The Moon is in Virgo today.
This morning I meditated with the 42nd hexagram of the I Ching, which is translated as “Increase.” The hexagram is fitting for a weekend where the waxing Moon is making all kinds of aspects and last of all a trine to the Sun. In this particular hexagram the decision says something like, “Go for it!” It’s good to have a goal or a big project or a big undertaking. Sometimes the I Ching says, “It furthers one to cross the great river,” which is understood to mean something like, “It’s good to take on a big process or project, even if there is some risk or danger or a lot of work involved.”
The image of the hexagram is of wind over thunder, which are thought to increase one another. Most translators say, “When you see what is good, increase it, and when you see what is bad, correct it.” The instruction seems simple enough, but more importantly is the juxtaposition of this instruction with the simple idea of going for it. Whenever I get this hexagram I feel motivated, as though the divine winds are in my favor, and I am clear headed and ready for whatever my task requires of me.
Interestingly the Confucian commentary on this hexagram reads something like, “What descends from above reaches everyone below, and satisfaction is without limit. With both movement and humility there is unlimited advancement.
This hexagram also points toward the idea of those having more giving more, or those with more resources sharing generously so that everyone prospers, including the giver. This hexagram is a reminder that giving is a powerful form of receiving. For example, one time in an ayahuasca ceremony I asked “what is the best way to pray for other people?” And the medicine responded, “Pray for me.” I said, “Pray for God?” And the voice responded, “Pray that my work in creation be accomplished and increased. That’s the simplest way to pray for other people.”
Then I asked, “Well, is there any way to pray for people specifically or individually?” And the response, “Yes. Love people rather than feeling responsible for them. Responsibility isn’t always the best way to think about how to help other people.”
I’ve always loved the 42nd hexagram for it’s simple instruction. Go for it. Imitate the good. Help will come. Be generous.
Prayer: Go for it. Imitate the good. Help will come. Be generous.
This morning I meditated with the 42nd hexagram of the I Ching, which is translated as “Increase.” The hexagram is fitting for a weekend where the waxing Moon is making all kinds of aspects and last of all a trine to the Sun. In this particular hexagram the decision says something like, “Go for it!” It’s good to have a goal or a big project or a big undertaking. Sometimes the I Ching says, “It furthers one to cross the great river,” which is understood to mean something like, “It’s good to take on a big process or project, even if there is some risk or danger or a lot of work involved.”
The image of the hexagram is of wind over thunder, which are thought to increase one another. Most translators say, “When you see what is good, increase it, and when you see what is bad, correct it.” The instruction seems simple enough, but more importantly is the juxtaposition of this instruction with the simple idea of going for it. Whenever I get this hexagram I feel motivated, as though the divine winds are in my favor, and I am clear headed and ready for whatever my task requires of me.
Interestingly the Confucian commentary on this hexagram reads something like, “What descends from above reaches everyone below, and satisfaction is without limit. With both movement and humility there is unlimited advancement.
Heaven dispenses and earth produces.” A fitting commentary for a weekend that features a waxing Moon in an earth sign, making trines to Venus, Mercury, and the Sun in Taurus.
This hexagram also points toward the idea of those having more giving more, or those with more resources sharing generously so that everyone prospers, including the giver. This hexagram is a reminder that giving is a powerful form of receiving. For example, one time in an ayahuasca ceremony I asked “what is the best way to pray for other people?” And the medicine responded, “Pray for me.” I said, “Pray for God?” And the voice responded, “Pray that my work in creation be accomplished and increased. That’s the simplest way to pray for other people.”
Then I asked, “Well, is there any way to pray for people specifically or individually?” And the response, “Yes. Love people rather than feeling responsible for them. Responsibility isn’t always the best way to think about how to help other people.”
I’ve always loved the 42nd hexagram for it’s simple instruction. Go for it. Imitate the good. Help will come. Be generous.
Prayer: Go for it. Imitate the good. Help will come. Be generous.
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