Reading interpretation for hexagram 51

[edgeoftown]

Hello, I Ching friends,

This is my first post on this forum, and I'm a new re-starter to the I Ching. It's great to find a forum like this, and I wonder if anyone would be kind enough to shed some light on a reading that I did earlier?

Okay, so I asked the Oracle if trying to sell X is a viable way for me to earn money. I should mention that, although I gave the question a fair bit a thought, and even wrote about what I was trying to ask, I'm not sure that I actually worded the question as best as I could.

Anyway, the reading I received was 51 > 63.

I should mention, I think, that X is something that I have been doing - a pursuit in the creative fields - although I've never actually seriously considered it as a potential means of income. As such, it is not a new pursuit, in itself.

In the reading I felt like I am reading something related to the question, but, then, the more I looked, the more I felt entangled in the answer. And, how would one relate to the idea of 'shock' in this context?

I would be most pleased if someone is able to shed a little light on how to understand the reading to the question.

Thank you :bows:

 

[ginnie]

You have four moving lines: 51.1.3.4.5 > 63. According to Alfred Huang, when we have four moving lines we should consult the uppermost of the non-moving lines, which in this case would be 51.6: Misfortune arises if we advance. So that is hardly a green light for your idea!

 

[Liselle]

You have four moving lines: 51.1.3.4.5 > 63. According to Alfred Huang, when we have four moving lines we should consult the uppermost of the non-moving lines

Some people use that guideline, but there are others who don't recommend it. I'm not taking sides, since I really (really) don't know, but since EdgeOfTown is new, I just wanted to mention that it is a debate.

So then what can EdgeOfTown do, when caught in a debate? Maybe figure out what is the best and worst that could happen, under either interpretation method, and use that information to make a decision?

This isn't from the reading, but since you do X anyway, regardless of whether you're selling it, would you be able to dip your toe in the water - try selling it a little bit - and see what happens?

 

[Trojina]

Hello, I Ching friends,

This is my first post on this forum, and I'm a new re-starter to the I Ching. It's great to find a forum like this, and I wonder if anyone would be kind enough to shed some light on a reading that I did earlier?

Okay, so I asked the Oracle if trying to sell X is a viable way for me to earn money. I should mention that, although I gave the question a fair bit a thought, and even wrote about what I was trying to ask, I'm not sure that I actually worded the question as best as I could.

Anyway, the reading I received was 51 > 63.

I should mention, I think, that X is something that I have been doing - a pursuit in the creative fields - although I've never actually seriously considered it as a potential means of income. As such, it is not a new pursuit, in itself.

In the reading I felt like I am reading something related to the question, but, then, the more I looked, the more I felt entangled in the answer. And, how would one relate to the idea of 'shock' in this context?

I would be most pleased if someone is able to shed a little light on how to understand the reading to the question.

Thank you :bows:

If you had 51>63 then change lines must have been 51.3.4.5>63.

To help with multiple lines you can look at patterns change lines make. Probably too confusing if you are a newbie though so maybe focus on the lines in turn.

Looking at this it seems a process already underway (63) and it looks like you are feeling the fear (51) and are in danger of letting doubts (robbers) disable you ....... to the point where you feel immobilised, 'stuck in mud' (51.4)...feeling unable to move . .....but your reading is full of life and vigour....you need to roll with it....don't get scared, keep on going. As you said this is something you are already doing...

Look at line 5 from Hilary's book

'Shock comes and goes, danger.
Intention is not lost-there are things to do'


So this is confirmation IMO that you need to keep on keeping on....You might feel doubtful, immobilised, scared you are on the wrong path....but you are already committed and you need to keep active to bring it all through to completion. You can do it....This reading is so much like "Feel the fear and do it anyway". You may not consciously feel fear....but if you examine your inner state you will likely find that some part of you feels a bit like a rabbit in the headlights ....

...so to answer your question this is a clear and lively answer

the shock you ask about is that trepidation you feel about continuing on the path you have been. But it is right so you need to keep rolling. Notice times you also feel stuck/bogged down/scared to proceed etc etc...and then shake yourself out of it...keep going for it and then yes X really is a viable way for you to make money if you can keep your nerve


I feel this in particular describes your reading

In the reading I felt like I am reading something related to the question, but, then, the more I looked, the more I felt entangled in the answer. And, how would one relate to the idea of 'shock' in this context ?

That entangled feeling is like 51.4

'Shock, and then a bog'

If you get stuck in mud you are vulnerable and can't act......but 51.3 shows these feelings can propel you forward...

51.3 says

'Shock revives, revives.
Shock moves without blunder'


So the different lines show an emotional process here and they tell you how to help yourself. They say yes there is upheaval around this in many ways...it's not easy...but there really is a purpose for you to hold to in 51.5 and you must get on with it !


The change patterns are if all changing lines are made yang we see the yang pattern, the hexagram that shows how you came into the situation and here it is 31. Something you are drawn to. The yin pattern, where all change lines are made yin is 41. So the way through very broadly speaking is perhaps to really focus on what you need to do, not get side tracked and spread yourself too thinly. It may not take such large sacrifices as you now imagine. These patterns shine through the answer...as if you are looking at you answer of 51>63 through a kind of lens of 31 and 41. If that confuses you ignore as it's probably too much to think about for a newbie...but I thought I'd throw it in anyway.


FWIW I see this as a strong clear confident casting....don't lose your nerve and do try to sell whatever it is.
Even if not immediately successful it is still worth going this route.....but I cannot stress enough you need to keep moving...going with it...don't get stuck....act ! Shocks can come and go. but you mustn't let the thunder throw you off track.

BTW if you were making bowls to sell this would be very literal

'Shock spreads fear for a hundred miles.
Someone does lose the sacred ladle and libation' (Hilary's book)

 

[Liselle]

Ah, Trojina finds the fly in the ointment and makes the debate a moot point :bows:.

 

[Trojina]

I thought I'd link to this Blog post as there are some very important points for newbies.

http://onlineclarity.co.uk/answers/2014/08/03/a-few-essentials-for-yijing-readings/


One important point is that you read the words of the Yi before considering the author's commentary. That is because you may find meanings very specific to you. Commentaries can help but they can also hinder by narrowing the answer. For example if you were a potter and you got 51....and it's all about carrying your bowls safely....well that would speak to you on such an individual level that it would over ride or surpass any commentary.

 

[Trojina]

Ah, Trojina finds the fly in the ointment and makes the debate a moot point :bows:.

I think you were right to point out that Alfred Huang's 'method' is not used by many that I know of. I've not seen debates on it...but I know what you were aiming to convey ie it's not a method accepted by everyone (but Ginnie likes it and it works for her) I think either one is drawn to that method or not. I'm not. I can't see any good reason to take a line you didn't get and interpret it instead of the line you did get....(except when 5 lines are moving it is always interesting to see the line that isn't moving is what your answer isn't.).....But everyone has their own favourite ways to view multiple lines. In this reading to me the lines look very much like an inner process with advice not to get stuck in line 4.

I liked this cast. It feels purposeful and energetic ...

 

[xuesongyu]

Hello friend:

I think you are trying to sell a product which can bring joy to people, the result shows that you can make some money at first, but you will not have sustainable profit growth in the long run. So you should find a new way to making money after a period of time.

Good luck!

---------------------------------------------
The Wisdom of I Ching: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1500859788
I Ching Codes Predicting the Future: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KRPT8G0

 

[edgeoftown]

Thank you so much for all the feedback. It's really brought the reading to life for me in a way that I can understand and relate to. That is really most helpful. But, it has also given me much more insight into the process of understanding the I Ching, such as the change patterns. I think I need to read more about these, as I'm not sure which sections you are supposed to read e.g., image etc.
Thank you again, especially Trojina for the detailed response. I feel both invigorated and humbled. Thank you:bows:

 

[Trojina]

Oh there is no need to read anything for the change patterns, I don't. They are more things I have a background awareness of, something like the dynamics that propel you into and out of the situation. But for a newbie they may be unnecessary or get in the way when you are still getting to know Yi. I see the change patterns almost like background colours. Will link to a blog on it anyway if can find it

...some good stuff about change patterns within this blog post http://onlineclarity.co.uk/answers/2010/03/17/unchanging-hexagrams-and-patterns-of-change/