Hexagram 47 (Changing lines 4 & 5) to Hexagram 7

[justin_saunders]

Hi Folks,

This is my first post here so please be gentle.

Having recently been made redundant at a computer software company, I've found it difficult to find work in my own city due to the "crisis". It doesn't feel right to move my family to another city just for a job that will pay the bills, so I asked the Oracle:

"Should I wait for a job I feel good about or should I move X city soon?"

Which responded with Hexagram 47 / Oppression (Exhaustion), moving via lines 4 & 5 to Hexagram 7 / The Army.

Now, 47 and the lines feel absolutely relevant to my current situation. At the moment my gut is telling me to stay, despite ongoing financial stress, but I can't figure out what "The Army" means. It has come up a few times in the past and it always stumps me.

I'd be grateful for any insight people can share on this.

 

[justin_saunders]

The real question is...

I guess, what are interpretations of Hexagram 7 "The Army", and how could they apply in this case?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Trojina]

Hi Folks,

This is my first post here so please be gentle.

Having recently been made redundant at a computer software company, I've found it difficult to find work in my own city due to the "crisis". It doesn't feel right to move my family to another city just for a job that will pay the bills, so I asked the Oracle:

"Should I wait for a job I feel good about or should I move X city soon?"

Which responded with Hexagram 47 / Oppression (Exhaustion), moving via lines 4 & 5 to Hexagram 7 / The Army.

Now, 47 and the lines feel absolutely relevant to my current situation. At the moment my gut is telling me to stay, despite ongoing financial stress, but I can't figure out what "The Army" means. It has come up a few times in the past and it always stumps me.

I'd be grateful for any insight people can share on this.

I think hex 7 can refer to projects, goals and the sense of efficiency, organisation and motivation needed to achieve those goals (like being your own army). I also find it can refer to large organisations, ones workplace, schools,colleges etc. So you have hex 7 as relating hexagram to 47 which shows you really at a low ebb and exhausted with this project. Can't say for sure how 7 fits here though. It may simply be showing the place you've been made redundant from has had a pretty depressing impact on you..or simply your heart is not really in this project of looking for more work in another city...either way theres a sense of weariness. I'm seeing hex 7 as context of your question BTW .

So your army, your sense of progress here is worn out, demotivated and possibly moving to another city would seem an exhausting task hence your gut instinct to stay put. Perhaps it helps to see the real question may not be moving or not moving but dealing with the sort of depressive state you're in...cos thats what you're answer is talking about. How can you get motivated when you feel worn out...so firstly recognise you feel hemmed in right now but don't let that feeling get to you. I think in 47.4 one seems to be making very slow progress but may be holding oneself back with the thought of difficulties and 47.5 speaks of offering sacrifice at the right time..which i would take as a job offer/ application at the right time. Also don't overlook opportunities because with 47.5 I think one can become rather indolent sinking in to lethargy and self pity..if this happens you can miss an opportunity when its presented, miss the man with the red knee caps who is offering you something.

I'm inclined to go along with your instinct to stay put and wait for a job that suits you. Its not that the answer says 'don't move' its just its addressing your state of mind I think and it doesn't seem a good frame of mind to move to new city in...whereas if you stay positive and get more organised and motivated (hex 7) really treat this as a project perhaps you'll find obstacles really aren't as great as you now think and you will be able to get the right job in your current location. I think hex 7 encourages you to be proactive, in control, not necessarily meaning you have to move but just to mobilise your inner army to tackle the situation the way you would like to

I hope that was gentle enough

 

[justin_saunders]

Thanks

I couldn't stand the place I left, but definitely felt the sting of 'humiliation' anyway.

The idea of an "Army of Me" feels right. I like how you saw it as not just about the situation, but also my internal reserves. Its been hard slog - but lots of excercise, tai chi and meditation have been keeping me going.

Thanks for your input - this has turned out to be one of the most helpful readings ever for me. As I grow older and slightly wiser, good readings seem to be more common these days.

With Gratitude.