Spiritual Progress

[tfoodie]

I have been going through an intense period of self evaluation and re-discovery over the past two years, and it has been building up over the past week. I have been forced to re-evaluate how I view myself, my role in life, my relationship with others and my future. I have found the Ching very useful tool to navigate this journey.

Today I asked the Oracle "Am I on the right path", and got 1.2.3.5 -> 21. It seems to indicate to me that I am on the right path and that I should take a more active role in pushing forward. Also that I should probably try and find a guide or mentor (The Great Man).

Is my reading correct? Also the significance of 21 is not clear to me.

Thanks in Advance

TFoodie

 

[pocossin]

Am I on the right path?
1.2.3.5 > 21

☰ ☲
☰ ☳

Hexagram pictures: Rays of Light, Cangue

Heaven gives light; a Cangue, discipline.

Overall judgment: More discipline will be needed to stay on the Path of Light.

Text:

1J
The Creative works sublime success,
Furthering through perseverance.

A breakthrough will require continuous focus.

1I
The movement of heaven is full of power.
Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring.

Systematic, continuous effort.

1.2
Nine in the second place means:
Dragon appearing in the field.
It furthers one to see the great man.

Many believe that the "great man" is your true inner self. Take your directions from it.

1.3
All day long the superior man is creatively active.
At nightfall his mind is still beset with cares.
Danger. No blame.

Supreme effort and focus will be needed to stay on the path.

1.5
Flying dragon in the heavens.
It furthers one to see the great man.

Why not fly in the heavens of Clarity by developing your spiritual skill through reading for others?

21J
Biting Through has success.
It is favorable to let justice be administered.

Decide on a program and stick to it.

 

[ginnie]

Today I asked the Oracle "Am I on the right path", and got 1.2.3.5 -> 21.

We often get hexagram 1 when we have doubts about ourselves; our capacity to do something.

Your getting hex 21 implies that there is something or someone interfering in your forward progress and creating disharmony. You are trying to bite through this interference to achieve a sense of union with your own direction.

I agree with Pocossin. If you are starting to believe you're good with the I Ching, then Clarity is the perfect forum for working with that. In any case, I believe the I Ching is telling you to bite through any obstacles and become the source of spiritual wisdom that you are intended to be.

 

[ginnie]

Another word about 21

Also, with 21 we might be temporarily imprisoned, so to speak, so that we might work things out in our own minds.

For example, someone may hurt their foot and that keeps them inside at home for a while.

During that time they may have an opportunity to make discoveries about themselves and have important insights.

 

[tfoodie]

Actually I was sick in bed all of last week, when I cast this hex. Interesting interpretation of 21.

Also it is true that I have doubted myself extensively (Interpreation of 1) over the past two years, but I have also come to see myself as a resolute, determined person -- attributes i would not have associated with myself earlier. Perhaps the Oracle is telling me that I need to continue to be resolute and determined -- an interpretation of "Discipline" perhaps?

Finally, I am not sure if the Ching is *my* path of spiritual growth, my path so far at least has been intensely inward and reflective. I have however found the Oracle an useful guide when I am confused, lost or simply disheartened.

Thanks to all the gentle souls on this forum who have always been a help!

TFoodie

 

[nahema]

Hi TFoodie,

Your post touched me, as I've gone through such periods of intense reflection. I see it as the in breath, naturally preceding the out breath of reintegrating with the 10,000 things.

The relating hexagram, (which I look at first as the backdrop of the situation) Hex 21 speaks to me about "biting through" as Lise says, with the force of a Shaman in some cases. Perhaps digging deep into yourself, gnawing through past issues, the dross, to get to the gold of transformation.

Hex1 is the creative energy you seem to be given in order to face these parts of yourself. Line 2 & 5 are exceptionally positive: Line 2 says go forth - seek out those with whom you resonate - perhaps as you mentioned, as path or discipline of some sort.

For me, when I see 3 changing lines, I sometimes posit myself at the middle line, as if to say, I've worked through line 2 and perceive line 5 as the next step (or warning as it sometimes is!) Line 3 says you are busying yourself with this idea - it's on your mind - day and night. There may be an anxiety present or at least tremendous focus.

Line 5 says yes - "It furthers one to see the Great Man. Wilhelm continues: "Things that accord in tone vibrate together. Things that have affinity in their inmost natures seek one another." Perhaps this is about a guide or mentor as you suggested. There's a truism that the Teacher always finds the student, not the other way around - despite appearance. So as you keep working on yourself, polishing the mirror of the heart, so to speak, you'll attract the guide you resonate with - and your heart will know.

Best wishes!