Urgent: 3 reading evaluations

[elizabeth]

I received a *group email forward* from the Man in question this morning. I have three options as I see it, and I am not sure which route is best to take.

1) What if i tell him i will attend the Saturday lesson at the crack of dawn?
18.6>46 Pushing Upward
(line 6 - one who tends to their own affairs). I found this for it: "Not every man has an obligation to mingle n the affairs of the world. There are some who are developed to such a degree that they are justified in letting the world go its own way and in refusing to enter public life with a view to reforming it. But this does not imply a right to remain idle r to sit back and merely criticize. Such withdrawal is justified only when we strive to realize in ourselves the higher aims of mankind. For although the sage remains distant from the turmoil of daily life, he creates incomparable human values for the future."

Argh. This is saying withdrawl would be admirable/sincere etc etc.. Yes? Tend to my affairs and do not go.
RIght?

2) What if i say i cannot attend lesson but can meet afterwards?

29.3.5> 46
Interesting the same ending hexagram.
Line 3 = peril\\Here every step, forward or backward, leads into danger. Escape is out of the question. Therefore we must not be misled into action, as a result of which we should only bog down deeper in the danger; disagreeable as it may be to remain in such a situation, we must wait until a way out shows itself.
Line 5 = no error.\\Danger comes because one is too ambitious. In order to flow out of a ravine, water does not rise higher than the lowest point of the rim. So likewise a man when in danger has only to proceed along the line of least resistance; thus he reaches the goal. Great labors cannot be accomplished in such times; it is enough to get out of the danger.

Am gathering this is the LEAST "favorable" option or path to take.

3) What if i say i cannot go/ i made plans already? (Logic: this email came TOO late and i'm not a last minute run around kinda girl, i'm not THAT desperate for him).

33Retreat>12 stagnation.

Of the 3, which suggests the most positive long term outcome for me?

1) So if i say yes -- I should say no (??) Am i off on this one?
2) If i say can meet later -- too complicated and dangerous (altho not clear why). Pushing the envelope?
3) If i say i cant go at all initially it will be favorable but 12 is more stagnation (unless i am missing subtext in 12??)

 

[literunner]

Hi Elizabeth,
I would go ahead and attend, as 18.6 could mean by attending you would be working on your own self development and improve the situation for yourself with a small step.

I agree that the other two don't look good, you don't want to hang back and cause a standstill by retreating.

Just my thoughts, and I had read your prior posting too which said attend and enjoy the event.
LR:bows:

 

[elizabeth]

Thanks literunner. I decided too (since the time of the last post) that i would attend -- but i really was edging toward option 2, bc i will not be looking like a zombie if i can show up later (and get my beauty sleep!)

I wish i knew what that reading meant...

 

[literunner]

I'm not sure, someone else on here may be able to chime in on that one. But you could ask if everyone is coming early or if anyone is arriving afterward/meeting up later and then you'd know more before you decide.

 

[elizabeth]

Well the point is I need to know ahead of time if I can come late and they plan to stick around. That's the point is for me to sleep in, go, see them and spend time (while well rested) and not get up at the crack of dawn and be yawning and tired by noon. Bc if the answer is "no" then i will go early to the lesson (rather than not going at all). (I can't do both )

I jsut dont know how to phrase it or why asking to come after the lesson is done, is bad, according ot the Yi...

 

[elizabeth]

Just another comment, generally from/about 29: "if one is sincere when confronted with difficulties, the heart can penetrate the meaning of the situation. And once we have gained inner mastery of a problem, it will come about naturally that the action we take will succeed. In danger all that counts is really carrying out all that has to be done – thoroughness – and going forward, in order not to perish through tarrying in the danger."

L3: One finds dangers everywhere. Deal with it by relaxing[trust]. Getting involved is of no benefit."

L5: "Although still present, the dangers are still(passive). [By avoiding disturbing them one survives]. No harm in this."

From one of trojan's interpretations of the same line 5: just as things seem at their worse the trouble should flow away (29.5)

As i see it, doing this plan (showing up after the lesson) Is AVOIDING danger, not stepping into it: I'm better rested. There must be smthing i'm not seeing here but i dont know what. Maybe the Yi is saying...its more of a "date" if i dont take the lesson and that's disturbing the waters? Hmm...

 

[elizabeth]

Yes. I'm just trying to think through how to fanangle that and not be completely obvious about it. I am only going at all bc i want to see this person (well not "only" but...mostly ). So if i say "i can't make the lesson, will you be there later?I could join you after X hour." Then if he says "No we wont be there later" i would have to backpeddle "Oh then i will just come earlier" -- but i can't do that bc i just finished saying i can't come earlier... And i'm trying not to be transparent about Wanting to See this guy..i.e. I'm going "for the lesson" just as he is...

 

[literunner]

Hi Elizabeth,
With the additional info you gave about your situation, I can see one way to interpret the 29 reading. If you told your friend you can't make it for the lesson, you put yourself into the 29.3 pit because it would sound certain to your friend, like you had no way around it; whereas if you said you want to join them for the lesson for sure, but want to know if it is possible to come a bit later, you could check a path with lesser resistance and then make a step of progress. If he says no they won't be there etc you can then agree to get up and go early with everyone else. Hope that helps, just some thoughts.

 

[elizabeth]

Well the action is now done, I had to reply yesterday. I wrote that I am waiting for confirmation but looks like I have to work on Saturday morning. *If thats the case and i cannot make the lesson*, will they be around after practicing? Bc i can probably join after 11am.

So its kind of a variation on the inbetween offer that you'd suggested.

I haven't heard back. But this is now making me sick to my stomach that there's no real communication going on now. I think i should just disappear altogether at this point. I feel like i have been kicked in the gut.

 

[elizabeth]

You know, I don't understand any of this. His messages are more and more impersonal and maybe i'm just living in a wishful thinking state. I thought he was interested in me, he invited me to the symphony and to these archery sessions and now the symphony invite has faded into the background (he mentioend it last week and then he will be in town for it after all, and i said i'm interested in going, and that's IT, no further comments about getting tix or planning or anything). And the archery sessions are now group things, "come if you want, dont if you dont"and i feel it has all evaporated in front of me and i have no idea what i did wrong.

Why has his messaging seemingly become more impersonal?

35.6 >16.

Line 6: ‘Advancing with your horns. Holding fast, use this to subjugate the city.
Danger, good fortune, not a mistake. Constancy: shame.’

interpretation: Making progress with lowered horns – i.e., acting on the offensive – is permissible, in times like those referred to here, only in dealing with the mistakes of one’s own people. Even then we must bear in mind that proceeding on the offensive may always be dangerous. In this way we avoid the mistakes that otherwise threaten, and succeed in what we set out to do. On the other hand, perseverance in such overenergetic behavior, especially toward persons with whom there is no close connection, will lead to humiliation.

So he's worried about humiliation? How could that be? There's no way i would humiliate him...

[35 is a symbol of "rapid, easy progress, which at the same time means ever widening expansion and clarity." But there is no "PROGRESS" being made here. If anything, its the opposite.]

I think after this Saturday I am disappearing. He's not interested and it's stupid of me to hope for more.

 

[Liselle]

Elizabeth, unfortunately, the way this sounds to me is that 35.6 > 16 is directed towards you, not him. You already said you feel kicked in the gut - you're the one who's already feeling humiliated, sadly.

Hex 16 can have the meaning of "Enthusiasm." Overenthusiasm can be a facet of that. Hex 16 as the relating hexagram here, combined with 35.6's line text, combined with the two hex 46's you got as the relating hexagram in the first two readings, might all be advice to not push too hard with this man.

Maybe ask a general question about your relationship, such as "How best for me to show my interest in ______?" Or, "What is important for me to know about my relationship with _______?"

 

[elizabeth]

Thanks Lisa. It turns out he is picking me up tomorrow but cant give me a ride home bc he has to leave right away. I am just going with the plan at this point but i'm mentally notiing to avoid this (humiliation) next time. I have been so utterly confused -- into paralysis-- over this that i reallydont know what is wrong or right anymore. So I am going to ask the Yi as you suggested.

How is it best to act towards M given my interest in him? (I didnt ask how to best "show interest" bc maybe i am not supposed to show any at all.)


10.1.3>44Answer: do not show interest/be receptive but not proactive/ (??)

Analysis:
line1: tread your accustomed path (I have no idea what that means!) also "Common conventions have little meaning for the man who takes simplicity and truth as his guidelines. He who asks nothing of others may act as he thinks best."

line3: one-eyed man who thinks he can see; a lame man who thinks he can walk well; one who treads on the tail of a tiger and is bitten. All this indicates ill fortune. We have a mere bravo acting the part of a great ruler. also "No one should attempt to push ahead beyond the limit of his own abilities."
Also: "10.3 is at the height of pleasure (Tui trigram). Wilhelm points out the "joyous self-sacrifice" aspect of this line, which is an interesting and perhaps easy to overlook one. But I tend to think of it more along the lines of naivete - a little like someone skipping and singing tra-la-la-la through a minefield. Going forward blinded, as it were, by pleasure and/or satisfaction and not showing a proper caution and respect for the very real potential dangers of the path ahead. Contrary to any "dreamland", I think the consequences, depending on the situation, can be real indeed... "

So...dont be ignorant, pay attention, be CAUTIOUS. Okaay...

OF 10 in general: This is not a time for deferring but more of submitting to the situation through a degree of balance (decorum/proper conduct) without moving from one's personal position nor making one's desires apparent; forced reflection whilst we walk in the confines of our environment.

44 Great Coupling. (??) Uh geez. Not good. "The oracle warns you not to take the woman – not to try to seize control of her, and not to marry her. Do not imagine that you can bring her under control, assimilate her into your life and continue as before. Such a marriage cannot last. This woman has more power than any system where you might try to contain her. She might bring desires that undermine a well-balanced life, or an irruption of feeling into a realm of abstractions, or chance and irrationality to threaten a logical, ordered mind.

Perhaps you will stand fast and resist this power’s attraction. Perhaps you will embrace her briefly, and let your life be transformed by the encounter. But you cannot take her or marry her."

However I also found this: COMING TO MEET is important in still another way. Although as a general rule the weak should not come to meet the strong, there are times when this has great significance. When heaven and earth come to meet each other, all creatures prosper; when a prince and his official come to meet each other, the world is put in order. It is necessary for elements predestined to be joined and mutually dependent to come to meet one another halfway. But the coming together must be free of dishonest ulterior motives, otherwise harm will result.

Really not sure what this is saying in light of the question...

+++



"What is important for me to know about my relationship with him?"
Hex1.1.2.3.5.6>16 Enthusiasm

OKaaay every line changing except for 4.

L1 Dragon underwater – don’t act.’; Also In terms of human affairs, this symbolizes a great man who is still unrecognized. Nonetheless he remains true to himself. He does not allow himself o be influenced by outward success or failure, but confident in his strength, he bides his time. hence it is wise for the man who consults the oracle and draws this line to wait in the calm strength of patience. The time will fulfill itself. One need not fear lest strong will should not prevail; the main thing is not to expend one’s powers prematurely in an attempt to obtain by force something for which the time is not yet ripe.

OK so be patient, do not FORCE things.

Line 2 ‘See the dragon in the fields. Fruitful to see great people.’ Also In terms of human affairs, the great man makes his appearance in his chosen field of activity. He has no commanding position but is still with his peers. What distinguishes him from the others is his seriousness of purpose, his unqualified reliability, and the influence he exerts on his environment without conscious effort. Such a man is destined to gain great influence and to set the world in order. Therefore it is favorable to see him.

Is this about me, or about him?
Saying that if i am unqualifiedly reliable and constant, he will value me in time?
Or is it saying i need to judge and evaluate him for this?

Line 3 ‘Noble one creates and creates to the end of the day, At nightfall on the alert, as if in danger.
No mistake.’ Also A sphere of influence opens up for the great man. His fame begins to spread. The masses flock to him. His inner power is adequate to the increased outer activity. There are all sorts of things to be done, and when others are at rest in the evening, plans and anxieties press in upon him. But danger lurks here at the place of transition from lowliness to the heights. Many a great man has been ruined because the masses flocked to him and swept him into their course. Ambition has destroyed his integrity. However, true greatness is not impaired by temptations. He who remains in touch with the time that is dawning, and with its demands, is prudent enough to avoid all pitfalls, and remain blameless.

Either I have to be not very ambitious (but what does that mean concretely??) and be in touch with the time or HE does.

What are the heights? And what is the time that is dawning? This speaks of some future change, no? Not the present? Is this saying things will progress positively? Or smthing else?


Line 5 ‘Dragon flying in heaven. Fruitful to see great people.’ Also the great man has attained the sphere of the heavenly beings. His influence spreads and becomes visible throughout the whole world. Everyone who sees him may count himself blessed. Confucius says about this line:

Things that accord in tone vibrate together. Things that have affinity in their inmost natures seek one another. Water flows to what is wet, fire turns to what is dry. Clouds (the breath of heaven) follow the dragon, wind (the breath of earth) follows the tiger. Thus the sage arises, and all creatures follow him with their eyes. What is born of heaven feels related to what is above. What is born of earth feels related to what is below. Each follows its kind.

The naive side of me would read this as "we will be together" but what it's saying really is like befits like and IF we are meant to be together we will be...Which is vague I suppose bc my whole question is whether my dreams will come true and we will be.

Line 6 ‘Overweening dragon has regrets.’ When a man seeks to climb so high that he loses touch with the rest of mankind, he becomes isolated, and this necessarily leads to failure. This line warns against titanic aspirations that exceed one’s power. A precipitous fall would follow.

I.e. I am not to be too hopeful. Or want too much too soon (ie basically do not hope for a relationship to develop I guess). But i wish i knew what it meant in concrete terms. Concrete actions -- what i do/say/reply and when and how -- are what i get caught up in. Bc i do not want to make a mistake.

I will add more interpretations as i find them...

 

[Liselle]

At least he's picking you up tomorrow and not completely avoiding you!

 

[elizabeth]

At least he's picking you up tomorrow and not completely avoiding you!

True. Although he could just be being polite. I cannot judge from those two readings (just posted) where he stands vis a vis me. How he feels. If i should just be VERY polite and distant and friendshippy or flirt. I never flirt, bc i am horrible at it. But thats another example of why i need/seek more information. I dont know where i stand here.

(I guess if you have to ask, the question has a negative answer...!)

 

[Liselle]

I like the way you rephrased the question.

10.1 - Hilary's translation says "Plain treading going on. No mistake." In other words, just act normally towards him.

10.3 - Don't plunge ahead recklessly. Don't come on too strong. Tread cautiously. You have limited resources (limited "sight") right now in regard to this relationship, at least partly because it's new and you don't know each other very well. (Is that right?)

44 - I'm not completely sure, but it could just mean that you're relating to this as a romantic relationship. Does he even know you're interested in him that way, rather than just as friends?

[Ah. I just saw your update, when I used the preview function. You talked about flirting. I think that's what hex 44 is referring to: flirting, seductive behavior. Probably don't try that. Flirting is not "plain treading" for you - it doesn't come naturally - you even said you're "horrible" at it. This also fits in with what you said about 1.1 - don't force anything.]

1.1.2.3.5.6 - Well...I've heard that one acceptable way to interpret 5 lines moving is to focus on the one that's not moving, line 4 in this case. Line 4 can mean to be playful and light-hearted about the situation. Maybe that means what's important for you is to keep it light. (That certainly fits with a lot of the previous readings, and it's hard to imagine it would be a wrong approach in any event.)

1.4 can also mean indecision, hovering above something, something that could go either way. And another meaning of hex 16 is "Intuition." So maybe it's saying "this relationship could go either way, your intuition about it, and/or about how to act, will be important."

 

[elizabeth]

Lisa your interpretations really help me gain clarity on this so thank you so much...(Sorry about that - i kept editing as i found more info/interpretations to add).

In summary: Act normally, dont plunge forward/come on strong. Okay. Then:

44 - I'm not completely sure, but it could just mean that you're relating to this as a romantic relationship. Does he even know you're interested in him that way, rather than just as friends?

Heh, question of the hour. To *me* it is painfully obvious. I mean he'd have to be dense to not figure it out. However I have never flirted, or asked him out. I've tried to be receptive but i have been a tad more proactive than just that, ie asking what his plans after the lesson tomorrow are, being a bit more chatty than I would be if i was strictly adhering to dating rules.

Probably don't try that. Flirting is not "plain treading" for you - it doesn't come naturally - you even said you're "horrible" at it. This also fits in with what you said about 1.1 - don't force anything.]

Okay. Got it. No flirting - easy bc flirting is an effort for me and not natural typically.

1.1.2.3.5.6 - Well...I've heard that one acceptable way to interpret 5 lines moving is to focus on the one that's not moving, line 4 in this case. Line 4 can mean to be playful and light-hearted about the situation. Maybe that means what's important for you is to keep it light. (That certainly fits with a lot of the previous readings, and it's hard to imagine it would be a wrong approach in any event.) 1.4 can also mean indecision, hovering above something, something that could go either way. And another meaning of hex 16 is "Intuition." So maybe it's saying "this relationship could go either way, your intuition about it, and/or about how to act, will be important."

Hm. I didnt know that about reading only the non-changing line. (Then why wouldn't the Yi *just* give you that line changing? Strange)... Anyway, I think it's strange that it says how to act will be important because that is the one thing I dont know about! How to act! The Yi can be so frustrating sometimes. But I"m going to go with what we have here: Normal, no plunging, no flirting. And TRY to keep it light (also hard for me, but i will try).

 

[Liselle]

Then why wouldn't the Yi *just* give you that line changing?

I'm not positive, but my guess is because the relating hexagram would be different. Hexagram 1 with line 4 moving changes to hexagram 9, and maybe hexagram 9 was not part of Yi's message to you. (There's also a whole family of other "derived" hexagrams which would be affected, but don't ask me about them, I'm clueless.) Anyway, doing it this way allows the fourth line of hexagram 1 to be combined in a reading with hexagram 16 instead of hexagram 9.

I think it's strange that it says how to act will be important because that is the one thing I dont know about! How to act!

With hexagram 16 relating, it might be more your intuition - your instinct - about how to act that will be important. Or - one of Hilary's Key Questions about hex 16 is, "How can you use your enthusiasm constructively?" which ties back to all the other stuff about enthusiasm, over-enthusiasm, pushing too hard, etc.

Adding more questions might just confuse matters even more (heaven forbid), but you might ask something like "Where do I stand with M?" or "How does M see me?"

Maybe the best approach isn't to get bogged down in rules of behavior that you must remember, and then start second-guessing every word you say to him. Doing so will cause you to act very UNnaturally! It's a cliche, but maybe just "be yourself" (I know that's hard when you're nervous and self-conscious.) Maybe try for a nice middle ground - don't come on too strong, but don't be stand-offish and distant, either.

 

[elizabeth]

I'm not positive, but my guess is because the relating hexagram would be different. [...] doing it this way allows the fourth line of hexagram 1 to be combined in a reading with hexagram 16 instead of hexagram 9.

Makes sense.

With hexagram 16 relating, it might be more your intuition - your instinct - about how to act that will be important. Or - one of Hilary's Key Questions about hex 16 is, "How can you use your enthusiasm constructively?" which ties back to all the other stuff about enthusiasm, over-enthusiasm, pushing too hard, etc.

Shoot. Well now several girlfriends are saying that since he had to leave after the lesson, and told me that, I should have bailed and not gone at all... UGH. See this is where i make big mistakes. I dont have an instinct: I have desires, then I have my head (which usu tells me to do the opposite) and then instinct gets buried. So I don't really know what is RIGHT to do!

Adding more questions might just confuse matters even more (heaven forbid), but you might ask something like "Where do I stand with M?" or "How does M see me?"

Maybe the best approach isn't to get bogged down in rules of behavior that you must remember, and then start second-guessing every word you say to him. Doing so will cause you to act very UNnaturally! It's a cliche, but maybe just "be yourself" (I know that's hard when you're nervous and self-conscious.) Maybe try for a nice middle ground - don't come on too strong, but don't be stand-offish and distant, either.

OK thanks. And I will pose those questions. Out of curiosity.

I am promising myself to step way back next time. Probably this is already me doing too much. Argh. I have to now be sure he doesnt think i'm only showing up bc of him (even tho it's the case)...

 

[elizabeth]

How is it best to proceed w/M *after* tomorrow?
30.1.3.4>23

l: Activity & haste prevail. Important to preserve inner composure, not be swept along by the bustle. Be serious & composed, to acquire clarity of mind for innumerable impressions that pour in. At the beginning serious concentration is important, because the beginning holds the seed of all that is to follow.

L3: "Beat the pot and sing."
The man who does not celebrate the pleasure of past & future will bring only sadness and misfortune upon himself. (Uh oh. This sounds like something bad happens and the Yi tells me that i have to think about the past and the future instead of the present?) Or...Is it just saying appreciate what has happened already and look forward to more good things?

l4: Dont rush forward into action or spread yourself too thin. (?) "It comes so suddenly, flames up, dies and is cast away. A man who rises suddenly to success will as suddenly vanish again from view. Unexpected good fortune may burst upon us, but it will have passed away before we have had time to enjoy it. Real success comes slowly." (be patient?) That seems to be a recurring theme here!!!



How does he feel about me?
11 peace unchanging. <--this can't be that positive if it indicates indifference, in a way. Although this resume seems to suggest very positive things.
http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/e-answers73.html

How do i know this 11 is not just the YI telling me how i feel about him (which i am uh painfully aware of)?

 

[elizabeth]

Just wanted to loop back on the meeting.

He picked me up and I, at least, had a fabulous time. THere were no other extra little people (ahem) involved, which was also a breath of fresh air. I did feel relaxed and myself and there was even some joking/teasing at some points. All over I would give the morning a 10/10 in terms of how well it could have gone.

I have no idea his level of interest in me though, and that is the everpresent, pressing question. That hex #11, Peace, sounds fortuitous but then...when? And what's going on now?

I'm TRULY grateful for today and glad I went.

I see now too how the 1st option of the 3 choices (do the lesson, show up later, or skip it all together) was the best one. #3 indeed would have been stagnation. He had to leave the lesson 5 min early and couldnt stay after -- THAT is what the Yi was warning me about, not to ask to come afterwards.

The yi is very smart!

 

[Liselle]

I'm so glad it went so well! :claps:

But you know what? This is a good example of the pitfalls and frustration of interpreting readings! The 18.6 > 46 reading you got when you asked about attending the meeting didn't sound very favorable to me. In light of your comment that the main reason you'd be going is because "M" would be there, I was pretty convinced it was advising against attending under that guise, and that the hex 46's were saying you were pushing too hard.

Apparently not! Or how could it have been such a smashing success?! (Who knows what will happen in the long term between you and M, but today, at least, was a smashing success .)

Just for kicks...what do you think 18.6 > 46 was really saying, now that you know the outcome?

 

[elizabeth]

Well I'm not sure HE thought it was a smashing success or that the cosmos think that. But let me explain:

I read what you read initially as well: 18.6 as "tend to your own affairs" go about your business, dont bother stretching yourself out for this. But of the *three* readings it was the MOST favorable. I did not, however, think it was advising me to go per se.

I mean on the downside, although everything was great from my standpoint, maybe i delayed or retarded romantic progress by going. That is my goal, to move past friendship with him. But I realize the only way to do that may be to first *build* the friendship, I just dont know what he is thinking. So in terms of the cosmos, and the reading of 18.6, maybe if i had not shown up, maybe he'd chase me or want to see me more next week or ask me out on a proper date. MAYBE i just slowed progress down. Maybe the Yi was warning me against that, maybe by going i was/am engraining the current status quo (which is him not having to do any heavy lifting).

I do not regret going. I think it was better than skipping it. I enjoyed the actual lesson, I do enjoy this sport, it was rewarding. We also had time together alone, more or less, and our interaction was better in my view, than last week. Partly bc i was better slept, i looked better, had more energy, was more prepared... that was another reason for meto go today-- i knew i could prepare bc last week i was taken offguard by poor sleep and the early wakeup call. I partly rationalized that if i never see him again, i want to go today and make a GREAT impression. LEave on a high note so to speak. Altho i honestly hope it is not over now!

I have to add one more thought: I am VERY grateful to the heavens that today happened and this morning went well. And if he only remains my friend forever i will be VERY lucky. Personally, i desire him as more than a friend. But... it's out of my control. I just wish I knew how to level my expectations going forward. ie do i disappear this week?
do i go each week to the sessions regardless? etc.

 

[Liselle]

Hi Elizabeth,

That all sounds perfectly reasonable (to me anyway.) Personally (nothing to do with the reading), it's hard to imagine how having a lovely time with someone, as you did yesterday, would harm otherwise viable chances for romance. I mean, if he's interested in you, he's not going to see it as "heavy lifting" (I assume.) 18.6 > 39? Maybe it meant what we thought it meant, or what you think now it might have meant, or maybe it was just very, very mild and mundane, that you literally had no "obligation" to do this at the crack of dawn - it wasn't something you had to do. *big shrug* .

The 11 unchanging reading - I really didn't have any strong ideas about what it meant. I thought maybe it could indicate "Lack of Flow," that you wouldn't have any rapport yesterday or something like that, but that doesn't seem to be true (happily.)

Basically I don't know what to make of the last two readings you did! I have a lot of trouble with unchanging hexagrams; they seem to have so many possible meanings.

 

[elizabeth]

you literally had no "obligation" to do this at the crack of dawn - it wasn't something you had to do. *big shrug* .

That makes the most sense: do what you want to do, you dont HAVE to go... (heh, but glad i did!)

Actually I always thought unchanging hexagrams are (or should be) simpler messages, ie, it's saying this is it, one answer, one statement, not tons of things to take into consideration. And I took what i read on 11 as VERY positive, even hinting at romance in some of the interpretations? I am curious if others have experience with 11.

This is what I found on the link I posted on this thread (one page back) --

'Flowing. Small goes, great comes. Good fortune, creating success.'

Carried by the current of that river thundering down Mount Tai, small concerns dwindle away, and the energy to achieve great things pours in. It can be exhilarating - but it can also be overwhelming, as things that had never before seemed 'small' to us vanish down the river. When we're given this hexagram unchanging, especially, the question of how (or whether) we can interact with such a force comes to the fore. [...] This aspect of the experience comes out clearly in its hidden core - the nuclear hexagram, 54, the Marrying Maiden. She is 'swept off her feet', hoisted without ceremony out of her comfort zone and up into a realm of far greater possibilities, but one altogether beyond her control. So is this loss of control a hidden danger of Hexagram 11? Perhaps. Or perhaps it's something you have to experience to know 'Flow' from the inside.[...]
However we experience it, Tai is a positive force. And with Small Taming and Treading (hexagrams 9 and 10) behind it, it does actually hold out the promise of peace:
'Treading and also Flowing Mean that tranquility follows.'
[...] Small Taming has qian within, and seeks to express and contain it in small ways through the outer trigram, xun (the wind). Treading uses all the skills gathered here to dance below heaven (the lake dui below, qian above), treading the tiger's tail, taking care not to let it swallow up her own identity. So Treading develops a 'technology of the sacred', an ability to live with this kind of intensity by following behind it, never coming to rest.
With hexagram 11, the power of qian is no longer 'out there' to be followed; it's taken back inside, and made real through the outer trigram, Earth. Now there is a complete creative relationship between inspiration and realisation - and all things become possible:
'Heaven and Earth communicate. Flowing.
The prince enriches and accomplishes the dao of heaven and earth,
Supports and structures heaven and earth's mutual help and harmony,
Helps and protects the people.'
The dao of heaven and earth is to join together and beget new life. The prince simply gives his all in its support: his wealth, his skills in bringing people together (especially the 'ideas' people with the ones who can make things happen), his protection, and his presence.

 

[elizabeth]

Quick question - does the Yi ever answer questions about third parties -- ie "about him and her"? Or only personal ones? I seem to remember only personal ones, but if not, then i have an important question to ask.