This collection of Yijing 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 intuitive 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 each week is the same, "What can we know about the prevalent energies of this week?" This is so individuals can intuit and apply their own conclusions, obviously unique to their circumstances.
February 28 through March 6 2021
The Oracle Cast:
Hexagram 5, Xū= waiting, or nourished while waiting
changing lines 4 & 6 transforms to
Hexagram 1, Qián =
The Creative
“Qián moves, firmness. A noble one owing to his own strength never ceases.” LiSe (1)
Waiting with the proper attitude brings blessings and benefit. “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” – adapted from Robert Burns poem, “To a Mouse”.
Consider more by following the link to the PDF file.
Hexagram 5, Xū= waiting, or nourished while waiting
changing lines 4 & 6 transforms to
Hexagram 1, Qián =
The Creative
“Qián moves, firmness. A noble one owing to his own strength never ceases.” LiSe (1)
Waiting with the proper attitude brings blessings and benefit. “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” – adapted from Robert Burns poem, “To a Mouse”.
Consider more by following the link to the PDF file.
February 21 through 26, 2021
27: 6 (Yi- Corners of the Mouth- Providing Nourishment) with changing line 6; to 24 (Fu- Return – the Turning Point)
This seems to be about a regular course of events, i.e., the movement indicated by the phases of the moon- we are now embarking on the first quarter of that phase going towards the full moon, which is indeed on the 27th of February. 27 to 24 seems to outline the nourishing of spiritual development- using the idea of “food” a post heaven way of nourishment to bring about the return of the real, true spirit. This course is juxtaposed with its opposite energy: 44- Gou, Coming to Meet (what Lise calls “birthing”_ the idea of a chance encounter that rivets the attention, like sexual temptation, or a courtship that includes attraction, but will not lead to a marriage- a liaison or a tryst- is it worth it?; following it, one can risk certainty of the “good”, but it can also lead to going beyond the routine and creating something new.
Follow the link for more:
This seems to be about a regular course of events, i.e., the movement indicated by the phases of the moon- we are now embarking on the first quarter of that phase going towards the full moon, which is indeed on the 27th of February. 27 to 24 seems to outline the nourishing of spiritual development- using the idea of “food” a post heaven way of nourishment to bring about the return of the real, true spirit. This course is juxtaposed with its opposite energy: 44- Gou, Coming to Meet (what Lise calls “birthing”_ the idea of a chance encounter that rivets the attention, like sexual temptation, or a courtship that includes attraction, but will not lead to a marriage- a liaison or a tryst- is it worth it?; following it, one can risk certainty of the “good”, but it can also lead to going beyond the routine and creating something new.
Follow the link for more:
February 14 through 20
36- Darkening Light, line 5 to 63- After Completion:
A lot of information packed into this reading.
Check out the blog article linked here to delve in!
A lot of information packed into this reading.
Check out the blog article linked here to delve in!
February 7th through 13th, 2021
#56: The Traveler/Wanderer is the Yin phase of its Yang compliment: 55- Abundance/ Fullness, this
can indicate the turn of seasons or the concept of the creative movement of Yin and Yang being such
that one becomes the other- when conditions are full, transformation naturally happens. One thing
follows on another. At the time I’m doing this reading, the small signs of spring are becoming noticeable
all around. The branches on my favorite little dogwood tree are suddenly laden, almost bursting with
buds, not yet ready to open. The grasses in the neighborhood are just now showing a bit greener and
one of my friends recently posted a picture of the first yellow crocus to bloom in her yard. It’s still
extremely cold, yet the inevitability of one season following upon the other in harmonious, universal patterns, is obvious- the same, no matter what the world of humans is up to. Read more by following the link:
can indicate the turn of seasons or the concept of the creative movement of Yin and Yang being such
that one becomes the other- when conditions are full, transformation naturally happens. One thing
follows on another. At the time I’m doing this reading, the small signs of spring are becoming noticeable
all around. The branches on my favorite little dogwood tree are suddenly laden, almost bursting with
buds, not yet ready to open. The grasses in the neighborhood are just now showing a bit greener and
one of my friends recently posted a picture of the first yellow crocus to bloom in her yard. It’s still
extremely cold, yet the inevitability of one season following upon the other in harmonious, universal patterns, is obvious- the same, no matter what the world of humans is up to. Read more by following the link:
January 31 through February 6, 2021
24 "Fu"- Return,
changing lines 1 and 6, transforms to
23- Splitting Apart
"At its simplest- we have energies that are like right after the new moon; just a sliver of returning light. It is a time of hope after darkness has pushed out the light but has not extinguished it; it come back on a cycle. However, the light is still fragile and has to be cultivated and tended to or the dark forces can prevail again."
Read more by tapping link:
changing lines 1 and 6, transforms to
23- Splitting Apart
"At its simplest- we have energies that are like right after the new moon; just a sliver of returning light. It is a time of hope after darkness has pushed out the light but has not extinguished it; it come back on a cycle. However, the light is still fragile and has to be cultivated and tended to or the dark forces can prevail again."
Read more by tapping link:
January 24 through 30 2021
56- Lu- Soujourner/Traveller with change in line 1; transforming to
30: Li- Fire (Clinging Fire)
To learn about this reading, click the link below.
30: Li- Fire (Clinging Fire)
To learn about this reading, click the link below.
January 17-23, 2021
1- Qian- The Creative (God/ Dao/ Source), with changing lines: 1,3,4
transforms to
59- Huan-Dispersion (The Flood)
The way I am reading this is:
Heavenly creative vitality manifest as powerful Wind, or, Heaven's Will enacted through a force like the Wind blowing across the Waters. Maybe psychic revelations.
The energies of the coming week may demonstrate the power of the proverbial “winds of change”. These are necessary (maybe karmic) changes that have been in the works for a while (this is furthering and perseverance in one sense). On a more personal level, the virtuous one or noble cause, due to innate, Heavenly strength, keeps going (this is furthering and perseverance in another sense). The full promises of justice, peace and love can only be enacted in the Divine way and in synchronicity with sacred timing. When the Divine speaks, it is enacted with the sweeping force of the natural Wind. You can brace yourself, but you may not know how everything will settle once the gale is over. In the meantime, this reading offers a bird's eye view of the possibilities.
Heavenly effects on the sacred fields of the body- highest mind/self; human/ temporal Heart/mind (personality) and the personality’s effects on the body’s health and processes all have a hand in who we are and what we do. The human temple (through which the Divine, or the higher self also speaks) is ready to be approached; it is traditional to make an offering, even if you feel unready, blown apart, or blown away. Decide what within yourself you should let go of- if you can, let go of energies, people or situations that trigger hatefulness, spite, division, and attitudes of superiority within you. Get down to the work you are destined for, especially that work that unites toward a common goal.
Lines:
I learned originally that the lines of the original hexagram were the only important ones, but I have found in practice, sometimes the lines of the transformed hexagram apply as well, though not always. I have combined the two in this interpretation, because they do seem related to each other.
1) Hidden Dragon- do not act (timing)// “He brings help with the strength of a horse. Good fortune.” (recovering from mistakes)
It would have been nice for many of the problems that exist to have been handled before they became this big, since this is the best way to resolve a problem. The human mind conceives of an idea to exert power, but it isn’t yet a reality. The problem here is not having confidence about being ready or not feeling powerful enough to make change. It is also that the proper time has not been until now, and these are major changes that are being considered. Knowing timing is as important as knowing what to do and how to do it.
3) “All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall, his mind is still beset with cares. Danger. No blame." (focus on real self not social self) // “He dissolves his 'self'. No remorse.” (removing blinders)
Something new is forming that is inspirational within and there is an indication that it is inspiring others, too. Maybe you notice that you are seeming to have an influence on other people- don’t be distracted by that ego. Stay on point- remember that this is a time of Divine Creation in which you are playing a part and work on the ways your own inner barriers have created walls that keep others outside. Yes, this is a type of self-sacrifice, but it is worth it.
4) “Wavering flight over the depths. No blame.” (role- attitude) // “He dissolves his bond with his group. Supreme good fortune. Dispersion leads in turn to accumulation. This is something that ordinary men do not think of." (releasing ties that bind, mentally or communally)
Wavering over the depths gives me a vision of a bird flying over the scenery and trying to decide from the exalted view where, or if, to land. It’s good to pause, because despite all you can see, it isn’t easy to know where or how to be. Decisions need to be made related to the outer world- fearlessness is required, which will be difficult. Listen for the inner voice as you act- do you stay private and do your work as a sage, or will you be public as a follower, an influential leader/ hero? Either is good, both are not possible at this moment and if you choose carelessly or in a cowardly way, you may make the wrong choice, even though paradoxically- there isn’t a wrong choice. You may have to give up alliances that are serving your personal interests right now for something that is bigger than all of you together. Doing this takes courage, insight and will to action that is very uncommon, but to achieve unity of common cause it is perhaps the most important thing you could examine and do.
Interpretation Sources selected for this week:
(all available online and referenced below): Wilhelm-Baynes (from the Virtual Yarrow Stalks- Russell Cotrell); LiSe (Yijing) and Roger Sessions (The Christian I Ching):
Description:
1- The Creative: “The Creative works sublime success, furthering through perseverance.”
[Lise: Creation. Eminent (expansion) Harvest (divination) “The great image says: Qian moves. A noble one owing to his own strength never ceases.]
[CIC: Genesis 1:1-3- God declares “Let there be light” Also, “…a wind from God swept over the face of the waters; the earth was a formless void/ darkness covered the face of the deep…” Ultimate creative (pure creative energy) the Ground of all that is; space and time are “…themselves only manifestations of its creativity. Time to create great works, draw on the strength of God; deliver on God’s promise of justice, peace and love; persevere, anticipate success.”]
Changing Lines
(Qian/ The Creative):
1) “Hidden dragon, do not act.” (The Virtual Yarrow Stalks)
[Lise: Heaven turns to Wind (idea in the mind or inner world)- “The most important part of any action is knowing when the time says not to act.”]
[CIC: a hidden force concealed, but true to its nature/calling; not a time to worry about conventional definitions of success; patience is called for- knowing that God’s work happens in God’s timing and the time is coming.]
3) “All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall, his mind is still beset with cares. Danger. No blame."
[Lise: Heaven turns into Fire (inspiration in inner world): “Whatever one shows or does or even thinks should be genuinely and truly himself. One oneself appearing is shining. Associate with people of value, good and bad are both contagious.”]
[CIC: “… indicates a new sphere of influence. Fame is increasing, and people come with hopeful hearts…One must not be seduced by Ego (that is fed by popular adoration, ambition, desire for power) Stay focused, centered, and open to guidance from wisdom. No worries- good things are going to be accomplished- stay on point.]
4) “Wavering flight over the depths. No blame.”
[Lise: Heaven turns to Wind (into the outer world)- Somehow capering over the abyss. Without fault. Trigram Heaven turns into Wind. Fearlessness can accomplish miracles. As soon as a stuntman feels fear, he is in danger. Fearlessness is the core of the hero...Hex.1.4 is about what fearlessness accomplishes.”]
[CIC: A moment of choice where either choice could be right. Public hero or Private holy (sage). Listen for the quiet voice of wisdom to determine which one.]
Changing Lines- Huan/ Dispersion (fan yao- which are not always considered in a reading- I always read these, but with caution, as they may not apply)
1) “He brings help with the strength of a horse. Good fortune.”
[Lise: Auspicious. Much better than solving problems once they happen is dissolving them before they get a chance to happen. Stay within the scope of your abilities,” as trying to go beyond, “…is the main reason for things to go wrong.”]
[CIC: The best time for dispersal is in the beginning before problems begin to manifest. Misunderstandings and mistrust should decisively disperse right away.]
3) “He dissolves his 'self'. No remorse.”
[Lise: Do not get hooked to what you represent; that is the wrong way of believing in yourself, because it is believing through others’ eyes.”]
[CIC: This describes a time past which the work of dispersal is difficult- rational thought is no longer possible. It is a time when personal desires should be set aside; remove any internal barriers that you have created against others. Self-sacrifice of this magnitude is necessary to achieve this goal.]
4) “He dissolves his bond with his group. Supreme good fortune. Dispersion leads in turn to accumulation. This is something that ordinary men do not think of.”
[Lise: Disperse one’s group, great auspiciousness. Dispersion finds accumulation. Common people would never think of this. When a group (or your inner group of ideas) has no strict rules or borders, no dogmas, it is open for many people and for creativity. Trust others to take responsibility themselves, and reckon with their way of thinking, then existing contacts will improve, and many new contacts are made possible.”]
[CIC: The recommendation of this line is to disperse the short sided- interests and alliances that help in the short term in favor of those that are geared to the long term. This requires impeccable self-knowledge and the ability to discern beyond short term interests. Not many people can do this, but it’s necessary to achieve the unity of common cause.]
January 10-16, 2021
#23- Splitting Apart; also Stripping
Look at each trigram:
Mountain over Earth – “the high ones make their house peaceful by generosity to the low ones” [the mountain depends on the earth]
Earth below means (you- your inner self): receive and nurture (either giving or receiving); survival and conditions every creature must accept
Mountain above means (others or the outer world, either as it is, or how you are perceiving or being influenced by it): you may not see yourself as big as a mountain, but you do have a solid presence and definite borders (boundaries); keep at bay that which is smaller or not worthy of you (whether other people or your own actions/reactions); be firm, but also generous.
Balanced mountain: You may feel held back right now, but you can use this time to accomplish something valuable- you can give or receive trust and security; watch out for being too stubborn or rigid in your demands (or there are people around you who are this way)
This combination can also indicate the difficulty of having to make hard decisions; letting go so that the future can unfold
Splitting apart is not about speaking out- it is about tending to your own fields, cutting away anything that does not serve, including stripping away obstacles to the truth- examine things to find out why they aren’t working
Things are murky, reality unsure, intrigues and rumors abound. It is the time of illusion, mistrust, deceptions. When you find yourself in such a predicament, it’s okay to step back, hold back and hold on to what gives you solace- what is secure to examine the situation. Be discreet with your words and communication (discretion is the better part of…) This can be a painful time of disillusionment and is generally not a good time to take on something bold; also, don’t jump to conclusions, but do trust your gut. This week’s reading did not include any changing lines, but I am posting the line descriptions from Divination Foundation’s website (paraphrased- see the link for verbatim) for this hexagram to illustrate the themes of Bo, especially considering last week’s events at the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Lines:
1-Slander and intrigue- rats scurrying, undermining the foundation of a house; movement provides fuel for inferior forces at work. (Advice: be patient and brave)
2- Rise of troublesome people continues; no help; angry mobs; (Advice: safeguard by bolting your door; don’t be stubborn, stay away and protect yourself)
3- It might be the time to end old relationships that don’t serve your highest good or exert undo negativity. One way to do it is to make known who you are loyal to despite opposition- even if it ends some relationships, it is the right thing to do (Advice: follow the change that is necessary for growth)
4- If things have not been good for you, know that suffering will pass. This very well might be the bottom of barrel, but things won’t get any worse.
5- What is inferior will ultimately weaken, especially as the forces of deception must yield to the superior force of truth. The tide is turning and when it does, those who have waited for this outcome will prevail. (Advice: rally support for your position)
6- The time of disintegrating influence is coming to a close; negative forces have expended themselves- in an attempt to destroy good, the evil ultimately destroy themselves. The decay leftover will nourish the seeds of growth. (Advice: use the fresh energy of hope to nourish your growth)
Interesting take using Christian perspectives and scriptures:
https://christianiching.org/hexagram23
“He [King Nebuchadnezzar] burned the house of the Lord, the king’s house, and all the houses of Jerusalem; every great house he burned down...The bronze pillars that were in the house of the Lord, as well as the stands and the bronze sea that were in the house of the Lord, the Chaldeans broke in pieces, and carried the bronze to Babylon. They took away the pots, the shovels, the snuffers, the dishes for incense, and all the bronze vessels used in the temple service, as well as the firepans and the basins. What was made of gold the captain of the guard took away for the gold, and what was made of silver, for the silver. —2 Kings 25:8–15
Meaning is like what happened during the destruction of Solomon’s temple.
Look at each trigram:
Mountain over Earth – “the high ones make their house peaceful by generosity to the low ones” [the mountain depends on the earth]
Earth below means (you- your inner self): receive and nurture (either giving or receiving); survival and conditions every creature must accept
Mountain above means (others or the outer world, either as it is, or how you are perceiving or being influenced by it): you may not see yourself as big as a mountain, but you do have a solid presence and definite borders (boundaries); keep at bay that which is smaller or not worthy of you (whether other people or your own actions/reactions); be firm, but also generous.
Balanced mountain: You may feel held back right now, but you can use this time to accomplish something valuable- you can give or receive trust and security; watch out for being too stubborn or rigid in your demands (or there are people around you who are this way)
This combination can also indicate the difficulty of having to make hard decisions; letting go so that the future can unfold
Splitting apart is not about speaking out- it is about tending to your own fields, cutting away anything that does not serve, including stripping away obstacles to the truth- examine things to find out why they aren’t working
Things are murky, reality unsure, intrigues and rumors abound. It is the time of illusion, mistrust, deceptions. When you find yourself in such a predicament, it’s okay to step back, hold back and hold on to what gives you solace- what is secure to examine the situation. Be discreet with your words and communication (discretion is the better part of…) This can be a painful time of disillusionment and is generally not a good time to take on something bold; also, don’t jump to conclusions, but do trust your gut. This week’s reading did not include any changing lines, but I am posting the line descriptions from Divination Foundation’s website (paraphrased- see the link for verbatim) for this hexagram to illustrate the themes of Bo, especially considering last week’s events at the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Lines:
1-Slander and intrigue- rats scurrying, undermining the foundation of a house; movement provides fuel for inferior forces at work. (Advice: be patient and brave)
2- Rise of troublesome people continues; no help; angry mobs; (Advice: safeguard by bolting your door; don’t be stubborn, stay away and protect yourself)
3- It might be the time to end old relationships that don’t serve your highest good or exert undo negativity. One way to do it is to make known who you are loyal to despite opposition- even if it ends some relationships, it is the right thing to do (Advice: follow the change that is necessary for growth)
4- If things have not been good for you, know that suffering will pass. This very well might be the bottom of barrel, but things won’t get any worse.
5- What is inferior will ultimately weaken, especially as the forces of deception must yield to the superior force of truth. The tide is turning and when it does, those who have waited for this outcome will prevail. (Advice: rally support for your position)
6- The time of disintegrating influence is coming to a close; negative forces have expended themselves- in an attempt to destroy good, the evil ultimately destroy themselves. The decay leftover will nourish the seeds of growth. (Advice: use the fresh energy of hope to nourish your growth)
Interesting take using Christian perspectives and scriptures:
https://christianiching.org/hexagram23
“He [King Nebuchadnezzar] burned the house of the Lord, the king’s house, and all the houses of Jerusalem; every great house he burned down...The bronze pillars that were in the house of the Lord, as well as the stands and the bronze sea that were in the house of the Lord, the Chaldeans broke in pieces, and carried the bronze to Babylon. They took away the pots, the shovels, the snuffers, the dishes for incense, and all the bronze vessels used in the temple service, as well as the firepans and the basins. What was made of gold the captain of the guard took away for the gold, and what was made of silver, for the silver. —2 Kings 25:8–15
Meaning is like what happened during the destruction of Solomon’s temple.
January 3-9, 2021
For this week's reading, my source is the Divination Foundation’s (DF) I Ching- linked below. Their explanations are modern, short and sweet; also accurate in terms of pertaining well to the situation that you have questioned the oracle about.
Hexagram #36: Ming Yi
Kun (Earth) over Li (Fire)- some titles given this hexagram are: Hiding Brightness, Injury to Light, Concealment of Light, Darkening of the Light
Idea: forces of darkness have hidden the light, or it is time to conceal your light in the face of darkness; or sometimes simply the timing is at night or at a darker time of year. Or, all three, as happened when I drew this hexagram, it was wintertime- January 4, 2020 at the beginning of a tumultuous week politically, during a pandemic when we have all been required to isolate.
Interpretation paraphrased from D. F:
“When the light goes down, it may be wise to become invisible. Imagine fresh darkness, the period just after sunset or after a 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 now.
When the darkness of stupidity reigns in human affairs, it is best to keep your brilliance “hidden under a bushel basket.” Let your thoughts and efforts be quiet, self-contained, and protected, as much as possible, from harmful influences.
Don’t let yourself be swept along on the current of conventional wisdom when too many dangerous uncertainties exist. Try not to become too depressed or anxious; this period, too, shall pass. Just endure it for now and preserve your self-confidence, while 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 stimulate feelings of regret or longing, eating away your inner strength.”
Now is the time to be cautious and reserved. Control yourself. Do not needlessly stimulate forces of opposition. During dark, unsettled periods, it is best to step gingerly around the sleeping dogs.”
Hexagram #36: Ming Yi
Kun (Earth) over Li (Fire)- some titles given this hexagram are: Hiding Brightness, Injury to Light, Concealment of Light, Darkening of the Light
Idea: forces of darkness have hidden the light, or it is time to conceal your light in the face of darkness; or sometimes simply the timing is at night or at a darker time of year. Or, all three, as happened when I drew this hexagram, it was wintertime- January 4, 2020 at the beginning of a tumultuous week politically, during a pandemic when we have all been required to isolate.
Interpretation paraphrased from D. F:
“When the light goes down, it may be wise to become invisible. Imagine fresh darkness, the period just after sunset or after a 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 now.
When the darkness of stupidity reigns in human affairs, it is best to keep your brilliance “hidden under a bushel basket.” Let your thoughts and efforts be quiet, self-contained, and protected, as much as possible, from harmful influences.
Don’t let yourself be swept along on the current of conventional wisdom when too many dangerous uncertainties exist. Try not to become too depressed or anxious; this period, too, shall pass. Just endure it for now and preserve your self-confidence, while 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 stimulate feelings of regret or longing, eating away your inner strength.”
Now is the time to be cautious and reserved. Control yourself. Do not needlessly stimulate forces of opposition. During dark, unsettled periods, it is best to step gingerly around the sleeping dogs.”