April 17-22 ~ A Community I Ching Reading

© 2010, Delwa Consulting LLC, SoHA, and Apolonia Fortino. All rights reserved.

Om Tara Tu Tare Tura Soha

Om Tara Tu Tare Ture Soha

Om Tara Tu Tare Ture Soha

Om Tara Tu Tare Tura Soha

“A monk asked Master Haryo,

‘What is the way?’

Haryo said,

‘An open-eyed man falling into the Well…’ ”

~ A Zen Koan

Om Tara Tu Tare Ture Soha

Om Tara Tu Tare Ture Soha

Om Tara Tu Tare Ture Soha

So as we move through the month of April, we transition again from a period of influencing (See April 13-16th Community Reading), which is more of an outward movement, into a more self-reflective exploration of our inner connection and depth (Hexagram 48-The Well). This trend will continue through April 22nd.

All life depends on the True Source-if there is a inner spring, there is life! So to make life alive, there must be a source. For each and every one of us, there is a source, a spring from which we are fed-it is undeniable! We would not be alive if there were no connection to this source, yet we live our lives as if there is no connection, and often we complain about feeling disconnected. This is usually a sign that we are not really taking care of ourselves, that in some way we are neglecting our “Well”, the true source of energy and life that feeds and nourishes us. It is easy in this fast paced world we live in to forget to “feel” the connection with this Source, even though our Spirit surrounds us-Spirit is the air we breathe, the food we eat, the love we feel, and the pulse of life we move to everyday! But somehow, we forget-and we allow our everyday worries and concerns to distract us from the truth of our connection with the nourishing Source of all life-Our True Spirit!

As we move through the next few days, we are guided to tend to our own inner spring, to build the “Well” and to keep it clean, and we will find it to be an inexhaustible resource of energy! As we care for our own connection with the Source, we find that the connection with Spirit grows stronger and we discover that the foundations of human nature are the same for everyone. Every human being can draw from the inexhaustible wellspring of the Divine! It is important that we continue to grow in our expression of this Divine Nature, which encourages everyone around us to seek their own inner connection with the True Source of life, and allows us all to live a life of true expression and fulfillment!

~Tricia Stanaland

April 13-16 ~ A Community I Ching Reading

© 2010, Delwa Consulting LLC, SoHA, and Apolonia Fortino. All rights reserved.

“You don’t have to be a “person of influence” to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they’ve taught me.” ~ Scott Adams

As we continue to move through the month of April, the period of waiting (See April 10-12 Community Reading) is transitioning into a period of influencing (Primary Hexagram 31-Influence/Wooing). This trend will continue over the next few days, April 13-16.

Hexagram 31 offers guidance in regards to “wooing” or affecting someone or something we are wanting to influence. In particular, what kind of influence do we want to have on another? And who or what are we influenced by? Who or what do we allow to influence our decisions? These are important questions to ask ourselves, for what may seem harmless or innocent if unexamined may influence us adversely in the long run. One translation I referred to when writing this reminds us of the story of Snow White, who paid more attention to the shiny red apple than to the person who was offering it! Amazingly, we tend to do the same in life, allowing ourselves to become mesmerized by the “shiny” things, allowing any and all information to influence our decisions indiscriminately, often to our own detriment. Keep this in mind over the next few days, as you engage in social and business affairs, for bringing a little more awareness into the moment of the interaction may open the possibility for a more true expression of influence. Most people have good intentions when guiding others, however, there is a tendency to be unaware of how much their own self-interest is involved in what they are offering. So watch yourself and be careful of your own motivations and intentions when influencing others, as you may be unaware of the affect you are having on those around you. Also be mindful of the guidance you are being offered, and judge for yourself if the guidance is congruent with your own heart.

Relationships are an important part of life-People need people! This is good, and is meant to be enjoyed, as long as you remain aware of yourself as you experience new people and places in order to keep from losing yourself in them! Know your own boundaries and never agree to anything that does not agree with you. Trust yourself and your guidance as you allow new things, new ideas, and new energy to influence and affect you (Hexagram 31-Changing Line 1). Relationships bring new spheres of influence into our lives, and when new opportunities present themselves, it is good to take the risk and explore the new possibilities before us!

In order to take this risk, however, it  may be necessary to release some old habits or ways of being to allow the new influences to take root within us (Relating Hexagram 49-Revolution/Molting). Here, the revolution points to a deeper movement within the self towards maturity. Just as the stripes of a tiger gradually emerge as the tiger grows, we too experience changes through a process of continuous renewal which starts subtly and grows gradually until it is clearly seen and expressed. Although our energy changes daily, our minds tend to resist this change. Many habits and patterns of thinking, relationships, careers, and even possessions deplete our life energy as we cling to them for security, building a false sense of self, while disregarding the true security of the natural law of change that underlies the order of the universe. All things follow a process of becoming, and every moment of life offers an opportunity for growth and self-renewal. We must determine what is undesirable in our lives and decide if we are willing to make a change.

Putting our own lives in order will help us be of better service to others and as we open our hearts to a more genuine and sincere expression, we will find our true nature shining through in all that we do, effortlessly influencing the hearts and minds of everyone around us!

~Tricia Stanaland

April 10-12 ~ A Community I Ching Reading

“Life is all about timing… the unreachable becomes reachable, the unavailable becomes available, the unattainable… attainable. Have the patience, wait it out. It’s all about timing.” ~ Stacey Charter

© 2010, Delwa Consulting LLC, SoHA, and Apolonia Fortino. All rights reserved.a

As the month of April unfolds, the life energy continues to move and it appears as if the time is now set for a period of waiting (Primary Hexagram-5-Waiting). This trend will continue over the next few days, from April 10-12.

Waiting is probably one of the most difficult “times” to accept as human beings. When we want something, we are taught to go after it, to charge ahead, to push through at all costs, and often this creates even more obstacles to our dream. True wisdom lies in sensing the needs of the time-sensing when to move ahead, and when to “wait and see.”

“Everything comes to the one who waits” is a Chinese proverb that is often misunderstood. The truth it alludes to does not involve idle waiting, sitting and expecting, but speaks more to a proper alignment within the self that allows for the inexplicable magic, the mystery that makes things happen without any action. The guidance offered by the I Ching in Hexagram #5-Waiting is centered around meeting the time of waiting with the proper attitude, with an open and receptive heart, holding the vision within while expecting nothing in return. When obstacles present themselves on our path it is easy for us to lose our emotional balance and succumb to our feelings of anxiety and expectation, causing us to act recklessly. We are advised to not give in to these impulses that can lead to reckless behavior, but instead to wait with the right feeling, the right intention, making our minds open to the mystery, as if opening a cosmic door for receiving, and then go on living. Continue holding the faith, and continue living your life and meeting every moment as it is without an agenda or a program for how it should be. Then, when the moment comes that the vision you have been holding might happen, there will be a fertile field within you to receive it – and it will happen.

April 6-9 ~ An I Ching Community Reading

© 2010, Delwa Consulting LLC, SoHA, and Apolonia Fortino. All rights reserved.

“On life’s journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night. If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him.”

~Buddha, Gautama Siddharta

Om Tara Tu Tare Ture Soha

As we move into the second week of April, our focus will shift from paying attention to proper conduct as we walk our path (See April 1-4 Community Reading), to the awareness of how we choose to care for ourselves (Primary Hexagram: 27 • Corners of the Mouth, Providing Nourishment). This trend will continue for the next four days, April 6-9.

The guidance we are given for this period is to become aware of what we allow ourselves to take in, who we allow ourselves to be influenced by and how we choose to nourish and care for ourselves. It is important that we watch what we allow to enter our inner space, as we will absorb all we come in contact with during this time, including the foods we eat, the thoughts we think, what information we choose to accept about ourselves and our lives, and how we choose to spend our time. Everything we do and experience shapes our lives in infinite ways, so choose wisely when deciding which path to follow. Choose the activities, the people, the places and the foods that you know will nourish you! Always choose to act moderately, for it is the key to success at this time. We must learn to take care of ourselves and our needs, to be strong and independent, and to teach others to do the same.

How we choose to nourish others is often a reflection of how we choose to nourish ourselves! Nourishing each other is the foundation of a life of value, of a life filled with joy and happiness. If we choose to nourish ourselves correctly, we will be better able to handle the inevitable ups and downs of life when things don’t go as planned, or when the unexpected takes us by surprise. It is important that we learn to maintain balance and symmetry in our lives, particularly in our own inner attitudes and behaviors. If we choose to feed our own negative expectations, don’t be surprised if things turn out just as we thought!! Conversely, if we choose to remain optimistic and hopeful, then success is truly guaranteed. We may not always be able to choose how the events in our lives play out, yet we can always choose how we respond to them! Maintaining our own emotional balance and tranquility will go a long way towards providing the proper balance needed to nourish others. As we make peace with ourselves, we build a foundation for peace in the lives of others.

Because this hexagram is static, meaning there are no changing lines, nourishment will be the general focus over the next few days, with no specific guidance offered.  If you are happy with your state of being, continue doing what you have been doing, as these actions are producing your current situation. If, however, you are unhappy or discontent with your current situation, you may need to seriously alter your habits and appetites to produce a more satisfying state of being.

~Tricia Stanaland

April 1-4 ~ An I Ching Community Reading

© 2010, Delwa Consulting LLC, SoHA, and Apolonia Fortino. All rights reserved.

blah

“Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.”

~Buddha, Gautama Siddharta

Om Tara Tu Tare Ture Soha

Om Tara Tu Tare Ture Soha

As we move into the first week of April, the focus will be on walking our path,  being mindful of our conduct and how we respond in difficult situations or with unpleasant circumstances (Primary Hexagram: 10 • Treading). This trend will continue through the first four days of the month.

During this time it is important to be mindful of the words we speak, and the actions we take, always maintaining a proper attitude in service to Spirit’s call.  We are guided to cultivate our sincerity and our patience with difficult people, for a pleasant and calming approach can temper the fire of even our biggest opponents. It is important that we remain aware of our steps, particularly being mindful of where we are stepping, as the judgment advises we follow the social codes of behavior lest we find ourselves “Treading on the tail of the tiger.” Specifically, we are advised to walk a smooth and level path, behaving modestly and acting with moderation (Changing Line 2 • Nine in the Second Place). By keeping a low profile while moving forward with quiet determination, we can avoid the entanglement of other people’s affairs and the pull of worldly striving. This is compared to the way of the recluse or hermit- we must remain faithful to ourself and follow our own path, free of the need for approval. True freedom comes when we release the need to measure our worth through the eyes of others.

We are also advised to remain committed to our path and to be resolute in our decision (Changing Line 5 • Nine in the Fifth Place • The Ruling Line). When we walk our path with focused determination, being clear and decisive, we are likely to attract difficult situations that challenge our resolve. Often these challenges build our character, while we create something of lasting value. We are warned not to make a half-hearted attempt, for this will lead to few accomplishments. Instead, if we study every situation we encounter intently, and find the best course of action based on the spirit of the moment, we will succeed!

Our success, however, also depends upon our ability to take decisive action in setting things right by biting through the obstacles to unity we face within ourselves and consequently in the world around us (Relating Hexagram: 21• Biting Through). We must summon our courage to do the right thing, for it is time for us to take responsibility for our lives and to put things in order. Do not be afraid of confrontation, especially if it is necessary to set things right. Know what needs to be done, and act decisively. We must be honest with ourselves in determining what needs to be reformed in our own attitudes and behaviors, and we must act without hesitation to remove the obstructions that disrupt our clarity, so that we may regain a sense of order and harmony in our lives. If we determine that changes need to be made, we must act now, for now is the time, and if we wait we will only prolong our suffering. As we begin making the changes we need to make to restore harmony by deciding what we need to do to overcome our own obstacles, we will meet with success!

Mar 6 ~ I Ching Community Reading

© 2010, Delwa Consulting LLC, SoHA, and Apolonia Fortino. All rights reserved.

“The future lies before you, like paths of pure white snow. Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show.” ~Author Unknown

Today is a day for knowing the proper conduct for walking your path (Hexagram 10-TREADING).

As we move through the day today, we will be called to pay attention to proper conduct, paying attention to the words we speak and making sure that our responses to the situations we encounter are honoring and in harmony with the times. This is the advice of hexagram #10-Treading (Conduct). It is important to be mindful of the rules that govern our social interactions and the laws that are in place to protect us, for they are there as guides to keep us safe. It’s best to know and follow the rules of engagement today, otherwise you may find yourself stirring up unnecessary conflicts and intrigues by “stepping on the tail of the tiger”, i.e. offending others without even knowing it! In truth you may face a lot of stubborn, intractable people today, and it will be easy to lose yourself in the fight against, but this is not a response that would be in harmony with the times. Instead, meet the resistance with a smile, with a spirit of good humor. This is your position of power today, taking the slights of others in stride and maintaining your own equilibrium.

Individually we are guided today to keep it simple. In everything we do, in every word we speak, if we move simply and without pretensions, not needing anyone or leaning on anything that is not our own, we will be free to follow our own hearts without the restrictions and limitations of social obligation. For in truth, things are not quite complete, (Hexagram #64-Before Completion), meaning the resources and the potentials for success are present, but not quite in their right place. So this is a time to be cautious and alert, awake to any potential for mistakes that could lead to problems or complications before things have a chance to settle into a state of order. Be plain, simple, and content with where you are and the work that you do, remaining true to your path and to yourself, and you will remain free of blame!

-Tricia Stanaland

Question: What might we need to be aware of on our journey today?

Answer: Hexagram #10-Treading (Conduct), Changing Lines 1 and 5, yielding Hexagram #64-Before Completion

(This reading is copied verbatim from the Wilhelm/Baynes translation of the I Ching. You may view a copy of this version online at http://www.akirarabelais.com/i/i.html)

Primary Hexagram:

10. Lu  /  Treading (Conduct)

above  CH’IEN  THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN                                                                                                                                   below  TUI  THE JOYOUS, LAKE

The name of the hexagram means on the one hand the right way of conducting oneself. Heaven, the father, is above, and the  lake, the   youngest daughter, is below. This shows the difference between high and low, upon which composure, correct social conduct, depends. On the other hand the word for the name of the hexagram, TREADING, means literally treading upon something. The small and cheerful  [Tui] treads upon the large and strong [Ch'ien]. The direction of movement of the two primary trigrams is upward. The fact that the strong   treads on the weak is not mentioned in the Book of Changes, because it is taken for granted. For the weak to take a stand against the strong is not dangerous here, because it happened in good humor [Tui] and without presumption, so that the strong man is not irritated but takes it all in good part.

The Judgment:

TREADING. Treading upon the tail of the tiger.

It does not bite the man. Success.

The situation is really difficult. That which is strongest and that which is weakest are close together. The weak follows behind the strong  and worries it. The strong, however, acquiesces and does not hurt the weak, because the contact is in good humor and harmless. In terms of a human situation, one is handling wild, intractable people. In such a case one’s purpose will be achieved if one behaves with decorum. Pleasant manners succeed even with irritable people.

The Image:

Heaven above, the lake below:

The image of TREADING.

Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low,

And thereby fortifies the thinking of the people.

Heaven and the lake show a difference of elevation that inheres in the natures of the two, hence no envy arises. Among mankind also there are necessarily differences of elevation; it is impossible to bring about universal equality. But it is important that differences in social rank should not be arbitrary and unjust, for if this occurs, envy and class struggle are the inevitable consequences. If, on the other hand, external differences in rank correspond with differences in inner worth, and if inner worth forms the criterion of external rank, people acquiesce and order reigns in society.

The Lines

*Note-because there is more than one changing line for this reading, we will only be paying attention to the changing yang line in the first position, changing line 1, which is consistent with Taoist Master Alfred Huang’s method for solving the problem of understanding multiple moving lines. His commentary on the subject can be found in his book The Complete I Ching: The Definitive Translation on page 16.

Nine at the beginning means:

Simple conduct. Progress without blame.

The situation is one in which we are still not bound by any obligations of social intercourse. If our conduct is simple, we remain free of them. We can quietly follow our predilections as long as we are content and make no demands on people.

The meaning of the hexagram is not standstill but progress. A man finds himself in an altogether inferior position at the start. However, he has the inner strength that guarantees progress. If he can be content with simplicity, he can make progress without blame. When a man  is dissatisfied with modest circumstances, he is restless and ambitious and tries to advance, not for the sake of accomplishing anything worth while, but merely in order to escape from lowliness and poverty by dint of his conduct. Once his purpose is achieved, he is certain to become arrogant and luxury-loving. Therefore blame attaches to his progress. On the other hand, a man who is good at his work is content to behave simply. He wishes to make progress in order to accomplish something. When he attains his goal, he does something worthwhile, and all is well.

Relating Hexagram:

64. Wei Chi / Before Completion

above LI  THE CLINGING, FLAME

below K’AN  THE ABYSMAL, WATER

This hexagram indicates a time when the transition from disorder to order is not yet completed. The change is indeed prepared for, since all the lines in the upper trigram are in relation to those in the lower. However, they are not yet in their places. While the preceding hexagram offers an analogy to autumn, which forms the transition from summer to winter, this hexagram presents a parallel to spring, which leads out of winter’s stagnation into the fruitful time of summer. With this hopeful outlook the Book of Changes come to its close.

THE JUDGMENT

BEFORE COMPLETION. Success.

But if the little fox, after nearly completing the crossing,

Gets his tail in the water,

There is nothing that would further.

The conditions are difficult. The task is great and full of responsibility. It is nothing less than that of leading the world out of confusion back to order. But it is a task that promises success, because there is a goal that can unite the forces now tending in different directions. At first, however, one must move warily, like an old fox walking over ice. The caution of a fox walking over ice is proverbial in China. His ears are constantly alert to the cracking of the ice, as he carefully and circumspectly searches out the safest spots. A young fox who as yet has not acquired this caution goes ahead boldly, and it may happen that he falls in and gets his tail wet when he is almost across the water. Then of course his effort has been all in vain. Accordingly, in times “before completion,” deliberation and caution are the  prerequisites of success.

THE IMAGE

Fire over water:

The image of the condition before transition.

Thus the superior man is careful

In the differentiation of things,

So that each finds its place.

When fire, which by nature flames upward, is above, and water, which flows downward, is below, their effects take opposite directions and remain unrelated. If we wish to achieve an effect, we must first investigate the nature of the forces in question and ascertain their proper place. If we can bring these forces to bear in the right place, they will have the desired effect and completion will be achieved. But in order to handle external forces properly, we must above all arrive at the correct standpoint ourselves, for only from this vantage can we work correctly.

Mar 5 ~ I Ching Community Reading

“I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

© 2010, Delwa Consulting LLC, SoHA, and Apolonia Fortino. All rights reserved.

Today is a day for returning to the source of our true natures (Hexagram 48-THE WELL).

Returning to the source, reconnecting deeply to the wisdom that is inherent to our being, this is the call for us all today. The Well is an inexhaustible resource, always there and ready to offer us a replinishing sip-all we need do is approach with a seriousness of intent and a sincerity in seeking its wisdom. The Well never changes-the times may change, the fads and fashions may change, but the Well never changes. It is important to seek that which nourishes and sustains us, and to distinguish our needs from our wants and desires. It is often the confusion of the two that leads to misguided choices and unhappy outcomes when our happiness becomes dependent on superficial desires. A life truly fulfilled must satisfy our deepest needs as human beings. We must continue to seek what is true and natural in us, and strive to live from the heart of our connection to the source of all things. For this will yield a truly happy and fulfilled life!

Individually, we are guided to continue drawing from this source, for it is the source that sustains life! To do this we must accept inspiration when it comes, without expectation or demand, and we must act quickly without thinking about or analyzing or preparing a plan. Our happiness is not dependent on our circumstances; instead we choose to be happy and to be inspired regardless of our circumstances. This builds an inner strength and nurtures our own inner nature, and allows for us to become an inexhaustible resource for others. As we give, so we receive, and we find that the more we give, the greater our fulfillment.
-Tricia Stanaland

Question: What might we need to be aware of on our journey today?

Answer: Hexagram #48-The Well, Changing Line 6, yielding Hexagram #57-The Gentle

(This reading is copied verbatim from the Wilhelm/Baynes translation of the I Ching. You may view a copy of this version online at http://www.akirarabelais.com/i/i.html)

Primary Hexagram:

48. Ching / The Well

above K’AN  THE ABYSMAL, WATER

below SUN  THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD

Wood is below, water above. The wood goes down into the earth to bring up water. The image derives from the pole-and-bucket well of  ancient China. The wood represents not the buckets, which in ancient times were made of clay, but rather the wooden poles by which the water is hauled up from the well. The image also refers to the world of plants, which lift water out of the earth by means of their fibers. The well from which water is drawn conveys the further idea of an inexhaustible dispensing of nourishment.

THE JUDGMENT

THE WELL. The town may be changed,

But the well cannot be changed.

It neither decreases nor increases.

They come and go and draw from the well.

If one gets down almost to the water

And the rope does not go all the way,

Or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.

In ancient China the capital cities were sometimes moved, partly for the sake of more favorable location, partly because of a change in dynasties. The style of architecture changed in the course of centuries, but the shape of the well has remained the same from ancient times to this day. Thus the well is the symbol of that social structure which, evolved by mankind in meeting its most primitive needs, is independent of all political forms. Political structures change, as do nations, but the life of man with its needs remains eternally the same-this cannot be changed. Life is also inexhaustible. It grows neither less nor more; it exists for one and for all. The generations come and go, and all enjoy life in its inexhaustible abundance.

However, there are two prerequisites for a satisfactory political or social organization of mankind. We must go down to the very foundations of life. For any merely superficial ordering of life that leaves its deepest needs unsatisfied is as ineffectual as if no attempt at order had ever been made. Carelessness-by which the jug is broken-is also disastrous. If for instance the military defense of a state is carried to such excess that it provokes wars by which the power of the state is annihilated, this is a breaking of the jug.

This hexagram applies also to the individual. However men may differ in disposition and in education, the foundations of human nature  are the same in everyone. And every human being can draw in the course of his education from the inexhaustible wellspring of the divine in man’s nature. But here likewise two dangers threaten: a man may fail in his education to penetrate to the real roots of humanity and remain fixed in convention-a partial education of this sort is as bad as none- or he may suddenly collapse and neglect his     self-development.

THE IMAGE

Water over wood: the image of THE WELL.

Thus the superior man encourages the people at their work,

And exhorts them to help one another.

The trigram Sun, wood, is below, and the trigram K’an, water, is above it. Wood sucks water upward. Just as wood as an organism imitates the action of the well, which benefits all parts of the plant, the superior man organizes human society, so that, as in a plant organism, its parts co-operate for the benefit of the whole.

THE LINES

Six at the top means:

One draws from the well
Without hindrance.
It is dependable.
Supreme good fortune.

The well is there fore all. No one is forbidden to take water from it. No matter how many come, all find what they need, for the well is dependable. It has a spring and never runs dry. Therefore it is a great blessing to the whole land. The same is true of the really great man, whose inner wealth is inexhaustible; the more that people draw from him, the greater his wealth becomes.

Relating Hexagram:

57. Sun / The Gentle (The Penetrating, Wind)

above  SUN  THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD

below  SUN  THE GENTLE, WIND, WOOD

Sun is one of the eight doubled trigrams. It is the eldest daughter and symbolizes wind or wood; it has for its attribute gentleness, which nonetheless penetrates like the wind or like growing wood with its roots. The dark principle, in itself rigid and immovable, is dissolved by  the penetrating light principle, to which it subordinates itself in gentleness. In nature, it is the wind that disperses the gathered clouds, leaving the sky clear and serene. In human life it is penetrating clarity of judgment that thwarts all dark hidden motives. In the life of the community it is the powerful influence of a great personality that uncovers and breaks up those intrigues which shun the light of day.

THE JUDGMENT

THE GENTLE. Success through what is small.

It furthers one to have somewhere to go.

It furthers one to see the great man.

Penetration produces gradual and inconspicuous effects. It should be effected not by an act of violation but by influence that never lapses. Results of this kind are less striking to the eye than those won by surprise attack, but they are more enduring and more complete. If one would produce such effects, one must have a clearly defined goal, for only when the penetrating influence works always in the same direction can the object be attained. Small strength can achieve its purpose only by subordinating itself to an eminent man who is capable of creating order.

THE IMAGE

Winds following one upon the other:

The image of THE GENTLY PENETRATING.

Thus the superior man

Spreads his commands abroad

And carries out his undertakings.

The penetrating quality of the wind depends upon its ceaselessness. This is what makes it so powerful; time is its instrument. In the same way the ruler’s thought should penetrate the soul of the people. This too requires a lasting influence brought about by enlightenment and command. Only when the command has been assimilated by the people is action in accordance with it possible. Action without preparation of the ground only frightens and repels.

Mar 3 ~ I Ching Community Reading

“There is nothing as mysterious as something clearly seen” ~Robert Frost

© 2010, Delwa Consulting LLC, SoHA, and Apolonia Fortino. All rights reserved.

Today is a day for aligning all the parts of your life in accord with your inner vision (Hexagram 30-The CLINGING, FIRE).

It appears that today we are being guided to bring the varied elements of our lives into accord so we can attain a state of inner clarity. Our goals, our relationships, our careers, our lifestyles-do they work together, or are they at odds with each other? In truth, it is vitally important that we find a way to bring all these areas of our lives together in harmony with each other, or we will suffer the consequences of a life in conflict. In truth, the outer manifestation of the peace and harmony we seek in life begins with an inner alignment to that which sustains us. This hexagram is made of the trigram for Fire, which is doubled, and represents both inner and outer clarity. Fire not only brightens things, illuminating that which is hidden or unseen, it also consumes that which it clings to. Remember that life has its limitations in energy and resources, so to achieve your aims and goals in life it’s best to align yourself with life, so you can move in harmony with the forces of energy, both feeding them and being fed by them. This entails learning to recognize the signs of the times and be willing to act accordingly. Working synergistically with the spirit within, choosing what is correct for you, will give you added confidence in the future.

-Tricia Stanaland

Question: What might we need to be aware of on our journey today?

Answer: Hexagram #30-The Clinging, Fire-with no changing lines.

(This reading is copied verbatim from the Wilhelm/Baynes translation of the I Ching. You may view a copy of this version online at http://www.akirarabelais.com/i/i.html)

30. Li / The Clinging, Fire

above  LI  THE CLINGING, FIRE

below  LI  THE CLINGING, FIRE

This hexagram is another double sign. The trigram Li means “to cling to something,” and also “brightness.” A dark line clings to two light lines, one above and one below–the image of an empty space between two strong lines, whereby the two strong lines are made bright.  The trigram represents the middle daughter. The Creative has incorporated the central line of the Receptive, and thus Li develops. As an image, it is fire. Fire has no definite form but clings to the burning object and thus is bright. As water pours down from heaven, so fire flames up from the earth. While K’an means the soul shut within the body, Li stands for nature in its radiance.

THE JUDGMENT

THE CLINGING. Perseverance furthers.

It brings success.

Care of the cow brings good fortune.

What is dark clings to what is light and so enhances the brightness of the latter. A luminous thing giving out light must have within itself  something that perseveres; otherwise it will in time burn itself out. Everything that gives light is dependent on something to which it clings in order that it may continue to shine. Thus the sun and moon cling to heaven, and grain, grass, and trees cling to the earth. So too the  twofold clarity of the dedicated man clings to what is right and thereby can shape the world. Human life on earth is conditioned

and unfree, and when man recognizes this limitation and makes himself dependent upon the harmonious and beneficent forces of the cosmos, he achieves success. The cow is the symbol of extreme docility. By cultivating in himself an attitude of compliance and voluntary dependence, man acquires clarity without sharpness and finds his place in the world.

THE IMAGE

That which is bright rises twice:

The image of FIRE.

Thus the great man, by perpetuating this brightness,

Illumines the four quarters of the world.

Each of the two trigrams represents the sun in the course of a day. The two together represent the repeated movement of the sun, the function of light with respect to time. The great man continues the work of nature in the human world. Through the clarity of his nature he causes the light to spread farther and farther and to penetrate the nature of man ever more deeply.

Mar 2 ~ I Ching Community Reading

© 2010, Delwa Consulting LLC, SoHA, and Apolonia Fortino. All rights reserved.

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life… as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” ~Booker T. Washington

Today is a day for Self-discovery. (Hexagram 39-OBSTRUCTION).

Today’s reading reflects the need for self-examination and discovery. We seem to be facing obstacles everywhere today! But because this hexagram is static and unchanging, it reflects a situation that is completely blocked, and because the obstacles do not give way, it is apparent that they are of our own making! For whatever reason, we are blocking our own progress, and the frustrations we feel are reflective of our own limited perceptions of the situation. Now is the time to reflect, to find out why we are doing this-is there a belief we are harboring that is limiting us? Are we holding on to past resentments and hurts unknowingly? These are the questions we must ask ourselves when we find ourselves at an impasse. When we are faced with difficulties, it is best to be still and contemplate the situation from a deeper perspective, as the obstacles will often give way with a little stillness and a shift in perception. However, we are programmed to keep pushing against the difficulties, often forcing the changes we want to happen, and this action creates more blocks to receiving what we want. In truth, the best way to move through this time is realize that the obstacles we are facing are inherent to the path we have chosen, and they must be overcome before we can continue. Instead of pushing through, emulate the example of water-pause and build up your strength to breakthrough, until the obstacle no longer represents a blockage. To build your strength, it’s best to work with others who have similar goals. United together even impossible blocks can be overcome!

*On a personal note, I can see that the obstacles I’m facing today involved snow covered roads and treacherous driving conditions-so if you are like me, living in the south and untrained as a winter driver, please be safe!!

-Tricia Stanaland

Question: What might we need to be aware of on our journey today?

Answer: Hexagram #39-Obstruction, with no changing lines

(This reading is copied verbatim from the Wilhelm/Baynes translation of the I Ching. You may view a copy of this version online at http://www.akirarabelais.com/i/i.html)

Primary Hexagram:

39. Chien / Obstruction

4

above  K’AN  THE ABYSMAL, WATER

below  KêN  KEEPING STILL, MOUNTAIN

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

THE JUDGMENT

OBSTRUCTION. The southwest furthers.

The northeast does not further.

It furthers one to see the great man.

Perseverance brings good fortune.

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

THE IMAGE

Water on the mountain:

The image of OBSTRUCTION.

Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself

And molds his character.

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

Feb 26 ~ I Ching Community Reading

“Laws control the lesser man… Right conduct controls the greater one.” ~ Mark Twain

© 2010, Delwa Consulting LLC, SoHA, and Apolonia Fortino. All rights reserved.

“A reputation for a thousand years may depend upon the conduct of a single moment” ~Ernest Bramah

Question: What might we need to be aware of on our journey today?

Answer: Hexagram #10-Treading, Changing Lines 5 and 6, which yields Hexagram #54-The Marrying Maiden

*Note-because there is more than one changing line for this reading, we will only be paying attention to the one in the 5th position (5th line from the bottom), which is consistent with Taoist Master Alfred Huang’s method for solving the problem of understanding multiple moving lines. His commentary on the subject can be found in his book The Complete I Ching: The Definitive Translation on page 16.

Summary of the Reading:

Interestingly, the reading for today focuses on the need to pay attention to proper conduct (right speech, right action, etc.) as we continue on our journey today (Hexagram #10-TREADING), and reminds of us our need to be mindful of our place within our situation and to work to fill our own space within our own boundaries (Hexagram #54-THE MARRYING MAIDEN). This is a reminder from yesterdays reading, where we received Hexagram 54 as our primary hexagram, our main guidance for the day. This must be something we are working on together, as it is being brought to our attention once again!

Hexagram 10-TREADING-uses the image of treading on the tail of a tiger as a metaphor for understanding the power of our words, actions and intentions when moving in the world. It is best to know and follow the rules of engagement for any situation, as the slightest mistake or error in judgment  and action can lead to devastating consequences, as the tiger will think nothing of biting us for the slightest transgression. The key to success in the current situation lies in cultivating a sincere and agreeable personality that can meet any situation, no matter how difficult, with decorum. Remember, “Pleasant manners succeed even with irritable people.”

Specifically we are guided to remain mindful of the potential dangers present as we resolve to move forward confidently. We are leaders, however, we may not have the support of those we lead. Because our intentions and motives are pure, we can be assured of a successful outcome if we remain friendly and agreeable towards others and conduct ourselves with grace and sincerity.

We must also remember the guidance of Hexagram 54-THE MARRYING MAIDEN, which reflects the need to make our own place within our situation, even if the position we find ourselves in is not of our choosing or our liking. Sometimes we find ourselves in positions we didn’t choose to be in, and it is often in those times that we find ourselves in resistance to the confines of that position. However, if we let ourselves believe that “the grass is greener,” which we often unknowingly do as we complain about our lack of influence or power within our relationships, we will have lost our way. Actually we not only lose ourselves in the complaining, but those around us lose, too, and it is easy to get lost in the fight against the situations and positions we find ourselves in! To move successfully when we find ourselves without influence, we must “make this grass green”-work to make the best of our situations, give direction to our lives within our own known boundaries, fully and completely fill our space in all that we do, and thereby become an essential part of the whole.

Know your place, knowhow to conduct yourself, work within your own boundaries, and you will contribute successfully!
-Tricia Stanaland

This reading is copied verbatim from the Wilhelm/Baynes translation of the I Ching. You may view a copy of this version online at http://www.akirarabelais.com/i/i.html

Primary Hexagram:

10. Lu  /  Treading (Conduct)

d

above  CH’IEN  THE CREATIVE, HEAVEN                                                                                                                                                                        below  TUI  THE JOYOUS, LAKE

The name of the hexagram means on the one hand the right way of conducting oneself. Heaven, the father, is above, and the  lake, the   youngest daughter, is below. This shows the difference between high and low, upon which composure, correct social conduct, depends. On the other hand the word for the name of the hexagram, TREADING, means literally treading upon something. The small and cheerful  [Tui] treads upon the large and strong [Ch'ien]. The direction of movement of the two primary trigrams is upward. The fact that the strong   treads on the weak is not mentioned in the Book of Changes, because it is taken for granted. For the weak to take a stand against the  strong is not dangerous here, because it happened in good humor [Tui] and without presumption, so that the strong man is not irritated   but takes it all in good part.

The Judgment:

TREADING. Treading upon the tail of the tiger.

It does not bite the man. Success.

The situation is really difficult. That which is strongest and that which is weakest are close together. The weak follows behind the strong  and worries it. The strong, however, acquiesces and does not hurt the weak, because the contact is in good humor and harmless.

In terms of a human situation, one is handling wild, intractable people. In such a case one’s purpose will be achieved if one behaves with decorum. Pleasant manners succeed even with irritable people.

The Image:

Heaven above, the lake below:

The image of TREADING.

Thus the superior man discriminates between high and low,

And thereby fortifies the thinking of the people.

Heaven and the lake show a difference of elevation that inheres in the natures of the two, hence no envy arises. Among mankind also      there are necessarily differences of elevation; it is impossible to bring about universal equality. But it is important that differences in social rank should not be arbitrary and unjust, for if this occurs, envy and class struggle are the inevitable consequences. If, on the other hand, external differences in rank correspond with differences in inner worth, and if inner worth forms the criterion of external rank, people  acquiesce and order reigns in society.

The Lines

° Nine in the fifth place means:

Resolute conduct.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Perseverance with awareness of danger.

This refers to the ruler of the hexagram as a whole. One sees that one has to be resolute in conduct. But at the same time one must           remain conscious of the danger connected with such resoluteness, especially if it is to be persevered in. Only awareness of the danger   makes success possible.

Relating Hexagram:

54. Kuei Mei  /  The Marrying Maiden

C

above  CHêN  THE AROUSING, THUNDER

below  TUI       THE JOYOUS, LAKE

Above we have Chên, the eldest son, and below, Tui, the youngest daughter. The man leads and the girl follows him in gladness. The picture is that of the entrance of the girl into her husband’s house. In all, there are four hexagrams depicting the relationship between     husband and wife. Hsien, INFLUENCE, (31), describes the attraction that a young couple have for each other; Hêng, DURATION (32),    portrays the permanent relationships of marriage; Chien, DEVELOPMENT (53), reflects the protracted, ceremonious procedures   attending the arrangement of a proper marriage; finally Kuei Mei, THE MARRYING MAIDEN , shows a young girl under the guidance of  an older man who marries her.

The Judgment:

THE MARRYING MAIDEN.

Undertakings bring misfortune.

Nothing that would further.

A girl who is taken into the family, but not as the chief wife, must behave with special caution and reserve. She must not take it upon         herself to supplant the mistress of the house, for that would mean disorder and lead to untenable relationships.

The same is true of all voluntary relationships between human beings. While legally regulated relationships evince a fixed connection    between duties and rights, relationships based on personal inclination depend in the long run entirely on tactful reserve.

Affection as the essential principle of relatedness is of the greatest importance in all relationships in the world. For the union of heaven   and earth is the origin of the whole of nature. Among human beings likewise, spontaneous affection is the all-inclusive principle of union.

The Image:

Thunder over the lake:

The image of THE MARRYING MAIDEN.

Thus the superior man

Understands the transitory

In the light of the eternity of the end.

Thunder stirs the water of the lake, which follows it in shimmering waves. This symbolizes the girl who follows the man of her choice. But every relationship between individuals bears within it the danger that wrong turns may be taken, leading to endless misunderstandings  and disagreements. Therefore it is necessary constantly to remain mindful of the end. If we permit ourselves to drift along, we come together and are parted again as the day may determine. If on the other hand a man fixes his mind on an end that endures, he will succeed in avoiding the reefs that confront the closer relationships of people.