Hexagram #38 - Contraction

There is a strong sense of CONTRADICTION at work in the current situation. It may be a matter of opposing viewpoints - persons who are working at cross purposes to one another or an inner duality that brings indecision. You must now gain an understanding of these divergent forces and better accord yourself with the times. Great achievements are out of the question, since they cannot come about without complete co-operation and alignment. Only small endeavors and gradual influences will meet with good fortune.

In spite of the CONTRADICTION, there is a possibility for ultimate unity. In fact, the kind of unity that develops from contrasting forces is often more significant than allegiances that occur casually and without forethought. Do not become impatient or reactionary. Instead, make gradual attempts to overcome  estrangement. A little diplomacy can now go a long way toward eventual order and co-operation.

This is a time when you may meet with the dualism in your own nature. You may appear indecisive or equivocal to others as you weigh contradicting viewpoints. Never before have you been able to see both sides so clearly. Arbitrary predispositions such as patriotism, clannishness, fixed ideas of principle or class prejudice may become less important in your life as you begin to see things in the larger overview. The struggle between good and evil, life and death, and all such opposites may appear to be simply the natural interaction of the great forces in the universe, as you develop the perspective of the sage. This sense of oneness or wholeness in a world of CONTRADICTION can bring you great depth of character and peace of mind.

Tuesday February 2, 1999

Question: What should I know about the possible opportunity with SPI.    Asked the question again and got the same answer

This one is quite troubling to me since in outer reality things seem to be moving forward very positively.  They seem to be very enthusiastic about me and I feel very well disposed toward them.  So what am I missing?   Where am I letting my feelings of frustration and discontent with my current situation blind me to what the I-Ching says is there.  Or is it that I simply don't realize that the folks in NC are at cross purposes with me.  One mistake I made with O. was in not doing enough to find out about what life in the company was really like.   I arrogantly assumed that I could make anything work.  (Wrong...)

Monday December 2, 2002

Question - Outcome of choosing to working with HJ on a book

Got 38 going to 12 - That's about as strong a no as I can imagine.  

3/5/05 -Update:  Nothing ever came of this opportunity but in retrospect is was absolutely an issue of timing.  I have an ongoing relationship and we actually are doing quite a bit of joint work.

Sat march 5, 2005

Question - approach to take with a CR (a new client)

Got 38 going to 10 (line 5 changing)

Normally I would take this very negatively but I'm not sure that's really the view,  I think the answer has to do with my relationship with the partner I'm working with.  We really do have diverging interests but in acknowledging them I believe we can be cooperative.. 

"Business or social strategies may appear ineffective, as they are neutralized by equal but opposing forces. Ambitious goals must wait for a more supportive atmosphere. Your best course of action now is to affirm friendly relations. Avoid being drawn into any questionable schemes. Do not make a grab for position. Use the existing polarity to emphasize the need for more co-operative conditions or for far­sighted differentiations. This will help you organize well-ordered, working systems."

I also think the changing line had direct bearing on who I should be turning to for help.  I don't think I'd have made the choices I have (asking my husband for help) if this i-ching hadn't pointed the way.

The advice on the ultimate hexagram (10) seems to re-enforce that I simply need to step carefully, understand that I'm in a weak position and navigate with some level of agility.

 "People of ability find their way, and make progress even in difficult circumstances. Consider your steps carefully when you are surrounded by powerful forces. Weak and strong forces (or people) can co-exist when the weaker element does not impose upon the stronger, when the weaker maintains good humor and avoids taking bold action. When treading among sleeping tigers - or slippery stones - step gingerly; and don't stumble. "

 

 

Thursday April 12, 2007

material from the I-Ching workbook by R.L.Wing