Thanks in advance for sharing your insights. I am in the midst of a documentary project with S and she went off the rails on a power trip during the six day shoot we completed today. Making myself, the crew and all sorts of people uncomfortable. I know her heart is in the right place but Ive never seen this crazy control freak part of her. Im not wanting to escalate and hoping we can keep our cool for one more day and that shell see her problematic ways. I have done my best to admit to mine. Overall, I feel like its the power dynamics of the moment and that they will shift in my favor though I dont want to play hardball as it were. Shes quite a bit younger than me but had the money to find this first leg of the project. Id like advice on restoring the harmony for the long term good of the project. Thanks.
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The future of my collaboration with S on this documentary project. 21.2.4 to 41.
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Apartment Seeking 16.1.2.6, and 35.1.4.6
Hello! I am looking for advice on my reading that has me stumped.
I am currently apartment hunting to leave my current housing situation with a former partner that is keeping me from getting quality alone time, and from moving on romantically. I have not told my ex that I am apartment hunting, as we are friends and he is interested in continuing to live together (Yikes, it's tricky).
I've seen one apartment that has reasonable rent, nice space, and seems like a winner, but it's the first apartment I've seen.
Here were my questions to Yi:
What will be the outcome of moving to the apartment at [address]?
16.1.2.6 > 38
I am really not sure of these lines. I am enthusiastic, but perhaps line 16.1 is telling me to not be too excited about this apartment? The rest about being firm as a rock, and deluded enthusiasm, I really don't understand and can't wrap my mind around what Yi is trying to tell me. Changing to 38 -- maybe this apartment will be rented to someone else soon anyway?
Should I pursue this apartment, or keep searching?
35.1.4.6 > 24
This reading indicates progress, but obstructed progress, erratic progress, and dangerous progress.
Taking the two readings together, I am not sure I understand if Yi is telling me to go for apartment #1 or keep searching.
Any help or insight anyone can give will be greatly appreciated.
I am currently apartment hunting to leave my current housing situation with a former partner that is keeping me from getting quality alone time, and from moving on romantically. I have not told my ex that I am apartment hunting, as we are friends and he is interested in continuing to live together (Yikes, it's tricky).
I've seen one apartment that has reasonable rent, nice space, and seems like a winner, but it's the first apartment I've seen.
Here were my questions to Yi:
What will be the outcome of moving to the apartment at [address]?
16.1.2.6 > 38
I am really not sure of these lines. I am enthusiastic, but perhaps line 16.1 is telling me to not be too excited about this apartment? The rest about being firm as a rock, and deluded enthusiasm, I really don't understand and can't wrap my mind around what Yi is trying to tell me. Changing to 38 -- maybe this apartment will be rented to someone else soon anyway?
Should I pursue this apartment, or keep searching?
35.1.4.6 > 24
This reading indicates progress, but obstructed progress, erratic progress, and dangerous progress.
Taking the two readings together, I am not sure I understand if Yi is telling me to go for apartment #1 or keep searching.
Any help or insight anyone can give will be greatly appreciated.
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51.3 and 51.6 rough time at work - to handle or not?
I am going through a rough patch at work with my boss. I asked the I Ching for advice and got 51.3 and 51.6. This is somewhat confusing to me. Shall I talk to him (as 51.3 would appear to suggest) or avoid doing so (51.6)? For any advice I would be thankful.
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Asked for a new way to respond and got 55.4.5 to 63
Now here is the situation I have been in love with a friend but it was one way feeling I did tell him kept my distance but after a while I decided to keep on my friendship because we were great friends and it was ok till I got those feelings back so I asked the Yi what is a new way to respond to this feeling of love and 55.4.5 63 was the answer and I am confused???
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First step to start a business 35 to 53
Greetings friends,
"What is the first step to start the business of my own?"
I got hexagram 35.3.4.5 to 53.
With 3 changing lines, I looked for the middle line: a missing ingredient.
Makes sense to me, I am contemplating on the business itself, what would I like it to be?
Combining it with the resulting hexagram I read as:
"Take your time for finding the missing ingredient".
(Well so proud of myself to figure it out this far :D )
But then, how could I relate the whole thing to the main theme, hexagram 35?
Please join,
P.
:hugs:
"What is the first step to start the business of my own?"
I got hexagram 35.3.4.5 to 53.
With 3 changing lines, I looked for the middle line: a missing ingredient.
Makes sense to me, I am contemplating on the business itself, what would I like it to be?
Combining it with the resulting hexagram I read as:
"Take your time for finding the missing ingredient".
(Well so proud of myself to figure it out this far :D )
But then, how could I relate the whole thing to the main theme, hexagram 35?
Please join,
P.
:hugs:
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Medical treatment for depression? 52.2 to 18
Since I quit smoking several years ago, I get a mild seasonal depression in Spring and, or Autumn. I start feeling some anxiety and worry a lot. I get upset easier and also find it harder to concentrate. Its nothing I think could be too serious, like it doesnt interfere with work or family life. So I dont see the important stuff compromised. I am a bit afraid of psychiatrists, because of the drugs they sometimes prescribe very easily (IMO), and their side effects. (I had a close friend trying to commit suicide on the 5th day of antidepressant, she was desperate, we were lucky to stop her, turned out to be a side effect - Truth is she was never suicide prone. So I have some very serious 'respect' for antidepressant drugs). Instead, going out for walks in the woods, meeting friends and family more often and vitamins easily help me get back on track. Still, it got me wondering so I asked How would it turn out if I reached out for medical treatment for depression?" The Iching answered: 52.2 to 18. I interpreted 52.2 to stay still, not see a doctor. Its nothing drugs can solve. 18. Look for the hidden cause. Maybe therapy with no drugs? It makes more sense to me to look for the hidden cause of a problem and take it from there, than it does to treat the symptoms. However, is this me wanting to read it it this way? Would you agree that that is what the Iching is answering? I dont get the heart here in 52.2. Can anybody help me with this reading please :) Thanks
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Job offer pay negotiations 41.2.3.5 vs 50.5.6 ... which one's better?
I am in the middle of negotiating a job move. The hourly rate I'm proposing to counter offer is $37 or higher. So I asked "what if I counter offer with $37/hr" and received 41.2.3.5 > 37.
Based on the essays/forums I could find on this site for interpretation, 41 Decrease sounds like I would have less, though overall no true net loss. "What is below is decreased to the benefit of what is above... a decrease in the prosperity of the people in favor of the government is out and out decrease." It sounds like it wouldn't be a true loss, however I'd be decreasing my prosperity in favor of the business?...which nonetheless brings good fortune per the judgement.
The first two changing lines 2 and 3 sound like it's not good. To undertake brings misfortune, and then somehow 3 people are involved and jealousy arises. I suppose the 3-person situation could represent myself, this job offer, and my current boss...maybe? The last line, line 5, regardless sounds incredibly fortunate. Like the Divine will step in and provide good fortune and luck is on my side.
The relating hex 37 of Family could be me relating to this answer in terms of family needs and how my finances are involved in that. I have 2 kids and no financial support aside from myself, so making sure I have enough to feed/shelter/etc them is top priority in these negotiations.
But then I asked, "what if I counter offer $38/hr" and received 50.5.6 > 28.
50 The Cauldron suggests supreme fortune and success. Even the Image commentary seems auspicious "Fire over wood: The image of The Cauldron. Thus the superior man consolidates his fate by making his position correct."
Lines 5 and 6 seem very auspicious as well. "The ting has yellow handles, golden carrying rings. Perseverance furthers," and "The ting has rings of jade. Great good fortune. Nothing that would not act to further" suggest to me my attitude will bring strong and able helpers, but I must beware of the need to hold strong in my position.
The relating hexagram 28 Preponderance of the Great sounds like I'm relating to this reading as a temporary situation? Although my attitude towards this amount is correct and in alignment?...I really struggle with the relating hex's.
Any help interpretation of comparing what counter offering with $37 vs $38, I greatly appreciate. Thanks!
Based on the essays/forums I could find on this site for interpretation, 41 Decrease sounds like I would have less, though overall no true net loss. "What is below is decreased to the benefit of what is above... a decrease in the prosperity of the people in favor of the government is out and out decrease." It sounds like it wouldn't be a true loss, however I'd be decreasing my prosperity in favor of the business?...which nonetheless brings good fortune per the judgement.
The first two changing lines 2 and 3 sound like it's not good. To undertake brings misfortune, and then somehow 3 people are involved and jealousy arises. I suppose the 3-person situation could represent myself, this job offer, and my current boss...maybe? The last line, line 5, regardless sounds incredibly fortunate. Like the Divine will step in and provide good fortune and luck is on my side.
The relating hex 37 of Family could be me relating to this answer in terms of family needs and how my finances are involved in that. I have 2 kids and no financial support aside from myself, so making sure I have enough to feed/shelter/etc them is top priority in these negotiations.
But then I asked, "what if I counter offer $38/hr" and received 50.5.6 > 28.
50 The Cauldron suggests supreme fortune and success. Even the Image commentary seems auspicious "Fire over wood: The image of The Cauldron. Thus the superior man consolidates his fate by making his position correct."
Lines 5 and 6 seem very auspicious as well. "The ting has yellow handles, golden carrying rings. Perseverance furthers," and "The ting has rings of jade. Great good fortune. Nothing that would not act to further" suggest to me my attitude will bring strong and able helpers, but I must beware of the need to hold strong in my position.
The relating hexagram 28 Preponderance of the Great sounds like I'm relating to this reading as a temporary situation? Although my attitude towards this amount is correct and in alignment?...I really struggle with the relating hex's.
Any help interpretation of comparing what counter offering with $37 vs $38, I greatly appreciate. Thanks!
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New relationship reading. Can someone please help to interpret the reading.
My question was - "my sister has found a suitable man for me. Will he have the intention to get to know me?" and Yi's answer, 37.3.5 to 27.Can someone please interpret the answer.
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Hex 22.5>37, relationship and recurrent 37
Good evening.There is a recurrent hexagram in my throws and I can not understand its meaning, the 37. I had a story a bit suffering from me with a guy who did not want to engage but with which things went on without ever talking about it , for my part because I was afraid of what would happen, for its part I still did not understand it.Now the story is over but I still have so many doubts and guilt, he has gone away, I do not know why and I'm sick because I wanted to keep at least one friendship.I asked Yi "when you feel ready I can expect a return?" 37 fixed"What is the block between us?" 27.3.5> 37I recently met a friend of hers who asked me to organize something together (she does not know anything about the story) and I asked"Should I expect this meeting to bring something positive between me and him?" 22.5> 37I do not understand what the 37 wants to tell me, I have to understand what is my role in all this? of the 22 I have read that it is not very positive for the relationships ... some help? thanks
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the same answer 3 times
Could you please help to understand what the answer means? Iching tries to warn me for something but I can't understand. I received the same answer for different topics.
1) What's going to happen with the business this year? 36,3,4/51
2) Is X a lost case 36,3,4/ 51
3) Will I have a relationship till the end of the year?
Ok, line 4 scares me and shock. I don't like the answer at all. Is it so bad as it seems?
1) What's going to happen with the business this year? 36,3,4/51
2) Is X a lost case 36,3,4/ 51
3) Will I have a relationship till the end of the year?
36,3,4/ 51
Ok, line 4 scares me and shock. I don't like the answer at all. Is it so bad as it seems?
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28.2.3.4.5 > 2 Frustrated desire
It has been several years since my last relationship ended and this isn't the state of affairs I've consciously wanted to be in. It has been difficult and painful to feel isolated for so long in this area of my personal life. I have felt a building frustration with this lack human companionship and intimacy and a deep longing for a sweetheart/girlfriend/partner. By far, this has been the focus of most of my questions to the I Ching.
Lately, I've gotten a number of what seem like positive hexagrams that have included 19 (Approach), 8 (Union), 5 (Calculated Waiting) and others that suggested to me favorable changed are in the works. However, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to be patient and the more time that passes, the harder it is to defer to 'fate' as quite a few hexagrams have included.
Recently, I asked about the situation with a particular woman I'm attracted to and have gotten to be friends with and got 8.1.4.5 > 51. This seemed quite positive, but I don't see any real spark from her and so asked again about romantic potential and got 30.1.3 > 35. Not clear, but the 30.3 seems to suggest romance isn't likely and I find myself feeling down and frustrated and angry about all this. This morning, I thought I needed to put all the I Ching volumes away and stop asking anything and just accept 'this is my life.'
Well, I didn't put the books away and when I got home from work I asked 'What would be valuable for me to consider about my desire for a relationship?'
I got 28.2.3.4.5 > 2. That certainly seems intense and apt for the pressure I'm feeling inside.
In the archives I found a comment by Bradford highlighting that this cast has all of the Yang lines changing with the result being all Yin, the archetypal Receptive. Again, it seems very apt that my frustration would be showing up with all elements of the 'ridgepole' transforming and it certainly does not seem to encourage trying to 'make something happen' in this situation.
So, I asked 'How can I be more receptive regarding my desire for a relationship?'
The result was 59.1.2 > 42.
I'm touched by how pertinent this seems to my situation and see the advise of 59 to be that of Wind Over Water, 'gentleness and persistence' with 42 seeming to be very positive.
The two casts today seem right on point, although I'm left with the 'how' question. How do I become more receptive with an extremely stressed ridgepole from 28? Some texts suggest that 59 calls for meditation or music or outward expressions of a gentle flow and I will take that to heart. Perhaps asking for others' input here is a small part of that as well.
Anyway, I get the message that an inner shift is likely needed in order for an outer change to occur in this situation and I'm not sure what my question is - but I welcome any observations you might have. I also appreciate being able to write this down and express here, albeit essentially anonymously.
Thanks very much.
Lately, I've gotten a number of what seem like positive hexagrams that have included 19 (Approach), 8 (Union), 5 (Calculated Waiting) and others that suggested to me favorable changed are in the works. However, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to be patient and the more time that passes, the harder it is to defer to 'fate' as quite a few hexagrams have included.
Recently, I asked about the situation with a particular woman I'm attracted to and have gotten to be friends with and got 8.1.4.5 > 51. This seemed quite positive, but I don't see any real spark from her and so asked again about romantic potential and got 30.1.3 > 35. Not clear, but the 30.3 seems to suggest romance isn't likely and I find myself feeling down and frustrated and angry about all this. This morning, I thought I needed to put all the I Ching volumes away and stop asking anything and just accept 'this is my life.'
Well, I didn't put the books away and when I got home from work I asked 'What would be valuable for me to consider about my desire for a relationship?'
I got 28.2.3.4.5 > 2. That certainly seems intense and apt for the pressure I'm feeling inside.
In the archives I found a comment by Bradford highlighting that this cast has all of the Yang lines changing with the result being all Yin, the archetypal Receptive. Again, it seems very apt that my frustration would be showing up with all elements of the 'ridgepole' transforming and it certainly does not seem to encourage trying to 'make something happen' in this situation.
So, I asked 'How can I be more receptive regarding my desire for a relationship?'
The result was 59.1.2 > 42.
I'm touched by how pertinent this seems to my situation and see the advise of 59 to be that of Wind Over Water, 'gentleness and persistence' with 42 seeming to be very positive.
The two casts today seem right on point, although I'm left with the 'how' question. How do I become more receptive with an extremely stressed ridgepole from 28? Some texts suggest that 59 calls for meditation or music or outward expressions of a gentle flow and I will take that to heart. Perhaps asking for others' input here is a small part of that as well.
Anyway, I get the message that an inner shift is likely needed in order for an outer change to occur in this situation and I'm not sure what my question is - but I welcome any observations you might have. I also appreciate being able to write this down and express here, albeit essentially anonymously.
Thanks very much.
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Shall I tell them the truth about my heart? Hex 12.4>20
hello everyone, hope you are having a great day! Two new guys joined our team. Due to a happy twist of fate one toxic girl (the worst one) went on a long holiday, so I was able to set up a nice relationship with both of them. There is hope, at least for me, that they won't be against me. Recently our management noticed them that they will need to work long weekends, two in every month. I am not working the weekends due to still recovering from my heart disease (that supposedly only my team leaders know). They don't know why I am not working them but this fact might cause a stir in the team. I asked the I ching three questions whether I should:
Hex 59.6>29 not say anything about why I'm not working the weekends
Hex 55.1>62 say that I am not working the weekends but dont specify the reason
Hex 12.4>20 say that I am not working the weekends and say the truth about the heart issue
I believe that the best option is the last one- explain the truth (and risk some gossip) but that this will consolidate my relation with them. Can you guys comment on this? :)
Quote:
Hex 59.6>29 not say anything about why I'm not working the weekends
Quote:
Hex 55.1>62 say that I am not working the weekends but dont specify the reason
Quote:
Hex 12.4>20 say that I am not working the weekends and say the truth about the heart issue
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Hex 1. 2. 6 - 49 Complete Life Change Soon
Background - widowed from young age with 2 children. Children grown and left home now. I am left in the 4 bedroom house I have lived in for the past 32 yr but now I realise it is too large plus it's too expensive to keep so I need to sell up and move. (To complicate matters I have Aspergers so change really, really upsets me) I asked ' What will my living situation be once I sell my house " and received Hex 1 with lines 2 and 6 changing to Hex 49It sounds to me that selling is the best thing but I still don't understand what conditions I will be living in or underHex 49 seems to be talking directly to me as just 2 weeks ago someone was talking to me about my FB page (I use it as a blog and write about my travels) I was telling her that all my life I have tried to conform to what is expected and people have never understood me.I said that I write my page exactly how my mind thinks and sees things and folk think it's brilliant as Anyway - sorry that was so long but I really need to get an inkling on my future living arrangement
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Hex 1. 2. 6 - 49 Complete Life Change Soon
Background - widowed from young age with 2 children. Children grown and left home now. I am left in the 4 bedroom house I have lived in for the past 32 yr but now I realise it is too large plus it's too expensive to keep so I need to sell up and move. (To complicate matters I have Aspergers so change really, really upsets me) .I asked ' What will my living situation be once I sell my house " and received Hex 1 with lines 2 and 6 changing to Hex 49. It sounds to me that selling is the best thing but I still don't understand what conditions I will be living in or under. Hex 49 seems to be talking directly to me as just 2 weeks ago someone was talking to me about my FB page (I use it as a blog and write about my travels) .I was telling her that all my life I have tried to conform to what is expected and people have never understood me. I said that instead of conforming I write my page exactly how my mind thinks and how I see things and folk now think it's brilliant .Anyway - sorry that was so long but I really need to get an inkling on my future living arrangement
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Should I start aggressively looking for another job
This the question I asked and I got 64.2 to 35. I'm assuming I should wait.
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Will it be posted online- Hexagram 31 unchanging
Hi everyone, I have a bit of a dilemma and confusion surrounding a situation. I recently worked with a photographer and he took some great photos for my profile. I asked him if it was okay if I could post the photos he took on my Instagram and tag him, and he said no. Which was strange considering how he said the photos turned out great and he seemed happy with the work. So I asked the IC if he was going to post the photos up on his website or his Instagram instead, since he seems to be adverse to me tagging him on my page. I received 31 unchanging. This is usually a good hexagram but I dont know how this relates to my situation. I sure hope he does post my photos up on his website.
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Interpreting a Dream 12.4.5 to 23
Question: How does my dream shed light on our interaction?
I would very much appreciate any insight- as stripping away can be read in myriad ways. Here's the background:
In real life, I had a chance meeting with an important curator. She had already been looking at a collaborative project that I had done- in order to curate the work into a specific show. In our chance encounter I described another project that I was working on independently(beginning stages) and she invited me to show her some work from this project. This was vulnerable for me- the project is very near to my heart- but an exciting opportunity. I sent her links and written information about the project. She acknowledged initial receipt of my email, but never responded anything about the work.
Several months have passed. I feel that I exposed myself unfortunately by sharing the work prematurely- as if it shows my inexperience. Last night I went to sleep asking, why did she never respond?
Here's the DREAM:
I dreamed of an encounter with her in an apt.like place- It was almost like we were making out and then she vomited all over the floor. It was embarrassing and strange for both of us (there is no sexual attraction in real life so I take this metaphorically as a crossing of boundaries). She had to leave quickly to attend to a social/work gathering. I moved to clean up the mess. Later I saw her in a larger room that had other people, and it wasn't that awkward but more distant.
I'm not sure if I should read this cast as stripping away of the association with her altogether, or if it is a removal of the blockage in the communication. It's possible that the reading is telling me- forget about her- pick yourself up and move on with your enthusiasm to continue your project. Any thoughts?
I would very much appreciate any insight- as stripping away can be read in myriad ways. Here's the background:
In real life, I had a chance meeting with an important curator. She had already been looking at a collaborative project that I had done- in order to curate the work into a specific show. In our chance encounter I described another project that I was working on independently(beginning stages) and she invited me to show her some work from this project. This was vulnerable for me- the project is very near to my heart- but an exciting opportunity. I sent her links and written information about the project. She acknowledged initial receipt of my email, but never responded anything about the work.
Several months have passed. I feel that I exposed myself unfortunately by sharing the work prematurely- as if it shows my inexperience. Last night I went to sleep asking, why did she never respond?
Here's the DREAM:
I dreamed of an encounter with her in an apt.like place- It was almost like we were making out and then she vomited all over the floor. It was embarrassing and strange for both of us (there is no sexual attraction in real life so I take this metaphorically as a crossing of boundaries). She had to leave quickly to attend to a social/work gathering. I moved to clean up the mess. Later I saw her in a larger room that had other people, and it wasn't that awkward but more distant.
I'm not sure if I should read this cast as stripping away of the association with her altogether, or if it is a removal of the blockage in the communication. It's possible that the reading is telling me- forget about her- pick yourself up and move on with your enthusiasm to continue your project. Any thoughts?
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Hex 49.1.2.5 to 32
I asked yi - will me and N date, please give me insights.
It seems that something will happen between us but unsure about yellow hide line. I dont know what lasting indicates. Please help me with interpretation fellow i ching users.
It seems that something will happen between us but unsure about yellow hide line. I dont know what lasting indicates. Please help me with interpretation fellow i ching users.
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Hexagram 7.2.6 to Hexagram 23
Hello! Im fairly new to this form of divination (and this site) and was looking for some insight into a casting. I asked a general question What am I meant to do as a career? just to see what I would get. Awhile ago, a career path I pursued didnt pan out. The job Im working at now is a decent stepping stone for a resume, but its ultimately not where I want to be and is becoming increasingly toxic. My goal is to pursue a career in policing. With Hexagram 7.2.6, I feel that may be a rather literal reference to the policing pursuit. Working as a team, building relations with others, working with people with a special skill set, etc. But the hexagram changing to 23 is confusing. Does this mean that pursuing this will not work out and Ill have to walk away from the situation? Or is it perhaps saying that I need to remove myself from my current job to get to where I want to be? I have a hard time relating the resulting hexagram to the primary. Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks!
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Blog post: Divination is a relationship
Talking with Yi is a conversation – and with regular readings, we develop a relationship with the oracle. We habitually talk about it as a person: ‘Yi’ rather than ‘the Yi’; something we can ‘get to know’ rather than just ‘learn’; something that speaks. (The roots of the word ‘oracle’ are in Latin orare, ‘to speak’. Oracles can talk.)
The reason Yi speaks is, of course, because it has words of its own. Tarot speaks through images; Yi speaks through the patterns we call hexagrams, but also in words, like we do. I think this leads to a different experience of divination: having a conversation with a person, versus applying a system. Yes, just as with tarot, there’s a system of symbols to learn and apply, and skills to develop – and beyond that, Yi also has something to say. Yes, there’s water above heaven (clouds in the sky, inner constancy in the face of outer uncertainty, and so on…) – and also, Yi says, ‘Wait, with truth and confidence…’
Consequently, a lot of good divination advice is also good relationship advice. Talk openly and often; be honest and straightforward. Let no topic be off-limits. Have boundaries: keep your autonomy, don’t become dependent on having Yi tell you what to do. And so on.
Also, of course, we are actually talking to a 3,000 year old book, or something that speaks through the book – and however we conceive of this speaker, it certainly can’t get bunions. Talking with Yi is also not like talking with a human being.
This has a lot of implications. Some of them make it rather like talking to an infinitely wise person, beyond ordinary human limitations: someone who can’t possibly misunderstand your question, but whose ideas of what constitute good or bad fortune might be quite different from your own. However, another is that you will tend to hear Yi speak in your own inner voice.
By ‘inner voice’ I mean both the tone of voice, and also the kind of thing it can say. If your own inner voice is hypercritical, or sarcastic, or sanguine, then your Yi will tend to sound like this, too. Yi is not your inner voice, of course, and it can and will shatter that illusion from time to time and sound unmistakably other. However, it remains true that it’s harder for a pessimist ever to hear Yi being optimistic, or a laid-back character to hear Yi being fiercely critical, or vice versa.
And this is why, even though your relationship with the oracle is an absolutely individual one, and you are the only true authority on the answers you receive, it’s also good to share a reading with another person and listen to their response – because you get to hear the reading speak with a different voice. I’ve had a few I Ching chats with Change Circle members recently, and it seems to me that what I contribute is only partly familiarity and skill with the ‘system’ of how Yi makes meaning; it’s also how I make it possible for people to hear Yi differently. The same kind of thing happens in Clarity’s forums: ‘Here’s how I hear the reading,’ we say. ‘Does that resonate for you?’ And then, perhaps, comes that unmistakable sense of being spoken to.
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The reason Yi speaks is, of course, because it has words of its own. Tarot speaks through images; Yi speaks through the patterns we call hexagrams, but also in words, like we do. I think this leads to a different experience of divination: having a conversation with a person, versus applying a system. Yes, just as with tarot, there’s a system of symbols to learn and apply, and skills to develop – and beyond that, Yi also has something to say. Yes, there’s water above heaven (clouds in the sky, inner constancy in the face of outer uncertainty, and so on…) – and also, Yi says, ‘Wait, with truth and confidence…’
Consequently, a lot of good divination advice is also good relationship advice. Talk openly and often; be honest and straightforward. Let no topic be off-limits. Have boundaries: keep your autonomy, don’t become dependent on having Yi tell you what to do. And so on.
Also, of course, we are actually talking to a 3,000 year old book, or something that speaks through the book – and however we conceive of this speaker, it certainly can’t get bunions. Talking with Yi is also not like talking with a human being.
This has a lot of implications. Some of them make it rather like talking to an infinitely wise person, beyond ordinary human limitations: someone who can’t possibly misunderstand your question, but whose ideas of what constitute good or bad fortune might be quite different from your own. However, another is that you will tend to hear Yi speak in your own inner voice.
By ‘inner voice’ I mean both the tone of voice, and also the kind of thing it can say. If your own inner voice is hypercritical, or sarcastic, or sanguine, then your Yi will tend to sound like this, too. Yi is not your inner voice, of course, and it can and will shatter that illusion from time to time and sound unmistakably other. However, it remains true that it’s harder for a pessimist ever to hear Yi being optimistic, or a laid-back character to hear Yi being fiercely critical, or vice versa.
And this is why, even though your relationship with the oracle is an absolutely individual one, and you are the only true authority on the answers you receive, it’s also good to share a reading with another person and listen to their response – because you get to hear the reading speak with a different voice. I’ve had a few I Ching chats with Change Circle members recently, and it seems to me that what I contribute is only partly familiarity and skill with the ‘system’ of how Yi makes meaning; it’s also how I make it possible for people to hear Yi differently. The same kind of thing happens in Clarity’s forums: ‘Here’s how I hear the reading,’ we say. ‘Does that resonate for you?’ And then, perhaps, comes that unmistakable sense of being spoken to.
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