Keep baby or not. 27.3 > 22 or 43.5 > 34

[MoonCatcher]

Sorry - I'm posting a lot, I know.

Last night I found out I'm 4 weeks pregnant. I was shocked.

I'm 50/50 on whether I should keep it.

My bf and I have been together for a year. He loves me and has handled the news really well.

I am still at the beginning of my career in film production and having a baby right now is not ideal. Furthermore my relationship has been up and down and financially I'm in a bad position.

On the bright side, he'd be a great dad and he's an amazing person - I love his family and I love him. He said he would support me whatever I decide; even financially. But I'm worried about straining him since he's very young. Only 24 years old.

So I asked.

What are the consequences of keeping the child?

27.3 > 22

Line 3 seems bad .... that I'd be making a mistake of some kind. But maybe it could be advising me to accept nourishment offered?

What are consequences of aborting?

43.5 > 34


This feels like a more positive reading... line five being a "weed out of place".

On the whole, I am against abortion but I'm
also against bringing a baby into the world in such an unplanned way.

I don't wish to pressure anyone into helping me decide... just would really appreciate interpretations of these readings.

Thank you

 

[Trojina]

What are the consequences of keeping the child?

27.3 > 22

Line 3 seems bad .... that I'd be making a mistake of some kind. But maybe it could be advising me to accept nourishment offered?

What are consequences of aborting?

How can this be answered ? Consequences for who ? Who knows what the consequences of another human on the planet will be and who knows what the consequence if there isn't. It can't be summed up can it.

I don't often use multi choice questions because for me I find Yi answers like in a conversation. it doesn't answer in neat boxed in sections and Yi is always answering you, yourself directly. I half wonder with the 27.3 if Yi is saying 'why are you bringing this question to me, you are looking in the wrong place' because truly this just isn't something a bunch of people on the internet can say 'yay' or 'nay' to and nor is it really something you will be able to answer for yourself through Yi I don't think. It's not like asking 'shall I take this job or shall I take this job' as you know.

The best thing would be, if you are very unsure would be to talk it through with a trained counsellor. I have the idea, at least in this country counselling is always offered anyway if someone plans an abortion.

I personally wouldn't dream of advising you on this matter. It really is your decision and it is a big decision you absolutely cannot base on Yi interpretations on the internet.

 

[oceangirl]

Hi Mooncatcher - it's a big decision for sure and I think Yi can't really help....only your heart can.

 

[rosada]

I think the I Ching has given you some very pragmatic advice.
27.3 says the consequences of you keeping the child are first and foremost you will come to realize you have got to monitor your diet. You'll learn that there are foods that make you nauseous and of course alcohol is off limits for the next 8 months. (Sometimes the I Ching only gives us information on an "as need to know basis"! )
43.5 describes an herb that is growing in a place that is not quite suitable for it and one must decide whether to leave it or uproot it. As a response to your question, "What are the consequences of having an abortion?" it seems to me to be emphasizing that it is important that you feel you are the one making the decision. The consequences will be different depending on how clearly you recognize that the decision was your choice.

 

[butterfly spider]

Whatever decision you make - the outcome will remain with you forever. You will have to live with it, feel comfortable with your choice and be 100 per cent sure that you are in control of that decision. Asking here is not going to give you the answer. I feel for you in your decision, but only you can make it. Sending my best wishes x

 

[peter2610]

This response is a suggestion only, I agree completely with the view that you must ultimately make your own decision, but that decision must be based upon a good level of awareness.

27,3 (Wilhelm) a) Turning away from nourishment.
Perseverance brings misfortune.
Do not act thus for ten years.
Nothing serves to further.

b) "Do not act thus for ten years,"
because it is all too contrary to the
right way.

When a woman gives birth to a child the conventional view is that she will provide it with nourishment for many years. Nobody could argue with that view but there is also another aspect to consider. When a woman gives birth to a child she herself receives nourishment. Her womanhood is fulfilled in blissful waves of love and joy which remain with her throughout her life.
The I Ching is, I believe, telling you that it would be very wrong and contrary to reject such nourishment, to reject possibly the most fulfilling nourishment in your life. There will obviously be difficulties, parenting is not easy, but if this were not the correct path the I Ching would not have given you such a strong warning against leaving it.

 

[Mira72]

Peter, that is lovely.

I had the same feeling, reading the cast.

I am glad you got to convey it ( I was hesitant).

 

[Mira72]

Sorry, I must moderate the above mentioned sentiment.

It is just the possibility that occurred to me reading the cast that the baby itself might be shown as the nourishment coming to *you*...

I would not venture to qualify anything beyond that, personally speaking.

 

[diamanda]

What are the consequences of keeping the child?
27.3 > 22
This combination describes how someone goes for a completely wrong type of nourishment, which doesn't nourish. The result is superficiality: the person looks 'good' outwardly, but in fact remains un-nourished. It's maybe a bit like being hungry and eating a candy. About keeping the child, are you certain that the father would indeed stand by you, and help you nourish it? If you do decide to keep the child, make sure you have a plan B, other than the help of the father.

What are consequences of aborting?
43.5 > 34
In my experience this combination means that no matter how hard you try to unroot something, you just can't - because that 'something' is big and strong (34). Sounds like a botched abortion to me. If you do decide to abort, be very careful where you go to have this done.

 

[mulberry]

I agree with the others who have said this is too dire and large a question to rely on the I Ching to answer.

That said, I think the readings speak for themselves. To me, an outsider, they feel clear, and don't require acrobatic twisting to interpret in another light. Do they resonate with you, and confirm your own feelings? That's all that matters. Take that, meditate, and go forward with those answers, which are really coming from you. And if they don't resonate with you, if you read them and feel a tug, if you wish they were different-- that also means something important. It's a bit like flipping a coin, and focusing on asking yourself if you're disappointed or happy with the side it lands on. Your reaction matters most. Does that make sense? The answer is with you.

I have a less negative reading of 43.5 than Diamanda, I have usually found it means in its most immediate form that it is OK to part ways with someone who is not beneficial for you. I agree that if you decide not to continue the pregnancy, you should make sure you're going somewhere reputable. If you're in a country with liberal laws, that shouldn't be difficult. If you're not-- yes, be cautious.

I'd ask another question, though, if you are still feeling confused. Something more like, "Do you have any advice on this situation?" Something broader.

Or, perhaps if it is something that would impact your decision, a question about the father's role.

I wish you the best in making this decision, one of the hardest a person can be faced with.

 

[MoonCatcher]

Hey everyone,

Thank you so much for all your replies.

First of all, since this seems to be misunderstood - I am NOT basing such a decision solely on the Yi. I realise that the title of thread and what I posted gave the wrong impression. Since this whole thing was a surprise; I was interested in hearing the opinions of what those castings could mean; according to the situation of an unplanned pregnancy.

Anyway, I've decided to keep the baby; since I feel it is the right thing to do. Ironically, I realised that life isn't linear; and maybe this will help me get myself together.

I will add - since it's interesting to know. Prior to this news, I was asking the Yi a lot of questions about my financial future / career etc. I kept getting 51 in my readings. I was so worried about what sort of shock I'm going to get hahahaha. I guess this was it!

I will give updates on what actually happens!

 

[butterfly spider]

I have been thinking about your dilemma - and something struck me today, especially given the other comments.....

Sometimes, the decision may not even be ours to make. Babies have a habit of deciding themselves if they want to be born or not.

If I was in your position right now, and given the castings you have just had, and Peter's comments especially, I would ask this pregnancy what it wants....feel the answer that comes back at you. You and this pregnancy are a combined force here. Imagine yourself in 2,5,10 years time looking back at this decision. You may get a real feeling that things are just not quite right for this child to be born right now - but equally you may get strong feelings that yes, whatever circumstances present themselves, this pregnancy is a real positive achievement. There is no right or wrong answer. In the end it may even be that the pregnancy decides itself what will happen......

Each person, baby and pregnancy is different - unique. Money, housing, financial implications, career paths are important, yes, but pale in comparison to what presents itself here. We may think that the situation is not perfect, that at some future point, we will have a better job, be more stable, be prepared for a pregnancy, but in reality this may be an illusion.

I am sure there are many people on this site who can tell you their stories...but in a way they are not helpful. It is a very hard decision yes, but in a way you have been given a wonderful choice, that many years ago you could not have made. It is about doing what is right for you and this pregnancy, and thankfully, you are able to make the decision entirely yourself.

 

[butterfly spider]

Sorry, I had spent so long typing my reply that it crossed with your posting.

Please do post at some future date.....and good luck with things as they progress.

x

 

[Trojina]

Anyway, I've decided to keep the baby; since I feel it is the right thing to do. Ironically, I realised that life isn't linear; and maybe this will help me get myself together

.

Happy for you Congratulations.

 

[mulberry]

Many congratulations, MoonCatcher! That's very exciting.

When you're feeling up to it, would it be possible for you to update this thread? https://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/friends/showthread.php?23254-Fertility-results-49-2-3-5-gt-24 I think your readings from then are really interesting in light of your surprise! (the 14-25 reading stands out particularly--Mirian was right, your fertility showed a lot of potential!)

 

[butterfly spider]

May I also add my best wishes to Auntie T and Mulberry - both full of wisdom and I really do send you many congratulations.

 

[MoonCatcher]

I will keep this thread updated! Thanks so much for all your input!

 

[oceangirl]

Awesome an onlineclarity Baby everyone knows I love kids so I much excited for you....happy happy x

 

[kttuan]

Keep the baby - any way. Please do not ask such a question to yi jing.

 

[Liselle]

Mooncatcher, does it have to be just a keep vs. abort decision? Have you considered giving the baby for adoption?

I think that might be very well supported by the readings, in conversation as Trojina said:

27.3
'Rejecting nourishment.
Constancy, pitfall.
For ten years, don't act.
No direction bears fruit.'

You're "rejecting" something which might "nourish" you because you haven't yet considered all your options. (Other possible translations might be "brushing off" or "aside," according to Bradford Hatcher's literal translation)
Don't be "constant" to the questions you've asked so far (the "keep vs. abort" choice).
Give it time - you don't have to rush to "act" or decide.
Having no direction - being directionless for a while - bears fruit. (Rather than, "there's no direction you can possibly go in which will bear fruit; all directions are bad.")

43.5
'Amaranth on high ground.
Decide, decide.
Move to the centre, no mistake.'

Amaranth is a nutritious plant - something which might be good for you - but it's on "high ground" where it's difficult to get to. (In this case, just that from what I can tell you haven't thought of adoption, or maybe haven't considered it thoroughly.)
"Decide, decide" - Yi's continuing the conversation - "Mooncatcher, there's something else to think about here, in this decision..."
Adoption is a more "centered" or middle-ground option than what you've asked about so far. It's "not a mistake" to consider it.