Use of Explanations
1. The holy sages were able to survey all the confused diversities under heaven. They observed forms and phenomena, and made representations of things and their attributes. These were called the Images.
The holy sages
This refers to Fu Hsi, King Wan, Duke of Chou and other masters of the I Ching.
were able to survey all the confused diversities under heaven.
They studied the circumstances of life on earth, the many different ways that people live, and the many challenges and experiences encountered.
They studied these earthly ways in the light of being under heaven.
As heavenly lights shone they studied or observed the many varied effects in the affairs of the earth.
They observed forms and phenomena
They observed the forms on the earth and the corresponding phenomena in the heavens.
Through astrology, they observed the moving lights in the twelve zodiac signs and in the twelve astrological houses.
and made representations of things and their attributes.
They made representations of the heavenly lights and determined their inherent qualities.
These were called the Images.
In astrology this refers to the nature of the sun, moon and each of the planets and its influence in each of the twelve zodiac signs and the twelve houses.
In the I Ching this refers to the nature of each of the trigrams and what they correspond to.
2. The holy sages were able to survey all the movements under heaven. They contemplated the way in which these movements met and became interrelated, to take their course according to eternal laws. Then they appended judgments, to distinguish between the good fortune and misfortune indicated. These were called the Judgments
The holy sages were able to survey all the movements under heaven.
They observed the movements of the sun and its seasons (zodiac).
They observed the movements of the earth and its hours (houses).
They observed the movements of the moon and its phases (aspects between the sun and the moon).
They observed the movements of the planets and their aspects.
They contemplated the way in which these movements met and became interrelated,
How the sun and moon interrelate.
How the planets interrelate.
How the seasons and the days interrelate.
How the zodiac and the houses interrelate.
How the sun, moon and planets interrelate with the twelve zodiac signs and the twelve houses and the aspects to each other.
By contemplating the way these planets met and became interrelated, they were able to observe the way they affected the earth and created circumstances in life.
to take their course according to eternal laws.
The stars and the constellations have their place.
The moving lights move in their orbits according to eternal laws.
They have their distinct orbits and speeds that have been set from the beginning.
They move in their own good time.
These are the laws that can be relied upon and from which justice can be determined.
In astrology justice comes from the judgment of a horoscope, its circumstances at birth, and at transitory times.
In the I Ching justice refers to the judgment on the nature of the lines in relationship to the trigrams (images) and the hexagram as a whole with its place in the sequence of things.
Then they appended judgments, to distinguish between the good fortune and misfortune indicated.
In their assessment of all the movements under heaven, judgments were made about whether something would be gained (good fortune) or something would be lost (misfortune).
They used the heavenly lights and their effects to determine whether good fortune or misfortune would result.
In astrology, it is the sun, moon and planets in the zodiac signs, in the houses and in aspect with each other that determine whether an effect is easy or difficult, and good or bad.
Astrological judgments are based on these factors: how the heavenly lights create and the earthly darkness receives.
In the I Ching, the trigrams and their images were created to reflect and understand the nature of the heavens above, the earth below and their interrelationship.
It is the relationships of the hexagrams in their natural sequence, the trigrams with their images, and the lines within the trigrams and hexagrams with all their possible positions and changes, that judgments can be made about and through which one may assess whether or not good fortune and misfortune are implied.
These were called the Judgments.
In the text of the I Ching, the Judgment is the paragraph in each hexagram chapter, in which the assessment of good fortune and misfortune is presented.
3. They speak of the most confused diversities without arousing aversion. They speak of what is most mobile without causing confusion.
They speak of the most confused diversities without arousing aversion.
They can talk about what is most confusing.
They speak of the complexity and diversity of human experience on earth.
There is no aversion of any subject or situation because all are included in and directed by the heavenly lights above.
The I Ching and astrology contain the measure of heaven and earth the zodiac signs and the houses
All experience is included.
Nothing is left out!
They speak of what is most mobile without causing confusion.
What is most mobile if not the heavenly lights?
Even the mobility of the earth is included.
Because they understood that the moving lights move through the zodiac signs and the astrological houses, and that they relate to each other as well, they could therefore speak without causing confusion.
They had exalted their natures.
Their words brought an understanding of light.
Their words removed darkness and confusion and put things in order.
4. This comes from the fact that they observed before they spoke and discussed before they moved. Through observation and discussion they perfected the changes and transformations.
This comes from the fact that they observed before they spoke
The holy sages observed the heavenly lights and the earthly circumstances before they spoke.
They knew the heavens and the horoscope and could see what was implied for affairs on the earth.
They observed before they spoke.
and discussed before they moved.
After observing the heavenly lights and seeing the implications, they discussed these with others and in this way could decide what actions were required.
They discussed before they moved.
Through observation and discussion they perfected the changes and transformations.
Perfecting the changes and transformations seems to apply to the creation of the trigrams and hexagrams, but it is more likely to imply that they used the changes to perfect their life and how they dealt with its circumstances.
They were able to imitate the ways of heaven and manifest them in their life on earth.
They lived up to their horoscope and their destiny.
They perfected the changes in their lives and mastered life.
The remaining sections in this chapter present examples about how the wisdom of the heavenly changes can be applied to human affairs on earth.
5. “A crane calling in the shade. Its young answers it. I have a good goblet. I will share it with you.”
The Master said: The superior man abides in his room. If his words are well spoken, he meets with assent at a distance of more than a thousand miles. How much more then from near by! If the superior man abides in his room and his words are not well spoken, he meets with contradiction at a distance of more than a thousand miles. How much more then from near by! Words go forth from one’s own person and exert their influence on men. Deeds are born close at hand and become visible far away. Words and deeds are the hinge and bowstring of the superior man. As hinge and bowstring move, they bring honor or disgrace. Through words and deeds the superior man moves heaven and earth. Must one not, then, be cautious?
“A crane calling in the shade.
This is a reference to the way of the creative and to the increasing light force in which individual words increase and come to have power.
In astrology:
Capricorns have guarded words and speak sparingly.
Aquarians have measured words and speak for effect.
Pisces have considerate words and speak with diversity.
Aries have impulsive words and speak with force.
Taureans have practical words and speak with desire.
Geminis have creative words and speak with self interest.
Its young answers it.
This is a reference to the way of the receptive, to the increasing dark force in which belonging, and the ability to respond and be receptive increases and comes to predominate.
In Astrology:
Cancereans have instinctive sensitivities and respond personally.
Leos have noble sensitivities and respond dramatically.
Virgos have practical sensitivities and respond efficiently.
Libras have appreciative sensitivities and respond pleasantly.
Scorpios have judgmental sensitivities and respond emotionally.
Sagittarians have collective sensitivities and respond enthusiastically.
I have a good goblet.
This is the way of the creative through individual ownership and strength.
I will share it with you.”
This is the way of the receptive mother and social sensitivity.
The willingness to share is the essence of the group or family.
The Master said: The superior man abides in his room. If his words are well spoken, he meets with assent at a distance of more than a thousand miles. How much more then from near by!
One stays focused within.
If his words are selective and considerate the response will be positive.
One will invoke receptivity over a vast area.
This receptivity will be magnified for those who are close or nearby.
If the superior man abides in his room and his words are not well spoken, he meets with contradiction at a distance of more than a thousand miles. How much more then from near by!
If one’s words are self seeking, indiscriminate and inconsiderate the response will be negative.
One will invoke resistance and aversion over a vast area.
This will be magnified for those who are close or nearby.
Words go forth from one’s own person and exert their influence on men. Deeds are born close at hand and become visible far away.
Words are individual creative expressions but they have an effect on others.
This is the way of the creative.
Talking increases as daylight increases.
Deeds are the standard of social sensitivities and the measure of one’s receptivity.
Words and deeds are the hinge and bowstring of the superior man. As hinge and bowstring move, they bring honor or disgrace.
Creativity and receptivity are the essential duality in the changes.
They manifest through words and deeds.
If manifested appropriately they bring honour.
If manifested inappropriately they bring disgrace and guilt.
In astrology, this presents a foundation for understanding the twelve signs, the houses and the aspects.
Through words and deeds the superior man moves heaven and earth.
Through words one can move creatively.
Through deeds one can move receptively.
This is the measure of heaven and earth and a guide to living up to one’s destiny as revealed in the horoscope (heavenly zodiac and earthly houses).
Every word and deed affects the manner and quality of how we live and how much of our horoscope we can live up to.
Must one not, then, be cautious?
How easy it can be, or how difficult it can be, is based on words and deeds.
One must for this reason be very cautious.
This comment refers to nine in the second place of the hexagram called Inner Truth.
Nine in the Second Place:
This line is in the middle of the lower primary trigram of Joy.
It is also in the bottom line of the lower nuclear trigram of shock, the arousing force.
According to Fu Hsi and the natural cycle of change these two trigrams are both in the hemisphere of increasing light.
They are both masculine and creative.
According to the Duke of Chou,
Nine in the second place is an odd or yang line in a yin or even place.
It is centred in the lower primary trigram of pleasure.
It is also in the first line of shock, the arousing force.
The energy here wants to be active and it wants to instigate pleasure.
Because it is odd in an even place, action is inappropriate.
And because there is no correspondence from line five (solid in an odd place), one should be most cautious about any action.
This action would be shocking through sounds and words (thunder).
The nuclear hexagram is The Corners of the Mouth where one is cautioned about what goes into the mouth and what comes out of it.
Hence the concern over speaking appropriately.
In astrology: The primary hexagram of Inner Truth is in Aries where light and strength are both increasing and greater than darkness.
It is inclined to be impulsive, powerful and spontaneous.
The nuclear hexagram Corners of the Mouth is in Capricorn where light is increasing but darkness is greater.
Here there is a natural sense of caution, restraint and dignity.
6. “Men bound in fellowship first weep and lament, but afterward they laugh.”
The Master said:
Life leads the thoughtful man on a path of many windings.
Now the course is checked, now it runs straight again.
Here winged thoughts may pour freely forth in words,
There the heavy burden of knowledge must be shut away in silence.
But when two people are at one in the inmost hearts,
They shatter even the strength of iron or of bronze.
And when two people understand each other in their inmost hearts,
Their words are sweet and strong, like the fragrance of orchids.
“Men bound in fellowship first weep and lament, but afterward they laugh.”
Creative individuals having to be receptive to each other, initially feel the loss of power and control and that freedom is diminished.
The first reaction is sorrow, but once the feeling of teamwork and camaraderie sets in, there will be laughter.
The Master said:
Life leads the thoughtful man on a path of many windings.
The thoughtful one will experience all twelve zodiac signs, or the eight trigrams, in the course of his (or her) life.
The zodiac (hexagrams/trigrams) or the changes could imply the path of many windings that leads to wisdom.
This could refer to the nature or experiences of each of the twelve signs, or each of the eight trigrams, or each of the sixty-four hexagrams.
Now the course is checked, now it runs straight again.
The zodiac signs alternate receptive (feminine) and creative (masculine).
One pauses and adjusts to be receptive.
One can be straight and fast in the creative.
The sequence of the trigrams and hexagrams in the changes of life also alternate receptive (broken line) and creative (solid line).
This refers to Fu Hsi’s Sequence of Earlier Heaven in which each line in its phase alternates from passive or broken to active or solid and back from active to passive.
The Daylight Increasing Phase:
The Darkness Increasing Phase:
Here winged thoughts may pour freely forth in words,
This is the way of the creative when the daylight is greater than the darkness. (Spring and Summer) also (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo and Virgo).
One is inclined to talk freely.
There the heavy burden of knowledge must be shut away in silence.
When the darkness is greater then the light one must hold back or restrain one’s words and listen in silence.
To listen in silence one must be open and not contend or argue.
This is the way of the receptive when darkness is greater.
(Fall and Winter) also (Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces)
One must be receptive to and listen silently to others.
What one has to say is no longer as important as what others need.
But when two people are at one in the inmost hearts,
When two people can, without thoughts or words, be receptive and open to each other,
They shatter even the strength of iron or of bronze.
The strong creative individual cannot withstand the power of togetherness.
The sense of being one with another, of belonging and being receptive to each other, will shatter all feelings of individual creativity and knowledge.
And when two people understand each other in their inmost hearts,
And when two people are so receptive to each other, that they understand each other without words or thoughts, open together in their hearts.
(*By studying the zodiac and the changes one can understand the hearts of others without contention.)
Their words are sweet and strong, like the fragrance of orchids.
Harmonious words of togetherness
From receptive and united hearts
Are sweet and powerful.
This is the nature of wisdom, like the fragrance of orchids.
Nine in the Fifth place:
This line is the middle of the upper trigram of the creative.
It is also in the top line of the upper nuclear trigram of the creative.
In Fu Hsi and the natural arrangement:
Both trigrams represent the extreme of increasing light where thoughts and words are many and powerful.
Such thoughts can lead one onto many paths, but because they are one’s own thoughts and actions they are not relevant to others, and in social situations where some receptivity is required one must keep one’s thoughts to oneself, remain silent and listen.
This is not easy for the creative, and the initial reaction is sorrow and loss.
But if two strong individuals, the two trigrams of the creative referred to here, are bound in fellowship, or have to put their energy together for a common cause,
Together they will be even stronger.
Success and laughter will arise.
The nuclear hexagram is Coming To Meet.
This is the first hexagram of increasing darkness.
It marks the beginning of commitments and responsibility, and increasing receptivity to others.
Hence the implication of strong men coming together in fellowship.
This is further accentuated within the main hexagram, as there are five solid lines representing five strong men, but they are bound together in fellowship
By the one broken line needing receptivity and teamwork.
They must work together to help those more vulnerable than themselves.
The Duke of Chou:
Nine in the fifth place.
This is an odd or solid line in an odd place (fifth place)
It is centred in the upper primary trigram of the creative.
It is also in the top line of the upper nuclear trigram of the creative.
Because it is an odd line in an odd place (5)
Action will be strong and appropriate.
Because it is in correspondence with the weak broken line in the second place.
The strong will do what is appropriate and join together to assist the weaker element.
The nuclear hexagram is Coming To Meet.
It suggests further that the strong men must come together or be bound in fellowship.
In Astrology:
The primary hexagram of Fellowship With Men is in the last hexagram of Pisces at the very end of winter.
The light is increasing.
Strong men are joining together.
Their power and light are rapidly increasing.
Soon they will overcome the greater darkness and spring will arrive.
The nuclear hexagram of Coming To Meet is the first hexagram in a Cancer at the very beginning of summer, where darkness begins to increase.
This points to a further momentum of the strong man towards new and increasing sensitivities.
The light is decreasing and strength is moving towards darkness and vulnerability.
The strong will align to help those weaker.
They will become receptive to each other.
This will be difficult at first, but camaraderie and good cheer will result.
6. “To spread white rushes underneath. No blame.”
The Master said: It does well enough simply to place something on the floor. But if one puts white rushes underneath, how could that be a mistake? This is the extreme of caution. Rushes in themselves are worthless, but they can have a very important effect. If one is a cautious as this in all that one does, one remains free of mistakes.
Preponderance of the Great
The upper trigram is the joyous lake, or pleasure.
The lower trigram is the gentle, wind, wood.
This implies a special sensitivity to pleasure.
The hexagram is called preponderance of the Great.
The great is the four solid lines in the middle of the hexagram.
They form the nuclear hexagram of the Creative, strong.
The first line represents the consideration of the great man and his pleasure.
This consideration is acted upon because of the nuclear hexagram of Creative Strength.
By collecting the best rushes and putting them down under the bedding, the important individual will have a good and pleasurable sleep.
This is also something the father will do to make things nicer for his daughters, the upper trigram of Joy (third daughter) and the lower trigram of Gentleness (first daughter).
To spread white rushes underneath. No blame.
The four solid lines in the middle of the hexagram represent a strong man.
There is a sensitive broken line below and another sensitive broken line above.
Here we have a strong man acting sensitively.
Instead of just putting the bedding on the floor
He is considerate.
He takes the extra time to lay the rushes down first.
Most rushes are brown sticks.
One must make an extra effort to find white ones.
This will increase the comfort and the appearance.
The strong man is catering to feminine sensitivities.
This is considerate of him.
There will be no blame.
The Master said: It does well enough simply to place something on the floor. But if one puts white rushes underneath, how could that be a mistake?
The white rushes probably refers to those that are already dead and dried out.
They will crush easily and make a more comfortable bed.
It will take more time to collect them.
This is the extreme of caution.
It might be better said that this is the extreme of consideration.
It is sensitive to others.
Daylight is greater but darkness is increasing.
While it is light out one gathers the white rushes.
Soon it will be dark and it will be time to sleep.
Preparing the bed in advance is cautious and efficient.
One does not wait for it to be dark before preparing the bed.
Rushes in themselves are worthless, but they can have a very important effect.
This shows receptive and creative action.
Knowledge applied sensitively.
Rushes also imply the season of summer and what is available.
If one is as cautious as this in all that one does
One will remain free of mistakes.
If one is a cautious as this in all that one does, one remains free of mistakes.
It is summertime when daylight is greater than darkness.
There are many choices and much freedom.
Taking time in advance to gather the rushes and prepare the bed.
Darkness is beginning to increase.
Caution and consideration is useful and wise.
It will keep one free of blame and guilt.
One’s conscience will remain clear.
Six in the First Place
This is the first place which is only within one trigram.
It is in line one of the primary trigram.
It represents the first step or beginning of the situation.
It is in the primary trigram of the Gentle, Wind, Wood.
Here the theme is gentleness and it also refers to the rushes (wood).
Fu Hsi and the natural cycle of change (Sequence of Earlier Heaven):
The gentle is in the trigram of the beginning or light half of summer.
Daylight is still greater than night.
There is strength and freedom, but darkness is increasing.
There is a growing need for sensitivity and responsibility.
As the wind blows, thoughts of rushes and their usefulness arise.
The initial action (first place) here is to secure or collect rushes.
This is a receptive or broken line accentuating security and collectivity.
Duke of Chou and the mathematical Sequence of Later Heaven.
This is an even line in an odd place.
It is a passive line in a place calling for action.
Action here is qualified and taken with consideration and caution.
Because it is even and in an odd place action is inappropriate.
However because this broken line in the first place
Is in correspondence with the solid line in the fourth place
A positive result will occur.
Some delay is taken to collect the white rushes, but since it is action aligned to make things easier for someone else (solid in the fourth place) it is wise and will succeed.
In Astrology:
This is the light half of summer and the zodiac sign of Cancer, the Crab, the collector.
Here one is sensitive about responsibilities and strong in action.
If one is uncomfortable or unhappy
Others will hear about it.
In Cancer it is worth taking care of the little things.
Daylight is greater but darkness begins to increase.
One magnifies the little discomforts.
In Preponderance of the Great,
Even the great man will make an effort
To keep his wife comfortable and quiet!
The nuclear hexagram is The Creative.
This is the last hexagram in Gemini,
The time of greatest light.
Inside there is a powerful sense of action and thinking.
Action that makes things easier comes naturally here.
Thoughts about making action easier predominate.
Action to make things more enjoyable results.
This is a Gemini way.
7. “A superior man of modesty and merit carries things to conclusion. Good Fortune.”
The Master said: When a man does not boast of his efforts and does not count his merits a virtue, he is a man of great parts. It means that for all his merits he subordinates himself to others. Noble of nature, reverent in his conduct, the modest man is full of merit, and therefore he is able to maintain this position.
This is s time when darkness is greater than light and darkness is increasing.
This is the end of the light half of autumn.
A time of great receptivity, vulnerability and weakness is increasing.
The strong light power of the superior man is receding.
Weaker and darker elements prevail.
Everyone around him is needy.
He is the only bastion of strength.
In this hexagram there is only one solid line surrounded by broken lines.
The dark elements cling to whatever light remains.
The weaker people cling to whoever is strong.
A superior man of modesty and merit
The image of the trigrams is the mountain beneath the earth,
Of hidden power and majesty.
This leads to the idea of modesty,
the unseen or invisible mountain.
He is strong but does not display his light.
He keeps it within.
He has accomplishments but does not lord it over others.
Thus he has merit but keeps a humble profile.
The strong man (solid line) walks a path of humility (broken lines).
He carries things to conclusion.
The creative acts. The receptive receives.
The receptive completes the finished things.
The strong man will complete what he started.
He will not be distracted or weakened.
He will complete what is required or needed.
Good Fortune.
The weak will gain from this strong presence.
The individual gives to the group
And completes what needs to be completed.
The Master said: When a man does not boast of his efforts and does not count his merits a virtue, he is a man of great parts.
Here the one solid line of light and strength stands
Amidst the surrounding five broken lines.
He is truly the mountain beneath the earth,
The hidden mountain.
He keeps his magnitude to himself.
He does not stand over others.
It means that for all his merits he subordinates himself to others.
The whole year with its planting, growth and harvesting has passed,
And darkness is increasing.
This is a time when one must dedicate oneself
to the needs of the team, the group and the family.
One must join with others
to prepare for the fast approaching winter,
a time of cold and darkness when food will be scarce.
Noble of nature,
This refers to strength of character as suggested by the one solid line.
reverent in his conduct,
One’s actions are receptive and reverent.
Darkness is greater than light and increasing.
One maintains inner strength and integrity.
the modest man is full of merit,
One’s force is waning.
One will not take advantage of others.
and therefore he is able to maintain this position.
In this time of darkness and increasing weakness,
One directs one’s efforts to what others need.
This is a challenge and lesson for Scorpios, who need to put the needs of others before themselves.
In this way one secures one’s position.
Nine in the Third Place
This line is in three trigrams.
It is in the top line of the primary lower trigram of Keeping Still
It is in the middle line of the lower nuclear trigram of the Abysmal Danger.
It is in the bottom line of the upper nuclear trigram of the Arousing Force.
In Fu Hsi:
Here amidst the increasing darkness
There is still some strength and light.
This is the middle of autumn
The year and crops are dying
Yet much can still be gained by completing things.
The trigrams of Keeping Still and Danger in the darkness increasing half of the year
But the Arousing Force represents the beginning of movement.
There is movement in the darkness
Strength in the weakness.
What is needed to be completed will be completed.
In the Duke of Chou:
This is an odd line in an odd place.
It is the top line of Keeping Still,
Like a man on the mountain.
It is centred in danger
But it is rooted in the first line of the Arousing Force.
Amidst the stillness
There is action and firmness.
Being an odd line in an odd place
Action is appropriate.
What is needed will be completed.
Good fortune.
In Astrology:
This is a Scorpio hexagram with the theme of silent integrity.
Nature is dark and getting darker.
It is a time of stillness and dying.
The soil may be turned over in preparation for the spring.
An animal might be slaughtered for food in the days to come.
The trigram Keeping Still is the Libra-Scorpio half of Autumn when darkness is great and increasing.
The trigram Danger is the Leo-Virgo half of summer,
being the end or dark half of summer.
This is the time of harvest, hard work and completion.
The days are short.
One does what one can with whatever light is available.
This is also a time when individual strength and action must be directed to the common good of all.
The trigram of the Arousing Force is for the beginning of winter.
Action will be difficult but it must be done.
This implies that even amidst growing darkness and inertia – light will return,
Action will be done.
There are things to do that will complete the year.
This will bring good fortune.
“Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.”
The Master said: He who is noble and has no corresponding position, he who stands high and has no following, he who has able people under him who do not have his support, that man will have cause for regret at every turn.
“Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.”
This is a time when daylight is increasing and daylight is also greater than darkness.
It marks the end of the light half of spring when daylight is at its greatest.
It is also the end of the morning (at noon).
It is the end of the waxing phase of the moon
Leading right up to the full moon.
The time when light ascends to its greatest is the time of greatest activity, creativity and strength.
This is the maximum of light.
After this moment darkness will increase and the light will wane.
Arrogant dragon
The dragon is the strongest creative force in the heavens.
It is so strong and so bright
That it cares not about who or what gets burnt.
This is the ultimate image of arrogance.
Strength and creativity without any reflection or sensitivity.
will have cause to repent
This is the last moment of lights supremacy (at the summer solstice, or noon, or the full moon)
Darkness will start to increase.
The light will wane.
Then even the insensitive dragon in the heavens will begin to reflect.
Even for such a powerful heavenly creature, a time to reflect is just around the corner.
As sensitivity increases
One will have to repent one’s individual insensitive arrogance.
(The build up of light in Gemini will turn into the sensitivity of Cancer.)
Only here will the arrogant dragon begin to repent!
The Master said: He who is noble
This refers to the peak of light,
with its creativity, strength and power.
One in an honoured place.
and has no corresponding position,
There is no corresponding receptivity.
There are no broken lines to rely on.
he who stands high
This is the top line standing high in the hexagram.
and has no following,
All the lines beneath are solid.
They are creative leaders in their own place.
They will not follow or be receptive.
he who has able people under him who do not have his support,
This again is the strong line above, at the top.
It is there for itself,
And not receptive to the other five broken lines beneath.
that man will have cause for regret at every turn.
No matter what is done from here, the place of greatest light,
Darkness will come.
One will soon have to reflect on one’s actions and ways.
One will come to regret what was done by individual strength.
This is the summer solstice when each person is happy
In their own independence, action, and power.
They will soon have to align with others.
Past insensitivities will stand out.
The consequence of insensitive action
Will come at every turn.
This consequence is the essential meaning of the
increasing dark half of any cycle.
Nine at the top.
This line is in the top line of the upper primary trigram
of creative heavenly strength.
It is only in this one trigram and it stands at the top of it.
It has risen to the top,
But the lines beneath it are also rising.
One’s position is maintained only by one’s own power.
There is no receptivity here and nowhere to belong.
Fu Hsi
This line stands at the greatest light. This is noon, the summer solstice.
This is the last possible increase of light.
There is no sensitivity here, but it is coming immediately.
The strong one is not prepared for weakness.
The light will not surrender to the darkness.
Hence the arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.
Duke of Chou
Nine in the sixth place.
This is an odd line in an even place.
It is at the top or peak of its power.
It maintains its position by strength.
Because it is a odd line in an even place,
Action here is inappropriate.
It will cause repentance.
Furthermore it has no correspondence to any line beneath it.
No line will hold together with this line.
It is alone with its actions unsupported.
How can this not lead to repentance?
In Astrology
This is the last phase of Gemini,
Of the light half of spring.
It marks the completion of the waxing light.
Geminis are the most independent and free signs in the zodiac.
They like to do their own thing,
Act on their own ideas,
And laugh and talk freely.
Words represent creative expression,
But they also disturb and diminish silence.
When taken to extremes
Words can be very insensitive.
One will come to regret what one has said.
Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent.
9. “Not going out of the door and the courtyard is without blame.”
The Master said: Where disorder develops, words are the first steps. If the prince is not discreet, he loses his servant. If the servant is not discreet, he loses his life. If germinating things are not handled with discretion, the perfecting of them is impeded. Therefore the superior man is careful to maintain silence and does not go forth.
Limitation:
The time is early in the spring.
Daylight is increasing and daylight is greater than darkness.
There is much activity going on.
This represents the passions and pleasures of spring.
People are happy and enjoying themselves
Celebrating the end of winter
Rejoicing in the new beginning.
People are getting out more
Seeing each other and talking.
They feel renewed and are actively pursuing what they want.
They will speak forcefully and say what they want.
This is the early stage of light’s victory over darkness.
Of outer confidence over inhibition,
Of words over silence!
The upper trigram is the Abysmal, Dangerous water.
The lower trigram is the Joyous lake.
In nature, the ice is melting and we can once again see the lake.
The danger is that the lakes may overflow and flood.
In human affairs there is the danger of too much indulgence and pleasure.
Action and desire will predominate over caution.
A lack of discrimination results,
Or humour at someone else’s expense.
Impulse over reason can lead a thoughtful person into trouble.
To place impulse over reason will have dangerous implications.
To speak without consideration will cause sorrow and guilt.
The nuclear hexagram is the Corners of the Mouth, where one is advised to be concerned with what goes into the mouth and what comes out of it.
The upper nuclear trigram of Keeping Still tries to hold the Arousing Force (lower nuclear trigram) in place,
Like the upper jaw keeping still and the lower jaw moving.
The increase of eating and talking is thus signified.
This presents the inner theme of the hexagram
The upper primary trigram is Danger, Water.
The lower primary trigram is the Joyous, Lake.
The main theme is dangerous or indiscriminate pleasure.
Abysmal – Joy.
Because of the water implied in each of the primary trigrams,
This could also refer to the dangers of drinking and partying.
The Master said: Where disorder develops, words are the first step.
The increasing light force and its victorious surge over darkness (spring) can easily ignore or become insensitive to the common good of society.
When vulgar or harsh words are spoken it signifies the first sign of disorder, or of insensitivity to the needs and vulnerability of others.
If the prince is not discreet, he loses his servant.
If one is in authority and speaks harshly to someone who works for him,
The servant will quit or leave, because he or she will have enough strength and confidence to go his or her own way.
If the servant is not discreet, he loses his life.
If the servant speaks harshly
The one in authority will take offense and is strong enough to strike out.
Daylight is greater than darkness and it is increasing.
Independent action will prevail and increase.
If germinating things are not handled with discretion, the perfecting of them is impeded.
The seed rests under the earth in winter and germinates in the spring.
Once germination starts it is important to pick the weeds.
Otherwise the plant will not grow properly and the harvest will be poor.
In the initial stages of germination
One must be careful in assessing what is a weed and what is not, or one will pull out the good plants with the weeds.
In human life it is important to protect germinating ideas.
They must be protected from the harsh criticism or ridicule of others.
Therefore the superior man is careful to maintain silence and does not go forth.
One does not let words come out of one’s mouth.
One does not open the door.
One does not even go out of his courtyard to interact with others.
One minds one’s own business and does not disturb the attention of others.
Why should one do what is not worthy?
One will work on one’s own garden.
Why should one speak to undeserving ears?
One will not disturb the peace.
One will maintain silence.
Nine in the first place:
This is an active solid line.
It is in the lower primary trigram of the Joyous Lake.
It implies the first move or step.
Here the temptation is to make the first move in pleasure.
This represents the impulse and passion of spring.
The Natural Sequence of Fu Hsi:
This solid line represents the beginning of pleasure and enjoyable movement.
However the upper primary trigram is the dangerous abyss
Implying that this movement will lead to difficulties and even danger.
It is for this very reason that the hexagram is called Limitation.
Only so much water is safe.
Likewise too much water will cause difficulties.
Hence one is encouraged to limit one’s approach to pleasure.
By holding to silence, and not going out of one’s home and garden,
One will be able to avoid these dangers.
The Mathematical Sequence of King Wan and the Duke of Chou:
This is an odd or solid line in an odd place, the first.
Furthermore it is in correspondence with
The broken line in the fourth place (the first line of Abysmal Danger)
One can sense what is right and what is wrong.
One wants to go, but will one listen and wait?
There is no holding together as line two is also solid, but in an even place.
The closest energy is inappropriate.
Hence the advice given is cautious.
A superior person will not go forth, get involved, or even give verbal approval ….(To dangerous pleasure)
One will remain silent and stay in one’s own house and courtyard.
Astrologically:
This hexagram represents the passions and pleasures of spring.
Daylight is increasing and is now greater than darkness.
The days are warmer.
The ice is melting and water is flowing,
The water level in the lakes is dangerously high.
This is the third hexagram in Aries, the sign of impulsive action.
Aries is inherently insensitive to others and will take action forcefully.
It is prone to arguments, competition and aggression (even war!)
In Aries one is often reminded of the dangers of youthful impulse and of disrespect to authority and its rules.
The lower primary trigram, the Joyous Lake, is the trigram for Aries and for the first half of Taurus.
Hence impulsive and enjoyable action.
The upper primary trigram is Abysmal Danger, a Virgo theme involving critical assessment and discrimination.
Discriminate action.
The nuclear hexagram of the Corners of the Mouth is the second hexagram in Capricorn,
the sign of caution, restraint and sparse words.
Capricorns listen and wait.
They don’t speak freely.
Hence the superior person in the face of impulsive desires
See the potential dangers
And remains silent and still.
10. “If a man carries a burden on his back and nonetheless rides in a carriage, he thereby encourages robbers to draw near.”
The Master said: The authors of the Book of Changes knew what robbers are like. In the Book of Changes it is said: “If a man carries a burden on his back and nonetheless rides in a carriage, he thereby encourages robbers to draw near.” Carrying a burden on the back is the business of a common man; a carriage is the appurtenance of a man of rank. Now, when a common man uses the appurtenance of a man of rank, robbers plot to take it away from him. If a man is insolent toward those above him and hard toward those below him, robbers plot to attack him. Carelessness in guarding things tempts thieves to steal. Sumptuous ornaments worn by a maiden are an enticement to rob her of her virtue. In the Book of Changes it is said: “If a man carries a burden on his back and nonetheless rides in a carriage, he thereby encourages robbers to draw near.” For that is an invitation to robbers.
Here the daylight in greater and the darkness is increasing.
This is the dark half of summer.
The dominance of light will soon subside and then darkness will predominate.
The strength and possession and status of a strong person will be undermined by the needs of the group.
A superior man will not display his strengths in the face of increasing weakness.
If he were to show what he has, others of lesser character will notice and plot to take it away.
The weaker character and envy of others (increasing darkness)
Will gain ascendancy and they will get what they want.
The needs of the group will soon predominate
Over the strength of an individual.
The oncoming greater darkness demands cautious preparation.
A strong person would be wise to hide his light.
The upper primary trigram is the Arousing Force, thunder.
The lower primary trigram is Danger.
Shocking movement above – danger below – movement into the abyss.
Visible movement will disappear into the abyss.
Robbers will steal what they see.
The lower nuclear trigram is the Clinging Fire, lightning.
Possessions clinging or tied to the carriage will be seen by all,
Like a lightning flash in the darkness.
The upper nuclear trigram is the Abysmal, Danger.
What is seen above will disappear in the darkness of the abyss.
The person (light) will feel that their position and possessions will be undermined or stolen.
Summer is almost over. It is close to completion.
The nuclear hexagram is called after completion.
In this hexagram everything is in its proper place and is complete.
Any movement will mark the beginning of disorder and chaos.
A person riding in a carriage will draw attention to himself and abysmal chaos will follow.
Robbers will draw near.
Danger will increase.
This is harvest time.
Nature presents its gifts for all to see.
People will join together to reap as much of the harvest as they can.
Winter is coming. They will take what they see, or the time will pass and they will have to do without.
At harvest time, taking what one sees is acceptable.
The growing needs of the group will steal the power of the individual.
The Master said: The authors of the Book of Changes knew what robbers are like.
In the Book of Changes it is said: “If a man carries a burden on his back and nonetheless rides in a carriage, he thereby encourages robbers to draw near.”
They knew that everything changes in its proper sequence, and that darkness will, in time, replace the light.
The weaker will overcome,
or in this case, steal from the strong or highly placed.
Carrying a burden on the back is the business of a common man; a carriage is the appurtenance of a man of rank. Now, when a common man uses the appurtenance of a man of rank, robbers plot to take it away from him.
To move among weaker people is dangerous.
To carry possessions and show them off will invite disaster.
Others will plot to take it away.
The weak dark elements will gather and dominate.
Summer is almost over.
What light remains will soon be stolen.
If a man is insolent toward those above him and hard toward those below him, robbers plot to attack him.
A strong, hard (light) person will soon be surrounded by darkness.
Insensitivity (light) will be overcome by the sensitivity (darkness) of others.
This is not the time to be pretentious or arrogant.
One cannot maintain one’s position.
Light is waning. Soon darkness will triumph.
Robbers plot to attack him.
Darkness will steal the light.
The light will be diminished.
Carelessness in guarding things tempts thieves to steal.
If one wants the benefit of one’s own light and actions,
One must protect them from others.
The end of summer is a time that demands
That the light prepare to surrender to darkness.
Only a selfish person, would keep everything in the harvest for himself.
What is referred to as stealing is really the natural course of nature and life.
The coming cold darkness will kill the crops.
The demands of the group will be greater then.
The time of teamwork is approaching.
Sumptuous ornaments worn by a maiden are an enticement to rob her of her virtue.
If you show it, others will want it.
You will lose your strength of character.
Discrimination is needed here.
Hard work is needed more than playful performance
In the Book of Changes it is said: “If a man carries a burden on his back and nonetheless rides in a carriage, he thereby encourages robbers to draw near.” For that is an invitation to robbers.
Why invite the inevitable?
Why lose more than you have to?
Why take the risk?
Why tempt fate?
Only a lesser person would do this.
Six in the Third Place:
This is a broken line.
It implies weakness or sensitivity.
It is in the top line of the lower primary trigram of Danger, the Abyss.
(Riding in a carriage)
It is in the middle line of the lower nuclear trigram the Clinging, Fire.
(Lightning and weapons)
It is in the bottom of the upper nuclear trigram of Danger.
Here we have danger above and danger below with sudden light in between.
The clinging fire has also been associated with weapons.
Hence the use of weapons, in the dangerous, increasing darkness.
The victory of darkness is yet to come.
Hence the sense of robbers plotting to steal what they see. (light stolen or lost)
To draw attention to oneself will attract danger above and below.
It is a broken line.
One must be aware and cautious.
One must listen and be receptive.
It is a time of defense and not offense.
The Mathematical Sequence of King Wan and the Duke of Chou:
A broken or even line in an odd yang (third) place
One is weak when strength is called for.
Inappropriate weakness.
This suggests that one will lose light and strength to darker circumstances.
There is no correspondence with the broken line in the sixth place.
Both are weak and inactive.
But this broken line holds together with the solid lines immediately above it and below it.
Both of these strong lines suggest strong action in the midst of danger.
Both are centred in the trigrams of danger.
One can see weakness surrounded by dangerous action.
In Astrology:
This hexagram is the first hexagram in Virgo.
The time of Leo with its dramatics, playfulness and pride is over.
Now in Virgo there is a need for hard work and discrimination.
One must be self critical to avoid danger.
One must be self critical to avoid delusions of self-importance.
One must work hard to make the most of the harvest and to prepare for the coming cold and darkness.
One must prepare to be part of the team rather than distinct from it.
One must prepare to be humbled and to align with the growing needs of others and of the coming winter months.
The light will be stolen!
Are you ready?