1-Qian/ Initiating, changing lines 1,2,3 to 12 Pi/ Hindrance
Qian and Kun, Heaven and Earth, Initiating and Responding are the basis of life, the way of the Dao of Earth, or the Heavens or of Humans. According to Confucius, “Qian and Kun are the gate of I, which means that if one intends to understand the I Ching one should first understand Qian and Kun; the gate of I opens for understanding the rest of the gua.” (Huang 25). “I”, sometimes spelled “yi” can mean many things- focus, intent are two; but the name I Ching tells us something about what it means in a divination context. I Ching is “Book of Changes”; Yi jing means essentially the same thing- but the word jing is used also when referring to scriptures, or prayers, or incantations. So there is a connotation of this collection of verses being holy or divine in nature.
Qian is considered the hexagram that indicates the best fortune in the Book of Changes.
There are several ways to look at the bottom three lines in any gua, depending on your question- they could represent you, with the top three representing the rest of the world, or the situation you are facing (or the people, the other factors); they can represent in a work or other similar organization the underlings, with the top three meaning the leaders or bosses; or they could represent the masses (the people) in relation to political and/or social leaders. Finally, they could be the inner workings of a person’s mind (what is hidden) and the outer persona or manifestation (what is revealed). I’m sure there are numerous other ways to interpret, but that is beyond the purpose of the reading for this week.
All three lower lines are changing in this reading- big things happening in the lower ranks. So, it can be seen as advice on dealing with sweeping changes.
1, line 1: Hidden dragon. Do not act. [there are things going on that can’t be seen yet; not a good time to act-too much that cannot be determined]
1, line 2: Dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man. [the thing(s) are starting to be revealed- best to get advice from an expert about how to deal with it; or “the great man”, might be a reference to seeing the best in yourself and imagining how you might deal with it; what would you do, if all things were virtually ideal]
1, line 3: All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall his mind is still beset with cares. Danger. No Blame. [mulling it over- coming up with creative solutions or ideas, but still not solving- still some worry; this may feel like a waste of time, but it’s best to err on the side of caution than dive right in]
This hexagram is associated with the solar month of May.
12 Pi/ Hindrance, or Standstill
some translations call this one stagnation;
The conditions of the changes in the first hexagram have led to a situation where it seems no progress can be made or that “evil” people are prospering without anyone to stop them. This is often described as a kind of interference from ‘petty” people whose influence comes from greed, corruption, dishonesty, and conniving.
12, line 1- When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it. Each according to his kind. Perseverance brings good fortune and success. Ribbon grass is a clumping type of plant- so if you pull it up, you also pull up the dirt with it. The grass and what nourishes it is all “of a kind” When trying to control the weeds, the best way to remove them is through the roots, which are stuck in the mud- it might be messy, unsightly, but it is progress. “...This gua (hexagram) is inauspicious- one must remain steadfast and upright, meaning that one should not be influenced by unfavorable surroundings and the negative opinions of others.” You might find yourself amid the grass and mud- keep to your own values in such a situation. (Huang 131) If this line changes by itself- the new hexagram is 25- Without Falsehood/ Innocence. The person at this line has dropped contention (from the second line) and remains sincere and full of integrity, which brings good fortune.
12, line 2- They bear and endure; this means good fortune for inferior people. The standstill serves to help the great man to attain success. [Inferior people can refer to the masses in a political context, or the underlings; the standstill could be a good omen for people hoping for a change for the better, if they work together. But it can also mean that some people are allowing their values to be compromised (grin and bear it) which enables petty people to keep on advancing] While the petty person’s fortune is rising, it is wise to keep to your own counsel, and not become entangled in the multitude of wrong-headed people; even if this means enduring humiliation or mistreatment for doing it. [this line alone switches the hexagram to 6- contention: “one at this place is “self-willed” and “fond of contention”. In the conflict, this person is strong, but is lower in rank and is surrounded by weak people. The person in the superior position is represented by line 5- the leader is in the correct position, as well as being personally centered and with the correct attitude. “A self-willed person cannot win the fight against a central and correct person in a superior position.” (86) The right leader is in place, so there is no use in trying to make it otherwise, especially when those around you are weak.
12, line 3: They bear shame. [There is a petty person who has been fomenting negative energy among the people- this negative influence has now become obvious, even to the people who supported him/her; they who bear the shame are the followers who refused to see the person for who he is (even though there were signs) and were enabling his dishonest ambitions.] tend to your own house; [this line, considered alone switches the hexagram to 33- Retreat. Huang says, “One at this place has already retreated from the dark forces but still attaches to the darkness. If he cannot completely keep darkness at a distance, there is distress, such as illness. The text advises it is better to stay at home and care for little things.” (285) “When inferior persons around the Tyrant of Shang were multiplying and gaining power, King Wen retreated. To retreat was a strategy of concession in order to determine the hostile intentions of such inferior persons.” (284) preserve one’s strength and bide one’s time.
This hexagram is associated with the solar month of August.
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Bonus
Opposite hexagram: 11 (from original reading this week; for a fuller description of Tai, see last week's reading)
King Wen sequence: 2- Kun/ Responding, changing lines 1,2,3 to 11- Tai/ Advance
Creative compatibility; hearing the call and leaning in; following, not taking the intiative;
2, line 1: When there is hoarfrost underfoot, solid ice is not far off. [pay attention to the signs that can sabotage your success; also, developing observational skills like this can help you understand something about right timing] Follow the signs
2, line 2: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, yet nothing remains Un furthered. [Be true to who you are, don’t focus on the “purpose”; just in being authentic, things are complete]
2, line 3: Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If by chance you are in the service of a king, seek not works, but bring to completion. [Don’t look for more work than you can handle- finish the projects you are doing now; save your energy to persevere by doing this]
Month of November
11, line 1- Pulling out a reed, other roots come with it. Moving forward; good fortune. [as opposed to pulling out the weeds, this very similar phrase to line one in 12 is about gaining help and support from likeminded people, especially at the beginning of a project to ensure success.
11, line 2: Embracing great rivers. Fighting a tiger with bare hands. Crossing a river with bare feet. Abandon not the remote, cliques dissolve. Obtain esteem by walking the central path. [the uncultured are impressed with those who can fight the tiger with bare hands [this is the remote- the impossible feat or the illusion of strength]. The great person prefers someone who is careful, good at planning, and at executing work that will nourish all the people in her/his charge. The superiority of acting with kindness, generosity, reliability, and resolve prevails over brute strength or brutish manners- even if those are entertaining.
11: line 3: No plain without undulation, no past without return. In hardship, being steadfast and upright: no fault. Grieve not over your sincerity and truthfulness. In inheritance there is happiness. [Being able to take the good with the bad, enduring hardship in its turn, knowing that prosperity will come when the time of hardship is over will help you sustain] Taking your cue from cultural truisms could be a good idea here.
Month of February
Interpretations taken into account: The Complete I Ching: 10th Anniversary Edition, Taoist Master Alfred Huang.