Hexagram 7 ---The Army---In a Relationship Question

[Avebury]

A close friend of mine asked me to throw the I Ching for his new relationship of four months. Why, I am not sure as he is so captivated by Eros, he may not want to hear an objective answer! But here we go. As an observer, this relationship seems to be careening along extremely quickly and almost desperately on both sides. He is "drunk with love" (lust?) and she is eager to get married again and quickly. This is a bit alarming. (He has never been married, and has often told us--his friends--that "it was time"...she is a very recent divorcee.) They are not yet engaged. It appears that they are like a comet at the moment...and I wonder if this will burn out as quickly as it started. He is aware of how fast this is going, but is throwing all caution to the wind as he thinks this may be his last opportunity because most of his friends are married. He is 34 (not 104!) She is already picking out a dress. (Not really, but it has felt like that at times.) He has, in the past, acted on impulse and regretted it.

I am not sure how to interpret this hexagram (7 The Army) in relation to this situation, love affair, relationship, etc. (And then, depending on the responses, what to say to him!) I asked if this relationship had a future and would be lasting (his question). I got "The Army" with no changing lines. Any feedback would be most appreciated. Thank you!

 

[maggie may]

Water below is the image of facing challenges, difficulties and obstacles and flowing through or around them. It can mean danger and hard work. Earth above is the image of being open and receptive and nurturing. Relationships last depending on how the individuals deal with the challenges. There will be challenges of an emotional nature. Dealing with them openly and receptively is the best way. Get together on things. Organize the intentions. The danger and struggle of the lower trigram can be overcome with devotion and submissiveness to the needs of the relationship.

 

[bradford]

You certainly need a broader meaning for the metaphor than "the Army."
In fact, that translation of 師 is itself misleading, because what's being described is much closer to a "ready militia" than the standing armies we usually see. If anything it's more like the Swiss Army. This is a hidden force that's ready to respond when needed, but for now only the training exists. No swords are being rattled. I'd say most of this relationship hasn't shown itself yet, and maybe importantly, all the hidden defenses of the people involved are still unexpressed. Nothing will be known by expectations, only by getting involved. My guess is they should give it some time to play out in reality and not rush into anything.

 

[radiofreewill]

Hi Avebury,

"Does this relationship have a future, and will it be lasting?" 7UC

It's a Conquest ~ she's stronger than him ~ and there's nothing your friend can do.

She's going to march him straight to the altar...and it will last.

I hope this helps!

 

[Avebury]

Thank you for your kind responses...

I thank you for responding to my query. I took on board your information. My first reaction to this hexagram was very similar to RFW's response. This has felt like watching an army mounting a "conquest." I am not sure that they will last, however, but there will be no time for anything hidden to be discovered. She knows what she wants, he is not as mature or cosmopolitan as she is. This makes it easier for her to use strategy to convince him that she is, indeed, "the one".

Thank you again.

(I am new at this, so I hope I posted this correctly.)

 

[Underwaterstar]

Hey, any updates?