17: Following

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

General Meaning: Following brings supreme success. You may not be able to change the direction of the
wind, but by frequently adjusting your sails, you can arrive at your destination.
Those who would acquire a following must speak the language of their followers. Those who would be loved
must become the envisioned lover of their beloved. Those who would prosper must bend with natural forces
and the pressures of society. In matters of principle, stand firm; in matters of style and taste, swim with the
current.
In all human affairs, change is constant. In order to stay fresh, old ideas and patterns must continually be
discarded in favor of new ones. Only by being adaptable to the demands of the time can the highest good
emerge. Only by adjusting to changing circumstances can you prosper. Remain flexible, and you will gain the
confidence of those around you. Bend and you shall not break.

21: Cutting Through

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

General Meaning: The situation calls for confronting a knotty conflict and cutting through it. Somehow, the way
to harmony and unity is blocked or frustrated perhaps by a tangle of misunderstandings or outright deceit.
Like Alexander the Great cutting the Gordian knot, assert yourself now and you will meet with good fortune.
Don't be afraid to shake things up a bit. The ability to take corrective measures when they are needed is an
essential trait of true leadership.
But those who bring discipline to bear must, above all, be honest with others, and with themselves. Honesty
is the hallmark of the strong and self-confident. The successful person masters the art of honesty much as a
swordsman masters fencing. When lies, delusions and game playing are getting in the way of teamwork, a
swift sword of honest action, perhaps even correction, must be wielded to protect one's integrity and values.
Decisiveness with integrity brings good fortune.
Though your actions be vigorous, they must not be hasty, severe or arbitrary. Be sure to carefully consider all
the circumstances. In the case of a serious disruption of relations, you must forgive, but not forget to give a
person a chance to make reparations for his mistakes. If some penalty or punishment is necessary, make
certain that it fits the crime. When boundaries have become slack and useless, only through the institution of
clear and swift correction can their effectiveness be restored.
In situations where serious issues of justice are at stake, keep careful records and do not hesitate to go public
with the truth.

24: Returning
Thursday, July 16th, 2009

General Meaning: There is a turning point that recharges you and eventually brings success. This hexagram
is associated with a turning back of long nights towards more light, the winter solstice, the shortest day of the
year, the seasonal change when our hours of daily light begin to increase again. This is the beginning of a
turnaround; a time of letting go of the old and making way for the new; a time of new beginnings. Ironically, it all
starts with rest.
Don't move too fast. The new momentum is just beginning; the turn-around demands that your energy be
recharged by adequate rest, so that your life force will not be spent prematurely. This principle of hibernation,
of allowing energy to renew itself and be strengthened by rest applies to many situations recuperation after
an illness, the slow return of trust after period of estrangement, the careful development of new relationships
after a splitting apart of old ones.

36: Darkening of the Light

Friday, July 24th, 2009

General Meaning: When light becomes dim, it may be wise to become invisible. The image is of fresh
darkness, the period after the sun has gone down or the fire has gone out. There is still much activity left over
from the light of day, while movements in the outer world become more dangerous. Even the smallest sound,
the faintest glow of light, can attract unwanted attention.
When the darkness of stupidity reigns, it is best that your own brilliance stay 'hidden under a bushel basket.'
That is, your thoughts and efforts should be quiet and self-contained, and protected, as much as possible, from
disruptive influences.
Whatever you do, don't let yourself be swept along on the current of conventional wisdom when dangerous
uncertainties exist. Try not to become too depressed or anxious; this period will pass. Just endure it for now
and inwardly preserve your self-confidence, while outwardly remaining cooperative and flexible. The time to
assert yourself will come. Avoid looking too far ahead if you have not yet achieved your goals. That only feeds
regret and longing, which can eat away at your inner resources.
Be cautious and reserved. Control yourself. Do not needlessly awaken dormant forces of opposition. During
dark, unsettled periods, it is best to step gingerly around the sleeping dogs

42: Increase
Sunday, July 19th, 2009

General Meaning: Substantial progress and increasing prosperity is pointed to. In whatever forms it takes,
periods of increase are exhilarating, as long as you go with the flow while it lasts and keep the interests of
others in mind. Like white water on a river, periods of increase are often of short duration; it furthers one,
therefore, to shoot the rapids now, while the opportunity is there.
A good sense of direction in times of opportunity involves commitment to the needs of one's cohorts and
dependents. Only by realizing that to lead is really to serve, can an effective leader contribute to a lasting
increase in prosperity for all. In times of general increase, those who contribute most directly to the common
good will also receive the greatest rewards.
When opportunities for increase arise, supreme good fortune comes to those who act swiftly and boldly, while
avoiding the trap of letting their actions be only self-serving. If you aspire to a position of prominence, the most
enduring strategy is to work to raise the tide of your entire pond, rather than to try to swim upstream on your
own.
When the times favor prosperity, and when leadership is in the hands of the broad-minded, supreme good
fortune results.

51: Shock
Monday, July 20th, 2009

General Meaning: One hears thunder unexpectedly! First comes fear, then a sharpening of one's vision.
Recall a close brush with danger a falling branch, an automobile accident barely avoided, an escape from a
potentially violent confrontation. Such incidents arouse every nerve fiber in your body in a brief wave of terror,
but soon, once the danger has passed, give way to a heightened awareness of the world. The same process
also occurs with other types of shock the loss of a job, the sudden departure of a loved one, business failure
and so on.
The lasting impact of a major shock can either be stimulating or debilitating, depending upon one's strength of
character. The critical factor is the ability to shake off fear, thereby transforming anxiety into a laser-sharp
perception of the world around you.
When overtaken by crisis, the wise search their hearts for inner strengths in order to face their life with
courage. This often means daring to take an unexpected path to bounce back quickly and self-confidently
after failures, to have faith in the eternal when confronted with death.
We tend to think of shock only in the context of unpleasant events. We can also be jarred, however, by the
sudden release of tension that comes with unexpected joy or success. To keep your bearings in the aftershock
of either trauma or victory, it is essential that your inner compass be aligned with 'true north', that magnetic
force which guides you toward fulfillment of both your deepest desire, and your highest destiny.