...life can be translucent
Menu

Hexagram 43 and decision

Here is a good, blunt article that explains why You Cannot Have It All: because choice you make for something is by implication a choice against something else.

I linked to this article because it’s a clear statement of something we need to be aware of whenever Hexagram 43 shows up. (OK, it’s a clear and repetitive statement – but some things bear repetition.) It is Decision: the moment when you know what belongs in your life and what doesn’t. The kinetic feel of the hexagram structure is of pushing out the yin top line – what doesn’t belong.

Yi has good things to say about the moment of decision – first, how it must start by hearing the message clearly at the executive centre, despite the risks of declaring yourself so unambiguously. The Judgement says ‘with truth, calling out, there is danger’ – which might or might not be danger brought about by truthfulness. But if you receive the third line changing, you can be pretty sure that your very public individuality is making you a target for some kind of mud-slinging.

And Yi also makes a crucial distinction between what does and does not bear fruit in this kind of resolution. Taking up arms doesn’t work – concentrating your energies on the people who would oppose your decision, working out the irrefutable argument… all a tremendous waste of energy. Having a strong ‘direction to go’ – knowing where you’re going with this – brings harvest.

‘Deciding, tell it in the king’s chambers.
With truth, cry out, there is danger.
Notify your own city.
No harvest in taking up arms;
Harvest in having a direction to go.’

(Of course, just because you Decide that certain things do not belong, that doesn’t mean they’ll stay Decided. See Hexagram 44…)

11 responses to Hexagram 43 and decision

  1. Got this diagram when i was in a crucial phase of life and had an opportunity of a very high risk job overseas… got this hexagram then… took the job…

    …and i couldn’t be more satisfied!

    In short, if you get this diagram, GO FOR IT! Whatever is the opportunity, JUST GRAB IT! 🙂

  2. Thanks for this! Real-life experiences are the best commentary.

    All I would add is – depending on the moving line. If you received line 1 moving, don’t be in too much of a hurry…

  3. Thanx, very interesting – got this hexagram just about after taking a decision about divorce. 1and 6 line cjanged which made it hexagram 44!
    Amazing!

  4. I got this after my partner said something which made me realise he either doesn’t listen to what I say at all or that he was trying to annoy me. Either way the subject matter (his health) is very important. My question was how to protect myself in this matter. If I leave him I want to do it without hurting him any more than I need to as he is very disabled and feels very bad about himself. I got 1 and 5 changing lines and hexagram 32 following. I think I’m also re-enacting a childhood dynamic of trying to help someone who wouldn’t be helped. Putting partners before me has been a long standing thing. Though I want to stop it I want to do it with love which I feel for him but also love for myself, difficult for me.

    • Hi Rose – I’m sorry to hear you’re in such a difficult situation. The very first piece of advice from this reading is not to do anything in a hurry. This is difficult at 43 line 1 because it feels as though you have reached ‘breaking point’, the decisive moment when you have to make a move. But in fact deciding’s a process and this gut reaction is just barely the beginning of it. Don’t act on it right away.

      Line 5 talks about the importance of centred, balanced action at the moment of decision. Questions it brings up for me: what is valuable and nourishing in your partnership? And if you recognise you can’t help him, and you stop putting him before yourself… em then what is valuable and nourishing?

      One other thing – this is a really old post of mine, so it’s unlikely anyone else will find it. For solid community support for your readings, you’re welcome to join the I Ching Community here. (It’s free.)

  5. Hi i got line 1 broken second full and fifth full as well , 3 lines moving , hexagram 43 .I am a begginer , i only understand the readings but not the inportance of the moving lines , can you please exaplain to me ?

  6. I’ve been recently contemplating divorce. I received hexagram 34 and was slightly confused so I asked for more clarity in the issue and received hexagram 43 which to me says to proceed with the divorce. I’m new to this and any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

    • There is something strong about you or your stance, but yet you hesitate. In fact, I believe what the I Ching is trying to tell you is that you are in control, complete control of your situation. Whatever you do, the fate of the marriage rests on your shoulders. Be certain where the truth lies in this situation, and then act accordingly. Then you will know your answer.

Leave a reply

Clarity,
Office 17622,
PO Box 6945,
London.
W1A 6US
United Kingdom

Phone/ Voicemail:
+44 (0)20 3287 3053 (UK)
+1 (561) 459-4758 (US).