62.5

[clarissa]

Is this line about being "pregnant" with something...but no birth coming out of it? Bradford says,

"Thick clouds but no rain from our western horizon"

Wilhem says,

"Dense clouds but no rain from our western territory"

What's the significance of "western" here? Also, what about those "tethered arrows"? Anyone using tethered arrows inside a cave isn't going to hit anything...which seems to lead back to "dense clouds" but there isn't anything happening. All that potential energy is tethered and doesn't go anywhere. Thoughts?

Also, why does this line lead to 31? I'm not sure I see the connection there.

[jesed]

Hi Clarissa:

"why does this line lead to 31?"

Just in case the commentaries could be useful:

1.- An hexagram is a "model of reality" not the reality. This means that everytime, you have to cross-check the model with the reality. Some times 31 is the context of 62; some times is the next step.

2.- According with traditional teachings, 62.5 is not only about the lacking of rain; is also about a lonely ruler: Until he get a helper, he will not achieve anything (no rain). But the helper is hidden in a cave, so the ruler must convice him to go outside and help him. The ruler must "influence" (31) the helper by emptiness (31.5)

This topic is detailed in "The Master of the Demon's Valley", a taoist text about power, goverment and strategy.

Best wishes