Reading for calendar 2005

Power is "the rate at which energy is transformed"
To whom much is given much is expected.

The present is embodied in Hexagram 34 -The four strong yang lines have entered from below and are ascending. The combination of the strength heaven with the with the powerful movement of the mountain is what gives meaning to the name of this hexagram. In appearance it is reminiscent of the horned head of the goat, an animal renowned for rapid powerful movement. The hexagram is also linked with the second month of the Chinese year (F ebruary – March), the time when everything is springing strongly to life.

Life's unexpected answer to the dark and death of winter lies, gathering its energy in deep earth. Any false start can send vulnerable and premature shoots into a still-freezing world. It is the same within the lives of men. You have strength-the power to transform and evolve, but it must be released at the right time. Don't be tempted out before the signs and conditions are favorable. Your success is all but assured in spite of internal and external obstacles which subtly test you. Be master of yourself. Ask yourself repeatedly-What will best enhance the quality of my life? Who is in control inside me? This is an important crossroads and close examination of every detail of the time is the only way to bring about the positive conclusion you seek. The omen here is good for those who develop willpower. Without it, the misdirected strength you possess could cause upheaval and loss in your life.

The Moving Lines

Moving to 55

The second line, Perseverance brings good fortune
(acted out by the legs. Drive and energy to move, to build and defend your life, connect to the world, walking in the world.)

The premise here is that the gates to success are beginning to open. Resistance gives way and we forge ahead. This is the point at which, only too easily, we become the prey of exuberant self-confidence. This is why the oracle says that perseverance (i.e., perseverance in inner equilibrium, without excessive use of power) brings good fortune.

You feel the weather beginning to clear. Unmistakable revelations reaffirm the coming of spring. Now, more than ever, maintain your integrity. Only the most undedicated spirit throws away its chance for peace. Things are flowing and you are liquid and natural as water. There is no need to force the time. ¹

Moving to 14

The sixth line, A goat butts against a hedge. It cannot go backward, it cannot go forward. Nothing serves to further. If one notes the difficulty, this brings good fortune.
(acted out by brains and beyond (heaven). Living with and in heaven (spirit).

One needs difficulties in order to gather experience. Learning the hard way is usually the one which makes most impression. One has to measure one’s strength, control one's courage or self-will, judge a position. Hardship is necessary to build up character.

You must conquer stubbornness. Usually the stubborn person is resistant because he fears that a temporary, healthy loss of self is potentially destructive. This type of person's emotions come so chaotically that a hyper-rigid and super-defined stance is a natural response. The problem is that holding back or reaching out done out of time will produce a serious talk with yourself about how to get what you want.

Oppositional Format : Hexagram 34 manifests thunder against light.
Structural Relationship (Being) : Hexagram 34 is the opposite of hexagram 20.

Temporal Relationship (Doing) : The goal of 34 is hexagram 32

Thunder rises to Heaven in the spring, a movement in accord with heaven, producing great power that depends on avoiding anything that is not in harmony with the established order.

The future is embodied in Hexagram 30 -
Flames cling to their source of fuel in order to keep the fire burning. Likewise, in the human world, everything that radiates light or love is dependent upon something else. Through these dependencies we discover that everything is related, each thing to the other. Awareness of your own dependency on others is the key which unlocks the door to your true place in the world. No woman is an island.

Given perseverance on your part, this reading indicates success. In spite of challenges, cling to what is luminous in yourself, in others, and in life itself, never forsaking your belief in what is right. When events seem foreboding, or people seem oppressive, remember the good that has been and is yet to be. Holding to this idea is to cling to the power of the light, the force which enables inner darkness to be illuminated.

In many ways you are an exciting person with considerable talents and attractive qualities. This is a good time to command the spotlight with ease and nonchalance-you will accomplish much, but don't get lost up in the ego of it all. Realize you can be only as successful as your opportunities allow. Also, you are not an island to yourself and any brilliance you achieve will be closely liked to the people with whom you relate. Recognize the sources of your inspiration and energy as part of a conscious effort to keep universal forces in balance. In fact, your whole outlook should be very "aware" of the world beyond yourself. Who is giving you the chance to shine? Where is the source of your energy? Acknowledge these helpful phenomena. Yes, you are a fine creature, beautiful and hypnotic, but you are a swift-burning flame, a bright twin to your own shadows. Now is the time to understand and realize the secrets of the universal integration of complexities, and even if the wider picture escapes you, you can contribute immensely to your own evolution by doing the "right thing" as you see it. Follow a positive and productive course with rigorous determination-this will be an appropriate show of perspective about yourself and circumstances in your life.