The best kinds of casts: metaphorical echoes of the subject

[liquidity]

I find sometimes that when I ask a question of Yi, that it will give me an answer that I can interpret as a kind of metaphorical echo of the question, or of the activity that is asked about in the question. And given that I often consider readings with Yi as a kind of conversation, I find these kinds of metaphorical replies among the most eloquent and the most supportive.

Let me give you an example.
I asked recently about whether, in my writing, the evocation of atmosphere was the key to developing it further.
And I got:
2.6 Earth Flow > 23 Stripped (tr. Minford)
Minford .6: Dragons fight in the wilds. Dark blood, yellow blood.
I could view this as saying -- this is a dangerous course of action that might lead to some kind of conflict (presumably an inner conflict).
However, I would see it differently. The line itself renders a highly evocative atmosphere. Dragons fighting in the wild -- this is epic mythology!

I find this kind of line as a response to a question to be the strongest kind of affirmation.

What are your experiences and thoughts on these kinds of casts?

 

[dobro p]

I think that's a creative, insightful take on it. But flip it for a second and consider. Evocation of atmosphere seems like a very sensible thing to develop in one's writing. (In my own writing, I can find the voice of the piece pretty easily, but I really wish I was stronger in the atmosphere department.) But if it's fiction, there's also plot, character and literary style/voice to consider. Not to mention the message of the piece! (What does your piece actually say about human nature and what gives it meaning?) On the one hand , it's a balancing act, right? So, doesn't that require tension between all the elements involved? And can that tension that comes from the balancing act actually harm the project if you focus on developing atmosphere? Because that's what dragon blood and stripping/flaying suggest. Whatcha think?

 

[rosada]

2.6 - 23
I see these hexagrams and lines as warning against giving the reader too much to visualize before you get into the action or they will lose interest.
No need to describe every cloud and thunder clap when “It was a dark and stormy night” is enough to set the scene.

 

[liquidity]

I think that's a creative, insightful take on it. But flip it for a second and consider. Evocation of atmosphere seems like a very sensible thing to develop in one's writing. (In my own writing, I can find the voice of the piece pretty easily, but I really wish I was stronger in the atmosphere department.) But if it's fiction, there's also plot, character and literary style/voice to consider. Not to mention the message of the piece! (What does your piece actually say about human nature and what gives it meaning?) On the one hand , it's a balancing act, right? So, doesn't that require tension between all the elements involved? And can that tension that comes from the balancing act actually harm the project if you focus on developing atmosphere? Because that's what dragon blood and stripping/flaying suggest. Whatcha think?

I think it's a good point! Food for thought. I do agree that atmosphere certainly can't be everything... I need to figure out how to view this project in a way that clicks with me. That's the really hard balancing act!