Earning a living through creative writing: 26.6 > 11

[Hartloper]

Dear fellow clarity seekers,

I have been following this forum for a while and feel very grateful for all the information so graciously shared.
It has helped me greatly in finding my own way into a working relationship with the Yi, more or less, at least that's what I like to believe.

A few years ago I changed careers from fashion sales to freelance writing, which is more in line with my original university education. I was fortunate enough to land major corporate clients and became what I half-jokingly called "a ghostwriter for machines", but it's really not what makes me happy in the long run, and there were constant power struggles between the employees. Even though the writing was enjoyable, and my work was well appreciated, the environment just felt toxic, and drained my spirits.

Then I lost all my corporate commissions during the pandemic. I got sick. My marriage fell apart.

I started having pretty wild "shamanic" dreams, mostly with a focus on healing and soul retrieval. I don't participate in any particular spiritual practice or group. All I do is a little meditation now and then. Somehow a gate just seemed to have opened. It did help to recuperate my health, but has not been much of a help in maintaining my everyday focus.

Well, after all I've been through I asked myself: what do you really want in life?

And my response is: be a writer and use storytelling as a conduit of healing (not just artistic self-expression).

With this in mind I turned to the Yi and asked: "Will it be possible for me in the near future to earn a good living solely through my creative writing"?

And I received: 26.6. > 11

My copy of the Wilhelm-Barnes translation reads:

"Nine at the top means:
One attains the way of heaven. Success.

The time of obstruction is past. The energy long damned up by inhibition forces its way out and achieves great success. This refers to a man who is honored by the ruler and whose principles now prevail and shape the world."

Now that seems surprisingly auspicious to me.

But currently I'm in a situation that couldn't feel much farther from attaining that goal. I'm working on a few children stories and a greater narrative structure, but hardly find the time and ease of mind to keep going with the impending divorce proceedings, no corporate commissions, and hardly any money left in the bank.

Is this really a dream worth pursuing?

Any input would be very much appreciated.

gratefully yours,

J.D.

 

[becalm]

It definitely sounds like whatever obstacles you're experiences will fall by the wayside and you'll be able to follow your dream.

 

[redoleander]

"Will it be possible for me in the near future to earn a good living solely through my creative writing"?
26.6. > 11

You're right; this is a very auspicious line. I would take this as encouragement! I think it's telling you yes, as well as telling you that this will happen very much in divine timing and by moving with the current, neither forcing things nor being overly passive. I think it's really beautiful you got this line because there's a lot of surrender in it, almost as if Yi wants to comfort you and say not to worry. What it is does not (at least within the scope of my capacity to interpret anyway) say is how long this will take or what you will need to do to participate with this possibility. You may either want to ask questions about that or simply acknowledge you're appreciative of this reading by taking a step in the right direction.

 

[Hartloper]

It definitely sounds like whatever obstacles you're experiences will fall by the wayside and you'll be able to follow your dream.

becalm, thank you for your reply. i really appreciate it!

 

[Hartloper]

"Will it be possible for me in the near future to earn a good living solely through my creative writing"?
26.6. > 11

You're right; this is a very auspicious line. I would take this as encouragement! I think it's telling you yes, as well as telling you that this will happen very much in divine timing and by moving with the current, neither forcing things nor being overly passive. I think it's really beautiful you got this line because there's a lot of surrender in it, almost as if Yi wants to comfort you and say not to worry. What it is does not (at least within the scope of my capacity to interpret anyway) say is how long this will take or what you will need to do to participate with this possibility. You may either want to ask questions about that or simply acknowledge you're appreciative of this reading by taking a step in the right direction.

hi redoleander, thanks a lot for taking the time to reply. i like the differentiation and how "going with the flow" does not mean to sit and wait passively for the "blessings" to pour down from heaven.