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This collection of Yijing (I Ching) Hexagrams is made up of hexagrams being cast weekly, each Sunday, throughout 2021. The description for each week's drawing appears alongside the main hexagram, along with changing lines (if any) and transformations. For further exploration, sometimes blog articles or PDF files containing notes on symbolism, Traditional Chinese Philosophy, history or other intuitive comparisons are included. I encourage those interested to add their own perceptive impressions or use familiar sources of their own, as well. I introduce my favorite Yijing interpretations/sources, both online and in print only as a resource for those who are interested in deeper study of the oracle.
My goal is to offer readers a way to learn about this ancient divination system by focusing on one general reading weekly for personal development using the energies and cycles of time described by each Hexagram drawn. The question I pose to the oracle each week is the same, "What can we know about the prevalent energies of this week that can be helpful to us?" This is so individuals can intuit and apply their own conclusions, obviously unique to their circumstances. I do not intend these to be any kind of prophetic announcements or any form of fortune telling; the Yijing has been and is used in this way, but many scholars and sages point out that it not the best use of the oracle. In my experience the accuracy of the descriptions in any reading I cast can offer astonishing insights and observations, even down to details of time, phase of the moon or particulars of a personal issue, but still, its power, for me, is in the metaphors that inspire me to remember that no matter how different the modern world is from the ancient, the nature of the human condition remains constant as do cycles and seasons throughout our universe. Personally, I use it to guide spiritual development and to further my own understanding of Daoism, which I am now studying. I hope this is useful for anyone paying these writings any attention and I welcome questions, comments, and discussion so we can all enrich each other as we find our own ways back to Source.
Alfred Huang's translation of the I Ching sums up a fine way to use the oracle in his comments about Hexagram 17: Sui/Following:
A noblewoman consulted the I Ching about a possible marriage partner and the answer was Sui. The person casting the oracle told her this was very auspicious to accept the offer, because it indicated the four great virtues of yuan, heng, li, and zhen, plus compatability of intiating and response. "Nevertheless, the woman said, 'I have none of those four virtues. My situation is not compatible with the gua." She preferred to wait for another opportunity. The lady's decision exemplifies the way one should use the I Ching. It is not simply a matter of blindly following the oracle, but rather of understanding your place within the situation. (Huang, p. 165)
Ref: The Complete I Ching, The Definitive Translation by Daoist Master, Alfred Huang. Inner Traditions. One Park Street, Rochester, Vermont 05767. www.InnerTraditions.com.
