Methods of interpretation

[kdedeaux4]

I have a general question for those here with more experience than I.
How do you interpret IC answers that seem to be completely unrelated to the question asked? I usually can think about the interpretations, look around here for awhile at various relating threads and come up with some ideas to relate answers that don't seem to relate to what I've asked, but it sometimes seems the IC is answering something about other things that are heavy on my mind, instead of my question. I typically feel I need to honor that the IC is addressing what it feels I need to look at, instead of what I'm officially asking. In its wisdom, this has always somehow made sense to me.
However, I've asked a question related to an endeavor ("life calling"?) and the response doesn't seem to apply at all. Do any of you have any advice on methods you use in these situations? I believe the IC always answers the question, even if you've asked the wrong one. I'd love some advice on how some of you conclude with this situation?!

In case I'm missing something obvious, my question was what would happen if I choose to take on a creative writing endeavor... Response 11.5. -->5

 

[rosada]

What to do when the answer makes no sense...

Having a variety of translations can be a big help. For example, the sovereign I giving his daughter in marriage that Wilhelm talks about doesn't appear to have anything to do with writing assignments but Sarah Dening's take on 11.5 seems to respond specifically to your very question:
"Do not be arrogant. Great success is indicated provided that you are willing to be of service to others. In doing so, you will gain their support. Everybody concerned will benefit."

 

[javalava]

I don't have enough experience to address the first part of your post. (The only time I had that was when I was (more or less) re-asking a question because I didn't like the answer.)

In case I'm missing something obvious, my question was what would happen if I choose to take on a creative writing endeavor... Response 11.5. -->5

But if that was my question, and I got that answer, I'd be leaping around singing "Whoopee!" and going for it. #11 (Tai) "Advance", is surely one of the most auspicious hexagrams to get. (Even if, as Bradford Thatcher suggests, yuan heng li zhen means no more than "The greatest rewards are the results of sustained hard work".)

The 5th line is difficult, I agree. However, the Confucian commentary (as translated by Alfred Huang) reads, "This brought blessing and supreme good fortune. He is in the central position, being able to fulfill what he wishes".

Then the relating hexagram, #5 (Xu) Needing, is an ideal start for a creative writing endeavour. Huang comments that this represents an initial stage of achievement, a time of waiting and nourishing and cultivating self-confidence. I would read water over heaven as referring to an inner, sure, initiating force expressing through uncertainty, chaotic events and apparent danger. Isn't that a recipe for a fruitful writing situation? Heaven rising and water falling means they are co-operating here, not pulling in opposing directions -- another good sign.

So go for it, I would say the gods are fairly unambiguously with you. Of course, you may have a more specific question...

 

[diamanda]

In my experience, answers which do not fit at all either
a) need lots of thinking, and consulting various translations as Rosada says, or
b) are actually emphasising a totally different aspect of your life which needs
your immediate attention.

11:5 speaks of an arranged political marriage which brings blessing. The king
gives his little sister into marriage. The girl is superior in rank to the man, but
nevertheless by marrying him they become equal, and there is great good
fortune for everyone involved. The girl here does not 'act' on her own will.
She acts on the will of someone higher than her, she follows higher orders,
but still this brings blessing, because despite her rank, she follows and accepts
with humility.

So, the way you phrased it ("life calling") is perhaps the key to this answer.
Perhaps you were asking if this is indeed a higher calling, if you are reading
the voice of your higher self correctly, if what you want to follow is indeed a
calling rather than a whim. Seen that way, it does sound like a 'higher calling'.

Although i'm still not so sure how to read 5 here.
Clouds which promise of rain. Anticipation and waiting. To nourish oneself
in good cheer. Sincerity. Perseverance, and crossing a stream, ie undertaking
something. Perhaps this describes the process that will follow. Being patient
and waiting in a constructive manner till something/results come about.

Either this, or the I Ching is telling you that your purpose is to get married
but till that happens, it's still good to nourish oneself in the meantime, and
go about activities, and undertaking something.

So in either case the project sounds like a very good idea indeed!

 

[kdedeaux4]

Amazing community here!

I do typically look at a wide variety of interpretations. I seem to only feel the need to post for help with questions/responses which are emotionally driven and surrounded in personal confusion and chaos. This is why it was so perplexing to me to not be able to grasp the message regarding something non-emotional!
It's wonderful how you all can make sense of what doesn't make sense to me! I can only repeat myself (again) when I say thank you to everyone here for your time and efforts to share your wisdom and experience with me.
I'm so grateful for this community and the compassion of its members!

 

[meng]

First, it's important to realize that the Yi does not always have an opinion, so the answers will then lack that element of "showing you the path", which may leave us standing there, scratching our heads.

Secondly, even if the Yi did have an opinion, it might not be in our best interest to have it handed to us on a silver plate. Withholding information from someone who is not ready to receive it seems like a wise thing to do.

If Yi's answer leaves you unsatisfied, then it's worth asking yourself what answer you would rather it have given you. That at least might help you to sort more definitively the nature of your real and clarified question. Then put that question to the Yi. You'll likely understand it clearly.

Ever try to give advise to someone who is floating within the bubble of their problem? First you must burst the bubble.