Explanation of Some Lines

1. In the Changes it is said: “If a man is agitated in mind, and his thoughts go hither and thither, only those friends on whom he fixes his conscious thoughts will follow.”

The Master said: What need has nature of thought and care? In nature all things return to their common source and are distributed along different paths; through one action, the fruits of a hundred thoughts are realized. What need has nature of thought, of care?

If a man is agitated in mind, and his thoughts go hither and thither, only those friends on whom he fixes his conscious thoughts will follow.

Daylight increases from the greatest darkness at the winter solstice to the greatest light in Gemini at the summer solstice.

As the light increases so does one’s activity, one’s words and one’s thoughts.

By the longest day in Gemini individuality or the way of the superior man is at its greatest.

There is so much daylight and so much that one can do that one is acting spontaneously on each and every thought or idea that arises in one’s mind.

This is the free speech of Gemini.

Gone is the silent reflection of the greatest night.

It is the time of the superior man but one’s thoughts only serve oneself.

Curiosity is prevalent but sincerity and responsibility are lacking.

Frivolity is abundant but there is little consideration of others.

Activity and creativity are strong and abundant.

Peace and receptivity are lacking, …. nowhere to be seen.

This is the symbol of individual strength and confidence with little or no social concern or responsibility.

A person in such a state will dominate those around him, or her, with thoughts and words but he or she will not inspire loyalty.

Such a one will have control in the moment but no one will take him or her to heart.

Such a one will not successfully create a group or team or following.

Yang predominates over yin, action over receptivity, freedom over responsibility, the individual over the group.

Such a one is truly alone.

No one will follow.

The superior man will have lost his virtue!

What need has nature of thought and care? In nature all things return to their common source and are distributed along different paths

Personal care and concern are issues of the zodiac sign of Cancer, the sign just after the longest day when light is still dominant.

Care and concern reveal attachment and the empowering of thoughts and worries.

They imply doubt or a lack of faith that nature follows its own natural cycle, and that the heavenly lights above determine what happens below on earth.

The order and sequence of life is set.

Light and words will increase to the maximum at the summer solstice, and then it will decrease to the minimum at the winter solstice.

From midnight light will increase until noon and then decrease to midnight.

From the new moon light will increase until the full moon and then decrease until the new moon.

Words will eventually return to silence.

Care and worry will fade away and die.

The order of time and life is set.

How well we tune in to or adjust to the moment is not set.

Each day or moment has its own unique balance and nature around the year or cycle.

There are many options and many subsequent paths.

All of these paths will return to the silence and the stillness.

There are many different lives, but all come out of their mothers at the great beginning and all return to mother earth at the end.

We are born and we die.

In between, the heavens will guide our actions and what we do or do not accomplish.

The nature of our action and life choices will determine the way that we grow old and the circumstances of dying and death.

When one knows the cycles and lives according to the light and guidance of the gods and the heavenly light, one will be able to live up to one’s potential and may even assist the gods themselves.

Such is the way of nature.

Nature presents the standard.

In the heavens light shines on earth and we are guided in life.

That there are cycles and sequence and order to the light and darkness

That there is silence and darkness

That we come out of it and return to it

That all things come out of the earth and return to it

That all things are born and then die.

This gives the essential understanding.

All things change.

If we elevate our nature we will improve the quality and circumstances of our life.

If we follow our horoscope we will find true guidance.

through one action, the fruits of a hundred thoughts are realized.

If one acts instead of speaking if one follows the guidance of the heavenly lights on earth

One will practice what one thinks and put it into action and life.

In such virtuous action there will be no need for thoughts.

One will live completely in the moment according to the balance of light and darkness in nature.

All thoughts and concerns about change and one’s destiny

will be put into action immediately.

One will be living up to one’s higher nature.

One will be on one’s true path.

There will be no need for thoughts or worries.

One will not doubt one’s position in life.

One will live divinely on earth.

One will live in heaven on earth.

What need has nature of thought, of care?

The heavenly lights come and go on their own.

Cycles develop and complete themselves naturally.

Why would one think otherwise?

Nature is complete and wholesome in itself.

If one simply lives according to nature

there will be no need for thought, personal concerns or worry.

If you follow the advice of nature and the horoscope you will not go wrong.

Thoughts and words are a disturbance of nature’s peace.

If you act according to your nature there will be no need or cause for worry.

2. When the sun goes, the moon comes; when the moon goes, the sun comes. Sun and moon alternate; thus light comes into existence. When cold goes, heat comes; when heat goes, cold comes. Cold and heat alternate, and thus the year completes itself. The past contracts. The future expands. Contraction and expansion act upon each other; thereby arises that which furthers.

When the sun goes, the moon comes; when the moon goes, the sun comes.

This has multiple meanings because the symbol for the sun and the day are the same, and the symbol for the moon is also often used as the symbol for the night.

This relates to the zodiac or year cycle.

This also relates to the day cycle, and to the moon cycle with its phases or aspects.

Sun and moon alternate; thus light comes into existence.

From the longest night or winter solstice, day and night alternate, and light steadily increases to its maximum point at the longest day or summer solstice.

Then as the day and night continue to alternate, darkness increases, or light decreases, until the longest night.

Thus light comes into existence and recedes and then the process repeats for every cycle.

In the day cycle the sun rises and light increases for twelve hours from midnight to noon.

Then the sun sets and darkness increases for twelve hours from noon until midnight.

Thus light comes into existence and recedes, and then the process repeats for every cycle.

The moon phases are the cyclic relationship between the sun and the moon.

From the greatest darkness of the new moon light increases,

From the new moon or greatest darkness, to the crescent moon, to the waxing half moon, to the gibbous moon, up to the full moon or greatest light, then the light decreases, or darkness increases from the full moon, to the waning gibbous moon, to the waning half moon, to the waning crescent moon, to the new moon or greatest darkness.

When cold goes, heat comes; when heat goes, cold comes. Cold and heat alternate, and thus the year completes itself.

Cold and heat are the images of darkness and light, of the heavens and the earth.

As day and night alternate across the year, each day has a unique relationship to the balance of darkness and light, and therefore also to cold and heat.

This is the pulse of life and a way that the forces of light and darkness are experienced as coming from heaven and affecting the earth, thus creating, maintaining and destroying life.

This is the nature of each cycle of the year.

It begins from the cold, dark, longest night.

It increases light, heat and creative energy until the longest day of June 21.

Then the hot light days decrease and life reacts, until the longest night of Dec. 22.

The cycle of the year, thus completes itself, and then it begins again.

The past contracts. The future expands. Contraction and expansion act upon each other; thereby arises that which furthers.

The light expands into the future.

It creates and stimulates ongoing living effects.

It is the creative yang force.

The darkness contracts.

It reacts or yields to the effects of the light.

The earth responds to the increasing and decreasing light.

It is the receptive yin force.

As dark and light (past or future) act upon each other in each moment or zodiac degree they create that which furthers.

As the darkness increases, considerate collective reaction furthers.

This is the way of heaven on earth, and also the way of creative mankind on the receptive earth.

From the great beginning to the end,

From darkness to light and back to darkness,

The light can only maintain itself for so long.

This is the essence of heavenly and earthly cycles, and the means for understanding what furthers and what is appropriate behaviour at any time.

3. The measuring worm draws itself together when it wants to stretch out. Dragons and snakes hibernate in order to preserve life. Thus the penetration of a germinal thought into the mind promotes the working of the mind. When this working furthers and brings peace to life, it elevates a man’s nature.

The measuring worm draws itself together when it wants to stretch out.

Before one can be effectively creative, one must be receptive to what is needed.

Inspired action is preceded by a period of sensitive receptivity.

It is much easier to be creative and act appropriately when one listens and is open to receive impressions first.

Thus creativity emerges from receptivity, and receptivity reacts to creativity.

In this way cycles begin, develop and complete themselves.

Such is the way of heaven on earth.

Dragons and snakes hibernate in order to preserve life.

Great beings and small beings both survive by virtue of extended sleep.

To create clearly and divinely, one must be well rested.

Being well rested is the quality of the receptive, passive earth.

Being healthy, strong and clear are qualities of the creative, heaven.

If a person takes the time to understand the changes and the appropriateness of the moment, and then takes the time to be still and reflect on the implications of what furthers, that person’s actions will be divinely clear, strong and appropriate.

Whatever actions that follow will be divinely inspired.

He or she will have elevated their nature to the level of the gods, before acting.

Everything thus done will serve to further, and even assist the gods themselves.

Thus the penetration of a germinal thought into the mind promotes the working of the mind.

When one’s mind is open and contemplating the changes it will be receptive to that which is appropriate and that which furthers.

This promotes noble and worthy thinking and the subsequent elevation of one’s thoughts and one’s nature.

Understanding the nature of the heavenly lights and earth’s receptivity to them, one comes to appropriate thinking.

When this working furthers and brings peace to life, it elevates a man’s nature.

By understanding the heavenly lights and the subsequent changes on earth one can act appropriately and make life simpler.

Such knowledgeable actions will further peace.

By thinking in such a manner one will think properly.

By understanding the heavenly lights and their relationship to earth and mankind one will elevate one’s nature.

One will live up to the demands of the time and one’s horoscope.

There will be light and clarity in the seemingly dark changes of life.

One will live a divinely elevated life.

Everything in the heavens and on earth will serve to further.

This presents the purpose and usefulness of the changes.

It clarifies their purpose, and why they should be used.

They represent a standard for elevated action and for improving one’s self and the quality of one’s life.

4. Whatever goes beyond this indeed transcends all knowledge. When a man comprehends the divine and understands the transformations, he lifts his nature to the level of the miraculous.

Whatever goes beyond this indeed transcends all knowledge.

There are the creative heavenly lights above, the receptive earth below and man lives in between, going through the changes.

Thus the prerequisites for life are determined.

Whatever lies beyond this, is beyond the changes, and beyond duality, and it is beyond all thought.

Because it is beyond all thought, it is beyond time and space, and therefore transcends all knowledge.

If there is something beyond this, it must rest in the silence,

in the darkness where light is born, or created.

When a man comprehends the divine

When a man comprehends the heavenly lights and understands their transformations and their effects on earth, such a one understands the changes, such a one understands life.

To comprehend the divine one must understand astrology, the horoscope, and its direction or guiding light.

Such a one will understand the gods or planets and their changes.

Such a one will know the changes on the earth and the ways of mankind.

Such a one will be a master of divination.

Such a one will be wise.

and understands the transformations,

Such a one will understand the changes and transformations in the seasons of the year and the zodiac.

Such a one will understand the changes in the moon or the phases of the sun-moon relationship.

Such a one will understand the changes on the earth, in the hours of the day and in the astrological houses.

he lifts his nature to the level of the miraculous.

Such a one will elevate his nature to be aligned with the actions of the gods or planets.

Such a one will live on the earth according to the heavenly lights.

Such a one will live in the images of the creator and act divinely in life on earth.

The level of activity or creativity of such a one will truly be miraculous.

The actions of such a one will even assist the gods themselves.

5. In the Changes it is said: “A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone, and leans on thorns and thistles. He enters his house and does not see his wife. Misfortune.”

            The Master said: If a man permits himself to be oppressed by something that ought not to oppress him, his name will certainly be disgraced. If he leans on things upon which one cannot lean, his life will certainly be endangered. For him who is in disgrace and danger, the hour of death draws near, how can he then still see his wife?

In the Changes it is said: “A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone, and leans on thorns and thistles. He enters his house and does not see his wife. Misfortune.”

To permit oneself to be oppressed is a sign of self inflicted weakness and poor character.

This is suggested in two ways.

1. Later Heaven interpretation:

This is a broken line in a third or solid place.

It suggests weakness where firmness is required.

The superior man expresses weakness.

The upper primary trigram is the joyous lake, or pleasure.

The lower primary trigram is the dangerous water.

The lake over the abyss implies dangerous pleasure, or too much pleasure for one’s own good.

Here the man of weak character, broken in the third or odd place, is having too much fun.

He does not pay attention to the work at hand hence his results are poor.

2. Early Heaven interpretation:

This is the harvest time when crops must be gathered.

One must prepare for harvesting the crops.

This implies weeding the garden of thorns and thistles and removing any stones that need to be removed.

He is having a good time and avoids his duties.

His heart is not into his work.

He leans on thorns and thistles which are supposed to be removed.

He will reap the results of his poor and misguided efforts.

Too much fun and pleasure …. not enough work.

The work seems too hard so he avoids it.

The harvest will be ruined by rain and dampness.

He will return home without food for the winter.

He enters his house and does not see his wife. Misfortune.

Home is his place of rest and peace.

He adds nothing to it.

He brings no food home.

Why would his wife stay to cook when his inaction or improper action has made life more difficult.

His weak character deserves no respect.

He cannot see his own faults.

When he looks for his wife,

his vision (lower nuclear trigram of fire) is clouded.

The nuclear hexagram is the family, the clan.

This suggests the wife and family he has not been concerned about.

He was too busy with his own pleasures.

He did not think of their welfare.

He did not do the work he was supposed to do, thus he is the cause of his own misfortune.

After one changes the broken line in the third place to a solid line,

it brings the hexagram of Preponderance of the Great.

He did not think of the implications of the harvest or the vulnerabilities of his family and wife.

His own home is in danger.

His weakness will have great implications.

He cannot see his wife.

Where will he find nutrition and security?

In astrology:

This is the last half of the dark half of summer.

This is the time of the harvest.

The hexagram implies the avoidance of work.

This is a Leo to Virgo theme, like the grasshopper and the ant.

The grasshopper (Leo) wants to jump and play, while the ant (Virgo) is working hard in preparation for the winter.

Hence the danger of enjoying oneself too much, avoiding duty, and even threatening the security of one’s own family.

After the line has changed the hexagram is Preponderance of the Great.

It is in the sign of Cancer which represents home and security.

The Master said: If a man permits himself to be oppressed by something that ought not to oppress him, his name will certainly be disgraced. If he leans on things upon which one cannot lean, his life will certainly be endangered. For he who is in disgrace and danger, the hour of death draws near, how can he then still see his wife?

The master is Confucius.

It becomes apparent that he may never have worked in the fields or understood the implications of harvest time.

The accentuation he implies is on disgrace and danger in social circumstances.

The not seeing his wife is given as the result of disgrace and danger.

It is more likely that the man partied on, avoided the work in the fields and created danger.

6. In the Changes it is said: “The prince shoots at a hawk on a high wall. He kills it. Everything serves to further.”

            The Master said: The hawk is the object of the hunt; bow and arrow are the tools and means. The marksman is man (who must make proper use of the means to his end). The superior man contains the means in his own person. He abides his time and then acts. Why then should not everything go well? He acts and is free. Therefore all he has to do is to go forth, and he takes his quarry. This is how a man fares who acts after he has made ready the means.

The prince shoots at a hawk on a high wall. He kills it. Everything serves to further.

This is line six in the hexagram of Deliverance.

The hawk is the broken line in the sixth place.

The line is passive in a passive place.

The hawk just sits there on top of the hexagram or wall. (A similar expression would be, “Like a sitting duck!”)

The hawk is a predator or hunter.

It sits and waits to attack but when it sits up high in plain view

it is also vulnerable from below.

The hawk owns the skies and hunts from above but here it is sitting, resting on a wall.

This is low for a hawk.

There is danger below.

The upper primary trigram is the arousing force shock.

This represents the arrow moving upward.

The lower primary trigram is danger, the abyss, below.

This represents the hunter or the prince on the ground.

It also signifies the danger to the animals on the ground beneath the hawk.

However the line is passive in a passive place.

The hawk is resting.

The hexagram Deliverance implies arousing out of the abyss or movement out of danger.

If an arrow kills the hawk all of the animals below will be safe and free to move.

Everything will then serve to further.

The upper nuclear trigram is also danger

The hawk or broken line in the sixth and even place is sitting on danger.

The lower nuclear trigram is the clinging fire which also refers to weapons, specifically the bow and arrow.

Strong at the top and bottom yet it bends in the middle.

Clarity of fire is the ability to see and aim correctly.

The arousing force in the upper primary trigram becomes the arrow arising from the bow.

It will shock the hawk and kill it.

If the prince when surrounded by danger can see clearly, and acts swiftly to remove the danger, all of his subjects, like the animals below the hawk, will feel safe and secure.

If the prince is so capable, the emperor must be even more capable.

The prince is the offshoot of his father and the people will be loyal subjects.

To win the faith and loyalty of one’s subjects is suggested by hitting the mark or target.

This is a significator of great achievement.

The nuclear hexagram is After Completion the perfect mixture of water and fire, and of skill and clarity.

All of the lines in the nuclear hexagram are in the right place,

solid in the odd places of 1, 3, and 5,

broken in even places of 2, 4, and 6.

This implies the perfect aim.

Everything is aligned properly.

The hawk is above and resting in clear view.

The skilled hunter is below with his bow and arrow.

He aims and shoots.

All the indicators or lines are appropriate.

The prince will hit the target and kill the hawk.

Everything serves to further all the lines within will further the prince and his aim, and therefore his subjects too!

In Astrology:

This is the first hexagram in Virgo, the zodiac sign of discrimination and perfection of skills.

It is also the time of the harvest.

Working hard below (the abyss is the garden or field) one looks up (clarity – clinging, fire) and sees the hawk sitting on the wall.

The hawk is a difficult target (danger above).

The hawk will kill the chickens and small animals and threaten the food supply for the coming winter.

One stops working, takes one’s bow and arrow, aims carefully and kills the hawk.

A great sigh of relief comes from the success of the prince and his skills in archery.

The next zodiac sign is the sign of Libra and it represents a time of peace and harmony when the fruits of the harvest are enjoyed.

The Master said: The hawk is the object of the hunt; bow and arrow are the tools and means.

Confucius was not a farmer or a hunter but the main idea is still clear.

The hunter must develop and perfect his skills before he can hit a small target.

This is the abyss or hard work needed to perfect skills.

The shooting is the arousing force.

The marksman is man (who must make proper use of the means to his end).

The proper use of the means to his end is suggested by the nuclear hexagram of After Completion where all the lines are in their appropriate places.

Solid in odd places and broken in even places.

The superior man contains the means in his own person.

Again the nuclear hexagram of After Completion is within the hexagram.

He abides his time and then acts. Why then should not everything go well?

The appropriate lines in their places indicate that everything will go well.

He acts and is free. Therefore all he has to do is to go forth, and he takes his quarry.

He aims. He shoots. He hits the target.

He is the master of his skill.

This is how a man fares who acts after he has made ready the means.

The shocking arousal

of perfected skills will bring deliverance.

To act, once one has perfected his skill (Deliverance) guarantees success because all the lines within are appropriate.

7. The Master said: The inferior man is not ashamed of unkindness and does not shrink from injustice. If no advantage beckons he makes no effort. If he is not intimidated he does not improve himself, but if he is made to behave correctly in small matters he is careful in large ones. This is fortunate for the inferior man. This is what is meant when it is said in the Book of Changes: “His feet are fastened in the stocks, so that his toes disappear. No blame.”

Here we have a winter or Aquarius hexagram.

It is cold, and people try to stay at home as much as possible.

The lower nuclear trigram is keeping still.

To do so, one needs fire and warmth and food.

The upper primary trigram is the clinging, fire or warmth.

If supplies are low or the wood supply runs low, one will have to go out of the comfortable home, disturbing the stillness.

The lower primary trigram is the arousing force.

Going out into the dangerous difficult snow to find enough wood to keep the fire burning.

The upper nuclear trigram is the abysmal, dangerous water, or snow.

The solid line in the first place represents the initial energy required to get up, face the difficulty, and go out to find fuel while there is still some light outside.

The inferior man is not ashamed of unkindness and does not shrink from injustice.

This is winter when darkness prevails.

One is not inclined to go out and do what is necessary and good.

One is only concerned about oneself and not the discomforts of others or those around him.

The movement is towards the light, light is increasing,

But it will not predominate. The cold darkness prevails.

Hence this was considered the way of the inferior man, the reference alludes to weak character.

If no advantage beckons he makes no effort.

If he sees light and benefits

he will take action but if he does not see the firewood or the benefits why should he risk going out?

This is his weakness and inferiority.

Even though it is cold and difficult outside he should go out, find fuel and make things better for others

thereby improving his own circumstances for the rest of the winter.

His hesitation is his weakness.

His caution provides awareness of difficulty and danger.

His inertia and selfish attitude is his weakness.

If he is not intimidated he does not improve himself, but if he is made to behave correctly in small matters he is careful in large ones.

Here one gets nagged or receive complaints

about how supplies are running low and it is cold.

Everyone knows that someone must go out to get fuel and supplies.

The inferior man keeps still  

He knows he must go out in the cold but delays (nuclear hexagram of Obstruction)

Because the upper primary trigram is fire and weapons, he sees what must be done and so do the others.

They complain

and even threaten him.

If he does not go out the little comforts will be lost.

If he is threatened forcefully enough

then he will go out and do what is necessary.

This is fortunate for the inferior man.

It is fortunate because he will be forced to act appropriately in spite of his own weaker and more selfish tendencies.

His feet are fastened in the stocks,

His feet are represented by the solid line in the first place at the bottom or foot of the hexagram.

It is a line that signifies that action is appropriate.

It is the time of the arousing force.

That his feet are kept still in the stocks

is revealed by the lower nuclear trigram of keeping still.

so that his toes disappear.

The restraints will prevent any inferior

inconsiderate or selfish action –  danger, difficulty.

He will not have a leg to stand on and one will not even see movement in his toes.

No blame.”

There is no guilt in this.

No one wants to go out into hardship.

They must be forced to, by necessity or by demands of good character, to help the others.

Hence the discipline and penalty is worthwhile because it will serve to keep the inferior man on a superior path.

In astrology:

This is Aquarius and winter time.

It is cold, supplies are sparse and life is difficult.

One is inclined to be reserved and cautious.

Why should I go out instead of you? is the prevalent thought.

Aquarius is also responsibility and respect,….and the law!

One will do what one has to do because the consequences are greater and he does not want to lose respect in the eyes of others.

Just don’t expect him to do it in good cheer!

It is enough if it does it.

One is considered unkind because one will take care of necessities but not the luxuries or comforts of others.

One is not inclined to do more than one has to.

Hence rules and regulations are a beneficial influence.

The feet will move in the heart of winter and will do what is appropriate because any inaction will be seen and regarded as negligence of duty and it will create disrespect and dishonour.

A solid line in the first place activity is appropriate and will be successful.

One does what one doesn’t want to do because one has to, or else there will be dire repercussions.

8. If good does not accumulate, it is not enough to make a name for a man. If evil does not accumulate, it is not strong enough to destroy a man.  Therefore the inferior man thinks to himself, “Goodness in small things has no value,” and so neglects it. He thinks, “Small sins do no harm,” and so does not give them up. Thus his sins accumulate until they can no longer be covered up, and his guilt becomes so great that it can no longer be wiped out. In the Book of Changes it is said. “His neck is fastened in the wooden cangue, so that his ears disappear. Misfortune.”

If good does not accumulate, it is not enough to make a name for a man.

From the greatest darkness daylight increases.

Each day accumulates a little more light than the day before until the summer solstice longest day.

This is the day of the superior man.

This is the time of greatest action and of powerful words.

If one is to elevate one’s nature one must increase one’s good daily.

The power, the light and goodness of the superior man increases daily.

He will be seen and known by all.

He will have made a good name for himself.

This is the arousing of the light or goodness.

The arousing force below in the lower primary trigram.

The light and goodness above in the upper primary trigram.

The arousing force is in Capricorn and Aquarius as light increases from its weakest time.

The light increases into the clinging fire which is in Aquarius and Pisces representing goodness and kindness.

Because the nuclear hexagram is in obstruction or keeping still in the abyss, it seems like winter will never end.

The concern is that light and goodness might not increase.

This refers to a solid line (nine) at the top in the sixth place.

It is strong in a weak or even place, thus it suggests inappropriate action.

Hence the warning about goodness needing to increase.

If one is to live up to one’s higher self at this time, one must steadily increase one’s goodness and light in little ways.

If evil does not accumulate, it is not strong enough to destroy a man.

Evil here is a reference to the dark coldness of winter.

It implies and considers the influence or the needs of the group or of yin or feminine power is negative and evil, and that a superior man will free himself, one step at a time, by doing what is necessary and good and avoiding the increase of darkness in any deviance from duty and goodness.

If darkness and selfishness increase at this time it is against the proper sequence and it could destroy a man.

Winter is no time to be playful or irresponsible.

It is the time for actions that increase light and warmth and kindness.

The evil is also suggested by the nuclear hexagram of obstruction, which is a Scorpio theme of death and increasing darkness.

Therefore the inferior man thinks to himself, “Goodness in small things has no value,” and so neglects it. He thinks, “Small sins do no harm,” and so does not give them up.

When one is in a time of necessity and thinking only of himself, and ignores his daily duty or overlooks the little things, his inertia or darkness will increase daily and accumulate against the proper sequence of things.

If one goes against the heavenly sequence or way and continues to do so, no good will come out of it.

The inferior man is one who does not follow the example of the heavenly light and lives in selfish darkness.

What such a one considers to be trivial issues and so ignores them, will accumulate daily to bring about his or her humiliation and downfall.

If one does not elevate one’s nature when it is time to do so, one becomes an inferior man or person.

Thus his sins accumulate until they can no longer be covered up, and his guilt becomes so great that it can no longer be wiped out.

Increasing goodness will grow into success and fame.

If one goes to the dark side of the force and goes against one’s heavenly nature such a one will not be able to walk with his head high.

One’s higher intelligence and one’s integrity will be diminished.

Respect will be lost.

Darkness will increase instead of light.

Such a person will be reduced to guilt and blame for going continuously against the light side of the force, against the way of heaven.

The solid line (nine) at the top in the sixth place implies inappropriate action.

The strong man rests on weakness in his place and holds to weaker elements, the inappropriate broken line in the fifth place,

the weak or dark ruler.

He is at the top and closest to heaven, but he does not look up.

He looks down into the darkness and weakness of others, without making an effort to use his energy properly in small matters.

His neglect will accumulate and cause failure and ruin his character and reputation.

In the Book of Changes it is said. “His neck is fastened in the wooden cangue, so that his ears disappear. Misfortune.”

If a man is fettered or attached to bad behaviour he will not be able to listen.

If one does not listen carefully in a time of darkness and simply acts and talks without restraint one’s character will be diminished.

One will become superficial and weak and will lose respect.

To lose the ability to listen is to lose the ability to survive.

The winter is a harsh time with little food.

A hunter must be exceptionally quiet and listen well, if he is to find his prey and get food for his family.

He must not make any unnecessary action or noise, or the animal will run away and everyone will go hungry.

This is suggested by the arousing force – the arrow

and the lifting of the bow and arrow listening attentively and aiming clearly to hit the mark or kill the animal.

The inner nuclear hexagram implies

that an obstruction will occur while keeping still

and a disturbance will interfere with the clarity, and one’s aim, and the outcome.

The animal will escape and the dinner will be lost.

This is true misfortune.

If one had only kept still and listened, everyone would have filled their stomachs.

Now their stomachs will be empty and everyone will be hungry and weaker.

This is the essence of misfortune.

The inferior man has made his mark.

Misfortune.

In Astrology:

This is the heart of winter.

Nothing grows and one must rely on hunting.

This is the Aquarian time of restraint and self discipline in action.

One must be cautious.

Listening is the prime virtue.

One listens for anything that will affect one.

One takes the time to plan.

Actions must be undertaken to overcome the difficulty of cold dark times.

Any mistake will have dire consequences.

If one does not play one’s part properly there will be dishonour.

One has a bow and goes out to hunt.

Even a master of archery will have to wait and listen for the prey, and then efficiently aim and shoot.

The trigram of the clinging fire is the next one in the sequence.

It represents Pisces, the sign of adventure, sorrow and guilt.

In Pisces one must give up one’s dependencies or bad habits to clarify one’s vision and keep one’s life righteous and kind.

In this hexagram we see the arousal (Aquarius)

of righteousness or guilt and sorrow (Pisces)

Must one not listen well and be cautious about what one starts and disciplined in any action one takes?

If one does not hear this message and proceeds incompetently there will be failure and misfortune, and guilt and blame.

9. The Master said: Danger arises when a man feels secure in his position. Destruction threatens when a man seeks to preserve his worldly estate. Confusion develops when a man has put everything in order. Therefore the superior man does not forget danger is his security, nor ruin when he is well established, nor confusion when his affairs are in order. In this way he gains personal safety and is able to protect the empire. In the Book of Changes it is said: “‘What if it should fail, what if it should fail?’ In this way he ties it to a cluster of mulberry shoots.”

Danger arises when a man feels secure in his position.

A man in his position represents the upper primary trigram of the creative father .

His position however rests on the receptive yielding earth, the lower primary trigram.

No matter how strong or prominent a man is, if he does not walk softly, and yield to the sensitivities of those beneath him, on whom his elevated position depends, he will be humbled and his position and even his life could be threatened.

If a man is arrogant in his authority

and does not listen to his wife or family he will not sleep well

and will be less capable of noble or efficient action.

Power without personal support leads to danger.

Destruction threatens when a man seeks to preserve his worldly estate.

Here we have a strong man in a position of authority, upper primary trigram.

There is weakness in his inner character below, lower primary trigram.

If he acts in his own self interest and tries to preserve or secure his own fortunes, destruction threatens.

It threatens because he does not act in the interest of those around him.

This will encourage those he relies on to attack and undermine him.

Individual strength and power is no match for teamwork.

The needs of the mother, the family and the group

are more significant than the needs of the individual.

Confusion develops when a man has put everything in order.

In the nuclear hexagram of development, gradual progress

the wind blows gently by the tree (upper nuclear trigram)

and the tree is firmly anchored on the mountain with its roots in rocks.

Its unreachable position prevents it from being cut down.

However since the primary trigram is the yielding earth, the tree could fall from a landslide or an earthquake.

This shows that the strong man has things in place and in order.

He will not be blown away or cut down.

He is strong in his own solitary position, but he is still dependent on the earth for nourishment and security.

Organization in an isolated tower will still bring loneliness and confusion.

If no one cares or supports him, he will be lost and confused.

He will not know how to help others and others will not support him.

He will not even understand the cause of his demise or his unworthiness.

Therefore the superior man does not forget danger is his security, nor ruin when he is well established, nor confusion when his affairs are in order.

This advice comes from the extremes of yang

and yin

being in relation to each other.

The caution because strength and power is predominant above weakness and receptivity.

The superior man needs to be aware of his roots and foundation.

He also needs to be worthy, virtuous and considerate of others while in his position.

In this way he gains personal safety and is able to protect the empire.

If strength is guided by sensitivity and yields to the needs of the situation and of others, it will be protected and secure.

It will work for the welfare of the empire.

In the Book of Changes it is said: “‘What if it should fail, what if it should fail?’ In this way he ties it to a cluster of mulberry shoots.”

This is how a mother worries when a child goes out on its own.

She takes every vulnerability into consideration so that the independent actions of her children and husband, do not lead to danger.

The superior man here, should follow the example of the mother.

Then he will be capable of leadership.

One mulberry shoot will easily break, but a bundle of them is much stronger and will not break.

United we stand, divided we fall.

The solid line in the fifth place is strong where strength is appropriate.

It holds together with the broken line in the second place, like a man listening to his wife, or the ruler being sensitive to the needs of his subjects.

Because the line is appropriate in its strength, solid in an odd place, the strong man will act appropriately and hold everyone together.

He will maintain his dignity by virtue of service to others.

This line is in the creative strong upper primary trigram and in the upper nuclear trigram of gentle penetration .

In his strength he will penetrate and be receptive to others.

He will be ready for the increasing darkness.

In Astrology:

This is the beginning of the dark half of autumn.

The harvest is dead and gone, and winter with its hardships is fast approaching.

It will take teamwork and much effort to survive.

One must work hard to collect enough wood to keep warm over the winter.

The growing darkness and receptivity demands individual action.

If one does not hear or is not receptive to these approaching needs, that one will be in danger and may not survive.

This is a Scorpio theme.

A person is only as good as their ability to live up to commitments.

This is the time of Halloween and holidays about death.

It represents the death of the individual for the need of the group.

This is the first and most independent hexagram in the sequence of increasing darkness and receptivity, in the trigram of the mother.

The mother here is the phase up to the greatest darkness.

This includes the last half of Scorpio and all of Sagittarius.

The social needs predominate.

The mother must run around to take care of and include everyone in the family, and at the same time, make things as inspired and as enthusiastic as possible.

In this way everyone feels welcome and will participate.

This is the lightest or first half of the dark half of autumn.

It is the most independent aspect of the mother or the group (collective).

Still the individual must be receptive to his responsibilities to the group and others, or his or her life will be threatened.

This is the way of Scorpio with all of its judgements and demands.

The magic of Scorpio is that two people together in trust and responsibility are greater than the sum of the parts, or greater than what each has to offer combined.

There is something special in teamwork and togetherness.

10. The Master said: Weak character coupled with honored place, meager knowledge with large plans, limited powers with heavy responsibility, will seldom escape disaster. In the Changes it is said: “The legs of the ting are broken. The prince’s meal is spilled, and his person is soiled. Misfortune.” This is said of someone not equal to his task.

Weak character coupled with honored place, meager knowledge with large plans, limited powers with heavy responsibility, will seldom escape disaster.

The fourth line is solid in an even place.

This reveals someone who is too strong or assertive when patience and stillness is required.

One who acts forcefully and prematurely is one with weak character, meager knowledge and limited capacity.

Such a one goes beyond the proper limits, pushes too far without self control, and talks too much without content.

Such a one takes on more than is appropriate.

Misfortune will accompany him or her at every turn.

This line is in the top line of the lower nuclear trigram the creative which gives it an honoured place.

It is in the middle line of the upper nuclear trigram the joyous lake which suggests too much pleasure and a weak character.

It is in the bottom line of the upper primary trigram of fire.

Its inappropriate actions will be seen.

Negative repercussions will result.

One is not in touch with the demands of the situation.

One’s assertiveness is not restrained and one disturbs the tranquility of his or her superiors.

No good will come from this.

Respect will be lost.

Misfortune.

In the Changes it is said: “The legs of the ting are broken.

Here we have wind over wood, which suggests a healthy fire.

The upper primary trigram of fire, also suggests a pot, being empty in the middle and strong on the outside.

The fourth line being at the bottom of the trigram fire is solid in a broken or even place, suggesting movement where there should be stillness, the leg of the pot breaks!

The prince’s meal is spilled, and his person is soiled.

The prince is the three solid lines of the lower nuclear trigram the creative.

The top line of this lower nuclear trigram is solid in an even place.

It moves when it should not.

The leg of the ting breaks and because it is in the upper nuclear trigram of the lake, the food in the pot spills onto the prince.

The firm character of the prince is soiled by the undisciplined or uncontrolled spilling of the pot.

Misfortune.

Food and dignity are lost.

This is unfortunate.

This is said of someone not equal to his task.

The fourth line should have checked the pot first taking care that such a disturbance would not happen in the first place.

As a consequence of this oversight he was not equal to his task of cooking for and serving the prince.

In Astrology:

The hexagram is in the light half of summer in the zodiac sign of Cancer.

Cancer rules home, security, the stomach, food, cooking and nourishment.

The Ting is an appropriate hexagram to be in the sign of Cancer.

Cancer is also a sign of worry and fussiness, and giving extra care to the little things, but it is also known to lose concentration and make mistakes.

Everything is taken personally.

It is also a water sign, so the food being cooked, the leg of the pot breaking and the food spilling on the prince, is a natural association to the zodiac sign of Cancer.

The light is great in the early summer and the person in line four is strong, but the darkness is increasing – broken in the first place, and weakness is developing.

So again there is the association to weak character.

Family and cooking are domestic and were considered weaker concerns.

They should not however be carelessly administered in places of honour and authority.

Little mistakes will have big consequences.

11. The Master said: To know the seeds, that is divine indeed. In his association with those above him, the superior man does not flatter. In his association with those beneath him, he is not arrogant. For he knows the seeds. The seeds are the first imperceptible beginning of movement, the first trace of good fortune (or misfortune) that shows itself. The superior man perceives the seeds and immediately takes action. He does not wait even a whole day. In the Changes it is said: “Firm as a rock. Not a whole day. Perseverance brings good fortune.”

            Firm as a rock, what need of a whole day?

            The judgement can be known.

            The superior man knows what is hidden and what is evident.

            He knows weakness, he knows strength as well.

            Hence the myriads look up to him.

To know the seeds, that is divine indeed.

To know the seeds is to know the heavenly lights and the effects of those lights on the circumstances of earth.

To know the seeds is to understand the cycles of light across a year, and in the zodiac, and to know the zodiac signs and the seasons.

It is also to know the cycles of the moving lights, the moon phases across a month, and the planetary cycles.

This is, in effect, to know the gods, the sun, moon and planets, both in themselves and in their effects on worldly circumstances.

If one knows the nature and workings of astrology, one knows the seeds of life and destiny.

In his association with those above him, the superior man does not flatter.

First in his association with the gods, sun, moon, planets and heavenly lights he does not flatter.

He tells it like it is!

This has been expanded to include the relationship to one’s worldly superiors.

In such affairs, one is truthful and does not embellish or flatter.

In his association with those beneath him, he is not arrogant.

What is beneath him is the earth.

He walks humbly on the earth and does not take his circumstances for granted.

He pays serious attention to the affairs of life, or his astrological houses.

He does not condescend and is not arrogant.

We are all humans and walk on the same earth, and we all have a limited time here!

For he knows the seeds.

He knows how the heavenly lights or gods affect the worldly circumstances or houses.

He knows the astrological nature of life.

The seeds are the first imperceptible beginning of movement,

In any and every cycle there is a moment of greatest darkness or greatest stillness.

In the year or sun cycle of the seasons and zodiac this moment is the longest night,

Dec. 22 in the northern hemisphere and June 21 in the southern hemisphere, the winter solstice.

This marks the beginning of light increasing although it can hardly be noticed until about three days after the solstice,

Dec. 25 the apparent birth of the child of light.

This solstice marks the beginning of winter and the beginning of the zodiac sign of Capricorn.

This is the coldest, darkest and most still time of the year, but the light is beginning to increase!

Hence the beginning of movement.

This is the first phase of the moon after the new moon.

It is the phase that ends with the crescent moon appearing and beginning to wax brighter.

Hence it marks the beginning of the moon’s movement.

In the day cycle this is marked by the first hours after midnight when the sun begins to rise again.

Even though it cannot be seen, the morning or the rising of the sun has begun.

the first trace of good fortune (or misfortune) that shows itself.

Birth and the beginning of light is the beginning of good fortune.

Without light, life would not survive.

Light adds warmth and activity to the day, the month and the year.

As the light increases so does the amount of time to be active and the amount of things we can do.

This is good fortune.

Misfortune comes with the increasing darkness.

As opportunities to act decrease, the world becomes darker and colder and life becomes more difficult to live.

This is misfortune.

To see when the seasons and zodiac signs change is divine indeed.

It is the essence of survival and success.

One is in harmony with the changes of life and light

in the affairs of the earth.

The superior man perceives the seeds and immediately takes action.

He is in touch with the moment and its divinely directed implications.

He can see what the appropriate action is and when to take it.

He can divine the wonders of the heavenly light on earth.

He knows the way of the year.

He knows the way of the month.

He knows the way of the day.

He does not wait even a whole day.

He takes advantage of the increasing light in the day.

He does not wait for the setting sun.

He makes the most of the morning and tries to accomplish what he can by noon, before the sun starts to set and the light begins to lessen, and before one has to react to others.

In the Changes it is said: “Firm as a rock. Not a whole day.

This refers to the broken line in the even second place

where understanding or inaction is appropriate.

The upper primary trigram is the arousing force or first son.

The lower primary trigram is the yielding, receptive earth.

This is a hexagram or phase of increasing darkness.

There is some movement, a solid line in the fourth place.

Such action is not appropriate as the line is active in a passive place.

Inappropriate action amidst all the dark and yielding lines.

The ruler of the bottom trigram is the broken line in the second place.

He keeps still, firm as a rock, as still as the earth.

This is appropriate.

The stillness is a reference to the lower nuclear trigram of keeping still.

The second line understands the danger of the upper nuclear  trigram of danger, and he does not move or budge an inch.

He will not increase the danger.

He will protect his inner light and strength.

He will not waste his time on ignoble or unworthy actions.

Perseverance brings good fortune.”

To persevere in this understanding and inaction will avoid danger and bring many benefits and good fortune.

Firm as a rock, what need of a whole day?

One is secure in one’s own stance in every moment.

One is aligned to the way of heaven and earth.

He does not need to wait a whole day to understand.

He takes the correct position immediately.

He will begin his day and stay correct as the light increases.

He does not need to wait for the waning light or afternoon to reflect on what has happened.

He can see what is right and appropriate from the very beginning of the day, from the moment he gets up, from the first imperceptible movements of the light.

The judgement can be known.

He knows what will happen in advance.

He knows the ways of heaven or light on earth or darkness.

He is wise.

By knowing astrology and the changes such things can be known.

The superior man knows what is hidden and what is evident.

He knows the moving lights, the sun, moon and planets.

He knows the zodiac signs and the indications of the seasons.

He knows how these hidden things affect the ways of the earth through the astrological houses.

He can see that the cold evidently comes from the loss of light.

He knows the behaviour on earth that comes from this loss.

He knows weakness, he knows strength as well.

He knows the increasing darkness as weakness and he also knows the increasing light as strength.

Hence the myriads look up to him.

The myriads are the many (5) broken lines and the people who benefit from his wisdom.

How could they not regard him highly.

He knows what cannot be seen and understands the action of the gods.

The very existence of this understanding provides enthusiasm and hope for those in darkness.

In Astrology:

This hexagram represents the dark half of autumn when darkness is increasing rapidly and winter is fast approaching.

This is Sagittarius.

Even though there is increasing darkness and cold, enthusiasm will make it easier for everyone who needs to deal with their circumstances.

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet or god of understanding, enthusiasm and good fortune.

The increasing darkness implies that this is a time to listen to others and not the time to force one’s own way.

A little openness and acceptance of others will have a profound influence.

It will inspire enthusiasm and greater success.

12. The Master said: Yen Hui is one who will surely attain it. If he has a fault, he never fails to recognize it: Having recognized it, he never commits the error a second time. In the Changes it is said: “Return from a short distance. No need for remorse. Great good fortune.”

Yen Hui is one who will surely attain it.

He is one who will finish what he starts.

He is one who will do what is needed and complete his affairs.

The upper primary trigram is the receptive, and the receptive completes and finishes things.

It stands at the end of the cycle or sequence of trigrams.

It signifies what is needed.

The lower primary trigram is the arousing force which starts things and takes the initiative.

Here we have initiative that moves effectively into the darkness, initiative that is receptive to the needs and vulnerabilities of the time.

Furthermore the upper and lower nuclear trigrams are both the receptive.

Hence we have darkness and vulnerability without in the primary trigram and within in the nuclear trigrams.

The solid line in the first place is the only solid line in the hexagram, and it stands at the beginning or first line.

It is solid in an odd place, hence it implies appropriate action.

It represents the first step out into darkness and vulnerability and it is an appropriate step.

It holds together with the receptive line in the second place above it which is also appropriately placed.

It is in correspondence with the broken line in the fourth place, which is also appropriately placed.

Therefore it signifies a successful outcome to a new beginning.

If he has a fault, he never fails to recognize it: Having recognized it, he never commits the error a second time.

He is light in the depths of darkness.

Good character surrounded by weakness.

Because he is light and good he sees his own faults, as well as those of others, but he does not follow the example of weakness or receptivity.

He takes action to fix his weaknesses or faults.

His action is vigilant.

He listens well because of the five broken lines above.

In the Changes it is said: “Return from a short distance.

This hexagram is called return and it represents the return of the light after the greatest darkness.

It is the return of the first son to help his mother.

It is a short distance because he is only going home to his mother.

No need for remorse.

It is an appropriate action of a solid line in an odd place.

It will meet with support in the five broken lines.

There will be no resistance.

No mistakes will be made and hence there will be no cause for remorse.

He will do what he has to do.

Great good fortune.”

Only good will come out of this action.

Much will be gained.

There will be no losses!

In Astrology:

This is the hexagram that in the sequence of things stands at the very beginning of the return of the light after the greatest darkness of Dec. 22.

Hence it is movement in the darkness.

This is a Capricorn phase and it represents cautious, well planned initiative in a time of hardship when it is dark and cold.

This is the beginning of winter, when action is most difficult but what has to be done will be done.

This is the seed moment of the year, or month or day.

It signifies the first imperceptible movement at the beginning of things.

One who knows the seeds is indeed divine and will know what is to come.

He will know that winter lasts only for a time and that spring is on its way.

The daylight from here on will increase for the next half of the year.

Darkness and weakness will recede.

It only gets better from here as the light will increase daily.

This is what happens when one listens well, and waits for the right time to act.

Such a one ensures success and good fortune.

Short term pain for long term gain!

13. The Master said: Heaven and earth come together, and all things take shape and find form. Male and female mix their seed, and all creatures take shape and are born. In the Changes it is said: “When three people journey together, their number decreases by one. When one man journeys alone, he finds a companion.”

Heaven and earth come together,

The heavenly lights and the earthly darkness unite.

This process creates life.

The creative force and the receptive vehicle unite.

The zodiac signs, the moving lights of the sun, moon and planets, come together in the houses.

Thus light and creative energy come to the circumstances of the world and the forms on earth come alive.

and all things take shape and find form.

This is the definition of the astrological nature of existence.

Without light there is no life.

Where does the light come from?

It does not come from the earth.

It comes from the heavens.

Male and female mix their seed,

Male and female are the representatives of heaven (yang, male) and earth (yin, female).

Their interrelationship or coming together unites their seed.

and all creatures take shape and are born.

This is the way of nature and life.

All creatures have a father and a mother and come into existence because of the heavenly lights and the worldly darkness.

Life and breath come into the body.

In the Changes it is said: “When three people journey together, their number decreases by one. When one man journeys alone, he finds a companion.”

This implies that when two people, a man and a woman have a child, they will live together.

The child will grow up and eventually leave.

When the grown up child leaves and journeys, or lives independently, he or she will find a mate.

The change is suggested by action of the lower primary trigram of the lake

at the foot of the mountain upper primary trigram of keeping still.

The water in the lake runs off into rivers and fertilizes the surrounding land.

This is suggested by the lower nuclear trigram of the arousing force.

and the upper nuclear trigram of the receptive earth.

From the movement within the lake at the foot of the mountain rivers form and water the surrounding receptive earth.

The hexagram is called decrease.

The lake is diminished in forming rivers.

The parents, like the lake, stay put or keep still at the foot of the mountain.

The child, like the excess water, runs off like a river.

It does not keep still.

When one person is born, or travels through life alone, in his or her distinctiveness, movement will come through pleasure .

A partner or mate will be found.

The third line is broken or passive in an odd or active place.

It implies that movement is appropriate.

The child will have to move on even if it is weak and unwilling.

In the natural sequence of astrology:

This hexagram is in the dark half or beginning of spring.

Daylight is increasing and is once again greater than darkness.

Light and warmth returns.

Water is melting from the mountains.

It is gathering in the lakes.

The lakes are full and overflowing.

The excess water will create rivers and water the land.

Soon life will begin to be nourished and growth will be seen.

As the promise of food and warmth increases,

joy and pleasure

are aroused and will increase.

Mating season has returned ( nuclear hexagram of return)

The mother

will keep still and be receptive (broken in the third place)

to this happy

movement .

Light has returned.

Nature and the world is alive.

The decrease of darkness and the cold and the snow has brought new vitality and joy.

Spring has come.

The trigram of joy and pleasure is in the zodiac sign of Aries and the first half of Taurus.

The impulsive movements and arousing of Aries lead to fertility and beauty in form in Taurus.

Here power and impulse lead to pleasure and represent mating season.

14. The Master said: The superior man sets his person to rest before he moves; he composes his mind before he speaks; he makes his relations firm before he asks for something. By attending to these three matters, the superior man gains complete security. But if a man is brusque in his movements, others will not co-operate. If he is agitated in his words, they awaken no echo in others. If he asks for something without having first established relations, it will not be given him. If no one is with him, those who would harm him draw near. In the Changes it is said: “He brings increase to no one. Indeed, someone even strikes him. He does not keep his heart constantly steady. Misfortune.”

The superior man sets his person to rest before he moves;

Without a good nights sleep, one’s ability to act is impaired.

The superior man suffers no impairments.

He will take care of all the little things, all his personal matters first, so that when he does move or take action he will not run into complications or delays.

He makes sure that he is well rested and secures his inner peace.

No weakness of character or personal inadequacy will arise.

He will act clearly and efficiently.

He will be strong and prepared.

This is a the relationship of the first son below to the first daughter above.

Similar to the father and mother, this hexagram represents a harmonious balance between yang and yin.

The first son, the arousing force in the lower primary trigram moves below.

The first daughter, the gentle wind and wood in the upper primary trigram moves above.

This implies movement of the superior man in service to feminine or personal needs.

He will take care of the little things.

As the wind blows, he will move.

The image is thunder and wind.

They are fused together.

When the wind blows strongly enough there will be thunder and movement below.

These two, thunder and wind, increase each other.

The upper nuclear trigram is keeping still.

The lower nuclear trigram is the earth.

The nuclear hexagram is called splitting apart.

Its foundation is weak.

This is also the third son to the mother.

The third son is not as strong as the first and not a full replacement for the father.

The mountain will fall apart if it is hit by a strong wind.

Hence the concern over failure and loss and the sense of keeping still or resting to compensate for any vulnerabilities.

A well rested person can adjust easily to the demands of the time, and from whatever direction the wind blows.

His action will be like thunder.

He will arise decisively to meet the moment.

Being well rested he will not hesitate or fall apart (nuclear hexagram).

he composes his mind before he speaks;

He reflects,

and pauses,

before he speaks or asks,

for something.

Without pausing he will not secure his foundations.

Everyone has needs (lower nuclear trigram) and weaknesses.

To pause or exercise restraint (upper nuclear trigram) one will stand out like a mountain.

If he then asks

for something from others,

his voice will be like thunder

and his gentleness will penetrate the hearts of others.

With such behaviour, no one will be able to deny his request.

Even a mountain will fall to his feet and be humbled.

he makes his relations firm before he asks for something.

The first daughter needs something.

The first son will get it for her.

He will not let it disturb his mother.

He has heard the sound, thunder.

He is awake.

He will act immediately.

Mother will be able to keep resting.

By not allowing sounds and noise to disturb his mother or father,

By recognizing his sister’s needs and acting accordingly he secures his relationships.

There will be no blame in what he does or in what he asks for.

By attending to these three matters, the superior man gains complete security.

This is an example of appropriate action.

He does what is necessary in the right manner.

But if a man is brusque in his movements, others will not co-operate. If he is agitated in his words, they awaken no echo in others. If he asks for something without having first established relations, it will not be given him. If no one is with him, those who would harm him draw near.

This refers to the solid line in the sixth place.

It implies inappropriate action.

This is a line or person removed from the main relationships in the hexagram.

It sits on top, above the nuclear trigram of keeping still, mountain

which rests on the yielding earth.

There is movement below

He can hear it in the wind.

Being on top of the mountain he needs to keep still in his position.

He takes action and disturbs the balance of the mountain on the earth.

This is seen in the nuclear hexagram of splitting apart.

He has no defenses.

Stillness would be appropriate.

Movement draws attention to his predicament and vulnerabilities.

His enemies will be alerted and draw near.

A man in a high position, even in a high castle, will fall from power if he is not cautious.

One can hear the thunder of change in the wind.

In Astrology:

This is the dark half of winter.

It is Capricorn and life is difficult.

Most people want to stay at home in their security.

One goes out to secure the roof and prevent leaks.

Capricorn represents a time of caution and restraint.

Only what is necessary is done.

Here one hears the thunder of a coming storm.

It is coming from the mountains.

He will act to be prepared.

It is not a good time to act, but he will act before the problems get worse.

Others may not help as they are resting and do not hear the coming storm.

They are not prepared to act.

He must act on his own, without support, but if it is for the good of all, no one will interfere or complain.

The arousing force is a Capricorn theme.

It is the first sound after the greatest darkness.

It is the first movement in the heart of winter, just after the winter solstice.

The gentle, wind, wood is a Cancer theme concerned about security and home.

Hence doing what is necessary to remove worries is signified.

In the Changes it is said: “He brings increase to no one.

Solid in the sixth place implies inappropriate action.

It rests on the upper nuclear trigram of keeping still.

He acts for himself but does not act, or is inert, for others.

He takes care of himself but does not warn others.

Indeed, someone even strikes him.

This is the shocking arousing force

penetrating and hitting him

for his self interest

and lack of social concern.

He does not keep his heart constantly steady.

This is the nuclear trigram of the mountain

towering over the earth.

It is too high.

There is movement below.

He can feel the tremors.

His heart is not steady as revealed by the nuclear hexagram of Splitting Apart.

Misfortune.”

Nothing will be gained by such inappropriate action.

Something will be lost.

Note: There are two ways to interpret this line.

The mathematical considerations of odd and even give a negative interpretation of this line and personalize it to mean personal failure.

However a more natural interpretation could imply an unpleasant or difficult movement which is necessary but which no one else will do, and for which one will get no extra acclaim or acknowledgement.

One might even be blamed for one’s actions.

No one wants to go out in the cold storm.

He will do it anyway.

He will help to secure the home.