On your way to an enlightened destiny

On your way to an enlightened destiny

Quite often progress is gradual and incremental and most noticeable in retrospect.

Sometimes it’s circular like a mandela and the difficulty of going backwards can be the path to progress.

Kind of like how I recently switched my pickleball serve to a volley serve, which is ultimately a more powerful and effective one, but in the short term I’m now missing a couple of serves each game as I make the transition.

But none of that is what Hexagram 35: Progress in the I Ching, an ancient book of Chinese wisdom, is about.

Here it’s about rapid, easy progress.

We’ve contemplated the people and fostered enthusiasm within them with the intent of creating meaningful change.

Now that change is here.

The image of this hexagram is the sun rising over the earth.

The sun represents clarity and spreads its rays over a large area. The I Ching compares this to the clarity of vision of a leader who is both an “enlightened ruler and an obedient servant” all at once.

That combination isn’t always so present in the leaders of our society today. But we can cultivate it within ourselves.

How so? R.L. Wing gives some practical advice in his I Ching translation: “Communication is now of vast importance during a time of rapid PROGRESS. It is wise for you to stay in close touch with all levels of your social world. Monitor the needs of others and be supportive of progressive improvements. Take an active part in the affairs of society now in order to refine and enhance your inner worth.”

How appropriate that this takes place in airy and social Gemini season.*

Once again this brings to mind the extraverted feeling function, which Dario Nardi calls the “friendly hosting” function: “Empathically respond to others’ needs and values, and take on their needs as your own. Check for respect and trust. Give and receive support to grow closer to people.”

All of us have access, in varying degrees, to extraverted feeling. It is one of the eight energy pathways of our personality types.

We all have a Gemini area of life, too, as represented in the natal chart. It’s being lit up right now by the transiting Sun and will more naturally be an area of focus for you, even if you don’t have natal planets here.

Wing says that taking an altrustic approach and becoming influential with people helps us progress in our inner development. If you can progress in both your relationship with yourself and with others “you are on your way to an enlightened destiny.”


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*The 64 hexagrams of the I Ching are arranged along the ecliptic (the celestial equator) in Human Design. In astrology there are 12 zodiac signs along the ecliptic, so there are 5.3 hexagrams per zodiac sign. I’m contemplating these hexagrams as a way to engage with astrology, the I Ching, and Jungian psychology.

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References:

I Ching or Book of Changes translated by Richard Wilhelm

The I Ching Workbook by R.L. Wing

Continue ReadingOn your way to an enlightened destiny

Using thunder to find harmony and your inner voice

Using thunder to find harmony and your inner voice

Whenever I hear thunder, I don’t tend to feel enthusiasm. Yet the image of thunder over the earth is associated with Hexagram 16 (Enthusiasm) in the I Ching, an ancient Chinese book of wisdom that is important in the Jungian world.

Thunder is a symbol of sudden change and transformation, while the earth represents stability and grounding. Together, they represent the power of enthusiasm to inspire change and create something new.

This requires getting others on board, however. This is why hexagram 16 is also sometimes referred to as “harmonize.”

How best to generate this enthusiasm and harmony? You could start by “contemplating the people” and then aligning yourself with their values.

I can’t help but notice that these are extraverted feeling kinds of activites. Extraverted feeling adjusts itself to external conditions and social, rather than personal, values. R.L. Wing’s description of hexagram 64 could also serve as a description of extraverted feeling:

If you can grasp the direction of the tendencies around you, you can parallel them and accomplish great deeds. …Penetrate the popular sentiment of society, anticipate what will be needed and supported, and choose able helpers who will be enthusiastically attracted to your compelling inspiration.

R.L. Wing, The I Ching Workbook

All of us have extraverted feeling as one of our eight energy pathways. People with ESFJ, ENFJ, INFJ, and ISFJ tendencies have it as one of the top two, where it is more easily accessible.

This adaptability is also charateristic of Mercury, the planetary host of Gemini.

And speaking of astrology, here is. R.L. Wing again: “Obey your inner voice if you wish to behave correctly in the current situation. If there is a decision to be made, surrender to the impulses of your true nature. Choose the path of least resistance. Move with the rhythm of the moment. In this way you will be relieved of tensions and open to inspired accord with the cosmos.”

Astrology is a practical way to form an inspired accord with the cosmos. Hexagram 16 correlates to these next 5-6 days of Gemini season.* If you have natal planets in Gemini, tune into them this week and access your inner voice. If you don’t have natal planets in Gemini, the Sun is currently in Gemini and lighting up the area of life that Gemini represents in your chart.

We don’t always know when thunder will arrive, but a greater awareness of your extraverted feeling energy pathway, and the Gemini area of your life, will better prepare you for it. Then you’ll experience the joy and relief that follows after the thunderstorm refreshes nature and relieves the tension that had built up.

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*The 64 hexagrams of the I Ching are arranged along the ecliptic (the celestial equator) in Human Design. In astrology there are 12 zodiac signs along the ecliptic, so there are 5.3 hexagrams per zodiac sign. I’m contemplating these hexagrams as a way to engage with astrology, the I Ching, and Jungian psychology.

Sources:

I Ching or Book of Changes translated by Richard Wilhelm

The I Ching Workbook by R.L. Wing

Continue ReadingUsing thunder to find harmony and your inner voice

Contemplating the people

Contemplating the people

At first glance, contemplation doesn’t seem like a Gemini type of activity.

To contemplate is to pause and enter our own center. Through the calm and quiet state of contemplation we can bring our inner and outer lives into balance. We emerge better prepared to face life’s emotional ups and downs with equanimity.

I love how Henri Nouwen described contemplation: “It offers the freedom to stroll through your own inner yard and rake up the leaves and clear the path so you can easily find the way to your heart.”

By contrast, the bright, social, and analytical air sign of Gemini is speedy and curious about what lies ahead.

There’s more contemplative depth to Gemini than one might first realize, however.

For starters, Gemini is ruled by Mercury. Mercury was the only god who could move back and forth between earth and the underworld and is the psychopomp – the guide of souls in the underworld.

Also, Gemini occurs during the time of year where we reach the maximum amount of light in the year, which then hands off to Cancer where the light starts to decrease. Contemplation is especially important during the busy Gemini season where the increase of light in the spring prompts us to be busy and active in our outer lives. Contemplation will help us remember and prepare for the decrease in light right around the corner.

Why am I writing about contemplation on this first day of Gemini? Hexagram 20 of the I Ching, an ancient Chinese text that was a favorite of Jung’s, correlates to the first 5.3 days of Gemini season.* This hexagram is called Contemplation.

The image of Hexagram 20, per Richard Wilhelm’s translation of the I Ching (he was good friends with Jung) is:

The wind blows over the earth:

The image of contemplation.

Thus the kings of old visited the regions of the world,

Contemplated the people,

And gave them instruction

Let’s stay with that image of “contemplating the people.”

Listening is one of the best ways to contemplate the people and of my favorite descriptions of listening comes from James Hillman: “Inquisitive curiosity into the lives of others extends our lives. This is not sharing; it is artful listening.. The other person is a fount of lifeblood, which transfuses vitality into your soul if you can provoke the other with your listening.”

Astrology, typology, and artful listening are just a few ways to contemplate the people. Speaking of astrology, it’s worth noting that contemplation is a lunar activity.  Looking at where the natal Moon is in your chart can show the manner in which you like to contemplate.

A practical application of this hexagram per R.L. Wing in The I Ching Workbook: “Take this time of contemplating to move freely through society. Experience new ideas fully, then offer your advice.”

This sounds like an activity perfectly suited to Gemini, doesn’t it?

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*The 64 hexagrams of the I Ching are arranged along the ecliptic (the celestial equator) in Human Design. In astrology there are 12 zodiac signs along the ecliptic, so there are 5.3 hexagrams per zodiac sign. I’m contemplating these hexagrams as a way to engage with astrology, the I Ching, and Jungian psychology.

Sources:

The Force of Character by James Hillman

You are the Beloved: 365 Daily Readings and Meditations for Spiritual Living by Henri J.M. Nouwen

I Ching or Book of Changes translated by Richard Wilhelm

The I Ching Workbook by R.L. Wing

Continue ReadingContemplating the people

Archetypes of the eight functions of the personality

Archetypes of the eight functions of the personality

I was delighted to discover archetypes for the eight functions in Michael Pierce’s book Motes and Beams: A Neo-Jungian Theory of Personality. Even better, these archetypes are from the I Ching. This is the first time I’ve seen the I Ching used in personality typology outside of Human Design. I’m also excited to see how these can be used with John Beebe’s archetypes for each role of the functions.

If you aren’t familiar with the I Ching, it is an ancient Taoist Chinese text comprised of 64 hexagrams and commentary of the meaning of the hexgram. There are eight main trigrams and a hexagram is made out of two of the eight three-line trigrams, for a total of six lines in the hexagram. Using coin tosses or yarrow stalks one can pose a question and receive an answer in the form of two hexagrams. There are 4,096 possible combinations and the answer you receive is often eerily accurate. Jung used the I Ching and was close friends with Richard Wilhelm, the first English translator of the I Ching. Jungian analyst John Beebe is an expert in the I Ching.

For the purposes of typology, Pierce focuses on the symbolism eight trigrams for the eight functions. But first, Pierce starts with the four binaries of the I Ching and compares them with the four functions The broken line (— —) represents receptivity and is yin. The unbroken line (——) represents lack of receptivity and is yang. Therefore the four binaries and the four functions are as follows:

The eight trigrams include a third line added to the above binaries. According to Pierce, a third line that is unbroken represents introversion. A third line that is broken represents extraversion. Below are the eight trigrams and the personality function that he assigns to each one. Keep in mind that the bottom line of the trigram is the first line and the foundation. The third line is the top or “roof.”

Extraverted Sensation (Se), Earth – With three broken yin lines, earth is the most receptive of the eight trigrams. Its symbol is earth because it is “plowed and sown” and receives from Heaven. According to Pierce, “Se is the function that deals with the most raw, unworked material, direct from the world.


Introverted Feeling (Fi), Heaven – With three unbroken lines, this is the most yang and unreceptive function. According to Pierce, “Fi is the made-up mind…Opinions are usually in conflict, so there is no room left for receptivity or compromise. Fi poses ideals and goals; it is the sun beyond Kant’s horizon of reason, drawing one on to greater heights (and depths). It is the expression of Man’s active hoping.”

Introverted Sensation (Si), Mountain – The unbroken line and two broken lines represent a mountain. Pierce says, “It is assertive of its own unassertiveness. While Se seeks external presence, Si seeks internal presence: it represents reality to itself in a way that is personally meaningful. Thus, like the earth, it endures all thiings; yet, unlike the earth, it remains fundamentally unchanged, except by the greatest and most sustained efforts against it.”

Extraverted Feeling (Fe), Wind – This is the opposite of the Si mountain with a broken line followed by two unbroken lines. As Pierce says, “Wind penetrates the thickest fortress walls with its infinite powers of diffusion. Just so, Fe penetrates the heart of the public – either with a breeze, or with a raging, overzealous hurricane, that can sweep the multitudes along.”

Introverted Intuition (Ni), Fire – A broken line between two unbroken lines. It is assertive in the same way fire “asserts” itself on its surroundings. Pierce says,”The seeds of fire lie in the earth (Se) and its products, dead grass and trees. Fire begins with a spark (the epiphany), and the Idea begins to smolder, dance and blaze, casting more and more light upon its environment, until it even rivals the stars. But this tremendous radiance is all dependent upon a receptive core, its eartly fuel source. It is a nothing that affects everything around it.”

Extraverted Thinking (Te), Water – An unbroken line between two broken lines. Pierce contrasts this with fire. Fire has arises upwards from an insubstantial center, where water has a substantial center, has weight, and rushes downward. Interestingly, Pierce says Te completes a cycle. “Earth (Se) sparks a fire (Ni), which rises into the heavens (Fi), from which rain waters down (Te) and runs back down into the earth (Se).” I like how he describe the motion in type.

Extraverted Intuition (Ne), Thunder – There are two broken lines with an unbroken line as the roof. Like Fire (Ni), thunder is caused by a spark or epiphany. Pierce says, “but unlike fire, which escalates, thunder is a concentrated burst of energy…The two broken lines indicate reception, namely, of static change, leading up to the consummate systole of energy (the top line) and the subsequent rousing percussion of the thunderclap. The mountain (Si) often serves as the grounding rod for this energy, because of its height. Thus, the Ne brainstorm, lancing and daggering the sky in every direction, finds its grounding in Si.

Introverted Thinking (Ti), Lake – There are two unbroken lines with a broken line as the roof. This is the opposite of Ne (Thunder) and, per Pierce, “represents resting water. … the lake is a rush of energy settling down to a halt. The water has finished running downhill for the time being, and now stands open to receive. Now, like Si, it is essentially unmoving. Ti has worked out is fundamental principles, and all that is left is to live by them.”

Putting it all together with the John Beebe archetypes

I like how visual and practical the I Ching archtypes are and am interested in how they can work with Beebe’s archetypes for the roles of each function: Hero, Parent, Child (Puer), Anima/Animus and shadow functions of Opposing Personality, Witch/Senex, Trickster, and Demon. (For fun, here is a post I did where I picked a tarot card for each of Beebe’s functions).

For example, someone with an INTJ type would have Fire as their Hero function, Water as their Parent function, Heaven as their Child function, and Earth as their anima/animus function. This provides a more complete picture of the personality and captures the movement between functions. The online typology communities often differ on how to define the eight functions, so starting with the trigrams provides a solid starting place.

I’ve thought about which astrological symbols might correlate to the eight functions, but there are only seven traditional planets and there are 12 zodiac signs, which is too many. Jung and Liz Greene say that the fire signs are intuition, the earth signs are sensation, air signs are thinking, and water signs are feeling. But that quickly falls apart when you start looking at the eight functions, which is why astrology is better for calculating temperament (here is my recent post on the melancholy temperament). You can work with both your temperament and personality type for a deeper understanding of yourself.

What do you think about the I Ching trigrams and the personality functions?  Feel free to contact me if you have any comments questions.

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Sources:

Motes and Beams: A Neo-Jungian Theory of Personality by Michael Pierce pgs 28-32

The I Ching by Richard Wilhelm

I created the graphics in this post using stock images in Canva.

Continue ReadingArchetypes of the eight functions of the personality

How blending two planets can help describe your personality. Mine is Jupiter Moon. What’s yours?

How blending two planets can help describe your personality. Mine is Jupiter Moon. What’s yours?

Most people know their sun sign. Many even know their rising sign and moon. But can you quick name your rising sign’s planetary ruler? And then the sign that planet is in in your chart?

As homework for Adam Elenbaas’ Nightlight Astrology class last week, he asked us to do this and think about how those two planets blend together and influence your personality.

My rising sign is Sagittarius. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter. In my birth chart, Jupiter is in the 8th house of Cancer. Cancer is ruled by the Moon.

Jupiter Moon is my combo. But what does that mean? I put together this graphic of the archetypes of each planet and a distillation of Richard Tarnas’ description of each planet from his wonderful book Cosmos and Psyche:

In terms of archetypes, Jupiter Moon would be a combination of Caretaker Sage.

Of course I couldn’t resist bringing the I Ching into this. By far my favorite part of Human Design is how it assigns an I Ching hexagram to each of the planets in your chart, one for both your conscious and unconscious sides.

The Wilhelm I Ching translation describes the image for each hexagram, so I’ll post a photo for each image, and only a very brief description of the hexagram:

Jupiter (conscious), Hexagram 52: Keeping Still.

“Your inner stillness and quietness allows you to gain perspective over all life’s circumstances.”

Line 2: “When attracted by outside influences it is important to remain true to your own way.”

The image per Wilhelm is of “mountains standing close together” to represent “keeping still.”

Jupiter (unconscious), Hexagram 45: Gathering Together

“Firm alignment with that which supports everyone best brings together a strong community.”

Line 5: “Being Virtuous: the virtues that attract the confidence of others. Assuming a grandiose approach to leading others, you must be practical to be effective.”

The image for “gathering together” is a lake. “If the lake gathers until it rises above the earth, there is danger of a break-through. Precautions must be taken to prevent this. […] Thus in the time of gathering together we must arm promptly to ward off the unexpected.”

Moon (conscious), Hexagram 44: Meeting Together

“In any meeting of likes or opposites, acceptance and mutual tolerance is essential.”

Line 5: “Integrating: upholding a presence that is exemplary. You align with the laws of nature and high integrity, or take advantage if you can.”

The image is of wind under the heaven, to symbolize “the influence exercised by the ruler through his commands.”

Moon (unconscious) Hexagram 53: Development (gradual progress)

“Gradual advance takes place as an organic process that brings increasing self-knowledge and experience.”

Line 3: “Scrutinizing: watching your step when engaging in all new endeavors. Finding growth potential in all situations, you draw for your inner strength.”

The image is of a tree on the mountain. “The tree on the mountain is visible from afar, and its development influences the landscape of the entire region. It does not shoot up like a swamp plant; its growth proceeds gradually. Thus also the work of influencing people can be only gradual. No sudden influence or awakening is of lasting effect.”

I’d love to hear what your two planet combo is if you care to share.

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Sources:


The I Ching by Richard Wilhelm (translator)

Adam Elenbaas’ Nightlight Astrology class.

Free Human Design for us All app. There are also free chart generators online if you want to look up what the hexagrams (called gates in Human Design) are for the planets in your chart.

Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas

Ancient Astrology by Demetra George

Continue ReadingHow blending two planets can help describe your personality. Mine is Jupiter Moon. What’s yours?

The I Ching in the Wisconsin heartland: an Independence Day message about adversity (hexagram 47)

The I Ching in the Wisconsin heartland: an Independence Day message about adversity (hexagram 47)

During my morning walk yesterday, I paused in the park where the July 4th carnival was and wondered what Independence Day message the I Ching might have for us citizens of the USA to ponder. I cast a hexagram in the park and sure enough, the reading I was given belied the cheerful atmosphere in the background.

Hexagram 47: Oppression/Adversity (Exhaustion) (lines two and five)

The title alone probably sums up what most of us feel when we glance at the news, regardless of our political affiliation.

The image for this hexagram is that of a lake with no water.

During time likes this, one must surrender to fate and remain true to oneself.

As Carol K. Anthony writes in her I Ching translation,, “We receive this hexagram when we feel the situation is too difficult and that we don’t have the means to deal with it.”

The two changing lines offer additional insight:

Second line (Anthony translation): “One is oppressed while at meat and drink. It furthers one to offer sacrifice.”

Fifth line (Wing translation): “There exists a frustrating lack of information within your milieu. Bureaucracy stands in the way of progress. Those who need help are stranded.”

The current adversity has been brought about by fate. Wing says: “This time has been compared by the Chinese to a forest tree growing in a tight space, unable to spread its branches. Only through sheer will and determination can this restraining adversity be transcended.”

Here are ways Hexagram 47 encourages us to overcome this adversity:

*Don’t let backward trends or oppression jar your confidence and optimism. Rid yourself of disbelief so that you can become open-minded. As Carol K. Anthony says, “An open mind, through invoking the creative powers of the Cosmos, is capable of ‘moving mountains,’ while holding on to a doubt as ‘small as a mustard seed’ can prevent all progress.

*Accept that during this time your words will not influence others. Rely upon actions instead. Let your deeds speak for you.

*All you can do is maintain your composure until things take a promised turn for the better.

*The help of the Higher Power is not out of our reach. We need only to cease doing that which blocks our access to the Higher Power

*We must sacrifice feelings of impatience and the inner demand that visible progress should result from our efforts.

*Try giving yourself to a worthwhile cause. There is redemption in such efforts.

The second hexagram in this reading , which describes the future state, is more hopeful:

Hexagram 16: Enthusiasm

The image of this hexagram is of a thunderstorm at the beginning of summer that refreshes nature after a prolonged state of tension. Joy and relief make themselves felt.

As always with the I Ching, there’s a catch. More often than not this is a deluded enthusiasm. Anthony reminds us: “The I Ching guides us toward the ordinary rather than the extraordinary. Our proper business is to relate correctly to the challenges of everyday life. Our ego, however, would have us believe that the first order of business is to work on the greater world problems. […] The goal is only to follow the path, for there is no “there” to get to; there is only the path, and the job of treading upon it as well as we can. Our everyday life provides all that we need in order to grow and find life’s meaning.”

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Sources:

A Guide to the I Ching by Carol K. Anthony

The I Ching Workbook by R.L. Wing

The I Ching, or, Book of Changes WIlhelm/Baynes

Continue ReadingThe I Ching in the Wisconsin heartland: an Independence Day message about adversity (hexagram 47)

The I Ching in the Wisconsin heartland: maintaining inner steadiness as better times approach (hexagram 19, plus some birdies)

The I Ching in the Wisconsin heartland: maintaining inner steadiness as better times approach (hexagram 19, plus some birdies)

Yesterday, the day after the Summer Solstice, I grabbed one of my I Ching books and made my way to a Native American burial mound in a forest a few miles from my house.

The I Ching is an ancient source of wisdom you can access anywhere and it gives you insights that are so refreshingly different from most modern advice. No “7 steps to a more successful career” kind of thing. It’s become an important part of the work I do with a Jungian analyst.

Unfortunately I’ve avoided this forest the past couple of years, due to acquiring a fear of deer ticks, which are Lyme disease transmitters. Eek! But I put on long socks and fortified myself with some Taco Bell pintos and cheese, because this is the heartland, after all. Plus, it wouldn’t seem right to eat frou frou food before walking to an ancient site like this. And off I went:

Last week my Jungian analyst said moments of synchronicity frequently occur at sacred places like a Native American burial mounds. He suggested I start visiting a few of them, due to my late father’s interest in them when he was around my age. He would take long walks in nature and visit the mounds in Wisconsin.

Standing at this ancient site (it was built in 650 – 1100 CE) I slowly tossed the coins to form the hexagram and asked for words of wisdom to ponder this weekend. I also explained the reason I was at the burial mound. The thing about the I Ching is, you should approach it respectfully, never ask a silly question, and don’t ask a “yes/no” question.

There are 64 hexagrams, each with 6 lines. There are a possible 4,096 I Ching readings. So whatever hexagram you cast, there is a 4,096 chance of drawing that particular reading.

I was given:

Hexagram 19: Approach. (Better Times Approach)

Better times? I liked the sound of that.

But this is the I Ching. Because of how deep it is, there will always be some shades of darkness mixed in, along with the strong sense that your attitude plays a large role; it’s not about running off and creating an action plan and following “next steps.” It’s not a vending machine of wisdom. You must enter into the hexagram, feel your away around, be content with opaqueness, and look at it from many angles.

There are three different I Ching books I use, as recommended by my analyst. Carol Anthony’s A Guide to the I Ching is my favorite of the the three and I had that one with me. I sat on the rock and read. I’ll share parts of it here, so you can consider these insights for your own life as well:

“Through developing a balanced, sincere, and conscientious attitude we acquire the assistance of the Sage, who approaches to help; as a result, times change for the better and tensions ease.”

Whether situations get better or worse, “we remain emotionally detached and inwardly independent. That times are better should not indicate that it is time to let down our discipline, renew bad habits, or luxuriate in self-indulgence. We enjoy the moment but do not get lost in it.; we go on, almost without breaking step. This attitude is the embodiment of modesty. […] Because we do not allow ourselves to indulge in an emotional high, we avoid a resulting emotional low, thus we maintain the inner steadiness that characterizes the Sage, a steadiness which enables us to achieve all our purposes.”

The top line of the hexagram is what I cast and it says: “When we are firm in our principles, yet open-minded and compassionate, we attain a greathearted approach to life which is free of impatience with others’ imperfections. This attitude invokes the help of the Sage. As the Sage humbles himself in a greathearted way to help us, a greathearted humility enables us to help others.”

The next step is to take the first hexagram, which describes the present state, and create a second one out of it by following certain steps. The second hexagram describes the future state:

Hexagram 41: Decline (Decrease)

Oh oh, I thought.

But that’s how it goes in life. A pendulum. Better times. Then decline. Better times. Then decline.

Hexagram 41 has wisdom about what to do the next time things take a downturn:

“Sacrifice feelings to which we are attached, such as desire, affection, repulsion, negation, alienation, or irritation, for the good of the whole.”

“Decrease also refers to the sense of dismay we feel when we realize that our ego must relinquish leadership of our personality. […] To decrease the ego, by letting go of such feelings, is to ‘express the true sentiments of the heart.’ By decreasing our ego, the correct messages are transmitted to others and the Higher Power is able to help and defend us.

“[…] During moments of decrease we are able to see that we need help, and we have the humility to ask for help. […] So long as our ego is able to control us, we remain unreliable. To accept our need for help, and to call for help, is to gain to help of the Higher Power.

Birdies!

On the way back out of the forest I walked past my favorite section in the meadow where the geese have a “daycare.” The mother goose was unfazed by me, didn’t move, and seemed to exemplify that hexagram 19 inner steadiness. Yes, I know, I’m projecting human qualities onto a bird (anthropomorphization, if you want to be fancy about it), but humor me, because I can’t help myself. I like birdies.

Then I came across this baby American robin in the middle of the path just as I was about to exit the forest:

The bird didn’t move, probably because she was too young to know she should be afraid. The mother bird was cheeping frantically a short distance away, but didn’t seem to see the baby bird.

Two birds in a moment of Decrease and in need of help. I’m standing there wanting a better time to Approach for these birds; a reminder we are all connected. I called out to mama bird to let her know that her baby was over here. I said words of comfort to baby bird. Then, with “greathearted humility,” I said a prayer, asking for divine help for these two birdies, that they would quickly be reunited, that the moment of Decrease would be over so quickly it would be forgotten.

One of the beautiful things about using the I Ching is you feel you aren’t alone. Through synchronicity you feel that someone (Sage, God, the Higher Power, Divine Feminine, the Creative, whatever name you prefer) is there ready to help you.

An ancient Chinese text, on an ancient Native American burial mound, so now let’s weave in an ancient Biblical text (Luke 12:6) for good measure: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.”

Continue ReadingThe I Ching in the Wisconsin heartland: maintaining inner steadiness as better times approach (hexagram 19, plus some birdies)