Relationship 29 changing to 2

[learning]

When asking about whether/how to proceed in a relationship which has hit a strange patch, I got 29, changing to 2 (9s at 2 and 5). I am still very much a novice at interpreting the I Ching, but think that while the 29 is about danger in proceeding, it is softened by the change lines morphing it into 2, if I stay open and not attached to any timetable or outcome. What it seems to say to me, is that I am best to be open, bring myself to the relationship, but not pushing, rather letting things reach their own level in their own time. This whole period in my life seems to be about learning patience and being, rather than doing, so this result appears consistent.

But, since I am so new to asking the I Ching, I would like to learn from others with deeper knowledge.

Also, I've never received a hexgram which reads the same, right side up or upside down, before this. It would seem to be an unusual hexagram for that characteristic. I wonder what that brings to the message?

 

[magictortoise]

Learning,
You are fortunate in that the reply has stressed the yang lines of the Abysmal. Indeed they are in somewhat better shape than the other lines due to their strength and their central positions. This bodes well for your relationship provided you heed the counsel by taking things a step-at-time (line two) and by not becoming overly ambitious about the prospects. (line 5) Hexagram two provides the additional praise of perseverance. Definitely not time to become mighty in the forward striding toes. I wish you well in this relationship.

When a hexagram is stood upon its head it is called the inverse. (from inverted) I have been aware of this but have never looked into the implications. There are other hexagrams whose inverse is the same as the parent hexagram..including hexagram 30, The Clinging, which follows the Abysmal. I am wondering if anyone else has any insight as to the meaning of or uses of a hexagrams inverse. Also note that most frequently the inverse and the parent are next to each other, as hexagrams 13 and 14, 57 and 58, 9 and 10. It would make an interesting study to relate a hexagram to its inverse. For example Fellowship With Men and Possession In Great Measure. Can one really possess greatly if on has no others to share his wealth with?

Good regards,

Ken Wanamaker