelling ideal. This
is particularly true during disorganized times, when energies and resources are scattered. Great energy and generosity
are needed to seize the moment, and rally behind the common cause. At such times, remember, if you are not part of
the cause, you will become one of the effects.
Line 6 (at the top): This line refers a person tiptoeing around a dangerous situation to save those who are important to
him, or to take them a safe distance from damaging influences. Consider carefully the consequences of any course of
action. When treading through a minefield, it furthers one to think on one’s feet.
Artist’s note on painting, “Limits and Connections” -- water above, lake below:
“In this illustration limits are shown by the containment of the waterfall within the confines of the
pond it empties into. The pond is the waterfall’s limitation, and the boundary it provides is
regarded as necessary and benign for all concerned.”
60. Limits and Connections
Limits are necessary to give purpose and direction to life. Swimming in a sea of boundless
opportunity would soon lead to exhaustion. Winging it alone in a sky of boundless opportunity
would lead to being lost. In human affairs, the making of choices, and alliances, implies limitation,
for in choosing one path, another must be abandoned.
One key to a successful life is to select your limits consciously and carefully -- to be
discriminating in the setting of personal boundaries, but also knowing when to join in formation.
Thrift, for example, often precedes prosperity, just as the letting go of selfish interests often leads
to greater personal reward. Only by consciously accepting useful limits can one’s energy be
channeled to good purpose, and lead to lasting accomplishment.
Point yourself toward a middle way, the mean between discipline and freedom of spirit.
Limits will come of their own accord; but to be able to consciously select your own affiliations in
life … now, that’s knowing how to fly! At the same time, do not go overboard on discipline. Even
limitation must be limited, so that in attempting to bring order and direction into your life, you do
not choke off vital sources of enthusiasm and spontaneity.
Similarly, in groups and organizations, the rules and regulations should strike a balance
between being too strict and too soft. If too strict, they build frustration among people, and
ultimately become destructive. If too lenient, sloppiness becomes acceptable, and energy is soon
dissipated. The best path is one that allows for the fulfillment of individual potential, while
encouraging self-discipline and focus.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Before initiating action, the wise first evaluate their ability to carry out the task. If the
limitations are overwhelming, no action is taken. But inaction is also a kind of action, because the passage of time
often brings strength to what is weak, and adds energy to what has remained still. Maintain a steady purpose, but act
only when the time is ripe. In this way, limitations can serve your true interests. Only with the utmost discretion can
anything be carried through to fruition at this time.
Line 2: When the waters of a lake rise above the dam, the water spills over without hesitation. When limits in a
particular situation have suddenly been overcome, nervous hesitancy to act is bound to be a mistake. Seize the
moment!
Line 3: To live a life of extravagant luxury before having contributed to society; to act willfully and selfishly in
violation of reasonable rules and customs; to defy social conventions for the thrill of doing so -- these are all excesses
which can lead to serious and unfavorable consequences. Learn to take initiative and pleasure inside the bounds of
what is fair and proper.
Line 4: The measure by which to evaluate self-imposed limitations is this: do they save and restore energy, or do they
dissipate it? A diet that requires such constant vigilance and self-struggle to maintain that it saps not only physical
energy but personal resolve, will not achieve its intended purpose of restoring youth and vigor. Vain struggles with
artificial limitations are best redirected quickly, so that the true goal is kept in sight. Easy does it.
Line 5: Do not ask others to wear a yoke you yourself would be unwilling to carry. Impose no rules you yourself could
not live by. This is especially true, if you are in a position of leadership. If you are able to impose limits on others that
truly fit the circumstance, and do not overly limit their freedom, greater success is possible.
Line 6 (at the top): Tyranny never endures, because the source of power is undermined. Ruthless severity in the
administration of power -- the imposing of strict limits on others’ freedom -- can never be a consistent strategy, for by
its very consistency a greater counter force is encouraged to grow. Severity can be imposed in specific circumstances,
when the situation calls for it, but it must be specific in intent and limited in duration to be successful. In the skillful
exercise of leadership, strong actions are balanced by mild and compassionate ones to achieve balance.
A certain strictness may be called for, however, to protect oneself from temptation, guilt or regret -- or to save that
which is most valuable.
Artist’s note on painting, “Centering in Truth” -- wind above, lake below:
“It was difficult to try to illustrate Centering in Truth without using a sentient being with a brain. I
chose to depict it here using a Chinese river dolphin with illumined brain and heart, because, to
find inner truth, one needs both. The wind above stirs the weeds and wave tops, but does not
deter the dolphin in his search.”
61. Centering in Truth
Truth involves establishing an aware relationship between your inner core and the outer
circumstances in your life. Centering in truth involves the ability to perceive a fundamental
wisdom, reflected within yourself as well as in others.
Truth is transformed into power when you disperse all prejudice and make yourself
receptive to the world as it really is. This power can be a remarkable force indeed, yet is more rare
than generally imagined. It can be maintained only by cultivating a genuine openness to the way
things are -- a willingness to see, rather than merely look.
Whenever your inner life is clouded, your influence in the world is under a shadow. If you
are fearful, you will be attacked; if you cloak genuine mysteries in dogma, opportunities for new
insight will be lost. If you vacillate in upholding your principles, you will be tested. Yet, when you
are firm and strong, the power of truth can break through even the most stubborn minds.
In any debate, the power to perceive the truth in the other side’s argument is essential to
achieving success. It is possible to influence even the most difficult people, or improve the most
difficult circumstance, through the power of universal truth -- for truth is something to which all
beings naturally respond. Get in touch with that part of yourself that is aware of this universal
force of truth. Cultivate this inner resource, and you will become adept at using it to relate to
others with a common purpose.
Line 1 (at the bottom): Inner preparedness brings success. Personal stability of character, and a steadfast dedication to
the truth underlying every situation, inevitably leads to good fortune. Relying on the perceptions of others, however, is
not possible in this context; you must learn to stand on your own, to be inwardly self-reliant, to apply the power of
inner truth for advancement.
Line 2: A clear radiant unselfishness at the core of your being is a vital source of power and influence. It spreads as
surely as ripples on a pond when a stone is tossed into the center. A sincere reliance on your own integrity generates
supreme good fortune.
Line 3: The life of a person who is dependent upon others for truth and purpose is like a ship tossing on the sea. Until
the ship’s anchor is dropped to the ocean floor, there will be no stability in the rolling waves. Such an unbalanced
person is tossed to the heights of joy and happiness at one moment and to the depths of sadness at the next.
Inner truth must be rooted in one’s own perceptions and experience; at the gate to the palace of truth, each of us stands
alone. Dare to know your own mind -- and speak it!
Line 4: Sometimes to live consistent with your own truth is not easy. In order to do so, you must be able to work like a
horse that pulls the plow straight ahead, bearing its burden resolutely, and refusing to glance sideways, even to its
mate, while the workday is in progress. Avoid trendy fashions and cliques, dig down deeply, and your field will yield a
bountiful harvest in the end.
Line 5: Great unity is possible when the force of a strong personality can radiate influence. Such a person is able to
guide through the power of suggestion. Prosperity itself resides in the heart of such a leader, and affects others through
his or her very existence. If such a person is true at heart, coming into his circle of influence brings great good fortune.
Line 6 (at the top): In the end, words are birds and experience the tree they roost in. The power of inner truth is rooted
in the tree. Birds come and go. Talk is cheap.
Artist’s note on painting, “Attention to Detail” -- thunder above, mountain below:
“The implication here is that thunder sounds louder in the mountains, which may be an illusion.
This hexagram deals with sound received, messages transmitted, and the reception of
information. I attempted to illustrate this by making the mountain look simultaneously like ears
and like echoes. The trees are distorted, and the thunder reverberates above.”
62. Attention to Detail
Ambitious undertakings are not in order now, but attention to small matters brings progress.
Such is the case of a person whose resources are meager, but who, through modesty and
perseverance, rises to accomplish great things.
The key to success is to avoid pretentious ambitions and grandiose goals. The power of the
small is served by slow and steady advancement, and succeeds through an honest awareness of its
own limitations, without reservation.
Modesty stemming from recognizing your limitations is a fine quality, but it can be seen as
weakness if it is not accompanied by conscientiousness and dignity. It is very important, therefore,
to understand the demands of your situation, and not to expect success in big things right now. The
wise person recognizes the nature of the time. So, know your own role, carefully attend to details
and act with humility, and you can achieve success, even with few resources.
Line 1 (at the bottom): A changing first line suggests a baby bird that meets misfortune by trying to fly from the nest
prematurely. The small must attain a certain stature before making even the most preliminary advances. A willingness
to attempt difficult tasks too quickly often invites unfortunate consequences. Stick to basics for the moment, and make
security a priority.
Line 2: When you are denied access to those who control your fate, you have little choice but to accept the situation
philosophically, while working diligently to merit notice in the future. Restraint in difficult situations foreshadows
success in the future.
Line 3: When danger lurks, the wise take precautions; they do not consider even the smallest matters above their
concern. Attention to small, even petty, details is often what paves the way for escape during a time of crisis. If you
venture into the heart of the city at night, it pays to know the shortest, safest way out before you enter. Do not allow
pride to come to the fore and delude you into a false sense of security. Pay attention to your surroundings before
someone sneaks up behind you.
Line 4: When embarking on a dangerous journey unarmed, one must remain constantly alert and on guard. When you
are in a position of weakness, restraint and caution are the order of the day. To push ahead carelessly in such
circumstances, would be to invite severe misfortune.
Line 5: When assembling a team to undertake a difficult task, emphasize achievement and talent over status and
reputation. Only by assembling solid individual elements can the small be transformed into the great. Keep the group
chemistry in mind, for harmonious working relationships are essential to the success of exceptional undertakings
begun with meager resources. Modesty is key.
Line 6 (at the top): At a time when details are particularly important, returning to the comfortable ground of
generalities brings misfortune. If you attempt overly ambitious undertakings when only small opportunities present
themselves, misfortune is the result. Overshooting the mark, whether due to pride or inattention, is like a plane coming
in for a landing with the wrong readings. You crash. Take things one step at a time and pay attention to details!
Artist’s note on painting, “After Completion” -- water above, fire below:
“The main idea here is that even after things are completed one needs to be aware of danger.
In this painting, the fire below is first the thermal hot springs, and second -- for emphasis -- the
smoking volcano. There is plenty of dangerous fire below, which is not a place to be
complacent.”
63. After Completion
It is a fine irony that after completion of a project or great enterprise, there is still much left
to do. Completion is merely a pause in the cycle of creation and decay, a momentary still point for
the swinging pendulum of life. Though completion does imply a period of restful pause -- one that
usually has been well earned -- it is not an actual ending, but a uniquely harmonious flat spot in the
constancy of change and movement.
The image of After Completion is that of a kettle of water boiling over a fire. When the
forces are balanced, the water boils properly; but if the pot is too full and boils over, it puts out the
fire. On the other hand, if the fire is too hot for too long, it can evaporate all the water. In
maintaining the equilibrium that follows the completion of an arduous task, forces at work in the
situation must be monitored carefully to ensure that a proper balance is maintained.
After Completion is also the time for fine-tuning, for refinements and embellishments of
what has already been accomplished.
Even if we enjoy a rewarding situation at the moment, the laws of the natural world dictate
that influence and success must eventually decline. Don’t let current good fortune prompt careless
or relaxed attitudes. Whatever is successful or already established needs to be carefully
maintained, without trying to expand it now. What is incomplete, on the other hand, should be
brought to fruition without delay.
Take satisfaction upon completion, enjoy a sense of fulfillment, but do not dwell on
endings.
Line 1 (at the bottom): In the period following the completion of a major undertaking, the momentum of previous
effort still prevails, and there is a tendency to continue onward. Be careful at such moments, for once a project has
reached its proper end point, continuation for its own sake can bring misfortune. Pressing ahead after completion can
threaten to bring collapse to past successes; however, even in this case, no real harm results if one’s demeanor has been
correct.
Line 2: If a kind of stagnation has seeped into the current situation because of past success, your talents may be hidden
-- either by circumstance, or by the efforts of those in positions of power. When this happens, it is important not to try
to attract attention to yourself through immodest behavior. Be patient. That which is rightfully yours in the end cannot
be denied.
Line 3: After the completion of a great enterprise, be wary of the urge to keep expanding. Allow victories some time to
settle in, and approach new steps with the same determination and attention to detail that have sustained past efforts. If
success has brought new responsibility into your life, try to delegate it properly by choosing people of talent and
ability to work with you. This will not be an easy task so gather your energies.
Line 4: During times of harmony and prosperity, certain small imperfections will eventually show themselves. While
it is important not to overreact, the prudent will take decisive action to eliminate small problems before they are
allowed to become large ones.
Line 5: In spiritual and religious matters, prosperity can breed pomp and ostentation. It is vital to remember that
wealth is not a sign of divine judgment. What is lacking in such a display is piety and respect for the divine.
Humankind sees what is manifest in the material world, but spirit notices only what is held in the heart. In times of
prosperity, it is vital to retain humility and preserve goodness of heart. Ornate religious displays devoid of true spirit
are like gaudy, empty carriages rattling in the wind. Whether rich or poor, nothing is more important than sincerity,
modesty and honesty in whatever is offered.
Line 6 (at the top): When one has scaled a dangerous cliff, there is a natural tendency to look back, and revel in the
drama of having overcome it. But lingering may present a greater danger: what has been safely in the background (or
in the past) may be gaining on you. It is best left in the past.
Now is the time to focus on forward movement. Don’t hesitate, or allow yourself to be complacent or self-
congratulatory. If you pause right now, greater risks could quickly mount up. This is a time of opportunity, but one
where seemingly stable circumstances conceal negative influences. A failure to move forward quickly now would
cause you to fall back, perhaps into hazardous circumstances. To bask in admiration for yourself for how well you
have done to achieve this position will only invite it back. Move on!
Artist’s note on painting, “Nearing Completion” -- fire above, water below:
“The bridge indicates a need to connect parts of a journey before it can be completed. The
season is autumn to symbolize that the year was Nearing Completion. The fire is placed on the
bridge, which may have something to do with burning bridges before they’re crossed.”
64. Nearing Completion
The situation is incomplete, but the chaos of the past is slowly giving way to order, and the
goal is in sight. Nevertheless, you are still treading on thin ice. The way ahead is unobstructed, the
goal is clear, but a cautious and careful attitude is still essential, lest you slip and fall.
Nearing Completion is the last hexagram of the I Ching. It suggests that the ever-spinning
wheel of life never reaches a final conclusion. Just as a hidden sadness resides in the heart of true
euphoria, just as the seeds of great achievement often sprout in a caldron of adversity, so too no
end is ever really complete without a new beginning stirring inside it. Though we divide life into
categories in order to understand and manage it, experience itself is seamless. With this reading,
the sixty-four-spoked, timeless wheel of change is ready to spin onward, ever evolving, ever
staying the same.
The situation represented by this reading can be compared to that of taking a lengthy trek
over a high mountain. At some point before reaching the peak, you can see in detail exactly how
much farther you must travel. You will have a good idea what it will take to reach the top, because
of the climbing experience you’ve accumulated thus far. However, when you do reach the peak,
which has been in sight for quite a long period of sustained effort, you will have done only that.
You will have reached the top -- achieving your initial goal -- but now you must still descend the
other side. This last critical segment is what remains before completion.
You may have little information and no experience of what it’s like descending the other
side of that mountain. All your attention may have been focused on the route up. The coming
situation may seem very strange to you, unlike anything that you have experienced before. The
backside of the mountain is where all of the true mysteries reside. Proceed carefully, cautiously,
alertly -- and you will reach your goal.

Line 1 (at the bottom): In periods of chaos, there is a strong tendency to become overanxious, to throw caution to the
wind and rush to the end. Like the young fox that dashes ahead as it nears its goal, one will be treading on thin ice if an
attempt is made to escape problems too quickly. Hold back a little and spare yourself humiliation.
Line 2: The time is not yet ripe for direct action. Patience is advised, but don’t let the period of waiting degenerate into
mere idleness. This is the patience of an engine revving in neutral. Be ready and waiting, keep your eyes on the prize,
but do not move before you get a green light.
Line 3: A transition from harmful entanglements to a clean success is possible, but you may currently lack adequate
strength to complete the undertaking. When caught in such a situation, enlist the aid of others to help you toward your
goal. Failure to do so would court disaster.
Line 4: Inevitably, as chaos gives way to a new order and troubles dissolve themselves in the clarity of a fresh
solution, new struggles develop. This changing line refers to a situation where forces of decadence threaten. You must
either advance strongly and firmly, or face humiliation and defeat. Take heart, and enter the fray. All of your skills,
talents, and influence will be needed, and that in itself is a great benefit.
Line 5: The rascals have been routed, and victory is close at hand! Just as the sun shines sweetest after a hard rain, so
the victory is all the more joyous by contrasting it with the alternative. Bask for a time in the glory of the successful
struggle, and then move ahead carefully toward what now can be yours. The time is ripe for great achievement.
Line 6 (at the top): There is a refreshing new sense of well-being that comes from an end to conflicts with others or
inside yourself. Celebrate and enjoy, but don’t overdo it lest your vision and confidence be lost. While a glass of wine
can evoke the pleasant glow of success, an entire bottle puts out the light.
PART II: ABOUT THE I CHING
Chapter 1: What is the I Ching?
The I Ching, or Book of Changes (in Chinese “I” means change and “Ching” means classic or
book), is the most revered of humanity’s classial divination systems and also one of the oldest
books in the world. Built on the binary logic of yin/yang, the I Ching system is used to stimulate
insights and develop strategies for managing change based on the Taoist notion of a dynamic
interplay between yin and yang.
As a decision-making tool, the I Ching’s outside-the-box perspective helps a conscious person
resolve problems and dilemmas that logic by itself can’t handle. The I Ching is an ancient intuitive
decision-making system, designed not only for insight into current conditions, but for managing
change over time. Even though it is thousands of years old, it is one of the most intricate
divination systems ever devised. The first textual interpretations for the I Ching were written
around 1000 BC, and this body of work was greatly expanded on by Confucius around 600 BC.
Throughout its long history, the I Ching has been used by Chinese sages, and political and military
leaders, as a source of guidance and wisdom, and as a way to assist in strategic decision-making
and timing.
The I Ching consists of 64 six-line patterns, called hexagrams, which are built from the bottom
up. The lines are grouped into two pairs of the three-line trigrams, one stacked on top of the other.
The individual lines within the trigrams and hexagrams are either solid lines (yang) or broken lines
(yin), which is determined by means of a “casting” ritual, traditionally using coins or sticks.
The eight trigrams, or “gua,” represent foundational principles of life and reality; they are named
for specific attributes and are associated with other correspondences -- like the eight directions, an
aspect of nature, personality, and the five Chinese elements. The five elements -- sometimes called
phases -- describe the connection and interplay between all matter and energy. All of these
correspondences provide the basis for traditional Chinese culture, including Chinese astrology,
Chinese medicine, martial arts, and Feng Shui.
--The first trigram, Li, is called “Fire,” which is also its element.
--The second trigram, Kun, is “Earth,” which is considered receptive and supportive because Earth
supports and nurtures humanity.
--Dui, the third trigram, is of the metal element, and is known as “Lake.”
--Qian is called “Sky” and also denotes metal as its element. Sky represents the creative power of
infinite space that accommodates the entire universe.
--The trigram Kan is named “Water,” which is its element.
--Gen, the sixth trigram, is “Mountain” and is of an earth element like the second trigram.
--The seventh trigram is Zhen, or “Thunder,” and is of the element of wood.
--The final trigram, Xun, is the symbol of “Wind” and also has the element of wood.
By representing the set of different combinations of yin and yang, the trigrams and hexagrams of
the I Ching represent the energetic flow -- or Tao -- of human dynamics, situations, dilemmas or
circumstances. The I Ching maps out the patterns of yin and yang that go together in time, and
allows us to interpret those patterns around a particular focus or query.
Each of the I Ching’s 64 hexagrams can morph into any of the other 63 hexagrams, by means of
“changing lines” that provide specific insights into a situation that is in the process of change,
implicitly acknowledging that the current reality being reflected is marked by changes in process.
(Note: When tossing three coins, a changing line is indicated by three of a kind, which has a 25%
statistical chance of happening one way or the other, so changing lines are relatively rare,
happening on average only 1.5 times out of the 6 lines per hexagram.)
It’s interesting to note that the I Ching, with its yin/yang system of changing polarities -- of yin
energy flipping into yang and vice versa -- informed the development of binary mathematics
during the 18th century by the German mathematician and philosopher Liebniz when he became
aware that his binary system had long been operative in ancient China. And, more than a century
later, binary mathematics profoundly informed the design of the first digital computers by von
Neumann in the 1940s.
The largest credit for introducing the I Ching to the west goes to Richard Wilhelm, a Protestant
missionary in China, who translated the text into German in 1923. Wilhelm’s version was re-
translated to English by Cary F. Baynes and published in 1950 with an Introduction by the depth
psychologist, Carl Jung, wherein he introduces his famous Synchronicity Principle.
Tanslator Richard Wilhelm described the origins of the I Ching:
At the outset, the Book of Changes was a collection of linear signs to be used as oracles. In
antiquity, oracles were everywhere in use; the oldest among them confined themselves to
the answers yes and no…. “Yes” was indicated by a simple unbroken line (-), and “No” by
a broken line (- -). However, the need for greater differentiation seems to have been felt at
an early date, and the single lines were combined in pairs. To each of these combinations a
third line was then added. In this way the eight trigrams came into being. These eight
trigrams were conceived as images of all that happens in heaven and on earth…. In order
to achieve a still greater multiplicity, these eight images were combined with one another
at a very early date, whereby a total of sixty-four signs was obtained.
Jung was a contemporary and friend of Wilhelm. His research on archetypes and synchronicity was
profoundly inspired and influenced by the I Ching after Wilhelm introduced it to him. Jung studied
it for decades, and wrote the introduction to Wilhelm’s translation when it was published in
English in 1950. Studying the arrangement of the universal principles represented by the 64
hexagrams and their permutations, Jung saw the I Ching as a self-contained holistic system of
interacting archetypes revealing an acausal creative dimension through the agency of
synchronicity. As per a suggestion by his friend Albert Einstein, Jung had been considering
whether Einstein's idea of relativity might also pertain to the dimension of time -- i.e. that things
may have acausal connectedness in terms of their timing, in a way that is roughly analogous to
behaviors of sub-atomic particles. Like Confucius -- who said that he would devote an entire
additional lifetime to its study -- Jung responded enthusiastically to the great classic and studied it
for decades. He recognized the universality of its set of 64 archetypes, noting that they constitute a
balanced set of human dynamics or situations.

More than anyone else -- through his writings, including his eloquent introduction to the Wilhelm-
Baynes version of the I Ching -- Jung explained divination to the modern world. Through the lens
of archetypal psychology, it became clear that divination systems like I Ching and Tarot were not
just fortune-telling tricks, but sophisticated psychological tools, even if they had been widely
misappropriated by gypsies and psychics.
Throughout human history, leaders of societies have relied on oracles and seers for guidance on
weighty matters, using them in much the same manner as Carl Jung has helped modern seekers
learn and appreciate. In addition to the I Ching -- and some 2,000 years later, Tarot -- human
beings have turned to divinatory sets of archetypes for guidance. In India there is the ancient
divinatory Book of Brighu, and the Christian and Jewish scriptures are littered with referrals to
prophets, royal diviners, dream interpreters and astrologers (for a full listing of all such references
in the Bible -- the majority displaying God’s approval -- see Appendix of this author’s book,
Divination: Sacred Tools for Reading the Mind of God).
We are accustomed to thinking of oracles as human agents, like the Oracle at Delphi or the
prophets of the Old Testament – individuals who are gifted with psychic powers, who intercede
with divine intelligence to channel portentous advice for the rest of us. The I Ching is a system of
divination that offers a special advantage over this approach, because its use does not require any
third-party intermediary. It can be used by anyone at any time as a way to stimulate and awaken
internal resources in the form of one's own intuition to serve as a source of wisdom and guidance..
As many who have consulted a psychic can tell you, third-party facilitation is a two-sided coin. On
the one hand, a counselor can communicate with you in a personal way, taking into account what
they have learned from listening to what you’ve told them about your desires and your situation
and your life story, as well as what they have observed of your personal mannerisms and reactions.
Not only does this help them tune into you, but it also gives you the comfortable feeling that you
are being personally attended to -- which can feel emotionally supportive. On the other hand, it
also makes it easier for you to accept whatever suggestions they might make. The downside of a
personal psychic reading is that a psychic’s own issues, problems, circumstances, mood might
cause them to make projections, and overlay a clear perception of your reality with their own
emotional states and prejudices. In contrast, an impersonal divination system like the I Ching is not
at all concerned with your personality or ego, in making you feel one way or another, or retaining
you as a future client.
The Challenge of Managing Change
The only thing we can absolutely count on is that things will change -- whether we like the ways
things unfold or not. In an effort to improve our ability to be in sync with changing needs and
conditions, modern experts came up with the discipline called “change management.” The I Ching
divination system is arguably humanity’s original change management tool.
Never has humanity needed change management skill more than we do now. As the rate of change
continues to rapidly accelerate, new and different conditions arise more and more rapidly. Never
before has the impact of change been so fast and furious. The only way to keep up with our
modern rate of change is to make better decisions, including the prioritizing of which issues to deal
with and in what order, as well as which to ignore for the time being. In short, effective change
management requires an ongoing dance of skillful decision-making.
Strategic decision-making is an ability that offers human beings the highest leverage, the skill that
more than anything else determines success or failure, happiness or sorrow. We humans are the
only species on earth that can visualize different possible outcomes following from all the choices
we could make. In spite of this unique capacity to visualize and consider possible futures, however,
we are generally not good at decision-making. We tend to go from one extreme or the other --
either too emotional and impulsive or overly analytical and procrastinating. We are susceptible to
many biases. And we are repeatedly thrown off track by black-and-white, all-or-nothing wishful
thinking.
Because it is so important -- and relatively rare -- the ability to skillfully make important decisions
is well rewarded, which is why leaders and executives are delegated such power, status and wealth.
A president deals with terrorists; a CEO makes a strategic decision that affects an entire market;
and an individual investor decides to sell short. Making skillful and timely choices is the most
critical and highest-leveraged human activity. It is also one of the most stressful.
Urgency Ratchets theDecision-Making Pressure
During this chaotic information age, the need for great decision-making is more than just important
-- decisions are also more urgent, which adds to the stress. Today’s adults have to make as many
decisions in a year as our grandparents had to make in a decade, and the fate of the world depends
more than ever upon the decision-making skill of our leaders. Meanwhile, with the help of modern
communications technologies, we are expected to make decisions that much more quickly. All the
while our media-saturated brains are bombarded with partisan or commercial messages, most of
which are prejudiced or just plain wrong. The Chinese curse, “May you live in interesting times,”
has come true -- and with a vengeance.
As a result of this increased pressure, we live and work in an age of high anxiety. Human beings
have always had plenty of reasons to feel insecure, but things are qualitatively, as well as
quantitatively, a little bit different now. Rapid societal change and all the uncertainty that
accompanies it have accumulated to chaotic levels. As Alvin Toffler’s seminal work, Future Shock,
predicted in the early 1970s -- and as events since then have unmistakably confirmed -- the pace of
change is increasing at an exponential rate, along with the pressures to execute the kinds of good
decisions needed to manage it successfully.
The good news is that change is not all bad. While shifting conditions demand new strategies, they
also offer up exciting new opportunities for those who can manage change -- to think and operate
outside the box, to be creative and manifest better results. But let there be no doubt that the core
component -- and challenge -- of change management is to make skillful decisions and make the
right moves at the right time.
The Perfection of Timing

They say that timing is everything. Indeed, making the right move at the right time is the essence
of enlightened decision-making. Timing itself is a type of decision, providing the answer to the
question, “When should I make my move?” The I Ching is all about change and managing change
-- which is essentially timing -- and that sometimes just means waiting for the right time to do
something. But it can be hard to be so patient when you are feeling anxious.
Strategic decision-making involves the analysis of information, but relies more on intuition,
courage and good timing. Timing is intuitively knowing when to say “yes,” and when to say “no,”
when to sleep on it, when to go for it, when to delay gratification. I learned from my own
experience that making the right decisions at the right time is the consummate skill of a successful
entrepreneur or CEO. Although it shows up prominently in great leaders, skillfulness in decision-
making applies to every one of us, because we are each the chief executive of our own lives.
One of the reasons we have so much trouble with timing is that we feel pressured to fix everything
now or make something change in a certain way, and as quickly as possible. We suffer from what
some time management theorists call “hurry sickness” – we are always in a hurry, getting ahead of
ourselves, on to the next thing before we have given a current situation the time and space it needs
to fully unfold. Whether our decisions are of a personal nature or operating in a wider realm,
sometimes it’s wise to wait a little bit -- to decide not to decide, at least not just yet. There’s a lot
more to problem-solving than just asseringt oneself (or one’s opinions). In the martial arts, which
are based on the wisdom of Taoism and the I Ching, it is taught that there are times when it’s smart
to assert oneself, but there are also times when it’s best to be patient and do nothing, and yet other
times when it behooves us to retreat or even run for the hills! As much as it may frustrate stock
traders, knowing the right time to make a move -- to buy or sell -- cannot be determined by
analysis of information or trends alone. For truly great timing, intuition is required.
Intuition
As we have seen, the I Ching is not a fortune-telling game, or even just a book of wisdom. An I
Ching consultation, approached with sincere intent, is an interactive experience (even without
computers) that can stimulate the intuition to help you think outside the box around problems or
dilemmas that logic by itself can’t handle.
The Western world has glorified reason and has looked to science for the solution to most
problems ...if science can’t explain it, some scientists reason, it’s not worth thinking about. The
assumption of the logical mind has been sufficient data in, good answers out. Along with the rise of
the Internet -- and its promise of instant access to unlimited information -- it was thought that
logical decision-making would become easy and convenient, and that the best conclusions would
be more consistently arrived at.
Well, think again. Whether weighing pros and cons, analyzing statistics, applying probability
theory, or fine-tuning computer models, logical analysis is only as good as the information we are
able to gather and sort. And that’s a serious rub. Nowadays we’ve got too much information to sift
through -- most of it incomplete or erroneous -- and it is almost impossible to tell what is reliable
from what is bogus. Even that which we currently accept as true has a shorter shelf life; rapid
change quickly makes current knowledge obsolete.
The weakness of the ultrarational decision-makers is a tendency to delay the process while
awaiting more information, but, as they do, they are liable to miss shrinking windows of
opportunity. So, how do we determine which portions of available information are true or
meaningful so that we can make the decisions that need to be made in a timely manner? Ironically,
we must rely on intuition to help us decide which “facts” we will trust!
When we try by means of scientific method to divine the mysterious workings of the universe, the
market, or even relationships, we are bound to stumble. Although both sides of the brain are
involved, superior strategic decision-making is more intuitive than logical. Having harnessed
powerful computers -- the ultimate models of left-brain processing – for decades, perhaps we are
finally becoming realistic about their limitations. A good intuition depends on something more than
the brain’s sheer processing power.

It is well documented that many of the greatest discoveries of science, music, and business have
been inspired or informed by a dream, vision, or gut feeling. So why does science tend to
underreport this fact that applies to its own discoveries? Perhaps it is because the phenomenon of
creative inspiration happens in a domain that cannot be measured or controlled and that makes
some scientists uncomfortable.
There is no question that logical analysis and scientific method have played a major role in the
unraveling of nature’s secrets and the invention of new technologies that have helped humankind.
But real-world experience has shown that the intuitive factor -- through dreams or daydreams --
has played a key role in many breakthrough discoveries of science (including the “thought
experiments” that preceded the final mathematical proofs of quantum mechanics and Einstein’s
relativity theory). Intuition is that faculty of direct knowing that takes place beyond the domain of
rational processes. This is what makes it seem mysterious -- and for many scientists, hard to credit
-- since, even though they benefit from it, intuition operates outside the stream of ordinary thinking
and consciousness, or anything they can measure.
An intuitive insight is a thought that can arise in different ways -- from a vague hunch to a vision
or a fully developed outline. It may arrive as a mathematical equation, a melodic score, or an
invention, or as simply a feeling about the best path to take. It can also take the form of a new
thought that arises as a result of interpreting the archetypal symbology of an I Ching reading.
Divination systems like the I Ching serve as ways to support or stimulate the intuitive centers of
the mind. The I Ching change management tool comes out of a humble and holistic philosophy
that appreciates a cosmic order that is beyond our limited ability to figure things out logically.
When it comes to strategic decision-making, divination systems like the I Ching offer us a way to
stimulate our intuition, enhance our creativity, improve our timing and make better decisions.
Benefits of Using the I Ching

Intuitive Decision-Making Support. As said the quality of our decision-making determines our
level of success and happiness more than any other factor. As we face more challenges, as crises or
emotional reactions flood our consciousness, logical reasoning becomes insufficient. No matter
how much information you have, it’s normal to have doubts about whether or not you’re making
the best decision about an important matter. Worry and anxiety only add to the stress, which makes
it even more difficult to get clarity. Considering that few of us have a mentor or advisor constantly
available whose wisdom we respect, we need to make the most of our internal intuitive resources.
Consulting the I Ching provides direct access to profound wisdom. The insights that arise make
dilemmas easier to accept and resolve. The support offered by the I Ching helps make your
decisions easier to live with. Stressful situations turn into confidence-building opportunities, and
confusing relationship dynamics take a turn toward greater clarity and learning.
Mental Clarity. The process of consulting the I Ching provides some “ritual space” -- at the very
least a non-emotional mindset to articulate a question, problem or dilemma – which supports
getting clear about what you really want and what it really means to you. The simple act of getting
clear about a charged issue is a significant first step toward its resolution.
Non-Attachment and Greater Objectivity. An I Ching consultation mediates between the reality of
your dilemma and your focused inquiring mind. Just doing the casting ritual will help you create
some emotional distance from any problem or fear that you are focused on. The more nonattached
you are, the less catastrophic or threatening things appear and the less impact the emotion of fear
will have on your interpretation of what is showing up. You will see things from a wider
perspective and become more objective. Skillful nonattachment gives you a powerful advantage in
any situation, leading to more creative approaches and better choices.
Focused Relaxation. Studies have long proven that a calm state of focused relaxation is the best
mindset for intuition and creativity. The I Ching allows you to focus on issues of personal
importance with less stress -- aligning the conscious and subconscious parts of your mind so that
they can coordinate with each other and connect with the spiritual dimension for maximum
wisdom and effectiveness.
Clear Intuition. The I Ching stimulates the intuition by producing a pattern for your subconscious
mind to resonate with. It is your interpretation of the resulting reading that activates the intuitive
sense. There is no need to take the I Ching literally. Often it hints at things or “tweaks” you – in the
form of a new thought or insight just feeling right. Using the I Ching is not a question of believing
in anything. Think of it like a rudder on a sailboat or a nautical steering wheel -- slightly imprecise
but ultimately effective at guiding your vessel through rolling waves of change or choppy seas.
Great Advice. To derive benefit from the I Ching process, all you have to do is be receptive to any
new thoughts that arise. It is not necessary to believe in anything, or even to follow the literal
meaning of any of the text in an I Ching reading. Your interpretation of the hexagram you cast will
either be able to generate a meaningful insight within your mind or not. For thousands of years,
highly intelligent people have reported that they find the hexagrams to be remarkably able to help
them better direct their thoughts and actions towards the good that they desire.
In order to access all of the benefits of the I Ching, one must learn how how to use it effectively.
Thanks to Carl Jung’s research and practice, we now have the ability to describe what’s happening
when we consult the I Ching, as well as the psychology behind the process, which we explore in
the next section.

Chapter 2: Why the I Ching Works
Ansering a Different Sort of Question
Before he passed away, Terence McKenna, the modern mystical scientist, spoke of the ancient
sages who developed the I Ching, about how they were concerned with a different sort of question
than that which scientists of the West have focused on. As Terence brilliantly elucidated, our
modern science has largely focused on the question, “What are things made of?” which has led to
useful discoveries, breakthroughs and new technologies. The ancient sages of the East, on the other
hand, were interested in a different sort of question -- one that pertains to the realm of human
society, relationships and politics. The more interactive question that concerned them was, “What
kinds of things tend to go together in time?” and “When is the right time to make a move?”
Science hardly considers time to be relevant. It is assumed that if you perform the same controlled
experiment in the middle of the night on Tuesday, the results will come out the same if you repeat
it again at noon on Saturday. In scientific method, the dimension of time is removed from the
equation. It’s no wonder that, for all the good it has done to improve things technologically,
science has not taught us much about good timing!
In our era of rapidly accelerating change -- of great technological leaps coupled with conflicts
between cultures, political tumult, and new forms of human relationships -- the social networking
interests of the ancient Chinese sages are coming to the forefront once more. Science has done
wonders for humanity (and created some horrors too), but taking things apart and making synthetic
new combinations is not going to solve the messes that humanity has created out of our mania for
controlling nature. It’s time to relearn how to integrate with the natural world -- by making
harmonious choices that incorporate a higher consciousness through the development of our
intuition, the source of good timing. If we can learn what kinds of things go together in time, then
we can make the right moves at the right time -- better decisions that are not only good in the short
term, but for the good of all, including generations to come.

The ancient sages were highly concerned with the social and political world of human beings -- the
world of relationships, politics, interpersonal negotiations, and transactions -- important human
domains where change management is a paramount factor for success. Logic can help us ferret out
some positive options, but whether it’s a game of chess or the game of life, the question of when to
make a move is just as important, and can never be answered by logic alone. Making the right
moves at the right time is the pinnacle of conscious decision-making. The relativity of time was
deeply investigated by the great depth psychologist, Carl Jung. Two of the building blocks of
divination systems that he defined are Archetypes and the Synchronicity Principle. Let’s take a
look at them.
Archetypes
Carl Jung did more than anyone to help us understand how divination systems like the I Ching
work, and how they are a fascinating intersection of ancient wisdom and modern psychology. By
explaining the concepts of synchronicity and archetypes, he showed how divination systems could
be used to make better decisions and manage our lives in a more meaningful way.
Jung was fascinated with the I Ching and its collection of 64 hexagrams, which he recognized as
linked to archetypal energies. Jung’s theory of archetypes was based on Plato’s concept of Forms --
archetypes being ideal forms that provide the templates for all of nature, including human beings.
Jung took this concept, refined it, and made it integral to his work as the developer of a new kind
of psychology, one that recognized a “collective unconscious” which was the source of
mythologies, dream images and universal archetypes across cultures and centuries.
A set of archetypes is a landscape of attributes and psychological forces that describe and reshape
human consciousness. These universal energies are operative within every one of us throughout
our lives. Archetypes represent and reflect the qualities of human consciousness that are expressed
in our actions, reactions, and desires. Their energies inform personal relations, business dealings,
social situations and all the various roles we play.

When we consider the Queen or King archetype, for instance, we are thinking not of an actual
political position, but of ourselves in a psychological position of sovereignty or strong influence.
According to a Jungian understanding of archetypes, this regal essence is just one element within
every individual’s psyche (as is every other archetype). It cannot be overemphasized that
archetypes are metaphorical, not literal.
However, no listing of all possible archetypes exists, and sets of them are described by a number of
different divination systems like Tarot, Astrology, Numerology and the I Ching. Even within any
one system, Jung believed that archetypes couldn’t be exactly pinned down. Since they reside in
the collective unconscious, they cannot be owned, only channeled or expressed. If a symbol,
behavior or activity shows up consistently across cultures and throughout history -- something that
Jung witnessed through dream analysis across cultures -- he recognized it as a universal archetype.
He regarded the set of archetypes presented by the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching as an authentic and
balanced set within itself.
Individuals manifest different traits in differing proportions at different times in their lives, but to
some degree the energy or attitude of every archetype is contained within each of us. There is
something reassuring in knowing that we all contain different combinations of the same stuff -- the
same instincts, desires, needs, impulses and fears. Jung also taught that each archetype has a dark
side as well as a positive side, and he referred to the dark aspect as the “Shadow.”
Shadow is a fitting image for all that humanity disowns, represses, fears or denies in itself, but
archetypes are neither positive nor negative in any objective sense. However, if the human ego
identifies too much with an archetype, becoming overwhelmed or “flooded” by it, rather than self-
regulating the tapping of its energy, ego inflation and subsequent problems will invariably result.
For comprehensive information on Jung’s general theory of archetypes or the shadow, see Carl
Jung’s collected works edited by Joseph Campbell in The Portable Jung.
In order for a divination system to be a truly useful tool of reflection and activation, its set of
archetypes needs to possess balance between light and shadow. A collection of warm and fuzzy
attributes might make people feel good, but such a concoction cannot serve as an accurate
reflection of human conditions or as a good tool for decision-making support. The I Ching, on the
other hand, reflects a balanced range of human experience, including the shadowy elements.
Awareness and respect are required for the skillful expression of archetypal energies that can flow
through us. Only when we recognize an archetype operating within or through us are we able to
channel the energy carefully or “ride it” to any extent. The art of powerful living is to be able to
connect our unconscious power centers -- the archetypes -- with our conscious choices,
commitments, and actions. This is the path of developing greater self-knowledge and integrity, the
springboards for wisdom and success in life. It’s not about analyzing things in terms of archetypes,
as if these were the building blocks of reality, which they are not. They are reservoirs of dynamic
energies that operate through a human being immersed in reality, searching for meaning rather than
just information. Becoming aware of the archetypal dimensions of reality is a first step.
The Synchronicity Principle
Jung had a friend in the person of Albert Einstein, who was often his dinner guest. Einstein’s
influence on Jung was substantial. For instance, it was Einstein who suggested to Jung the idea that
the principle of relativity might apply to time as well as space. As Jung put it in his journal:
It was Einstein who first started me off thinking about a possible relativity of time as well
as space, and their psychic conditionality. More than thirty years later this stimulus led to
my relation with the physicist Professor W. Pauli and to my thesis of psychic synchronicity.
Synchronicity, as Jung defined it, describes relationships that exist in the mysterious dimension of
time, as in the coming together of two or more disparate events, which could give rise to flashes of
insight or creative inspiration. Human beings in all societies have accepted the notion that events
can cluster in time -- as evidenced by folk sayings like, “good things happen in three's,” and so on.
But in today’s scientific world, we tend to dismiss such notions as mere superstitions.
Nevertheless, as Jung witnessed in his psychotherapeutic practice, we experience coincidences that
are deeply meaningful, if we can perceive them symbolically and psychologically. Carl Jung
coined the term “synchronicity” to define and describe meaningful coincidences, arising from
intuitive contact with what he called the “collective unconscious.” Jung coined the term
“synchronicity” in 1928, and first publicly used the term in 1930 at the funeral ceremony for
Richard Wilhelm and again in his forward to Wilhelm’s publication of the I Ching in 1950.
In his essay entitled “Synchronicity, An Acausal Connecting Principle,” Jung contrasted the
modern Western mindset with the Eastern perspective.
This...involves a certain curious principle that I have termed ‘synchronicity,’ a concept that
formulates a point of view diametrically opposed to that of causality. Since the latter is
merely statistical truth and not absolute, it is a sort of working hypothesis of how events
evolve one out of another, whereas synchronicity takes the coincidence of events in space
and time as meaning something more than mere chance, namely, a peculiar
interdependence of objective events among themselves as well as with the subjective
(psychic) states of the observer or observers.
Although belief in synchronicity seems to fly in the face of scientific method -- which attempts to
objectively pinpoint, measure and predict cause and effect -- Jung’s Synchronicity Principle was
indirectly validated by the physicist Werner Heisenberg’s exposition of the Uncertainty Principle in
1937. In his proof, which still stands, Heisenberg demonstrated that -- at least in the realm of sub-
atomic particles -- the act of perception influences that which is being perceived, which basically
means that objective, accurate measurement is basically not even possible. This can loosely be
interpreted to imply that everything that happens in a given situation at a given time participates
with, and affects, everything else -- including the consciousness of the perceiver, which is the
essence of Jung’s synchronicity principle. By reaching beyond the linear approaches and tunnel
vision of a purely logical intellect, Jung showed us how a keener discernment of a holistic point of
view can take advantage of “the irrational functions of consciousness -- sensation and intuition.”
Even though they lacked modern technology (or perhaps because of this), these interrelationships
and the importance of timing may have been more clear to the sages of ancient cultures. Even
though we moderns excel at applying a logical, objective line of inquiry toward discovering and
inventing technologies, we have been handicapped when it comes to knowing the relationship
between subjective experience and objective reality at any given moment. (According to his
biographer, Walter Isaacson, even an extremely broad-minded scientist like Einstein was never
totally comfortable with the ramifications of his own discoveries in the realm of subatomic
physics.) Nevertheless, just about anyone who cares to notice and reflect can recall amazing
coincidences that turned out to have carried real meaning in their lives. That is synchronicity in
action.
There are three categories of synchronicity. The first occurs when an individual has a thought, and
some related external event occurs at the same time, and within her or his field of perception. We
immediately get the sense of meaning in these occurrences. The second type of synchronicity
occurs when an internal mental process corresponds to an event that happens concurrently, but at a
distance. And the last type happens when an internal thought relates to an external event that hasn’t
happened yet, but where no causal relationship seems possible. The last two types of synchronicity
cannot be known immediately -- they can only be verified at a later time. This points to the
“predictive intelligence” of the I Ching, usually presented in the elements of an I Ching reading
called “the changing lines” and “future hexagram.”
How does the Synchronicity Principle operate via the I Ching? In an I Ching consultation, when
you formulate your question and focus on it, you deliberately enter into an expectant state of
receptivity to a synchronistic response. By tossing coins (or, in an older form of the ritual, yarrow
stalks), you are injecting a seemingly random element into the equation, but since you are casting
your hexagram while maintaining a focused expectant state, the event takes on a personal aspect.
You are, in effect, creating your own meaningful coincidence.
Jung was fascinated by how the I Ching provided a systematic mirror for gaining insights into any
human situation or moment in time -- not by taking it apart and analyzing its components, but by
viewing dynamic elements in context, as part of a seamless whole. One of these elements is the
way the coins fall. “There is no need,” he wrote, “of any criteria which imposes conditions and
restricts the wholeness of the natural process.... In the I Ching, the coins fall just as happens to suit
them.”
This is key to understanding Jung’s psychological worldview. The world is an interconnected web
of the subjective and objective, with synchronicity providing a link between the two. Jung’s
research coincided with the new quantum physics of the 20th century, and he borrowed from the
hard sciences in his explanations of synchronicity and consciousness. Even though, as a self-
respecting scientist, he was reluctant to write or talk about it for twenty years, Jung showed us how
quantum physics -- which empirically demonstrates behaviors that can only be described as
“paradoxical synchronicities” -- contributes to understanding how divination systems work too.
The application of the Synchronicity Principle is based on the idea that looking for meaning in
coincidental events can be more effective than striving to predict things according to notions of
causality (with help from statistics). Ancient observers, who lacked our record-keeping technology,
may have found it easier to realize this, and devised the Book of Changes to put their keen
observations to work. Combining the magic of numerical coincidences with an inspired and
balanced set of 64 archetypes, they believed they could read the patterns of how things go together
in time. The result is the I Ching, which is used to this day for greater wisdom, better timing, and
more skillful decision-making.

Chapter 3: How to Cast an I Ching reading
The frame of mind with which you approach the I Ching is a crucial factor in how effective a
reading will be. Sometimes people turn to the I Ching when they are feeling anxiety, doubt, and
distress. When we are confused and don’t understand why things are going the way they are, it’s
easy to feel fear. Unfortunately, fear thoughts easily take over control of our consciousness and
block our intuition when we need it most.
In times of confusing change, it is important to take a few moments to affirm your faith in what’s
real -- honestly and confidently -- and to adopt the attitude that everything will work out the way it
is supposed to -- whether you understand the reasons or not. If you are feeling overwhelmed by
strong emotions of any kind, you have no choice but to inquire about your feeling-state, and not try
to focus on anything else. Wait for a bit, until you can be in a calmer, more objective state of mind.
There’s no point in inquiring about anything unless you can hold onto yourself with some balance.
Be as calm, focused, and open as you can be when casting an I Ching reading. The more focused
and clear you can be when you are making an inquiry, the more clearly you will be able to interpret
and understand the results. Perform whatever centering exercise works best for you – even if its is
only taking a few deep breaths – prior to an I Ching consultation. It is important that you establish
an inner state of relaxed concentration -- a combination of mental focus and a relaxed open mind.
Developing an I Ching Casting Ritual
Two ways of casting an I Ching reading that have been around for centuries are the yarrow stalk
method and the coin toss method. The coins method is much more common in modern times, but
whichever casting technique you decide to use (see Appendix for the yarrow stalk method), make
sure you set aside enough time (twenty or thirty minutes for the shorter coin toss method). In that
way, you are able to enter into a meditative mindset, with a clear focus on your issue or dilemma,
in alignment with an earnest desire for truth and wisdom. Developing your own ritual is a great
way to set the tone for the most effective I Ching reading.
When it comes to developing a ritual for yourself, be clear about what you hope to achieve.
Possible goals could be to make an important decision, have a meditation or to reduce stress
around changes that are currently taking place in your life. These are not generally the goals of
your ego, which tends to obsess on getting things done or making things happen. A divination
ritual is an intentional process that helps us move the ego out of the way so that we can be
receptive to guidance and see more clearly from a broader point of view.
In the development of your casting ritual, it is important to factor in what you know and what you
are already comfortable with. You may want to draw inspiration from established practices or
divination experiences you’ve had. You may feel compelled to create an elaborate procedure using
yarrow stalks, or perhaps short and simple is more your style.
When creating a meaningful ritual, don’t compare it with the rituals of others, even your ancestors
or your inherited religion. Do what you feel guided to do. Be creative. Write down your procedure
step-by-step, and edit it for yourself over time. Trust yourself, but be systematic and consistent.
You want to develop a repeatable process that feels meaningful, even if it is novel and unique. The
goal is to create a channel between you and the divine wisdom that gives you better reception.
A divination ritual should begin with a calming first step. For some, taking a bath is a pleasant way
to get centered before you begin. Meditation is always an excellent calming technique, and, in
addition to producing a relaxed presence, it supports clear reception by your intuitive sense. Let go
of having attachment to any particular answer or outcome; be committed to caring only about
Truth. By giving the mind a vacation -- to “vacate” itself of its usual preoccupations -- you
increase your receptivity to the synchronicity principle and the archetypes that can expand your
consciousness regarding any situation dilemma or decision.
Some people have the time and prefer an elaborate divination ritual that includes a certain time of
day, special garments, amulets, or a particular form of chanting. This could include performing the
divination in a more traditional, labor-intensive way like throwing the 49 yarrow stalks (just as
some astrologers report that drawing charts by hand is a ritual that helps them develop a better
sense of a client's birth chart). For others, lighting a candle, burning incense or taking a few deep
breaths with eyes closed provides a sufficient state of focused relaxation. Choose what feels the
most comfortable for you. Find a way to relax, center yourself and mentally prepare to enter a state
of intuitive receptivity. And when you have developed a pattern that works for you, stick with it!
Consider a special space for spiritual practices including the I Ching. Your space need not be an
elaborate indoor fountain with palm ferns and Buddha statues, but if that feels right and you have
the resources, inspiring art can certainly feel supportive. Some people feel a need for dramatic
rituals to help focus their minds away from the mundane tasks of daily life, and toward clarity.
Others, not so much.
It is not necessary that your ritual space be used only for I Ching readings -- in fact, you can close
the door and burn some incense to define a ritual space for yourself no matter where you are. An
inspirational photo -- perhaps of an ancient temple, natural landscape or goddess image -- is a
portable device that you can take with you to support serenity. Do not attach too much meaning to
the physical artifacts of your ritual space. The information you receive from a reading comes from
within you, and not from the tools you use or the environment.
Once you’ve entered into the proper frame of mind, you can begin consulting the I Ching.
Framing Your Query or Subject
Would you ask an electrician how to change the transmission fluid in your car? Would you ask a
mechanic for stock tips? Of course not. When you seek advice from a qualified resource, it’s
important to ask the right kind of questions in order to get information you can trust. In this same
way, divination systems like the I Ching are designed to deliver insight, wise advice or a sense of
which way the wind is blowing with regard to a situation or dilemma. They are not designed to
answer questions asking for data, yes/no answers, or to predict the future -- even though the I
Ching often reveals trend lines and probabilities that flow from the present situation.
Approach the I Ching as you would a wise counselor or mentor for guidance. And, remember -- no
matter how good the advice, you ultimately have to make your own decisions and place your own
bets.
Divination is a way to gain perspective on what’s happening in the present moment, to receive new
information in the form of insights and timeless wisdom. So, form your inquiry with the pursuit of
wisdom or advice in mind. The words you select for the subject of your reading are important,
because they support your concentration as you perform the ritual. Ask for guidance, not
predictions -- perhaps using a query like “What is the best approach to take in relation to [subject
or person]?” After you have had a chance to glean tsome gems of insight from a reading -- those
thought-forms that stimulate new ideas or a broader perspective -- then you will be able to make a
more informed decision, knowing that you’ve taken a humble step toward a future that is in
alignment with your destiny. That is the best anyone can do.
There are two classes of divination queries -- the big picture and the snapshot. Big picture
questions work well when you are not in a specific crisis, but are interested in personality traits or
trends in your life, or your compatibility with another person. Queries like, “Please give me a
reflection on what's happening in my life” and “I’d like some more information about what is
holding me back” work well in these situations. Beware of overly broad questions such as, “What
is the meaning of life?” The I Ching was not designed to deliver a philosophical treatise.
A snapshot type of query works best when you are faced with making a decision for a specific
dilemma (“What information am I missing in considering this choice?”), are in need of a new
approach (“How can look at this situation differently?”) to a situation or just need some advice
about a relationship (“What is the most skillful way to relate to [name] at this time?”). When
dealing with an immediate problem, it is best to ask the I Ching about the attitude, method or
approach to take rather than for specific details about what is going to happen. Avoid asking for
data like, “Where will I get a job?” or “Who is the mate of my dreams?” Notice the difference
when these issues are rephrased: “What is the best course of action for finding a satisfying job?”
and “What should I look for in a suitable mate?” If you present appropriate kinds of queries, you
are more likely to have a satisfying I Ching experience.
As much as humans may desire to predict the future, divination systems are not able to answer
questions asking for specific data or predictions. What divination experiences can provide are
insights for a better sense of direction, along with advice based on timeless wisdom. It is not even
necessary to formulate your query as a question. You can hold a specific subject in mind at the
beginning of your divination ritual and write down the name of the situation or person with whom
you are in some kind of relationship. The extra clarity of writing down your subject of focus will
help to produce a clearer reading.
There are important areas of life that present quandaries that are beyond the ability of logic to
resolve. Queries about relationships and love affairs are a common use of the I Ching. Other areas
where logic’s usefulness is limited and divination can be particularly helpful are politics,
negotiations, emotional conflicts and all questions of timing.
After love, career and work-related questions form the second largest category. Querents may be
wondering what is next after losing their jobs, looking for ways to improve their career, or are
simply seeking wisdom about their true calling. These questions focus on the individual’s
connection to the outside world, passion, purpose or vocation. Self-improvement and introspective
inquiries are also common. These topics of concern focus on the individual’s connection to
themselves, their goals and dreams, and their personal destiny.
Sometimes individuals will ask an oracle about how other people feel or will act. This is an
example of the wrong kind of query. Even when you are trying to use the I Ching to inquire about
others, the oracle can only respond to your personal issues -- such as fear of confrontation,
insecurity, or lack of trust – rather than being able to reflect anything about another. After all, you
are the one tossing the coins! Might you be asking about another’s intentions because you’re
feeling jealous, afraid, hopeful, or shy? What’s going on with you? You will find more meaning by
examining the feelings you are dealing with, asking about how to deal with your own dilemmas. If
a friend or loved one is asking you to do a reading for them, lead them to the instructions on
Divination.com or otherwise teach them how consult the I Ching for themselves.
Whatever your focus, avoid disrespectful or frivolous queries. As the ancient sages taught,
“Sincerity makes for accuracy.” If you want divination to work for you, you must be sincere in
your attitude, approach, and your choice of subject. Remember that the goal of a reading is not to
predict the future -- which remains yours to create primarily through the decisions you make with
or without the I Ching’s guidance -- but to help you understand situations better in order to make
better decisions with better timing. If all you get from a reading is one creative new thought -- but
the right thought -- the I Ching has done its job!
Determining Your Hexagram
The coin toss method is easier and faster and, therefore, more commonly used than the yarrow
stalk method of casting. Here’s how you do it: Find three identical coins to cast your hexagram. If
you are using Chinese coins where
there are no obvious heads or tails
(at least not obvious to you), choose
for yourself which is heads and
which will be tails before you begin,
and stick with that decision
throughout all your subsequent I
Ching readings using those kind of
coins. Copper pennies work fine.
Stay focused on your subject or
question when tossing the three
coins. You might look at it on paper
while you do each toss. Hold all
three coins loosely in your hands,

shake them briefly, and then gently throw them onto a tabletop or rug. The value of each line is
determined by assigning a numerical value of 3 for heads and of 2 for tails, then adding the total.
So, if you cast one heads and two tails (3+2+2), your starting line would carry a value of 7.
Collect the coins and toss again.
Do this a total of six times,
recording the numerical values and
the corresponding line each time,
building two 3-line trigrams (which
combine to form a six-line
hexagram). Always build your
hexagram from the bottom up.
The hexagram that you come up with first is called the “present hexagram,” because it represents
energies that are in play now, in your current situation with regard to your query. There is a
Hexagram Lookup Table in the Table of Contents where you can determine which hexagram to go
to for your reading. When using the table, the lower trigram (the first three lines you drew) are
listed along the left and the upper trigram (the last three lines you drew) are across the top of the
table.
“Changing lines” represent a configuration of yin or yang that is dynamic right now -- a yin or
yang factor that is now in flux. These changing lines are produced by tossing three heads or three
tails (for a numerical value of 9 or 6) and are marked in the middle of the line with an X (for yin,
or 9) or an O (for yang, or 6).
By flipping your changing lines into their opposite state (from yang to yin, and vice versa), and
keeping the non-changing lines the same, you can construct a second hexagram, which is known as
the “future hexagram.” Any broken lines (yin) marked with an X become the opposite (a solid, or
yang, line), and solid lines marked with an O (yang) flip into broken lines (yin). All the other lines
carry over as the same (i.e., non-changing) into the new future hexagram.
If there are no changing lines in the present hexagram, it means that the situation or relationship
you inquired about is not displaying any dynamic changes happening at this time.
How to Interpret the Text
Many people find traditional translations of the I Ching stilted or difficult to understand.
Depending on the translation of this ancient book, the I Ching can come off as patriarchal, even
sexist. In composing The Visionary I Ching, I discovered that reframing what was traditionally
referred to as the “Judgment” section in old versions created a new level of accessibility for
modern users. In addition, we removed patriarchal references to “the superior man” and such and
translated military directives to reflect broader aspects of organization and teamwork that are more
generally applicable.
Whenever you give yourself a reading, be sure to set aside enough time to do it slowly and
carefully. A rushed reading can cause you to lose focus as well as overlook key elements of a
hexagram’s meaning. This doesn’t mean that you should overanalyze things, however. Often your
first instinct -- the meaning that first pops into your head -- captures the core message or central
truth, new thought or intuitive stimulation that you needed. Too much analysis can create
confusion. Have a pen and paper or voice recorder ready before you begin your reading because it
is helpful to take notes. Putting your I Ching readings into a journal that you can refer back to is
also a great idea.

Once you’ve determined your hexagram, read the text for it including any changing lines that you
may have gotten. Interpret all this text in light of the query or subject that you presented to the I
Ching. Make a strong effort to listen to the oracle and avoid jumping to conclusions. It’s even
possible that the oracle’s response is about something more pressing than the question you
explicitly posed.
The first time I ever tried the I Ching -- at the smart-aleck age of 19 -- it completely ignored my
irreverent question and reflected my intention, which was to make fun of the whole embarrassing
process. The response I got was Hexagram 4, entitled “Youthful Folly,” which is about the “student
lacking respect for the teacher.” The I Ching was making fun of me! If you find that the hexagram
you got seems to lack relevance, consider whether (as in my first case) your query or subject is the
wrong kind of question. Provided that you did not ask an inappropriate question (i.e., for specific
data, and so on), you should find relevance in the text of the hexagram and changing lines that you
cast, especially in terms of new insights or advice. Even if all you get is one new idea, that may be
all you are supposed to get from a reading right now.
Before beginning a reading, ask yourself whether or not you are ready and willing to see past your
ego’s desires or expectations and all the fears that go along with your attachments. Answer this
question truthfully. Then, after you have completed a reading, if you feel that you were not focused
enough, it is perfectly acceptable to cast the coins again. After you have calmed yourself down and
entered ritual space, you can trust the sincere receptivity of your intuition as the real channel, and
be open to all possibilities.
Don’t be too eager to do over a reading that you don’t like or understand. The I Ching’s response
may not be what you were hoping to hear, but it could be what you need to hear right now. Go
ahead and do another reading for more clarity, but put the first one aside to look at in context with
fresh eyes later -- after it has sunk in and when you have more perspective. If the meaning of a
reading is not immediately clear, give it some time -- take care of some other business and come
back to it later.
One I Ching user described the perplexing results of a reading he received when asking about his
failing marriage. When the meaning of the hexagrams escaped him, he sought deeper levels of
meaning. Every succeeding layer of depth only brought more confusion. Later, looking back on the
results, he found that the titles of the hexagrams formed an answer to his question -- one he had
refused to hear because of his emotional attachment to receiving a certain answer and feeling a
certain way. Only with time and reflection was he able to see the true meaning of the hexagrams.
This is not uncommon. As the I Ching reminds us in so many places, even when it comes to
opening up one’s intuition, “perseverance furthers.”

Acknowledgements
In 1988, when I started work on what would be the first I Ching software product -- a multimedia
program for the Macintosh called Synchronicity in honor of Carl Jung’s famous principle -- my
Taoist friend and writer Charles Jennings helped me get the ball rolling with a rewrite of my
original I Ching text. Considering all the tasks involved in producing one of the first multimedia
programs -- and the urgency of getting it to market in order to finance the effort -- this was a
tremendous help. I am grateful to Charles for doing such a superb job of adhering to my research
and specifications, capturing the spirit and voice I felt was needed for a new, more accessible and
useful I Ching. In the 20 years since our first drafts, I have edited and evolved the Visionary I
Ching text until we are now ready to publish it in book form.
Joan Larimore’s impressionistic paintings illustrate the elements and energy of each of the 64
hexagrams in an elegant and beautiful way. I am immensely grateful for how her inspired art has
added evocative beauty to our modern I Ching text.
Nayana Jennings, editor and producer, has done a yeoman's job providing invaluable assistance
getting this book written, edited, compiled and published by the Divination Foundation.
Elizabeth Marquis, graphic artist, created a beautiful book cover design and layout based on one of
Joan’s paintings. Mark McRae of Sicily, Italy did a great job of checking the I Ching text for
congruence with the Wilhelm-Baynes translations. And, as usual, the meticulous Janice Hussein
(DocumentDriven.com) performed an admirable job of proofreading the final manuscript.
Shane O’Brien has helped enormously over the years with his steady support in terms of helping
me run an internet business while evolving the Visionary I Ching.
Andrea Adler, author of Pushing Upward -- the true story of a young actress's initiation into
adulthood using the I Ching -- has been a source of strong encouragement for the past 20 years.
A reverential salute goes out to the Taoist sages and Confucius, who did more to enshrine the I
Ching as an eternal classic than anyone. Massive modern credit is also due Richard Wilhelm who
presented the I Ching to the Western world in the early 20th century, and his friend, Carl Jung, the
father of depth psychology, whose research over decades explained and validated the profound
meaning and usefulness of the I Ching, as well as how divination works.
Above all, I want to thank the I Ching for encouraging me in readings to create a modern version
of itself -- first, in the form of software, and now a beautifully illustrated book. In general,
whatever success or happiness I have been graced with in this life, I owe in large measure to the
spiritual and decision-making guidance I have received from the I Ching.

APPENDICES
About the I Ching Artist, Joan Larimore
All of the I Ching hexagram illustrations featured in this book were scanned from full-color
watercolor paintings by artist Joan Larimore. Some of the original works are still available for
purchase directly from Joan, who can be reached at joanlarimore@yahoo.com. Ms. Larimore has
been a student of the I Ching for decades and used the ancient oracle to inspire her art. She
describes her process below.
Each of the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching is based on a metaphor created from two elements
in the natural world -- specifically, the eight traditional Chinese elements -- Heaven, Earth,
the Abyss, Mountain, Fire, Lake, Wind and Thunder and Lightning. From the meaning I
took from each hexagram, I registered the time of day and a particular emotional climate
and began to paint. I began this series in July 1990. It took six and a half years to
complete. The work was done in synchronistic order -- throwing the coins in the manner
prescribed by the I Ching to determine which hexagrams would be painted next. This work
has to do with the dynamic sensuality of the natural world in all kinds of weather. You
could even say that the “cosmic weather” is what the I Ching is about.
Yarrow Stalk Method of Casting a Hexagram
The ancient method for I Ching casting involves a relatively laborious process involving fifty
yarrow stalks. Like with the coin toss method, this process is repeated six times, with each
outcome producing one line of the hexagram. Like a building, the hexagram is assembled from the
ground up.
If you wish to use the yarrow stalk method, you don’t have to actually use stalks of the yarrow
plant grown on the grave of Confucius. You can purchase suitable sticks at a craft store, or
substitute bamboo stalks, barbeque skewers (with sharp points removed), or thin wooden dowels.
In any case they should be of uniform size (not much more than one-eighth of an inch diameter),
clean, and roughly ten inches long. Be prepared to spend an hour on the yarrow stalk method of I
Ching casting.
1. Center yourself. Focus on the question at hand. Put an I Ching book or some representation of
the I Ching on the floor in front of you. Remove your bundle of 49 stalks from their container and
hold them in your hands.
2. Divide the bundle into two similar-sized bundles (do this randomly, no counting), and put one
bundle on each side of the I Ching.
3. From the bundle on the right, remove one stalk and place it above the book.
4. Pick up the bunch on the left and divide it into bundles of four stalks. The bundle that is left over
will have 1, 2, 3, or 4 stalks -- place them with the single stalk above the I Ching.
5. Repeat step four with the bunch on the right. After adding the final bundle to the pile above the I
Ching, there should be either 5 or 9 stalks.
6. Collect the bundles on the right and left of the I Ching into one bundle. Repeat step 2 (divide
roughly in half and put the bundles back on either side of the book).
7. Repeat step 3.
8. Repeat steps 4 and 5. Now there should be 9, 13, or 17 stalks above the book.
9. Collect the bundles on the right and left of the I Ching into one bundle. Repeat step 2 (divide
roughly in half and put the bundles back on either side of the book).
10. Repeat step 3.
11. Repeat steps 4 and 5. Now there should be a total of 13, 17, 21, or 25 stalks in the top pile.
12. Collect the bundles on the right and left of the I Ching into one bundle in your hands. (With 36
stalks in hand, there should be 13 stalks left above the book; with 32 stalks in hand, there should be
17 stalks left above the book; with 28 stalks in hand, there should be 21 stalks left above the book;
and with 25 stalks in hand, there should be 24 stalks left above the book. If you didn’t end up with
one of these combinations, you made a mistake and must begin again.)
13. Count the stalks in hand; divide by four (36/4=9; 32/4=8; 28/4=7; 24/4=6). This number
corresponds to the bottom line of the hexagram. Write down the first line on a piece of paper
(remember that the first line will be the bottom line of the six).
14. Repeat all 13 steps five more times, adding a line on top of the previous ones each time to
construct your hexagram. Once you’ve completed this process 6 times, you will have your
hexagram.
Historical and Mythological Origins of the I Ching
The I Ching is the oldest of the classical divination systems. In fact, it is the oldest book in the
world in current use. It is thought that the text portion was first written before 1000 BC. The I
Ching’s actual discovery and much of its early history, however, are the stuff of legends.
There are a number of myths surrounding the origins of the eight trigrams and the development of
the I Ching system. The most famous of these involves Fu His (2852–2737 BC), the mythical first
Emperor of China, who is reputed to be the inventor of writing, fishing and trapping, as well as the
discoverer of the I Ching trigrams. In one legend Fu Hsi is said to have observed a turtle emerging
from the Yellow River. Knowing that true wisdom came from the direct and close observation of
nature, he had a sudden realization of the significance of eight symbols he saw on the turtle’s back.
He saw sets of three solid or broken lines -- which became the I Ching’s trigrams -- and how they
reflected the movement of energy in life on Earth.
A similar myth describes Fu Hsi’s contemplation of other patterns in nature, including other
animals, plants, meteorological phenomena and even his own body. These myths describe how he
identified the elements that arose from his understanding of the connectedness of all things, and
patterns of change through the interplay of yin and yang.
There is evidence of early Chinese divination
rituals where tortoise shells were heated over a
flame until they cracked, when the emerging
patterns (presumably trigrams) were read and
interpreted. In some cases the shells were marked
with their interpretations and stored for reference,
and I have had the privilege of seeing a few of
them preserved at the National Museum in Taiwan,
China.
Another version also involving tortoise shells
describes descendants of the “many Fu” -- an
ancient clan of female diviners -- who read the
shells of live turtles. According to the legend, they
became the queens and royalty of the Shang Dynasty -- which had been considered mythical until
archeological evidence proving its existence was unearthed in 1899. Some say Lao Tzu, the
enlightened forefather of Taoism and the author of the Tao Te Ching, was a descendent of this clan.
The Taoist/Confucian tradition posits that juxtaposing a set of the possible permutations of yin and
yang with the elements of Chinese creation mythology produced the foundation of the I Ching.
Pairing up the various combinations of yin (a literal, ancient meaning of which is the shady north
side of the hill) and yang (meaning the sunny south side of the hill) gives you four primary
symbols. With the addition of another yin or yang line, the eight trigrams emerge.
The basic arrangement of the I Ching that has come down to us is attributed to a certain King Wen
around 1100 BC. Toward the end of the Shang Dynasty, when the unjust emperor Zhou Wang
imprisoned Wen, he reportedly used his confinement to meditate on the trigrams, pairing them up
to produce 64 possible hexagrams. Each pair of trigrams took on a meaning specific to their
combination. In what we might assume was an enlightened state of mind, King Wen assigned each
of the 64 hexagrams a name, adding a few sentences to explain their meaning. It is said that his
son, King Wu, added additional interpretative text, bringing the I Ching closer to its current form.
To this day, this sequence of the 64 hexagrams is referred to as the King Wen Sequence.
Confucius, who came a few hundred years later, was the I Ching’s greatest patron, taking the
interpretative texts to the next level with the addition of extensive commentaries, or “Wings.”
Confucius was interested in the I Ching as a manual for how to live a life of the highest virtue.
According to his Analects (VII, xvi), Confucius, who lived to be an old man, is reputed to have
said, “If some years were added to my life, I would devote fifty of them to the study of the oracle,
and might then avoid committing great errors.”
Historical evidence substantiates that the Book of Changes and its 64 hexagrams were part of an
ancient oral tradition that predates recorded history in China. The actual practice of using the
hexagrams to refer to specific interpretations probably didn’t occur until the fifth century BC.
Between 475 and 221 BC (known as the Warring States period), the I Ching texts were
consolidated into a book to make it easier to consult and share with others during that time of
extreme upheaval. Sometime afterward, the I Ching was spared from the Ch’in Dynasty’s massive
book burning because it was considered one of the five “Great Classics” of Taoism.
The I Ching we use today is not substantially different from a 168 BC version. The main difference
is that the hexagrams appear in a different order. The order in use today was first proposed around
100 BC, but was not the standard until the third century AD. Throughout what we know of
Chinese history, the rulers of China, as well as the general public, used the I Ching as well as they
could before printing was available. In that period the most common method for casting the I
Ching was the yarrow stalk method. The best yarrow stalks for this were considered to be the ones
that grew on Confucius’ grave, but this supply was limited! The introduction of the coins method
hundreds of years later solved this problem.

About the Author
Paul D. O’Brien developed and published the world’s first divination software, an I Ching program
known as Synchronicity in 1989, and the world’s largest divination websites -- IChing.com and
Tarot.com -- which provided astrology and divination features for AOL, Google, MySpace and
other large portals, some ten years later. After selling the online astrology and divination business
in 2007, Paul set up the educational non-profit Divination Foundation (Divination.com) with a
mission to help people and organizations make better decisions. The “Visionary Decision Making”
process relies on developing the receptivity of one’s intuition to the inspiration and guidance
drawn from the “collective unconscious” -- Jung’s term for a realm that is characterized by the I
Ching as the source of “Creative Power.”
O’Brien is the author of a book about how divination systems work and what they have been used
for throughout history and in modern times -- Divination: Sacred Tools for Reading the Mind of
God -- and he is currently writing the third book in this trilogy, Great Decisions, Perfect Timing --
The Seven Pillars of Visionary Decision Making. Besides being a non-profit director and author, he
is an inspirational speaker on the topic of decision-making and bootstrap entrepreneurism. He has
been host of Pathways Radio, a podcast and interview show, which has been focused on personal
and cultural transformation for over 28 years on KBOO.fm, broadcast throughout Oregon and
podcast for free via Divination.com.

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The Visionary I Ching

A Book of Changes for Intuitive Decision Making

© Paul O’Brien. All Rights Reserved.

Divination Foundation Press, January 2013

and an explanation of how the I Ching works. Enjoy!

PART I. The Visionary I Ching Hexagrams

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

10. Treading Carefully

18. Repairing What is Spoiled

19. The Approach of Spring

21. Cutting Through

22. Grace and Beauty

23. Splitting Apart

26. Containment of Potential

29. Dangerous Depths

30. Clinging like Fire

31. Mutual Attraction

34. Great Vigor

35. Easy Progress

36. Darkening of the Light

37. Extended Family

38. Diverging Interests

39. Temporary Obstacles

45. Gathering Together

46. Pushing Upward

48. The Well

50. The Cauldron

52. Keeping Still

53. A Steady Pace

55. Great Abundance

56. The Wanderer

57. Gentle Penetration

60. Limits and Connections

61. Centering in Truth

62. Attention to Detail

63. After Completion

64. Nearing Completion

PART II. ABOUT THE I CHING

Chapter 1. What is the I Ching?

Chapter 2. Why the I Ching works

Chapter 3. How to Cast an I Ching Reading

• About the I Ching Artist, Joan Larimore

• Yarrow Stalk Method of Casting a Hexagram

• Historical and Mythological Origins of the I Ching

• About the Author

change is better decision-making.

introduced to the oracle at the University of California in Berkeley.

opportunity to spend time with her, I played along with it.

“questioning the sincerity of the seeker.” It was testing me right back!

prompted me to make a momentously risky decision -- such as quitting a well-paid executive

provides many of those!

accessible to, and satisfying for, modern users like myself.

found myself turning to the I Ching for counsel more often.

was persistent: I was stuck, it said, and in need of a “breakthrough.”

to run like hell!

my multimedia fantasies were to be realized, incorporate soothing sounds and beautiful

many software creations, Synchronicity. It worked and I thought it was good.

becomes the means to make real what is potent.

action, success requires good timing.

Moving Line Interpretations

receptivity is most auspicious.

Moving Line Interpretations

whatever help you can.