"Shall I travel?" Hex. 15.1.6 to 20

[Max Snowman]

Dear community,

I haven't posted for a while but I'd like to share a reading I did just before Christmas. The question I was posing was related to something that did not happen at the time, but which could happen now, and I feel I shouldn't be doing another reading, as the distance is too short, and the situation, although changed, hasn't changed so much to need a second reading (this is how I feel, at least). Also, there may be directions in that reading which I may have overlooked -- or not seen; hence my posting here.

The question was around traveling from the UK to Italy (my country of origin), taking into account all the difficulties connected to the current travel restrictions (because of the pandemic). I could not travel before Christmas, but then I had rebooked the flight for next Sunday, and now I am wondering whether I should attempt traveling or not -- considering also the fact that I would have to take a test before leaving, and as it is quite expensive, I wouldn't want to do it unless I am sure to be able to leave. On the other hand, my feeling is that if I don't take the opportunity now, I may remain stranded indefinitely.
May I just add that the intention would be to travel first to where my mother lives, which is a city in Northern Italy, after which (that is, the 14 days of quarantine that I would have to wait) I would travel to a mountainous location in the Alps, which is where I would be based.

Anyway, this is what I got out of the reading:

Hex. 15 (Modesty), with two changing lines: six at the beginning and six at the top.

This would turn into Hex. 20 (Contemplation).

I would like to concentrate on a few aspects that have been striking me, but I won't go into all the details.

First, I am noticing the image of the mountain present in hex. 15, and I am wondering whether it is saying something about the location where I would be staying, as well as myself. I must add here that I am literally in love with mountains; my job is mountain and wilderness guide/writer.

Second, in the first changing line is written:

"A superior man modest about his modesty
May cross the great water.
Good fortune".

This seems to hinting at the enterprise of crossing the channel, but of course I am aware also of the symbolic implications. I may be successful if I have the right attitude, but in the description of the changing lines there are further aspects that are not at all clear.

This is how it reads:
"A dangerous enterprise, such as the crossing of a great stream, is made much
more difficult if many claims and considerations have to be taken into
account. On the other hand, the task is easy if it is attended to quickly and
simply. Therefore the unassuming attitude of mind that goes with modesty
fits a man to accomplish even difficult undertakings: he imposes no
demands or stipulations but settles matters easily and quickly. Where no
claims are put forward, no resistances arise".

How am I to interpret 'modest' in this respect? What would be the 'claims'? I am not clear about that. I am wondering also, more generally, how 'modesty', as a quality, could be relating to my question.

Then, the line at the top:

"Modesty that comes to expression.
It is favorable to set armies marching
To chastise one's own city and one's country".

I am particularly intrigued and puzzled by the line: 'To chastise one's own city and one's country'. What can it mean in such context? How am I to interpret that?

Then the description of the line:

"A person who is really sincere in his modesty must make it show in reality.
He must proceed with great energy in this. When enmity arises nothing is
easier than to lay the blame on another. A weak man takes offence perhaps,
and draws back, feeling self-pity; he thinks that it is modesty that keeps him
from defending himself. Genuine modesty sets one to creating order and
inspires one to begin by disciplining one's own ego and one's immediate
circle. Only through having the courage to marshal one's armies against
oneself, will something forceful really be achieved."

Again, here, we have the theme of modesty returning. It is also very clear that the oracle is saying something around creating order and discipline within oneself, and even 'having the courage to marshal one's armies against oneself', but I'm not sure how I am to take this advice, when the limitations, at the moment, seem to be mainly of an external order.

I am not going to say much about hex. 20. I have a clear sense of how 'contemplation' would apply if I manage to reach the mountains. That may well not be the whole story -- but is it supposed to mean that, if my will is strong, I will get there? This hexagram seems to me to be coming from the perspective of having reached the mountains; or at least, this is the sense I have.

Of course, for all I have said, I have my own feelings and have formed my own ideas, but I am not going to share them, as I could influence a more detached reading by others in the community. Overall, though, I have a feeling that there is something important here that I am overlooking or not seeing, hence my posting here.

I would be grateful for any insight and feedback you may wish to contribute.

Max

 

[rosada]

I wonder if 15.6 "chastising one's own city" is a reference to being quarantined? And if it's saying "It is favorable..." means it is good for you to do this and thus it is favorable for you to go?
Or maybe it is simply pointing out that for you to go at this time you would need to quarantine and to really give that aspect of the plan some thought.
20. always means to me "Look at the big picture." See it from both sides. Both whether it might be better to wait until the quarantine rule is lifted (but when will that be??) but also whether it's better to go now while you have a chance because time is passing, even though the quarantine is in effect.

 

[veavea]

Dear community,

I haven't posted for a while but I'd like to share a reading I did just before Christmas. The question I was posing was related to something that did not happen at the time, but which could happen now, and I feel I shouldn't be doing another reading, as the distance is too short, and the situation, although changed, hasn't changed so much to need a second reading (this is how I feel, at least). Also, there may be directions in that reading which I may have overlooked -- or not seen; hence my posting here.

The question was around traveling from the UK to Italy (my country of origin), taking into account all the difficulties connected to the current travel restrictions (because of the pandemic). I could not travel before Christmas, but then I had rebooked the flight for next Sunday, and now I am wondering whether I should attempt traveling or not -- considering also the fact that I would have to take a test before leaving, and as it is quite expensive, I wouldn't want to do it unless I am sure to be able to leave. On the other hand, my feeling is that if I don't take the opportunity now, I may remain stranded indefinitely.
May I just add that the intention would be to travel first to where my mother lives, which is a city in Northern Italy, after which (that is, the 14 days of quarantine that I would have to wait) I would travel to a mountainous location in the Alps, which is where I would be based.

Anyway, this is what I got out of the reading:

Hex. 15 (Modesty), with two changing lines: six at the beginning and six at the top.

This would turn into Hex. 20 (Contemplation).

I would like to concentrate on a few aspects that have been striking me, but I won't go into all the details.

First, I am noticing the image of the mountain present in hex. 15, and I am wondering whether it is saying something about the location where I would be staying, as well as myself. I must add here that I am literally in love with mountains; my job is mountain and wilderness guide/writer.

Second, in the first changing line is written:

"A superior man modest about his modesty
May cross the great water.
Good fortune".

This seems to hinting at the enterprise of crossing the channel, but of course I am aware also of the symbolic implications. I may be successful if I have the right attitude, but in the description of the changing lines there are further aspects that are not at all clear.

This is how it reads:
"A dangerous enterprise, such as the crossing of a great stream, is made much
more difficult if many claims and considerations have to be taken into
account. On the other hand, the task is easy if it is attended to quickly and
simply. Therefore the unassuming attitude of mind that goes with modesty
fits a man to accomplish even difficult undertakings: he imposes no
demands or stipulations but settles matters easily and quickly. Where no
claims are put forward, no resistances arise".

How am I to interpret 'modest' in this respect? What would be the 'claims'? I am not clear about that. I am wondering also, more generally, how 'modesty', as a quality, could be relating to my question.

Then, the line at the top:

"Modesty that comes to expression.
It is favorable to set armies marching
To chastise one's own city and one's country".

I am particularly intrigued and puzzled by the line: 'To chastise one's own city and one's country'. What can it mean in such context? How am I to interpret that?

Then the description of the line:

"A person who is really sincere in his modesty must make it show in reality.
He must proceed with great energy in this. When enmity arises nothing is
easier than to lay the blame on another. A weak man takes offence perhaps,
and draws back, feeling self-pity; he thinks that it is modesty that keeps him
from defending himself. Genuine modesty sets one to creating order and
inspires one to begin by disciplining one's own ego and one's immediate
circle. Only through having the courage to marshal one's armies against
oneself, will something forceful really be achieved."

Again, here, we have the theme of modesty returning. It is also very clear that the oracle is saying something around creating order and discipline within oneself, and even 'having the courage to marshal one's armies against oneself', but I'm not sure how I am to take this advice, when the limitations, at the moment, seem to be mainly of an external order.

I am not going to say much about hex. 20. I have a clear sense of how 'contemplation' would apply if I manage to reach the mountains. That may well not be the whole story -- but is it supposed to mean that, if my will is strong, I will get there? This hexagram seems to me to be coming from the perspective of having reached the mountains; or at least, this is the sense I have.

Of course, for all I have said, I have my own feelings and have formed my own ideas, but I am not going to share them, as I could influence a more detached reading by others in the community. Overall, though, I have a feeling that there is something important here that I am overlooking or not seeing, hence my posting here.

I would be grateful for any insight and feedback you may wish to contribute.

Max

Hi Max, my impression is that the lines indicate that you can move forward cautiously and successfully but also not to attempt or plan too much; in other words, in the end you might not do everything exactly as you currently envisage, but you can still proceed. Take nothing for granted: remain humble, steadfast, and keep your eyes open. Good luck!