Fellow I Chingers, let me thank you in advance for your patience... :bows: This query is a little abstract. Many of my readings have suggested that I focus on my inner truth, return to myself so to speak. That there is good headed toward me, but I have a tendency to sabotage myself. Basically, got me wondering if there is something wrong with me that I am not recognizing. Is there some kind of evil or something in me I have let into my being that is going unnoticed. Or some pitfall I have. Basically, I was looking for what my undoing is. So I asked the Yi

"What is wrong with me on the inside?" and I got 2.5>8



I'm taking this as I need to follow my own lead, but I'm wondering if I'm missing some undertones here. Or maybe I have this wrong. Any thoughts on what my problem is?

Thanks:bows:,
DWF

"What is wrong with me on the inside?" and I got 2.5>8

You are a traditional woman, you value relationships (interdependence) and bonding with others. So if anything is working against you, it is the indirect, self effacing aspect of these noble characteristics, if that makes any sense to you. It could be that qualities of independence, creativity and showing leadership, maybe being cruel to be kind are aspects of yourself that others need or require of you, or that you need for your own development.

Our virtues can be our weaknesses.

That's a relief! Could be a lot worse! I was a little nervous about that one. Yes, that makes perfect sense. And I haven't picked the best partners for myself, which compounds the problem. That's it! No more settling! I'm raising my standards! Couldn't get much lower, so there is nowhere to go but up now that I think about it. I hadn't realized that it was that big of a problem, but now that I think about it, maybe it is...
Thanks Lavalamp:bows:
DWF

I'm far from being an expert, having just recently started communing with the Yi, but I'll give this a shot. Practice makes perfect, eh?

Before getting to the hexagram, I want to note something abotu Taoism, which takes a lot of inspiration for the lessons of the I Ching. One of the central tenets of Taoism is being true to The Way--the Nature of things--and not moving counter to it. This is especially true of yourself; it's easy to 'overthink' or 'get in your own way,' thus diverting your own path. If a lot of your readings in your past are suggesting looking at your inner truth, they may be suggesting that you stop blocking yourself, or pay attention to how you may be blocking yourself. The Tao teaches that if there are challenges and difficulties in this world, it is because we put them there; the world in and of itself isn't difficult at all, it just is. Our reactions to and against things is what creates stress.

In terms of hexagram 2, it speaks about growth, and allowing things to grow--but also about a certain subservience. It's not the time to "take the reins" yourself, but to follow--and in this case with the changing line in 5, it's telling you to follow your instincts, or "natural self."

I'm still a bit unclear on the symbolism of a yellow garment, but the fifth line says:

A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune.

Click to expand...

A yellow garment is a symbol of "that which is reliable and genuine," and a lower garment is indicitive of something that's obvious, but not "in your face," so to speak. It is proper for an aristocrat to genuine and strong in leadership, but not directly. Those virtuous qualities should reveal themselves as consequences of their actions, not as reasons for their actions. If that makes any sense.
In this context, the line is telling you to rely on the things you already know; to put yourself forward in a genuine manner, but not forcefully; to let your beautiful inner self shine through, without overtly trying to point it out to people.

I haven't studied hexagram 8 yet, but a quick look through indicates that it may be referring to a union you'll find if you follow this path. A union is stronger when it is not coerced into being; instead, let it manifest of it's own volition.

I think. I'm still very new at this.

At any rate, don't worry: there's nothing "wrong" with you. If there is any fault, it is perhaps in that you're not trusting in yourself; I understand how challenging that can be, I was in that place for a very long time.

Thank you Tobiasosir... I appreciate you taking the time to give such an in depth explanation. I can definitely see these angles as well, and everything you have written rings true to some extent, especially that I may be blocking myself by not trusting in myself. I'm still just letting the reading and insights all sink in... I think I have a good idea of what it is saying now, but usually takes a little time for the understanding to reach a deeper level and get a grasp of the real big picture here. Thanks again...
:bowsWF:bows:

It's always a good thing to let it sink in...you'll gain more insight the longer you ponder!

dancing white ferret said:

"What is wrong with me on the inside?" and I got 2.5>8

Click to expand...

Quite frequently Yi answers by reflecting ourselves back to us, so that we can see ourselves. It adds nothing, just reflects. 2.5 is a wonderfully auspicious line, no doubt about it. 2.5 is being a woman who is also a leader. The only caution connected with this position is to be careful about being arrogant and to stay balanced, because it is not always easy being both receptive by nature and a leader.

Thank you so much Ginnie... Yes, that does make sense, and I think it is the missing piece of the puzzle, so to speak here. My computer is about to die, but, I will be back later after I've reflected a bit more on this to post again.

My computer is also in its death throes ...

I'm still pondering how Yi chose to answer your question of what is wrong with you.

The combination 2.5 > 8 seems to be saying, in forming relationships connected with closeness and in making unions, you take the position of the subordinate, the administrator, or the woman. One would think this was the ideal thing to do -- and not something wrong at all.

Is there something wrong with playing oneself down and taking a secondary position? In most instances, Yi says that to serve is to rule ... and so to take the secondary position is very wise, indeed.

Usually Yi is engaged in telling us to hold back, be modest, and wait, so I really don't see, at the moment, what could be wrong with 2.5 > 8.

To find out, maybe you might ask Yi something along the lines of: "Well, how am I supposed to be, in your view?"


Maybe the I Ching just means that in asking Yi this very personal question, you have perhaps placed the I Ching in the position of your father or your beloved uncle -- and you yourself have assumed a subordinate position.

Well Ginnie, her ex was specifically complaining about her being such a person. So it seems the Yi was answering the "What is wrong with me" question in the context of what her live-in ex's complaints were. Obviously, he should have counted himself lucky to have had such a person care about him.

I don`t really get it - you ask what is wrong with you and Yi returns with such an flattering line...
how can it be saying that thse qualities are bad ones?
Perhaps it is just giving you the general picture and it is up to you to work it out what you tend to be (probabily too much) about. Given that you have been getting Inner Truth as a theme hex lately, I dare say there is nothing WRONG with you and you know it; perhaps just a bit tuning your bright yellow dress frequencies with others- swallow your diamond and see what shining from within brings.

Oh, thanks, Lavalamp, that makes it a lot clearer.

Seems like it was the ex who had a problem.

Oh, well, we can't please everybody. It's a waste of time to try.

When I asked this question, I was thinking in terms of what is my biggest pitfall, what is standing in the way of my success... I'm hard working, competent, am always learning, etc. etc. I'm not tooting my horn, quite the opposite actually. Based on my level of advancement in career and education, well it's not impressive, and certainly not a reflection of what I could have already accomplished, which is certainly not a positive. But I'm not an underachiever or anything.

Skip to Red to Make a Long Story Short

This reading is kind of funny, and I think, very paradoxical. I think the Yi is saying I take the lead on being in the 2.5>8 traditional woman role. I'm too receptive to bonding, sometimes to the point where I am leading from that position, like I'm assuming this role too readily with people who aren't qualified for the traditional male role, and then leading from the subordinate position . Like I'm saying, "OK, so you're leading now. Just follow my lead." I never thought this was a bad thing. Thought I was just being demonstrative. But, I end up in relationships where the lead is ambiguous and unstable, and form strong bonds with "inferior" people... at least, inferior in that role. I never really looked at it that way, although I've always known I lead from the female role. And most of the men I have dated are alpha males, and more than happy to assume the role. And once I've lead myself deep enough into this role, well of course that is going to be a disaster if you are with the wrong person. So, I think the Yi is suggesting moderation here, and also to reserve this role for the right person... But, since I chose the lead, and really was the lead all along, it is my fault... I think the reason this is such a major pitfall is it is impossible to lead someone who has more power than you, so in doing this, you would give your power over to someone who isn't fit for it.

I think the reason the IC is answering this way is because my relationships have drained a lot of time and energy, and have on occasion side tracked me significantly. My ex husband and this most recent ex both asked me to quit my job 2 weeks before deciding they wanted to be single... And, these 2 both also complained about paying the bills, how much money I made, undeveloped career etc etc... No consistency with these 2... Not to mention all the drama dealing with them. Exhausting! Luckily, I didn't quit my job either time the request was made. I'm not a total idiot. So, I think the Yi is suggesting I be more selective about who I let become a part of my life, and probably are a major interference for getting ahead.


I think the Yi is simply asserting that this is an area where there could be more balance. It is fine to be in this role, with the right person, but the approach has to be adjusted and moderation is key. What I hear is some useful insight about what I do to get into these situations. And, as everyone has pointed out, following my own lead. Tobiasosir, thank you for that insight on Taoism. Clearly this reading is centered around a pattern of blocking myself. And by going after something I want using some good qualities. As you said Lavalamp, "Our virtues can be our weaknesses." And I think he does feel lucky to have me care about him, in spite of his myriad complaints and contradictory behavior.

"2.5 is being a woman who is also a leader."-Ginnie

So it is quite paradoxical, leading the leader, and in the secondary role. Something only a Leo with a strong Cancerian influence could do

I'm really glad I asked this question and posted it. I was a little nervous to because I didn't know what it was saying, and I thought it could be very embarrassing. What if it was something awful. And nobody wants to feel overexposed. But I feel really good about it... it has really helped me piece some things together, and see things in a different light. And everyone has been so generous with their time and insights. It has been extremely helpful. Thanks

:bows::bows::bows:

So, I really like that question you suggested Ginnie. What a logical follow up!

I asked the question and I am going to post it for a new thread But, here is what I think it means

I think this is simply saying you're still developing, be patient, slow things down, and strive for a balance in your life. Also, unnecessary parts are being stripped away. All the lines are auspicious. Beyond that I'm not sure...

This gives me an idea. We could have a jeopardy section!... Post an interpretation, and answer with the hexagram "What is hex 61 lines 1 and 2 and 5 changing to 23?" Who's down? Anyone have a guess on this one?

I have asked "What did I do wrong?" questions and gotten specifically "not your fault" answers, or ones which point to my virtues as an answer. This is I think very similar. You knit your brow and ask your Cosmic Da "What's wrong with me!" and he says "Child, you have become such a beautiful, supportive, wonderful woman..."

Very old thread i know (! )

Seems to me that 2.5 is saying "Nothing is wrong with you, but you would feel better, attract 'good fortune' if you dress up, be aware of your own natural gifts if you dress them in nobility"

Like, honour, cherish and own your inner gifts… hold them sacred and noble inside yourself.
The only thing wrong is not value-ing your beautiful inner qualities, hence these negative statements from ex partners... you allowed them to derogate or disparage your sacred inner principles and the hard work you have done to polish this 'inner jade'.

It makes me think of wearing expensive silky underwear underneath ordinary, non-sexy clothes! Often this is given as advice to women to help build sensual and sexual self esteem.

Be a lady, a princess, on the inside, no matter what the outer world seems to say.

Know your inner worth and cherish it