Need an objective view.

[thedave]

Hi everyone! :)

I could have an opportunity to go to New Orleans and volunteer to help build houses for people who have been displaced by Katrina. Latley I have been wanting to do something fufilling, and this seems like a good oportunity. It would be for a week in May so it is not a huge commitment, but apparently they provide room and board to volunteers. All I would need to do it find a way out there, and perhaps a little spending cash. So I asked the I Ching:

"Should I volunteer in New Orleans?", and recieved the Hexagram 18. - Decay, unchanging.

WORK ON WHAT HAS BEEN SPOILED
Has supreme success.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Before the starting point, three days.
After the starting point, three days.

Building houses seems to be "Working on what has been spoiled." And going to a city I have never been before would be quite an adventure, appropriate to be described as "crossing the great water". But perhaps I need to think about it a little more.

The wind blows low on the mountain:
The image of DECAY.
Thus the superior man stirs up the people
And strengthens their spirit.

I think helping in this way would "stir up" the people, and "stregthen their spirit". My own spirit too!

Think its a good idea, or, more than that, think its a good idea for me?

[bruce_g]

Sounds like one big affirmation to me, Dave. I assume when you asked "Should I ...?", an affirmation is what you were seeking?

[thedave]

Thanks Bruce. Yes it looks like an affirmation, however, the hex gives me a bit of apprehension.

Particularly the statement: "Before the starting point, three days.
After the starting point, three days."

Any ideas on what this means with regard to this situation?

Even though it seems like a good thing, there is something about this Hex I'm just not getting. Am I right in assuming I will be going to "Work on what has been spoiled"? Is that the meaning of the Hex? Because the whole thought of worms in the pot kinda puts me off.

Hmm, maybe I should ask a better question.

Also, speaking of questions, does the I Ching care so much how you phrase the question?
Or does it just know whats in your heart, and answers that, despite the phrasing?

Thanks for the objective view! :)

[bruce_g]

Particularly the statement: "Before the starting point, three days.
After the starting point, three days."

Any ideas on what this means with regard to this situation?

It means you won't be hopping on a plane or bus in the morning. There's a little lead time.

Even though it seems like a good thing, there is something about this Hex I'm just not getting. Am I right in assuming I will be going to "Work on what has been spoiled"? Is that the meaning of the Hex? Because the whole thought of worms in the pot kinda puts me off.

Katrina did open a real can-o-worms, and you're thinking about going to work on what's been spoiled. And as you've said, it gives you an opportunity to work on something in you as well.

Hmm, maybe I should ask a better question.

That's a whole 'nother can-o-worms. ;)

Also, speaking of questions, does the I Ching care so much how you phrase the question?
Or does it just know whats in your heart, and answers that, despite the phrasing?

Yes. No. It depends. Sorry, but that's how I see it. Yes, if you want a specific answer, it's best to ask a specific question. But that still doesn't guarantee Yi's answer won't go outside your question's box. You can also ask very wide questions, without even forming an actual question, like: read my head or attitude, or what's really going on inside me? And receive an intelligible answer, if your mind is open and available enough to receive it.

[willowfox]

""Should I volunteer in New Orleans?", and received the Hexagram 18. - Decay, unchanging."

This seems to address two issues, first going to New Orleans will be good for you and the people that you will be helping. Secondly, it is addressing the inertia that you feel in your life right now. It is telling you to take decisive action and break out of your cocoon and doing something constructive.
This gives you the chance to fulfill your potential and also clean the cobwebs out of your mind. I suppose its a wake up call.
So cross the great water, the Mississippi? The 3 days I think refers to packing your bag and making the usual preparations.
So, why are you worrying, the text says go do your thing and it will reward you with supreme success and satisfaction.

[topal]

It's a great idea. Go for it Dave!

It sounds like a great experience and you're sure to learn a few things about yourself. Look forward to hearing about how it all went.

topal

[thedave]

Cool, thanks guys. You've all been amazing help. :)

[rosada]

Dave,
We were living in New Orleans when Katrina hit, and went back there again last summer to salvage what we could. I think everyone in America would benefit from going there and seeing it first hand.