First Reading of 2008

[serchjing]

Greetings & Happy New Year to all,

Well, ever since I started using the Yi a few years ago, I've made it a habit on New Year's Day to ask the Yi about my upcoming year. My family and I have had some difficult times in the past 3 years, and I guess I just want to prepare myself for whatever good times or difficult times may happen. Here goes it...


"Please show me what my life will be like in 2008"


Hex# 28, 6-1 & 9-3 ---} Hex# 58

Questions:

In 6-1, what does the Mao grass being "course" and "reedlike" mean? And it only being suitable for "thatch" or "simple mats"?

Are the lines a past, present, and future? Do the names of the hex's themselves reflect what can be expected for 2008?

I believe my real question is how do I approach a reading? There doesn't seem to be any hard-fast "right" way. That's what I love about what Hilary has done here, especially for a beginner like me. I can experiment with the Yi and my heart, and then come here for a sounding board.

Graciously,

m:bows:

 

[willowfox]

"Please show me what my life will be like in 2008"

Hex# 28,1,3 ---} Hex# 58

Well, this calls for you to be very cautious in all your undertakings and to always plan and prepare carefully before taking on a new project. It then advises you to not try and run before you can walk, if you do not listen to others carefully then expect troubles down the road of the year. So, if you act with cautious and restraint then you can expect a friendly and helpful welcome and support from friends and neighbours, this will then give you that wanted and warm feelings during the year.

 

[petrosianii]

no "right" way

i think you're right, using your heart to interpret. there is no "right" way to interpret the I ching (anyone who tells you that...be careful)
As for #28 - I tend to receive this hexagram when there are a "profusion of elements all struggling to take form.' 28 means there's a lot going on; a lot of factors and variables all weighing in on the situation, all possessing power to affect the situation. Often, I get 28 when I'm in a confused state.

28 is a very strong hexagram for me - that is, I always know pretty exactly what it's referring to, and it's alwasy right on time. There is usually very little confusion about it's meaning and direction when I receive it!

58 is always a little more difficult to interpret for me...and as I don't know the specifics of your life circumstances, I'll leave that one alone.

Cheers,

Eric
http://gnosisarts.com/i-ching-insights.html