Puzzled by consistency

[jillc]

For nearly two years I have been seeking advice from I Ching as to the progress (or lack thereof) in a relationship. I have always posed my open-ended questions in a sincere, reverent manner, and I have tried to sincerely welcome and accept any answer that might be offered.

Throughout this time there has been a consistent theme in the responses: it's difficult, often seems hopeless, but success is possible (or even promised), and progress is being made, so hang in there.

Now the relationship seems well and truly over, for good this time. I accept that (or am trying to) and am trying to follow the counsel of the "post-part-him" hexagrams 7/12 (question was, "tell me what I most need to know").

My question is, why would the responses be so consistently encouraging over such a long time, or am I so completely blind that I willfully if unconsciously misinterpreted everything? It's unlikely that I am so strong-willed that I can influence the oracle's response (I clearly couldn't influence even the outcome of the relationship), so what's the source of my cognitive dissonance?

Thanks for any insights.

 

[hilary]

Hello Jill,

I'm really sorry this didn't work out for you.

So why these apparently misleading answers from the I Ching? I can think of a few possible explanations, though I don't know which (if any) would fit...

Someone told you that the relating (second) hexagram was a solid prediction of the future - I really don't think it is. Sometimes it just reflects what you want.

You had a bad translation or 'version' that didn't let you see beyond isolated 'good/bad' prognoses into underlying patterns

There was a possibility of success, it just didn't materialise. I know this sounds weak, but I don't believe that the I Ching (or anything else) can make secure predictions about what people will choose to do. It can point out the conflicts, the ways it could go, the best way through, the best you can contribute... but at the end of all that, it depends on the individual's choices. Consequently, one 'constancy, good fortune' does not make a summer, if you see what I mean.

Perhaps you did misinterpret - or perhaps the more positive readings just made a deeper impression on you. You wouldn't be the first or the last; I don't think you have to be 'completely blind' to do this, just emotionally involved. Also - when someone is quite determined that giving up is not an option, it could be that the I Ching recognises that determination in its answers, who knows. I don't know whether that would apply to you, of course, I can just think of times when it applies to me

Does any of this make sense?

 

[jillc]

Thanks, Hilary. Your response does indeed make sense. I've relied on the Alfred Huang translation, since it has come highly recommended both on this site and elsewhere. I like it because it offers much more positive interpretations than some of the gloom-and-doom absolutist volumes out there. I use a couple of others and have ordered others recommended here.

I somtimes use the second hexagram as an outlook for the future or as an amplification of the first, whichever seems to fit best at the time.

I agree that what is offered is usually at best a possibility, a trend -- and that human volition always supersedes any potential that might be suggested. In truth, in this situation that might have been the case, but there were just too many obstacles to be -- that could not be -- overcome, and finally I had to face that.

You are right, too, that "one good fortune does not make a summer" but the suggestions of forthcoming good fortune were so consistent and numerous that I just went with my heart. Until I no longer could.

But then I'm the novice and rank amateur here. That's why your site is such a wonderful resource -- as a reality check, at the very least!

Thanks, as always, for your kind insights.