Hex 54 to Hex 5

[malka]

Hello there, I am working with a deep layer of healing from a childhood molestation. There is a particular way the effects of the trauma manifest in my life where I can feel "confused." Not dissociation exactly, but an inability to fully integrate all the conflicting input I'm receiving in the moment and make sense of it. This appears especially strong when it's regarding an intimate relationship (not necessarily sexual, but a relationship that is close.) Without going into the details here, and I know my experience is not uncommon for people with my history, I'll just say that it's an area that can be distruptive to my life, and one where I wish to work with it in a more targeted way.

So I asked Yi about the most appropriate way for me to work through this: my answer was 54.3.4.5 > 5.

I think 54 is telling me that I'm no longer a maiden, there has been a transition in my life. While it is a situation of my own choosing (to work through this) it is also a situation where I have limited rights or abilities. Then there is the change to 5, which I believe says to nourish myself and be patience. This is a bit daunting, because although I know intellectually that moving through this will continue to be a lifelong process, I secretely wish for being able to "get inside all this, and make a good strong clearing out of crap" to move things along. (Yes, a little impatience on my part!) The Yi seems to be telling me this isn't the best way to go. Darn.

Yet, I am still stuck with reading lines, and how to read lines. Marshall says to take the middle when there are three lines that move. Others seem to say to read all changing lines and then decide for myself. I've also read that 54 line 5 which is my top changing line, is the best of the changning lines in 54 and so if one has it they should pay close attention. I'm just not sure how to integrate these into my reading. (Hey - there I go with that integration confusion!) And especially because neither 54 nor 5 are much about "doing" something, I'm curious about how to ready and what to do with the changing lines.

Your help appreciated!

Malka

[yoda]

Think of your three moving lines as three spotlights shinning into your situation from different angles and illuminating information for you to evaluate and integrate...Line 3: "The marrying maiden is enslaved" (spotlight is on the fact that you were molested)...Line 4: "The maiden stays unwed beyond the proper time, but the day comes when she makes a late marrige. Her firm desire to postpone her marrige indicates that we should wait before taking action". (Spotlight is on the fact that you are waiting for a time when you have more control over youself-in reguard to molestation-before going deeper into relationships)...line 5: "The emperor gives his daughter (you) in common marrige. Fulfilment and success are indicated". (Spotlight is on the fact that eventually you will have a deep relationship)...hexagram 5: The action to take is conscious "calculated inaction". "To wait until the danger passes is the correct action". (This is the time to integrate inaction, patience and the fact that your consciousness can melt away the negative past. When this is achieved, you can move on to a healthy reationship with yourself and others.

[gene]

Malka

I won't get involved in the question of multiple lines because then you will be more confused than before. I will say this though. Hexagram 5 relates to nourishing yourself back to health. Hexagram 54 speaks here of an unhealthy relationship. Not that kind of relationship, but the kind you experienced as a child. Something was taken from you in a sense. Your innocence, your birthright in a manner of speaking was taken. As a result, metaphorically speaking, a late "marriage" (not necessarily literal), comes in due course. The late marriage is the healing. Line five is the result of the actual healing. Again, not necessarily to be taken literally. The same woman gets married in line 5 who waited until the right time in line 4, so multiple lines don't always mean multiple things. In the moment you were molested, you were put in a position of temporary slavery. (line 3) So the I Ching is describing your situation very well. The counsel is to heal yourself in whatever way you can.

Gene

[val]

Malka...

I'm just going to transcribe here the interpretation from Nigel Richmond's book, "Language of the Lines" for you to consider. His interpretations speak more about inner dialogs that everyday things.

54 - HELD BACK -- BREAKS FORTH.

Third Line:

When she cannot act out directly, or bring her flow into the necessary outer form, it will flow in some unconventional way -- and she need not be downhearted at that.

Fourth Line:

She accepts that her actions have to be delayed, knowing that they can be accomplished.

Fifth line:

Circumstances warrant more trust in the flow than she can feel, her feelings are over-cautious, so she will build up more inner force before trusting that she can move successfully.

Pattern:

Young and joyful
but shy to venture.
Jumps with both feet.
Becomes an active force.

Nature:

The lake flows out,
a young river
reluctant to flow;
coming to an abyss
it turns into a torrent.

Human:

Her natural flow,
too long held back,
accepts any course
for movement.
Desire long unfulfilled
breaks forth.
How else could it become?

Form:

When great force
overcomes unmoving friction
it is suddenly unopposed.


5 - LACK OF A PATH

Pattern:

From tranquil to fluid without course.
Intimations desired actions.
No channel to guide a flow.

Nature:

There is no track.

Human:

Mood for action
slowly stirred
finds no path.
Danger of floundering.
do not run, swim gently.

Form:

The wise do not listen
to the cries of their opponents.
Quench them with silence.


I believe the Yi is acknowledging that you want to break out, and that it will happen, but if you had some particular course(s) of action in mind when you consulted the Yi, to wait for another option to come along.

Cheerio the noo,

Val

[malka]

Hello everyone,

Thank you so much for your feedback. I haven't written back sooner while I attended to a few other life details the last couple of days. Thanks for your understanding.

Yoda - I really appreciate your spotlight analogy. That's an interesting way to look at the lines. It's true that I'm approaching 40 and have never been married, so perhaps the lines are speaking directly to me afterall. Your translation is a little different than what I have - where is it from? One of the interesting/curious pieces in learning to interprete is knowing when the Yi is answering my questions and when it isn't. While it does appear, as Gene also points out, that the Yi is accurately describing my situation, my QUESTION was about the best way to move through this. Given the answer, I can't help but wonder if Yi is telling me - yeah, things are going to work out; or you should wait for the proper time to work through this? Also, the change to 5 - Nourishment is interesting. Part of me wants to say, "Of course I need to practice self care! Is this the only advise you have for me?" But I think it's more than taking care of myself, it's also inaction. Would you say that inaction is also non-action? Does your translation seem to say I SHOULD practice inaction? Or more closer to Val's translation, that inaction simply IS HAPPENING right now?

Gene - Thank you, as your post makes me wonder about the "meaning" of marriage in ancient China, especially as you say that the marriage concept isn't necessarily to be taken literally. One thought that comes to mind for me is about intimacy. I'm referring to emotional intimacy, not sexual. I ahe definately had a push/pull relationship with intimacy, often fearing my own ability to take care of myself, fearful at times (and very not fearful at others!) to bring all of myself to a situation and speak my truth, and feeling careful around those I'm uncertain are skillful enough with themselves to also be gentle with me. Though I also find that I am becoming more and more able to be balanced in my connections with others, with more self-trust. Perhaps intimacy could be the "late marriage" so to speak? Late, yet finally arriving to experience the kind of closeness that has eluded me for quite a few years...

Val - It was kind of you to take the time to type all that text, thank you! About 54 - Held back and Breaks Forth -- wow! Interesting! I have been "held back" by the repression of the molestation memory from my childhood (though I clearly remember a couple of other events: one with a boss, one a physican, and then I excperienced an aquaintance rape in my late 20's) and yes, in one way the MEMORY was held back, but also I have been held back from living my full life!

I'm not sure I understand all of the different aspects of the commentary/interpretaion you shared, but I do know that this piece brought tears of recognition:

Human:

Her natural flow,
too long held back,
accepts any course
for movement.
Desire long unfulfilled
breaks forth.
How else could it become?

Perhaps this is a part of the answer to my direct question, perhaps ANY COURSE I take for healing (movement) will be accepted? My long unfulfilled desires, for a solid intimate relationship with a partner who can and does meet and accept me? Perhaps.

The 5 - Lack of a Path is a little disappointing. I agree with you that it seems to be saying, it is saying, that I'm floundering! Well, I was pretty open when I asked the question and didn't have one specific method of process in mind. Although I have been doing some EMDR, psychotherapy, and certainly there is my meditation practice. I've also taken on kickboxing this summer and LOVE IT! I'm taking a self defense class in a couple weeks that I've wanted to do, thought about doing for years, but wasn't ready yet. Oh -- perhaps this is the movement piece that is recommended? So much is stirred when I move, for memories live in my body.

I'm getting the sense that Yi is telling me I am moving through this, yet with Val's book it suggest I need to be more clear and focused. I've been feeling just this, which is why I asked the question about the best path to begin with. Funny, last night I started reading "The Dance of Intimacy" by Harriet Lerner (a brilliant book) again after a few years spent on my shelf. It's almost like reading it for the first time I'm afraid to say! The books content is all consistent with this same theme of this reading.

Val, could you give any further backgorund about your new book? I'm still learning, and leary, about translations. What is the critical view of your book in the Yijing community?

Thank you all so much for your kind offerings.

Fondly,
Malka

[yoda]

Malka, here are my comments to your questions to me...But first i would like to add that in some readings the information in the line(s) may be the only substantial information given by the iching. In other words, the only way the iching could get you to read the line(s) is to generate the given first and second hexagrams. So pick and choose from your hexagram/judgement/image/line(s) information that seems to apply. String together those fragments that do make sense and that is your reading. ...My translations (in quote marks) are from my secondary iching books (my primary/best books are 1000 miles away as i am slowly moving back to my house in florida,usa. The ones i used for your 54/5 were "introduction to the iching" by tom riseman and "the iching" by wu wei. My primary books are "i ching or book of changes" by wilhelm/baynes and "the i ching workbook" by r.l. wing. Also, "secrets of the i ching" by joseph murphy is an excellant book for learning to do readings-but not very deep for understanding readings...You said that your question was about the best way to move through this and i would like to comment this way: the iching sometimes likes to reflect back to you the question/scenario using its hexagram(s) and imbeds within it the answer/blind spot you need to work on. In other words, the iching likes to summerize then answer your question (or if you didn't ask the right question then it will sometimes override your question and tell you what you need to know anyway in a hexagram that seems unrelated)...Also you said: "should you wait for the proper time to work through this". My comment is the only way you can get to the next cycle in your life (living in the present without the negative past short-circuiting your desires) is to get beyond this cycle (your past interferring with the present/future) by starting now. There is no best time. It is not a time issue, its a cycle issue. When you get that it is you (your consciousness) that needs to run the show (not others or the negative past) you will then find the missing puzzle pieces (actually they will find you like a magnet) and they will free you from negative past events. You need to empower (just decide) your consciousness is the ruling power over an emotionally charged negative past...Now i would like to comment on your "action/inaction" question: INACTION is a high form of action when applied at the right time because it requires a conscious decision to implement. Take INACTION now towards expecting others to directly solve things. Take ACTION now towards believing and demonstrating that you are in charge of building a healthy viewpoint. Others can only offer you advice/ideas but it is your job/duty to decide what is best for you and then integrate it into the new YOU.........Best of success to You.

[malka]

Hello Yodo - We seem to ahve the same primary books. Mine first book ever, and primary is the R.L. Wing and I also have the Wilhelm/Baynes. I'm actually only just beginning to understand the W/B book recently (well, "understand" may be over stated!) I'm on the lookout for other books that are well recommended as I've bought a couple that I'm learning don't have so much to offer.

Yes, thank you, I agree that this is a cycle issue. I am also clear that I am at the end of one cycle and not quite at the beginning of another. I'm in that in-between place.

You wrote:

"When you get that it is you (your consciousness) that needs to run the show (not others or the negative past) you will then find the missing puzzle pieces (actually they will find you like a magnet) and they will free you from negative past events. You need to empower (just decide) your consciousness is the ruling power over an emotionally charged negative past..."

BIG breakthrough today. I met with my dharma teacher who recommends that I set aside my mindfulness practice for now and just stay with watching the body. As I played with my energy, noticing it's movements and patterns today, I also say how when I'm fully empbodied -- really inside of myself -- that it felt I didn't have a voice. There were no words. This was quite a powerful experience. I feel rather a bit mroe directed now in how I'm working with all this. Stay with my body, stay with my body. Even my vocal range became deeper as my energy moved lower. Quite the amazing experience. I suspect this is INACTION.

I feel that I'm on a good path. Thank you for your sharing and support. http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif

[yoda]

Malka, you are most welcome...

[malka]

Dreams......dreams........

Someone said it's possible to interprete dreams with the use of Yi? Hmmm...

Last night the dreams, after my big breakthrough, where amazing. Taking a train ride, moving into a new house with lots of levels, friend and family cooking together, and my hair was a different color! Whew!!!!!

[learner]

Dear sweet Malka,

I know how you feel because I have dreams frequently ?almost every night. And I can tell you for sure. The dreams are an amazing source of understanding, bringing about comprehension of complex layers of the subconscious, a really special moment when our feelings, emotions and fears come to the surface, making easier to cope with them.
So, enjoy your dreams and take advantage of them!

Cheerio,
Learner

[yoda]

Malka,...you don't even need an I ching reading for that symbolic dream...you are on a roll...

[val]

Malka...

Wow...

I just have a quick minute to write this as I'm with my family now in Philadelphia after a most enjoyable train ride.

I chose to take the train over flying so I could see the countryside and the cities I traveled through.

I'm having an absolutely fabulous time. We're all having a great time...lots of hugging and kissing. My daughter immediately noticed the difference in me...says I look much better than the last time we saw each other.

I brought the recipe for my daughter's favorite dish while she was growing up, and we'll be cooking chicken tarragon soon for some friends of theirs.

I'd love to hear more of your dream Malka, and I'm going to answer your question above soon, but right now I'm typing on an old laptop that's very touchy, and we're going down for breakfast, so...

Cheerio the noo,

Val

[malka]

Val, I hope you have a wonderful visit. I'll respond to other posts this weekend. Thank you!

[val]

Hi Malka!

Again, I just have a moment. I'm very pre-occupied and busy with resume editing and re-editing, networking, job hunting, etc.

But to answer your question above about my source, I love the Nigel Richmond book for questions that have to do with inner dialog...communicating with the self, and as that's what your question in this thread is regarding, I felt it was the appropriate resource. Carol Anthony is another good source for matters of personal growth.

As to questions about everyday or 'practical' things, I prefer the Wilhelm/Baynes book, my more portable Sam Reifler version and a couple of interpretation sites on the net. I tend not to take any line or any interpretation literally or as 'gospel' and to adapt them to my particular question. If that doesn't work immediately (an initial strong intuitive knowing), I come here to this forum for additional input.

Cheerio the noo,

Val