Approach: We Receive Help, Make Progress

Approach 19 shows Tui, Lake, under Kun, Earth. It indicates the spring time when life comes back and progress is made. Undertakings are met with success.

Joint approach is indicated by the first line changing. It says to begin your endeavors in the company of those who share your point of view and values. Sticking to your principles brings good fortune.

The result is the Army which depicts strength hidden within the earth.

Oppression or Exhaustion: Restlessness In Adversity Brings Grief

Oppression or Exhaustion shows the Lake, Tui, above, Joy, being drained down into an Abyss, Kan, Danger and Water. Joy is further oppressed by the nuclear trigrams, Li and Sun, that indicate a fire storm. Thus a very unfortunate circumstance -- it describes fairly well the general zeitgeist of the last few years as, for the vast majority of us, the Joy has indeed been drained from our lives in a desert of joblessness, financial oppression by criminal gangs called banks and their government co-conspirators.

The third line changing is near the peak of movement in the time of Oppression. It indicates a restlessness in the face of adversity that causes us to seek rest or shelter from one place or another that cannot provide it. In essence, this activity, intended to remove ourselves from the time of Oppression, only compounds our Oppression; in essence, we oppress ourselves.

Danger, which shows Kan, Danger and Water, doubled, indicates an opportunity. It is perhaps like the supposed Chinese curse, 'May you live in interesting times.'

Obstruction: Turn Inwards

Obstruction shows the opposite or reverse of Youthful Folly. In Obstruction, Water and Danger, Kan, is without and Keeping Still and the Mountain, Ken, is within. (In Youthful Folly, Danger is within and Keeping Still is without.) Thus, Obstruction indicates the height of wisdom, that is, keeping still in the face of danger. This hexagram recommends following the path of least resistance and the one where we will receive the most help from others. It recommends turning inward, meditating so that we can correct ourselves. This is the appropriate way to handle times of Obstruction.

Progress Towards Retreat

Progress 35 shows Li, the sun and clarity, rising over Kun, the earth and devotion. This shows the obedient servant who, while dependent on the ruler, is recognized as a person worthy of support and capable of bringing clarity and light to his circle of influence. This is a time to continue following the path of virtue, as the image says, 'the superior man brightens his bright virtue.'

The third line describes someone who has the agreement and support of superiors and can let go of remorse over the fact that due to his lower position he lacks the ability to overcome every hostile change of fate. The fifth line shows the person of influence who nonetheless lacks the energy to maximize profit from this time of progress. Any such regrets will pass as he realizes the opportunities that do come to him.

Retreat 33 shows heaven retreating from the earth. A timely and well-executed Retreat helps prepare for a counter move when adverse conditions abate. It also protects us from chaos and injury during the time of difficulty.

Gentle Devotion To The Family Brings Blessings

The Family 37 shows Li, clarity and fire, within and Sun, gentleness and wind above. It shows the outgoing influence of inner clarity. Also, when we are injured without, it is natural to withdraw into the family for support.

The second line is one of the rulers of the hexagram. It represents the mother. This line recommends that we forego following our desires and instead withdraw within and cook for our family. This devotion and gentleness shown to our family members will meet with good fortune.

The resulting hexagram is Taming Power of the Small 9. It indicates a gentle force that can accomplish little. It is time for attending to minor details.

Return: Light And Friends Return; Continue To Push Evil Thoughts Away To Avoid Habituation

Return 24 shows Chen, thunder, under the earth, Kun. The time of Winter Solstice is indicated when at the darkest part of the year when evil appears triumphant, light and the good return. This marks the turning point when old patterns return after a time of frustration and loss.

The first line indicates return from a short distance. We are tempted to stray from the good path but correct ourselves easily before harm is done. The third line shows repeated return and is associated with misfortune: it shows someone who is restless, looks to other paths, and strays with evil thoughts. It is still possible to correct oneself and not become habituated to evil.

Modesty 15 results. It depicts the mountain hidden under the earth. It represents values highly esteemed by the I Ching writers. Modesty succeeds by not drawing attention to the self.

Great Power: If You Are Close To Power, Action Brings Good Fortune; If Distant From Power, Resist Desire To Use Power

Great Power 34 shows Power within, Chien, heaven and Movement without, Chen, thunder. It is the time when thunder and lightning rise powerfully into heaven. When Great Power comes, it is important to remain cautious and wait for the right time to act to have the best effect.

The first line changing says that being in a lowly position away from power it is tempting to use the power we have to act -- do not give in to this temptation as the time is not right for acting and misfortune would result from trying to force things. The fourth line shows the ruler of the hexagram making the best use of the time by acting without a great show of power and thereby having the greatest effect on circumstances.

The resulting hexagram is Pushing Upward 46 which shows the tree, here in seed form, pushing upward from within the earth.

Holding Together: Be A Magnet To Others Of Like Mind

Holding Together 8 shows Water on Earth. It has one strong line in the fifth place of the ruler that holds together the other five weak lines, like a comb holding hairs together. It also says in the judgment to perform another divination to see if you have sincerity in you heart. If the answer is yes, all goes well. The image shows a ruler giving out royal patronage to worthy supporters.

The fifth line changing says that you are the center of attraction for those of like mind. This will help you in many ways. Those attracted to you at present were sent by fate and can be trusted. Advancement and good fortune are indicated.

The resulting hexagram is Natural Response 2. It usually means to be more attentive to one's environment so the best decisions can be made.

Increase: Give To Those Below Then Good Fortune Is Returned; Don't Let Your Heart Harden Or Misfortune Results

Wind above and Thunder below; Gentleness without and Movement within; thus is shown Increase 42. It shows a time of enduring progress.

The fifth line changing says that a kind heart is all that is needed to assure good fortune. The sixth line shows misfortune comes to one who is aloof and cold hearted. The sixth line brings no Increase to anyone and therefore is punished.

Return 24 is the resulting hexagram. Return shows the stem of character formation. It indicates that we have learned from our mistakes and are returning to the path. I think this divination means that we are somewhat divided against ourselves. Possibly we have been injured or are grieving due to some loss. A naturally kind disposition is so injured it turns away from the world drawing down more misfortune for it. My guess is that the mistakes lead to correction and remorse thus the good fortune that Return suggests. It reminds me of the saying paraphrased: 'Kind hearts are more important than coronets (that is, fancy titles).'

Retreat: Get Out Of An Impossible Situation

Retreat 33 shows Heaven rising up and away from the Mountain. It does not mean running away in terror but a strategic withdrawal and preparation for counter movement that may come after this time has passed. With no changing lines it indicates that we may encounter situations that are impossible, fixed and untenable such that the only thing we can do is withdraw.

Dispersion: Blowing Danger Away

Dispersion 59 shows Wood over Water, thus giving the idea of a boat and the judgment encouraging us to cross the great water. The boat also suggests communication. Another set of meanings relates to duty of the king to hold together external circumstances that are falling apart. The king accomplishes this aim by turning to religion and the various invisible beings of spirit or gods. This gives the hexagram another part of the judgment where the king is said to build temples for religious observances during the time of Dispersion.

The third line changing indicates dispersing the self. Here, to avoid danger, one must disperse elements taken on by the self. They are not essential and could be points where danger can approach. Or, to achieve something great, self-denial is necessary. The fourth line indicates that one abandons one's own people. The meaning is that one with greatness and vision can see that the greater good is served by striking out away from provincial and local interests but addressing the needs of greater humanity. Doing this can bring great reward.

These changes lead to Coming to Meet 44. This hexagram shows Wind under Heaven. It means temptation and to be watchful for seductive thoughts or situations that may insinuate themselves from below.

Progress: Duty Now For The Future

Progress 35 shows the sun, Li, shining above the earth, Kun. It has no changing lines today. This hexagram is one of the more positive in the I Ching. Like the sun, which is usually alone in the sky, it refers to a time when a single person is able to bring light to their circle of influence. It is more like a sunrise in that usually this person has not had the recognition of others previously. Because there are no changing lines, Progress may indicate the beginning of a long period where advancement unfolds naturally. It is your day in the sun! (The title above was a joke -- it refers to the title of a Devo album; it also does refer to part of the meaning of this hexagram -- in a time of Progress we are meant to help others -- it is our duty -- just as the sun helps all creatures on earth. P.S. The Devo song this links to mentions sunrise -- which is also mentioned above. What more could you people want?)

Biting Through: Go Shopping, Avoid The Chopping Block

Biting Through 21 has come up several times over the last few months. Review them if you care to. Today, it comes up with no changing lines. Biting Through is essentially Nourishing 27, which depicts a mouth, with a strong fourth line, which is the obstacle being bitten through. It shows movement below and the sun shining in the sky -- thus the image of a marketplace. Diverse people assemble in public to trade so that things find their right place. Biting Through has another meaning and shows the criminal being punished. Here, the obstacle in the fourth place is the one being punished.

(I am late in publishing today's divination; I did it earlier today and then went to Bodhi Tree Bookstore on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. I had seen a book there that I was considering buying -- it was by Lydia Cabrera and titled Abakua. I looked it up on the internet and found the Bodhi Tree had really mistaken their price -- they charged $12 for a nice hard bound version of the book when on line it sold for $50 to $200. Needless to say, I am glad I went to that marketplace.)

Marrying Maiden: Finding Our Place, Making Sincere Sacrifice

Marrying Maiden 54 shows Tui, lake and youngest daughter, following Chen, thunder and eldest son. It represents marrying for love. It also means having little power in relationships. A further meaning is that it shows the end of transitory creatures when the fall comes. Because of the lack of personal power this hexagram indicates, it is not a time to undertake anything important.

The first line indicates that even with a lowly social position or physical incapacity we are able to find our place in the social order. This brings good fortune. The sixth line shows an impious husband and wife making an empty show during the fall sacrifice. It indicates a marriage that is empty and pretentious and not likely to endure since true feelings appear to be absent from both parties.

The resulting hexagram is Before the End, 64. It shows a time when there is a need to bring order out of chaos. It is a time to be cautious and to evaluate carefully the forces at work in the situations you wish to improve so that efforts at improvement are correctly applied.

Revolution: Perhaps A Debtor's Revolt This Time?

Revolution 49 refers to such cyclical events as the changing seasons and political revolution. Here it has no changing lines. That means a long period of change could be on its way. As a cross explanation, the third of a series of oppositions between Saturn and Uranus occurs about now. They continue until some time in 2011. These oppositions occur every 45 years, the last being between 1965 and 1967. So if you are old enough you can recall how much change occurred then, how much talk of revolution was popular then, and perhaps something a little similar now. Here is an example of a possible revolutionary change suited to these times: A debtor's revolt.

On The Provision Of Nourishment

Providing Nourishment 27 has Ken, keeping still, above and Chen, thunder and upward movement, below. Thus is depicted a mouth -- only the lower jaw moves while the upper part keeps still. This hexagram is about nourishment and its provision in both a literal sense and figurative sense. It calls us to examine the ideas that nourish us and the effects they produce. If we are happy with our circumstances, nothing needs to be done. If we are not happy with our circumstances, changing the ideas we live with can produce different results.

This is a kind of nourishment which leads to death: Christopher Kelly, an associate of ex-Gov. Blagojevich of Ilinois, mysteriously kills himself, and is found in a lumber yard, days before beginning a Federal prison sentence, of an apparent aspirin or Tylenol overdose.

Serena Williams also has some not-very nourishing comments for how referees can consume tennis balls.

Splitting Apart Not Over But End In Sight; Rest, Await Instruction When Transition Comes

Splitting Apart 23 shows a mountain rising up too steeply and proudly from the earth such that it falls. It also shows a solitary light line rising into the heavens and the house of the evil collapsing on itself.

Here the third, fourth and sixth line are changing. The third line has no blame because it is tied to the sixth line by correspondence: the weak third forms an alliance with the strong sixth and can thus save itself from ruin. These ties cause the third line to quarrel with its environment. The fourth line is the most difficult of all: it is a weak line in a weak place and gets no help from the sixth line as the third and fifth lines do. Thus it indicates misfortune that is so immediate it strikes the person swiftly and directly. Finally, the sixth line shows the end of Splitting Apart when we can regain wholeness of character and return to our path with integrity. It shows the Superior Man receiving a carriage, a vehicle to care forward the seed of the future, while the Inferior Man's house is destroyed. All these taken together, along with receiving this hexagram in recent months, indicate the Slitting Apart may not be over but the end is in sight for this difficult time.

Preponderance of the Small 62 results. It has one image of that of a mortar and pestle. A flying bird brings the message. It is not a time for great accomplishments. A transition is indicated. After Splitting Apart, we need to rest and take things slowly before taking up new tasks.

Waiting With Confidence Then Peace

Waiting 5 indicates a time when we are sure of our goals but must wait for them to come to fruition. This is a time when we can enjoy ourselves while waiting, to strengthen ourselves for more activity. Waiting therefore encourages us to take 'meat and drink.' Perhaps eat out or have a dinner party soon. Waiting is composed of Ch'ien, heaven, the creative, below, and K'an, water, danger, the abyss, above. It is the inverse of Conflict, 6, from a few days ago. Here, Waiting means holding back, pausing, before the danger that is ahead. Because we are strong inside we do not become perplexed or bewildered by danger.

The fifth line changing repeats part of the judgement from above, namely to encourage enjoyment of 'meat and drink.' This time of waiting is intended to fortify us for more activity later.

Peace is the resulting hexagram. It shows heaven under earth or put simply in English idiom, heaven on earth. It is a time when all beings prosper.

The Wanderer: A New Home Awaits; You May Remain A Stranger Or Find Recognition For Capable Work

The Wanderer 56 shows Li, fire, on Ken, the mountain. Just like a wildfire, the wanderer must move on. Circumstances sometimes require leaving one's home for a foreign land. You may acquire a resting place and property but remain unsettled and continue to feel as a stranger in a strange land. You feel the need to transition to a new phase in life but feel anxious because it has not come yet. Be patient -- it is coming. On the other hand, you may be able to demonstrate an ability or capacity for accomplishment that will be recognized by others and lead to truly finding a new home. It should be remembered that The Wanderer is a guest and traveller with few friends or acquaintances so good behavior and keeping good company is important to avoiding trouble or difficulty. This is also a time when lawsuits should be quickly concluded when possible. Lawsuits in the I Ching can mean inner thoughts that bind us to others.

Gradual Progress, Tree on Mountain, results from these changes. Acquiring a new home and new position leads to renewed progress.

Retreat: Hostile Forces Advance, Good Timing Affords Success

Retreat 33 shows the Superior Man, represented by Chien, heaven, rising up and away from the Inferior Man, represented by Ken, mountain and keeping still. Mountains can rise up toward heaven but always reach an end at the peak. Heaven continues to rise up into infinity. The Inferior Man is represented by the two lower lines. The I Ching only offers advice to the Superior Man. Times of Retreat are difficult and rely on cunning, awareness of when the time is right to act, and firmness of will to execute the Retreat skillfully. Retreat does not mean flight as if running for one's life but a careful assessment of one's circumstances and action appropriate to allow for a counter movement when the time changes.

Grace 22 is the resulting hexagram which shows Li, fire, illuminating Ken, the mountain and keeping still. It indicates a time where outer form may give pleasure but little can be accomplished.

Difficulty At The Beginning: Bring Order Out Of Confusion; Find Helpers

Difficulty At The Beginning 3 shows Chen, thunder and movement, below and Kan, water and danger, above. It shows birth. It also has the image of shoots of grass emerging from the earth; they are visible but have not left their home, the earth. The hexagram shows the chaotic profusion of individuals, born of the marriage of Heaven and Earth, the proceeding two hexagrams. It is a time of work and sticking to chosen paths or perseverance. It is also a time to find helpers for tasks that are beyond your means. This hexagram is without changing lines and says that you may have been blocked by the difficulties of a new phase in life. You may not be aware of this blockage or even distressed by it if you are aware -- like a comfortable old habit. Until you get past this blockage you cannot progress.

Shocking: Fear Brings Caution; Open Your Mind To The World For Guidance

Shocking or Rousing 51 shows Chen, Thunder and eldest son, doubled. It refers to the spring when god comes forth in powerful thunder storms, renewing life. The judgment is repeated in the text for the first line: shock causes fear and a new rule is made that brings good fortune. The fourth line is also a strong line but in a weak place and indicates mired shock. The mind is preventing the beneficial effects of shock from occurring. 

The resulting hexagram is Natural Response 2. It indicates that closer attention to your environment and opening the mind to the world's influences will guide you to the appropriate path. 

Oppression: Death Approaches; A Higher Power Helps, Rescues Us

Oppression 38, shows Tui, Joy, Lake, above, evaporating upward, and Kan, Water, Danger, the Abyss, draining the Lake, below. The nuclear trigrams show Li, Fire, and Sun, Wind, further oppressing Tui, Joy. Oppression also means an encounter and a test of character. Oppression allows for the lessening of anger. The image says that the superior man stakes his life on following his will.

The third line is a weak line in a strong place and suffers a great deal due to Oppression. It is oppressed by the strong fourth line above that weighs down on it like a stone and is oppressed from below, the strong third line, on which it tries to rest, but finds it like a thorny bush, and can not provide support. There is the further implication that this line is oppressed more by inner thoughts than external circumstances. As a result of being oppressed on both sides, death approaches. Here is an article about approaching economic death. The fourth line is said to be humiliated because it wants to help those below, namely the first line, but holds with wealthy superiors that impede the rescue it hoped to implement. In time, these matters are resolved and assistance is provided. Taken together, these changes suggest that it is possible to remove our blockages with the help of someone in a superior position. If you change 'death' for 'debt' and squint a little you get this article about Annie Leibowitz -- lets see if she has someone to save her career; based on this divination I am guessing that she does.

The resulting hexagram is Danger, the Abysmal, 29. It is formed by doubling K'an, Water, Danger and the Abyss. Thus it shows abyss upon abyss.  It recommends holding to the good to overcome the abyss. It is a good time to undertake things and success can be achieved by all who have sincerity in their hearts.

Biting Through: No Blame For Vigorous Punishment of Those Deserving Of It

Biting Through 21 indicates a market place where diverse people come together to exchange goods. It also indicates punishment and execution for the evil and sinners. Here the second line changing indicates that we encounter a committed sinner and in our zeal to punish exceed the mean. The punishment does not exceed the level of offense so no blame is attached. Here is an excellent Financial Times article about the apparent lack of prosecution of the banksters for crimes much worse than those of the Savings and Loan crisis of twenty years ago.

The resulting hexagram is Opposition 38. It is made of the two younger daughters, Tui, the Lake or water, that seeps downward and Li, Fire, clarity that flames upwards. Thus the two trigrams separate forming the crux of the situation. Opposition means estrangement and misunderstandings. It shows separation and individuality amongst differing people.

Inner Truth: On Inner Freedom

Inner Truth 61 was received again today. Inner Truth speaks of the ability to cause 'pigs and fishes' to follow our will due to the power we may possess at this time. It also speaks of the need to discuss criminal cases to postpone judgment. This hexagram also discusses the inverse of the power to influence others: how we lose inner peace and truth when we become dependent on others for our happiness. The first line says that when we give up inner independence we may find our emotions volatile, becoming rapidly very happy then sad, depending on our relationship with others. The third line shows that we gain a comrade. This comrade, however, has captured our inner independence so that we are not in control of our feelings. Finally, the sixth line indicates the cock crowing to heaven: this means that misfortune can come because the cock can only speak, which can influence things in a limited way, and does not have the power of heaven because the cock is bound to earth.

These changes result in The Well, 48. The Well speaks of long-term and enduring structures that the foundations of civilization require to continue to flourish.

Moderation: Flying Under The Radar Reaches The Goal

A moth flew unnoticed to this flower where its camouflage provides more modesty. 

Modesty or Moderation 15 shows Kun, Earth, above, and Ken, Mountain, keeping still, below. This hexagram is one of the most highly praised in traditional interpretations of the I Ching.

The first line changing indicates that modesty doubled is the best cloak against danger and can accomplish its aims because it is well hidden. This line is yielding and in the lowest place thus indicating doubled modesty. It stands before the lower nuclear trigram Kan, danger. Its modesty is a shield against this danger. Kan also means water and in this hexagram, as well as this line, the general judgement is given that one may cross the great water, that is accomplish one's goals.

The resulting hexagram is Darkening of the Light 36. It means an on going need to hide one's true purpose and intentions to avoid injury.

Inner Truth: Communication Requires Openness

Inner Truth 61 with no changing lines indicates that no interaction or effect on your situation can occur until there is openness and rapport between you and whatever situation you are in. Inner Truth shows Sun, wood, gentle penetration, above and Tui, lake, joy below. This also gives the image of a boat on the lake. The hexagram speaks of communication amongst distant people being the reason boats were invented.

1511 PST: Just saw this on Huff Post: Google's Gmail closed most of day. See comment.