Should I do this shoot on Monday? 26 unchanging

[MoonCatcher]

I am nervous about having a photoshoot for an agency that I don't want to be strongly associated with, yet I need to get some work in the meantime and don't have much portfolio.

I asked "should I do this shoot on Monday?"

I received 26 unchanging.

Does this mean no? That I should contain my potential?

 

[adarkana]

In association with career/professional questions, I am always reminded of receiving Hexagram 26 in my late 20s.

Working in publishing at the time, I read a terrific manuscript & wrote a very enthusiastic memo praising it to the higher literary gods within my organization. When a surprise bidding war broke out, I was asked to "testify" in an emergency meeting re: how aggressively to compete for US rights. Advocating boldly & without any consideration other than my love of the book, I pushed them to go for broke & so they did. Afterward, I consulted the oracle & received 26, with a moving line (3 or 4, I cannot recall which).

Unfortunately, they wildly overbid for the book & so eliminated any chance for profit. At that company, that year, profit was all that mattered. I was so junior in rank & concerned with my own presentation that I did not consider the larger message of 26: I was being provided tactical guidance on how the bidding itself should be handled, not just a comment on myself.

You don't say how young (old?) you are but throw this out there for consideration.

 

[MoonCatcher]

I'm in my late 20's, am a professional model but my portfolio was stolen by my last agent when they went bankrupt. I have other big agents interested in me - but I need to survive. In order to do that I need to have updated photos - but I'm worried how I won't have any control over these images.

 

[Tohpol]

To reinforce adarkana's interesting example:

H.26 "The Taming Power of the Great". This suggests allowing your potential to build. It gives the imagery of accumulation; a bit like accruing the "gold" within so that it can take you where you need to go. So, yes, to "contain your potential" is a good description. It's often about timing where the inner and outer world is not quite in alignment, so you'd be best served by holding off for a while so that when the right opportunity does come your way you'll be at the 26.6 point of climax and thus much more likely to find your way. Trust your gut on this.

 

[poised]

"Release restraining pressures"

I went to the PATHFINDER I Ching, which I generally look at for interpretations regarding business. 26 unchanging advises:

Take action! This is a rare time; do not waste it. The only cautionary note is that the results of your actions may be larger than you expect. You are well prepared to carry things off successfully, as long as you do not act foolishly.

R.L Wing's I Ching Workbook also offers interpretations of unchanging hexagrams:

26 - Potential Energy
Unchanging: You will have to very carefully release the restraining pressures. Look for guidance in an experienced person who holds a position of authority or in historically sound organizations or methods. Act now.

I would say go ahead and do it -- I like Wing's idea of releasing restraining pressures. Just make sure you are not tied to this agency for longer than you wish, that you're not doing work that goes against your grain. Be cautious, but this is an opportunity. Handle yourself well, and it could be to your advantage. Will you be able to agree with them on terms and conditions before your begin? Do you have an attorney or other advisor who can give you guidance? Do you trust yourself on these matters?

 

[MoonCatcher]

Thank you guys for all your input. It has really helped me to decide.

I have been getting 26 for so many of my readings in the past 4 years - but nothing is really happening and I guess I am holding myself back in some way. I do think as a gut instinct that it's telling me to hold back for a second - but I've decided to tell the agent how I feel and only do the shoot if I have some control over the selected images.

I will tell them about how I want to "contain my potential".

 

[Tohpol]

Sounds like a good compromise to me.