Hexagram #57 - Gentle Penetration

To the Wanderer and for people in the
 middle of projects, she represents a
Favorable Wind
 
Moving to Date  
    Unchanging -
    Top Line - When the quiet, penetrating power has reached its apex, both success and difficulty are indicated, for a certain loss of strength is inherent in this situation. Once this happens, if you penetrate deeply into a situation and discover the presence of strong opposing forces, you are helpless. In that case, immediate withdrawal is the only course of action.
    Fifth Line  A changing line in the fifth place indicates a situation in which things are far from perfect and a new direction must be taken. The beginning has not been good, even if it has not been horrendous. Some careful reform is in order, but don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. Afterwards, be prepared to continue making changes and adjustments, until the situation is aligned with your purpose. This will bring you success.
    Fourth Line

59

12/19/03 Third Line - Stop thinking about what can happen and what the future might hold.  Get off your hind quarters and do something.
    Second Line - When dark forces seem to be undermining your plans, trace the shadows back to their source, and gently expose them to the light. Openness and honesty succeed - but only if you are first honest with yourself..  Search your heart and mind for hidden enemies: self-pity, pride or a rigid view of what "should" happen in life.  By gently bringing negative inner feelings to the light of day, you can effectively rob them of their power over you.
    Bottom line

The Gentle shows the exercise of character.

The Eldest Daughter penetrates to the very depths of consciousness in order  to awaken the good that is hidden.   She has the power of truth. She occupies the southeast, the time between Spring and Summer.   She signifies the flowing of beings into their forms.
 
In a person it represents:
A person of great determination
A thinker or meditator
A woman in business
A traveler or wanderer
A person with a good conscience
A person with hand outstretched

 

The Image (Wind over Wind)

Winds following one upon the other:
The image of the Gently Penetrating.
Thus the superior man
Spreads his commands abroad
And carries out his undertakings.

The penetrating quality of the wind depends on its ceaselessness. This is what makes it so powerful; time is its instrument. In the same way the ruler's thought should penetrate the soul of the people. This too requires a lasting influence brought about by enlightenment and command. Only when the command has been assimilated by the people is action in accordance with it possible. Action without preparation of the ground only frightens and repels.

 

The general situation suggests a subtle penetration. Reeds bend softly in the wind, symbolizing flexibility and endurance. Here we see quiet, relaxed effectiveness in action. A gentle influence is at work, but just as the wind is ceaseless in its efforts, so too small forces can persist to produce lasting results.

Gentle penetration bodes well for new relationships. Just as a summer breeze slowly penetrates the woods to cool the forest, the ideas of gifted leaders slowly reach the minds and sink into the hearts of the people. In personal relationships, a gentle beginning is often linked to a long-lasting union.

When employing a force that is weak but persistent, careful aim is necessary, for only when a small force continually moves in the same direction can it have much effect. In human affairs, this kind of influence comes more through strength of character than by any direct confrontation or seduction. It's important to have, and stick to, clearly defined goals. Maintaining a strong vision and following a steady course of least resistance often brings good fortune.

9/30/00

 

Question: outlook of working for Pacific Edge

57

The general situation suggests a subtle penetration. Reeds bend softly in the wind, symbolizing flexibility and endurance. Here we see quiet, relaxed effectiveness in action. A gentle influence is at work, but just as the wind is ceaseless in its efforts, so too small forces can persist to produce lasting results.

Gentle penetration bodes well for new relationships. Just as a summer breeze slowly penetrates the woods to cool the forest, the ideas of gifted leaders slowly reach the minds and sink into the hearts of the people. In personal relationships, a gentle beginning is often linked to a long-lasting union.

When employing a force that is weak but persistent, careful aim is necessary, for only when a small force continually moves in the same direction can it have much effect. In human affairs, this kind of influence comes more through strength of character than by any direct confrontation or seduction. It's important to have, and stick to, clearly defined goals. Maintaining a strong vision and following a steady course of least resistance often brings good fortune.

 

The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 6:

When the quiet, penetrating power has reached its apex, both success and difficulty are indicated, for a certain loss of strength is inherent in this situation. Once this happens, if you penetrate deeply into a situation and discover the presence of strong opposing forces, you are helpless. In that case, immediate withdrawal is the only course of action.

The Future hexagram that this reading changes into is called 'The Well.'

 Friday Dec 19, 2003

Current status of opportunity with Q.

Changing line three seems to hold a strong message - Penetrating reflection must not be pushed too far, lest it cripple the power of decision. After a matter has been thoroughly pondered, it is essential to form a decision and to act. Repeated deliberation brings fresh doubts and scruples, and thereby humiliation, because one shows oneself unable to act.