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el_2

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All 64 hexagrams are very rich in meaning and can be approached in different ways depending on the inquiry, on what one is looking for. However, there are some strong themes in each hexagrams and one of them is the theme of opportunities (for action, to accomplish things etc.).

I've been thinking that the hexagrams that depict situations of opportunities are hexagrams 2, 19 and 42. Perhaps, every hexagram could be about opportunities - say, hex 5 (waiting for opportunities and what to do in the meantime) or even hex 18 (you now have to opportunity to work on things that need improving). But I'm not talking about this. I'm talking about opportunities to achieve some of your goals, opportunities for auspicious happenings.

So, back to hexagrams 2, 19 and 42. These are the hexagrams I've found so far to address this issue in a big way. It's funny how 19 and 42 are alike in the sense that in both cases the auspiciousness of the time will not last long and so has to be taken full advantage of. Also there are fine differences in the proper way to conduct oneself in the situation - 2: by being open and responsive, 19: by setting to work and being responsive, 42: by receiving with gratitude?

I still have very little knowledge and experience with the Yi, so I thought I'd post here to ask if people think that opportunities is a strong theme in other hexagrams (or hexagram lines) as well. I'd also like to explore some of the differences among these hexagrams. I'm always interested in the advice the Yi gives on WHAT to do or HOW to act/respond to things, situations, the time.

el_2
 

el_2

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Perhaps I should add that this is related to a big concern of mine when consulting. Even when I get one of the most auspicious hexagrams or lines, I always look for the advice. An auspicious line can be predictive of the near future, but my concern is what it is that I have to do. Few things are inevitable and don't require action in accord with the time.

The same goes, of course, for some of the most inauspicious hexagrams or lines. Few things are inevitable and if there is a bad turn of events, then the advice is perhaps on how to get out of a bad situation. I've found that, if I don't get disheartened by a bad reading, it's easier for me to look for the advice on how to conduct myself and get out of a bad situation, even though at times this means I have to give up something I want. You can turn this kind of flexibility into a fine art. But you can also turn responding to good things or opportunities into a fine art. Personally, I get more anxious when I think, "oh, this is awesome" than when I think, "oh, this sucks".
 

fkegan

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Hi el_2,
The big question is how long is a Yi Oracle's judgment valid? And it the inscrutable way of things the answer tends to be "until things change." Sometimes just casting the oracle and interpreting it is enough of a change. Sometimes it takes some actual effort and action to make things different.

Sounds like you are having a bit of a problem with phrasing your questions and/or what you expect the Oracle to deliver.

There are opportunities at all times. Lately folks have made a lot of a Chinese character for crisis that is composed of elements for danger and opportunity. Actually, the greatest of crises is when their are rich opportunities mixed with possible serious dangers so that how one acts and what mistakes one might make can have a range of outcomes.

If the situation is just yuckky, then just about anything you do to survive will be a better outcome. But if behind one door is a sweet and lovely lady and behind the other is a savage tiger, making a mistake in your choice is going to hurt lots for a long time.

Phrasing your question is the most important step in a good Yi Oracle. Asking what you can do to make the best of situation X seems more likely to give the result you seek than asking What will be my result in situation X?

When your question is phrased in terms of you and what you can do, then the slogans of good fortune or misfortune don't really apply so much-- which will eliminate much of what you seem to be having trouble with in your post.

I've been thinking that the hexagrams that depict situations of opportunities are hexagrams 2, 19 and 42. Perhaps, every hexagram could be about opportunities - say, hex 5 (waiting for opportunities and what to do in the meantime) or even hex 18 (you now have to opportunity to work on things that need improving). But I'm not talking about this. I'm talking about opportunities to achieve some of your goals, opportunities for auspicious happenings.

Hexagram 2 has a wide range of meanings. It can be taken as a zero or answer of NO since it is all yin lines. It is the Earth itself, it will take an input of energy from elsewhere and a lot of time and work to get any harvest of good things from just plain earth. It is like unprepared land which may be fertile but requires a lot of preparation.

Hexagram 19 is like a pendulum swinging, now it is moving at a good clip, but its not going anywhere but up to a standstill and then back at you like a boomerang.

Hexagram 42 is a gift from the Divine, but getting such a gift, like winning the lottery, is actually the beginning of a serious test and challenge and obligation to do something worthy with that advance to you --which is actually a loan with many strings attached.

So, I'm not clear what 'opportunities' you are referring to and seeing in these hexagrams.

Frank
 

heylise

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Usually, when you ask a question, you don't ask for finding out how great things are. You want to know how to solve something. So there is not really a difference between 'good' and 'bad' hexagrams. Both tell you the best way to handle it.

So when I get 12 or something similar, I think "Thanks! For the warning, or the advice, or for understanding". For very often it really feels as if my concerns are being heard. Yi agreeing that this is really very tough to handle, or that I am upset with good reason, or that I might underestimate it and should take care.

And yes, I have the same experience, that a tough hexagram is often easier to understand. How to solve standstill is more direct than how to find peace.
 

el_2

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Frank,

sorry to be so late in replying to your comments. I've been away for a few days.

If I understand what you're saying correctly, I have to say that I agree with you that there are opportunities at all times and you can find them in any hexagram. However, some hexagrams, like 19 and 42, seem to be about opportunities more than others. I'm not so sure though because I don't have deep knowledge of the Yi.

I think I've made some progress with my questioning. Anyway, since the beginning my favourite kind of questioning was along the lines of what I can do in a certain situation. But I'm still learning. I still make mistakes with questioning. I try to be as little presumptuous as I can AND gain the understanding that I seek in each case. It's not always easy to do. Going through threads in the shared readings or even exploring divination sections has helped a lot because you and other more experienced users of the Yi do try to give hints about questioning when it comes up.

I guess what makes me anxious re. opportunities is when the answer I get points towards them and actually advises me to be proactive. Sometimes things are clear but not always. And that's because I'm not so familiar with many of the hexagrams or hexagram lines I get. But I try and learn (I would hope). So, what I'm saying is that when there's something like "good fortune", I don't want to take good fortune for granted because most of the times it isn't. This is where my interest in opportunities comes from. Maybe in a little while I'll start looking for other things in hexagrams. I'm really not sure if I'm making sense.

A few days back I got 19.3,4 as an answer to a question I asked. There is a contextual situation I was inquiring about but I wouldn't know what persons in my life to relate these lines to. I thought the answer indicated a time of opportunities to make things happen and what to know, how to go about them, but will I recognize an opportunity when I see it? Anyway, this whole thing triggered my current fascination with opportunities as shown in the Yi.

Re. your last question: opportunities to see some progress in whatever I may be inquiring about, that there's a chance to make certain things happen or to resolve issues perhaps. Still, I know I may be way off the mark. I don't underestimate my lack of knowledge. I'm still very much exploring and reaching tentative conclusions.

LiSe, you know, one of my favourite hexagrams is 36. In a funny way. Whenever I get it, I immediately know it describes the situation perfectly and it's like, yes, the diagnosis is right, good, keep low for a while, the environment is not so favourable. Not a nice time, but it is the truth about the situation and it makes perfect sense. "A tough hexagram is often easier to understand" as you say. And to try to find ways out of the situation. Focusing on the negative and how to overcome it. Seems harder to focus on the positive and how to attain it. Never saw that 11.5 I threw some time ago materialize or why it failed to do so. Actually, to be honest, never actually understood what the line was about. And so on.

el_2
 

fkegan

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Putting yourself in your Yi Oracle Questions

Hi el_2,
There is no need for a speedy reply if you are otherwise engaged, when you have time to focus is better overall.

I would still suggest that it would be helpful for you to explicitly put yourself into your questions. For example, what opportunities are there for me in situation X and how do I best succeed with them?

As to the two examples you cite in your post: 19. 3,4 >> 34 which I would call Coming Together >> Plows. The Heart line pair is filling in becoming full or explosive in an overall hexagram situation which starts off as a powerful momentum that with the clarity of the Heart becomes an opportunity to Plow your own furrow in fertile ground, subject the the cautions in Hex 34 to keep within the bounds of what is right, not just what you can get away with.

As for hex 11.5 >> 5 or Dream Land >> Watering or Waiting for the green shoots after the plowing and sowing and watering is completed. Hex 11 refers to the fertility of the soil through the actions to prepare the ground to become crop fields. The fifth line place is the Crown or place of overall organization. Thus the fertile field (hex 11) with energy or sunshine deep into the Earth as it is organized or planned will tend toward a growing crop that requires patience and continued watering before you will see the seeds germinate and the shoots of the crop appear in the field.

Both these oracle refer to how to make the most and best of the available opportunities.

Good Luck,
Frank
 

el_2

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Hi there Frank

I just wanted to acknowledge your reply and thank you for taking the time to offer some thoughts and suggestions.

You're right. I wasn't able to focus when I was writing my previous post.

el_2
 

fkegan

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Hi El_2,

Glad to be of help.

Focus often requires perspective and taking time off is often a major factor in developing perspective. Another reason why quick replies are usually not as useful as those that allow things to develop and mellow out.

Frank
 

el_2

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So true.

During the past year I've been questioning the Yi very frequently. Only in the last two or three months have I stopped doing so. Now I may pose a couple of questions on the same day if I feel the need to do so, but mostly I ask a general question for guidance and then I go back to the answer again and again and it may take me weeks to ask about something else. This allows for the answers to sink in. Whether my interpretation is correct or not doesn't matter to me so much these days because this way I do get to change my perspective. The Yi is so inspiring that even partial understanding, I find, is very useful for self-development. "Strength within" - I've been feeling like this lately and it isn't because my outer circumstances have radically changed. I just feel good about myself - in large part thanks to the Yi. I should also thank spring, summer and the sun of course.

el_2
 

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