Day 21,638

- 2010 1031
Belov-ED Days - 4,550
Saturday
James Oliver Smith, Jr
http://josjr.com/
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
I Ching images

Fu Hsi 26: Following, Adaptation, Accord
--- --- Lake (Sea, River, Stream, Ocean, Pond)
-------- Mouth
-------- The Joyful, The Happiness, The Expression, The Emotion

--- --- Thunder (Lightning, Viper, Electricity)
--- --- Foot
-------- The Arousal, The Movement, The Catalyst, The Energy

No changes ...

Day 26,638 - Images from the I Ching: Lake [The Joyful] over Thunder [The Arousal] (Hexagram 26 - Following) --> No Changes ... Another unchanging image ... The second day in a row ... unusual stability ... but not stagnation ... these are not images of stagnation with Thunder, the arousal, appearing in both yesterday's (Thunder over Fire) and today's (Lake over Thunder) images ... How can a soul sit still in the presence of flame spiked abundance and then channeled electric joy? ... Stability in the midst of such energy compels us ... This is a good time to focus and move in the direction of one's interests, desires and hopes ... The Universe opens paths within the rubble of collapsed structures, relationships and empires ... Even though it is the energy and power of the Thunder that is the catalyst for such change, it is also the Electric Thunder that rises up within us and pushes us, despite our reluctance or blindness, into the canyons, valleys and forested passageways ... The change will come ... There is very little that is so certain ... And that change will bring about more collapse, more darkness, more confusion ... So, allow that spark within the joy to be expressed when there is the opportunity ... The paths that exist today will not be there tomorrow ... A tree may fall ... A boulder may roll down an incline ... A bridge may fall ... Which side of these events will we be on? ... In front, fearing to move? ... Beyond, having made a timely leap? ... Or caught in the middle because we delayed? ... Il Matto ...

Day 21,637

Day 21,637 - 2010 1030
Belov-ED Days - 4,549
Saturday
James Oliver Smith, Jr
http://josjr.com/

I Ching images

Fu Hsi 20: Abundance, The Zenith, Fullness
--- --- Thunder (Lightning, Electricity, Viper)
--- --- Foot
-------- The Arousal, The Movement, The Catalyst, The Action

-------- Fire (Sun, Hearth, Campfire, Light)
--- --- Eye
-------- The Clinging, The Clarity, The Knowledge

No changes ...

Day 26,637 - Images from the I Ching: Thunder [The Arousal] over Fire [The Clinging] (Hexagram 20 - Abundance) --> No changing lines ... There are changes within this image. All lines young, strong and full of their Yang(Seeking) and Yin(Embracing) energy, and they they are balanced, three apiece ... But, at the foundation, the first position is occupied by the presence of the Seeking Yang ... The inner Fire is ignited by the electric energy of thunder, just as the spark of life is triggered by the fresh soaking rains of a cloudburst ... Regardless of how much we all burn with the desire to accomplish dreams and carry out carefully designed plans there are always resources needed to facilitate and drive the process ... It is for this reason that the Universe has given rise to Thunder, storms, floods and fresh streams ... Even with the most violent of lightning strikes and the twisted strength of hurricanes comes the lifting of a blade of grass above the surface of the earth or between the cracks of the most well constructed slab of human made concrete ... Nature and its electric Thunder will spring forth and we, individually and collectively, must acknowledge our need for that innate drive that enables us to move beyond desire to action. ... Il Matto ...

Day 21,636

Day 21,636 - 2010 1029
Belov-ED Days - 4,548
Thursday
James Oliver Smith, Jr
http://josjr.com/

I Ching images

Fu Hsi 61: Contemplation, Watching, Forest
--------x Wind (Breath, Wood, Trees, spirit)
-------- Mouth
--- --- The Joyful, The Happiness, The Expression, The Emotion

--- --- Earth (Ground, Valley, Canyon, Trees, Forest)
--- --- Belly, Solar Plexus
--- --- The Embracing, The Creation, The Yielding, The Shelter, The Centering

changing towards

Fu Hsi 62: Unity, Joining, Coordination, Union
--- --- Water (Mist, Fog, Flood, Rain, Steam)
-------- Ear
--- --- The Abyss, The Danger, The Nourishment, The Sadness

--- --- Earth (Ground, Valley, Canyon, Cavern, Plains, Path)
--- --- Belly, Solar Plexus
--- --- The Embracing, The Creation, The Yielding, The Centering

Day 26,636 - Images from the I Ching: Wind [The Gentle] over Earth [The Embracing] (Fh Hsi 61 - Contemplation) --> changing towards [lines 6] --> Water [The Abyss] over Earth [The Embracing] (Fu Hsi 62 - Unity) ... Have you ever stood near a grove of trees and watched them dance, sway and yield to the wind? This "yielding" is powerful, like the Earth itself ... It is inspirational, spiritual and exhilerating, like the Wind ... This image is Wind over the Earth, a forest, a grove that speaks the language of the spirit, of our souls ... I cannot be surprised when I am overcome with awe at the sight of Wind calling ... Yes! ... Wind being seen ... This is a gift that trees offer us, that is, the ability to see the wind as they intermingle with the unseen and become part of that which courses through us, our lungs, our blood ... This is, most assuredly, an image that draws us into contemplation ... It reminds us that the Universe is a network of change, connection and interaction ... We are a part of that interation and cannot extricate ourselves from the process ... We have no choice but to think about the role we play as we make our decisions, take action and consume ... The air, the water, the life that feeds life is within us and around us ...

It is the last line that changes, moving the wind in the direction of Water, the abyss, the danger ... but water is also a basic element of life ... As with everything in the Universe, every image from the I Ching possesses many different characteristics ... They are all diverse ... Diversity is also essential to life ...

Water over Earth immediately follows Wind over Earth in the sequence of Hexagrams ... Water follows Wind ... Water and Wind are both transporters ... Wind carries oxygen to our lungs and Water, in its diversity of roles, facilitates the movement of that Spirit/Wind, via blood, throughout the body ... Around us, water draws all creatures together as it flows upon the earth, forming rivers, lakes, seas and springs ... We are reminded that we all must coexist and unite as we adapt to the continuum of changes resulting from the powerful presence of water. It floods, washes away, breaks down and moves all that surrounds us ... When we approach a spring to drink, we should take note of all the life that will be there with us ... to drink ... Il Matto ...

Day 21,635

Day 21,635 - 2010 1028
Belov-ED Days - 4,547
Thursday
James Oliver Smith, Jr
http://josjr.com/

I Ching images

Fu Hsi 30: Difficulty, Beginning
--- ---x Water (Rain, Fog, Mist, Steam, Clouds)
--------x Ear
--- --- The Abyss, The Danger, The Nourishment, The Tear

--- --- Thunder (Lightning, Electricity, Energy, Serpent, Jaguar)
--- --- Foot
-------- The Arousal, The Movement, The Catalyst, The Shock, The Surprise

changing towards

Fu Hsi 31: Nourishment, Mouths, Jaws, Nourishing
-------- Mountain (Stars, Planets, Birds)
--- --- Head
--- --- The Seeking, The Creative, The Strength

--- --- Thunder (Lightning, Storm, Electricity, Engergy, Serpent)
--- --- Foot
-------- The Arousal, The Movement, The Catalyst

Day 26,635 - Images from the I Ching: Water [The Abyss] over Thunder [The Arousal] (Fh Hsi 30 - Difficulty) --> changing towards [lines 5,6] --> Mountain [The unmoving] over Thunder [The Arousal] (Fu Hsi 31 - Nourishment) ... The catalyst of the Thunder within us pushes us, sparks us, inspires us to respond to the shadowed and confusing world around us, but we can be far too easily discouraged and blocked when the way is not clear. Fog descends upon us and we become anxious, perhaps even fearful. This adds to the difficulty that plagues us when we face daunting challenges and unknown forces that disturb us ... This can be mixed messages from work, lack of communication within families or long absences from friends ... Where is everyone? ... Who can we talk to? ... When this obscurity descends upon us do we cower within our skin and seek solitude for solace? ... There is a spark within this confusion ... The chaos can't remove that from us, but we must trust this energy of the Thunder to wade through the swamp, feel our way through the steamed humidity and find a viable path through the most thick of misty, overcast, depressing days ... This personal energy is always there ... Reach out to the thunderbolt instead of quivering in its presence ... It is difficult, but necessary for steps that we need to make ...

The fifth and sixth lines within the drenched place we find ourselves in is changing to the next phase of the hexagram sequence: Water becomes Mountain and the clouds are compelled to back away and release its life-mainting moisture ...

In the aftermath of the rain, that Thunder within us ignites our disposition in the wake of such intensity. We sigh in relief and allow our bodies to vibrate with natural energy ... Our hearts pound and our feet insist on movement ... This is the way of Thunder ... it arouses ... it moves us ... it inspires us ... We would do nothing without it ... At the foot of the Mountain we now act with excitement, light up with fire, brimming with life force ... The Universe never leaves darkness without light, or Water without Fire ... Our problem is that we tend to focus on the images that fill our eyes and spirits at the moment, failing to anticipate the potentialities of the _change_ that will always morph the world, our bodies, our dreams and the circumstances that envelop us ... We need to always drink in the landscape of the canvas we currently experience and, at the same time, prepare for the changes that will soon be revealed in new images ... new colors, new shades, new intensities ... Il Matto ...

Day 21,634

Day 21,634 - 2010 1027
Belov-ED Days - 4,546
Wednesday
James Oliver Smith, Jr

I Ching images

Fu Hsi 16: Approach, Promotion, Approaching, The Forest
--- --- Earth (Ground, Canyon, Plains, Cavern, Valley)
--- --- Belly, Solar Plexus
--- ---x The Embracing, The Creation, The Centering, The Yielding

--- --- Lake (Sea, River, Stream, Ociean, Pond)
-------- Mouth
-------- The Joyful, The Happiness, The Expression, The Language, The Voice

changing towards

Fu Hsi 12: Living together, Partners, Intimacy, Mutual Subordination
--- --- Thunder (Electricity, Lightning, Shark, Leopard)
--- --- Foot
-------- The Arousal, The Shock, The Surprise, Motivation, The Drive

--- --- Lake (Sea, Stream, River, Pond, Brook)
-------- Mouth
-------- The Joyful, The Language, The Expression, The Happiness

Day 26,634 - Images from the I Ching: Earth [The Embracing] over Lake [The Joyful] (Fh Hsi 16 - Approach) --> changing towards [line 4] --> Thunder [The Arousal] over Lake [The Joyful] (Fu Hsi 12 - Intimacy) ... The sign of Earth around us indicates a substantive force that engages us, joins with us, fuses with us, an intimacy that seeps into every aspect of our being ... This connection with Earth (those people and things around us) can bring us joy ... This is the main purpose of language, our bodies, our five senses ... that is, to connect with that substance, which in turn gives _us_ substance ... so to engage this is signicant at every level ... we must be willing to approach and be approached in order for this intimacy to occur ...

and the change? ... it is in that which surrounds us ... in the fourth position, at the base of the context in which we live ... The Earth becomes thunder, the life force, the drive, the initiative that binds us one to the other ...

Our inner, joyful Lake remains and sustains the exuberance of the shared experience ...

but with intimacy comes a loss of some aspect(the Thunder, the life-force) of our selves, which is consumed by the depths and the consuming presence of the Lake ... This is the price of intimacy, but it is also the rich texture of it ... for this is a new life, a new way of esisting ... one that is shared and communicated ... one in which all of our senses explode within an array of sensations ... be intoxicated with it! ... Il Matto ...

Day 21,633

Day 21,633 - 2010 1026
Belov-ED Days - 4,545
Tuesday
James Oliver Smith, Jr

I Ching images

Fu Hsi 36: Endurance, Continuance, Long Lasting, Duration, Constancy
--- --- Thunder (Lightning, Electricity, Shark, Storms, Rattlesnake)
--- --- Foot
-------- The Arousal, The Movement, The Initiative, The Action

-------- Wind (Spirit, Wood, Forest, Breath)
--------x Thighs
--- ---x The Gentle, The Penetrating, The Spiritual

changing towards

Fu Hsi 20: Abundance, The Zenith, Fullness, Harvest
--- --- Thunder (Lightening, Electricity, Storms, Shark, Rattlesnake)
--- --- Foot
-------- The Arousal, The Movement, The Initiative, The Action

-------- Fire (Sun, Light, Hearth, Campfire, Visions, Sight)
--- --- Eye
-------- The Clinging, The Clarity, The Divination

Day 26,633 - Images from the I Ching: Thunder [The Arousal] over Wind [The Gentle] (Fh Hsi 36 - Endurance) --> changing towards [lines 1,2] --> Thunder [The Arousal] over Fire [The Clinging] (Fu Hsi 20 - Abundance) ... With these images we start with an interior penetrating gentleness, the kind of calm that persists with strength, firmness and determination ... There is no need to boast or advertise within this presence ... It is, rather a great point from which to take action for the chances of success are considerably greater since we are moving forward in a state of centeredness, not arogance, pride or vengence ... The actions taken will be more deliberate, focused and well thought out ... it is the nature of thunder to inspire and prode us, put us in a state of desire to take the initiative ... When this drive is paired with the gentleness of the penetrating Wind it will tend to be well founded, productive and constructive ... When we move forward in this way, with persistence, gentleness and firmness, the progress is more likely to endure.

There are two changing lines within the initial images in the first two positions ... These are the most intimate and profound positions within the image and can serve as the foundation for everything we do, say or feel ... This substantive shift is from an inner Wind to an inner Clinging Fire ... Beneath the arousal of Thunder, the sign of action, the element associated with the foot, this new Fire can help us see with more clarity ... This will allow the steps taken to be made with confidence and speed, if need be ... This image of Thunder over Fire indicates that this may be a good time to take some action, make some decision, to become more resolved about something that has been welling up within us ... Il Matto ...

Day 21,632

Day 21,632 - 2010 1025
Belov-ED Days - 4,544
Monday
James Oliver Smith, Jr

I Ching images

Fu Hsi 55: Stillness, Mountain, Solitude, Meditation
--------x Mountain (Building, Tower, Wall)
--- --- Hand
--- --- The Unmoving, The Repose, The Expression, The Emotion

--------x Earth (Ground, Valley, Canyon, Trees, Forest)
--- --- Belly, Solar Plexus
--- --- The Embracing, The Creation, The Yielding, The Shelter, The Centering

changing towards

Fu Hsi 64: Nature, Earth, Creation, Resonding, Embracing, Centering
--- --- Earth (Ground, Valley, Canyon, Cavern, Cliff)
--- --- Belly, Solar Plexus
--- --- The Embracing, The Creation, The Yielding, The Centering

--- --- Earth (Ground, Valley, Canyon, Cavern, Cliff)
--- --- Belly, Solar Plexus
--- --- The Embracing, The Creation, The Yielding, The Centering

Day 26,632 - Images from the I Ching: Mountain [The Mountain] over Mountain [The Unmoving] (Fh Hsi 55 - Unmoving) --> changing towards [lines 3,6] --> Earth [The Embracing] over Earth [The Embracing] (Fu Hsi 64 - Embracing) ... This image of Mountain over Mountain reveals that within us and all around us (outer/upper trigram) the Mountain fills our consciousness and brings a calming, stable force that speaks of time lingering and quiet strength ... The Mountain penetrates the vast Seeking spread of Sky ... It sees beyond the horizon ... The Wind(Spirit) skitters and glides upon and around its slopes ... It is no wonder that the sage climbs to the highest ledges of the Mountain to breathe in the breath of Wind, gaze into the distance and absorb the vibrant pulse of the Mountain itself ... It is here that the souls of sages past await and join with the sage who meditates at the place where the Seeking Sky and Embracing Earth are connected ... For those unwilling or unable to acknowledge and respect this call to pause, reflet and repose, the Mountain becomes an obstacle to be oercome or circumvented ... To the Mountain we are irrelevant ... It does not need us, for it knows that we will all be long gone before the Earth calls its crumbling substance home ... But we, on the other hand, have much to learn and gain from the Mountain ... It is only through its trails that we can navigate the ages ...

There are only two Yang(Seeking) lines in this Hexagram and both are old and dying ... their rebirth as young Yin(Embracing) lines brings both our inner selves and our surroundings to the Responding, Embracing, Centering image of the Earth itself ... If we have heard/felt/explored the Mountain we would be ready to descend to the Earth and proceed through the valleys, canyons, plains and forests that await us, challenge us and possibly reward us ... This is the end of the Fu Hsi sequence, which (in the I Ching) means the beginning of a new sequence ... new journeys ... new challenges ... new losses ... new revelations ... We need to keep the image of the Mountain in mind as we set out upon our next journey on the Earth ... Il Matto ...

Day 26,631

Day 21,631 - 2010 1024
Belov-ED Days - 4,543
Saturday
James Oliver Smith, Jr

I Ching images

Fu Hsi 58: Assembling, Gathering, Bringing Together
--- ---x Lake (Sea, River, Stream, Ocean, Pond)
-------- Mouth
-------- The Joyful, The Happiness, The Expression, The Emotion

--- ---x Earth (Ground, Valley, Canyon, Trees, Forest)
--- --- Belly, Solar Plexus
--- --- The Embracing, The Creation, The Yielding, The Shelter, The Centering

changing towards

Fu Hsi 49: Retreat, Withdrawal, Yierlding
-------- Sky (Stars, Planets, Birds)
-------- Head
-------- The Seeking, The Creative, The Strength

-------- Mountain (Boulder, Building, Wall, Tower, Cliff)
--- --- Hand
--- --- The Unmoving, The Ripose

Day 26,631 - Images from the I Ching: lake [The Joyful] over Earth [The Embracing] (Fh Hsi 58 - Assembling) --> changing towards [lines 3,6] --> Sky [The Seeking] over Mountain [The Unmoving] (Fu Hsi 49 - Retreat) ... The joyful Lake presents itself upon the face of the earth ... It brings water and food to communities ... It takes the form of lakes, rivers, ponds and seas ... Cities are built around them ... Humans use them for transporation, sustenance and entertainment ... The Lake gives rise to joy, expression and comfort ... We are all connected by the bodies and currents of water. The rivers, lakes and seas of the world are found at the core of all we do together ... Our traditions, our spiritualities, our families and our crafts are all influenced, facilitated and sustained by the presence of these Joyful, fluid companions of our existance. Allow the waves and currents of these companions to serenade and reflect the Universe with all its subtle and grand beauty. Our live flow through their currents just as our blood flows through our bodies ... It is no wonder that we see lake as the sign of Joyfulness.

There are two Yin(Embracing) lines growing old and soon to die (one from the inner trigram and one from the outer trigram) ... This changes the outer Lake to the Yang(Seeking) Sky and the inner Yin(Embracing) Earth to the Unmoving Mountain. Although we become surrounded by the strength of Sky, internally we have the Unmoving substance of the Mountain from which the the Sky must withdraw... This is the strength of numbers, of community that we can carry within us, an indication of how much power we can carry within us when we proceed from community, even when the external forces are overwhelming ... Even the Sky, which extends over the entire earth and can be seen from horizon to horizon is at the mercy of the Mountain ... The Mountain within us can allows us to be ourselves ... confident, determined, effective ... but it is us, combined with community that yields this kind of personal presence ... It is our internal, substantive, unmoving Mountain! ... Il Matto ...

Day 21,630

Day 21,630 - 2010 1023
Belov-ED Days - 4,542
Saturday
James Oliver Smith, Jr

I Ching images

Fu Hsi 38: Well, Source, Replenishing
--- --- Water (Clouds, Mist, Fog, Humidity, Steam)
--------x Ear
--- --- The Abyss, The Danger, The Nourishment, The Solvent

--------x Wind (Spirit, Breath, Wood, Trees, Forest)
--------x Thighs
--- --- The Gentle, The Penetrating, The Spiritual

changing towards

Fu Hsi 64: Nature, Earth, Creation, Resonding, Embracing, Centering
--- --- Earth (Ground, Valley, Canyon, Cavern, Field)
--- --- Belly, Solar Plexus
--- --- The Embracing, The Creation, The Yielding, The Centering

--- --- Earth (Ground, Cavern, Shelter, Valley, Canyon)
--- --- Belly, Solar Plexus
--- --- The Embracing, The Creation, The Yielding

Day 26,629 - Images from the I Ching: Water [The Abyss] over Wind [The Gentle] (Fh Hsi 38 - Well) --> changing towards [lines 3,4,5] --> Earth [The Embracing] over Earth [The Embracing] (Fu Hsi 64 - Nature) ... Both the inner and outer images are rooted within the Embracing Yin ... There are an equal number of Yin (Embracing) and Yang (Seeking) lines, so there is strong balance between the fundamental elements of the Universe ... In most contexts, Water possesses a strong tendency towards the dark, ominous currents of the Universe, but in this image Water is being stirred by the movement and spirtual prowess of the Wind. Trees and forests dance and sway ... woody fingers playing gently with the humidity within the air ... Wells deep within the centering Earth allow the deep nourishing presence of Water to mingle with the breeze ... a heady mix of of spirit and water, life and sustenance ... thick with pulsing existence ...

This is the essential substance of our humid lungs taking in the air and distributing the elements fueling our activities ... Without this mechanism of breath, breathing and exhaling there would be no consciousness ... When this all stops we become the foundation for the rebirth of other lives that consume what we were ... taking us on in shapshifting ways to new instances of existence ... This is also an image of surging change. All thre Yang(Seeking) lines are aging and dying, giving rise to new Yin(Embracing) lines ... This takes the outer trigram from Water to Earth and the inner Wind to the centering Earth ... Both within us and around us we are grounded in these images: protected, nourished and sustained ... This is the final image in the 64 phases of the Fu Hsi sequence: all the lines in the hexagram are Yin(Embracing), creating forces ... This is a sequence of absorbing, receiving, centering ... We cannot seek or grasp the Wind or Water ... We con only receive it ... breath it ... Allow it to let us _be_ ... This yielding to Spirit(Wind) and Water allows us to seep in and become truly a part of the Earth from which we rose, to which we will assimilate, through which we pass from day to day as plants, animals and minerals course through us, cleansing us, fueling us and coexisting with us ... Il Matto ...

Day 21,629

Day 21,629 - 2010 1022
Belov-ED Days - 4,541
Friday
James Oliver Smith, Jr

I Ching images

Fu Hsi 06: Waiting, Calculated Inaction, Needing, Moistened
--- --- Water (Fog, Steam, Mist, Rain, Flood)
-------- Ear
--- --- The Abyss, The Danger, The Nourishment

--------x Sky (Stars, Planets, Birds)
-------- Head
-------- The Seeking, The Creativity

changing towards

Fu Hsi 14: Restraint, Limitation, Restriction, Moderation
--- --- Water (Fog, Mist, Steam, Rain, Flood)
-------- Ear
--- --- The Abyss, The Danger, The Nourishment

--- --- Lake (River, Sea, Stream, Pond, Well)
-------- Mouth
-------- The Joyful, The Happiness, The Emotion, The Expression

Day 26,629 - Images from the I Ching: Water [The Abyss] over Sky [The Seeking] (Fh Hsi 06 - Waiting) --> changing towards [lines 3] --> Water [The Abyss] over lake [The Joyful] (Fu Hsi 14 - Restraint) ... Internally, we are Sky, the Creativity, the soaring exuberance of ideas, fantasy and anticipation of the future ... We can hardly contain ourselves, just as the Sky is without limitation over the Earth ... We feel that we could, perhaps, do anything ... These times of Giddy speculation are generally brief because the Universe is always quick to remind us that there are, indeed, limitations, tradeoffs and compromises ... Nothing is ever done without these elements present ...

In the image of Water over Sky we find ourselves surrounded by the dark, confusing presence of clouds that hide from us a clear sense of what the results of our actions would be. This could be a reported blocking of the path we are travelling, or o perceived obstacle that would eliminate our access to resources we need: food, money, time, rest ... We are reminded that just because we have great ideas, the way may not be clear to implement them ... _yet_ .... But this image is not about hard, physical, permanent limitations, as would be the case (potentially) with Mountain, but rather limiations on our ability to discern with any clarity what actions we should take. So this image is about waiting patiently for the right moment ...

When a pilot delays a flight because of low visibility it does not mean that the flight will not be made. It just means that the flight will not go on schedule. The danger is in taking off when the conditions or not optimal for flight. Waiting for good conditions, for the right conditions, is a strategy that we should all be willing to deploy when it is needed, even if it is frustrating and may even endanger some of what we perceive to be good opportunities.

There is one aging yang(Seeking) line in the third position that will move our inner Creative Sky to the Joyfull Lake ... Even though the outer darkness and confusion of Water constrains us, Waiting paitiently can allow us to feel the joyful, expressive song of the lake, even in the depressing presence of the Fog and Missts that surround us ... The I Ching reminds us that within the Universe the signs will change: the Sun (Fire) will rise and the mists will burn away ... Il Matto ...

Day 26,628

Day 21,628 - 2010 1021
Belov-ED Days - 4,540
Thursday
James Oliver Smith, Jr

I Ching images

Fu Hsi 31: Nourishment, Mouths, Jaws, Nourishing
--------x Mountain (Wall, Biulding, Skyscraper, Tower, Boulder)
--- --- Hand
--- --- The Unmoving, The Resting, The Obstacle

--- --- Thunder (Lightning, Storm, Electricity, Energy)
--- --- Foot
-------- The Arousal, The Movement, The Shock, The Energy, The Motivation

changing towards

Fu Hsi 32: Returning, Repeating, Turning Back
--- --- Earth (Ground, Cavern, Shelter, Valley, Canyon)
--- --- Belly, Solar Plexus
--- --- The Embracing, The Creation, The Yielding, The Centering

--- --- Thunder (Lightning, Storm, Electriicity, Energy)
--- --- Foot
-------- The Arousal, The Movement, The Shock

Day 26,628 - Images from the I Ching: Mountain [The Unmoving] over Thunder [The Arousal] (Fh Hsi 31 - Nourishment) --> changing towards [lines 6] --> Earth [The Embracing] over Thunder [The Arousal] (Fu Hsi 32 - Returning) ... We start with the image of Mountain over Thunder, the unmoving, the hand that signals "stop!" as it is raised with the palm exposed, flat, firm over Thunder, the image of movement, awakening, arousal, awareness and action ... The foot wants to move, take action, get something done. The hand (Mountain) wants to resist, hold its place with a tight grip, just as the Mountain will not budge from its place ... but this tension between the outer Mountain and the inner Thunder is like the hand that is shaking the trunk of the tree. The tree will not move from its place, but the limbs will quiver in the midst of such tension. Shaking of the tree causes the fruit to fall and from this fruit comes nourishment. Within the Universe there are many events that result from the tension of opposing forces: mountains rising up from pressure of geologic plates pushing against each other, mountains rising up from the pressure of hot lava pushing up from beneath the sea or upon the surace of the earth, the expansion of ice as it freezes within the cracks of stones, rivers changing course as silt builds up in the turns and deltas of rivers. We are surrounded by natural tension that must be released and the results are changes the Universe takes advantage of. As earthquakes Thunder beneath the mountain, ice flows are broken up and melt in the spring sun. This water fills the streams, rivers and lakes that bring nourishment. When the tension is centered in the Universe and humans react with harmonious adaptation to Nature and each other, life has the potential of proceeding with strength, resilience and abundance. For humanity to resist these forces is to simply fall prey to destruction, disaster and disorder. The only change is at the sixth position, which moves the Mountain to the Earth, just as an earthquake (Thunder) reduces a Mountain to rubble and eventually to the surace of the Earth itself. It then becomes soil that is continually being broken up and prepared for the germination of seeds, the growth of plants and the nourishment of all life upon the Earth. Within us Thunder pulses with energy. This natural drive to survive and thrive allows us, with our creative adaptation to the vicissitudes of the Universe, to nimbly move (Foot) upon the Earth and follow those paths that the Universe has upon up to us ... Il Matto ...

Day 26,627

Day 21,627 - 2010 1020
Belov-ED Days - 4,539
Wednesday
James Oliver Smith, Jr

I Ching images

Fu Hsi 21: Family, Household, Sared Spirits
-------- Wind (Wood, Trees, Spirit, Breath, Forest)
--------x Thigh
--- ---x The Gentle, The Penetrating, The Spiritual

--------x Fire (Flame, Hearth, Campfile, Vulcano, Dreams)
--- --- Eye
-------- The Clinging, The Clarity, The Light, The Vision, The Visions

changing towards

Fu Hsi 27: Gnawing, Reform, Eradication
-------- Fire (Flame, Hearth, Campfile, Light, Dreams)
--- --- Eye
-------- The Clinging, The Clarity, The Light, The Visions

--- --- Thunder (Lighting, Storms, Hurricane, Monsson)
--- --- Foot
-------- The Arousal, The Movement, The Motivation

Day 26,627 - Images from the I Ching: Wind [The Gentle] over Fire [The Clinging] (Fh Hsi 21 - Family) --> changing towards [lines 3,4,5] --> Fire [The Clinging] over Thunder [The Arousal] (Fu Hsi 27 - Reform) ... The starting image in this sequence, Wind over Fire, brings to mind the mingled spirits (Wind/Wood/Trees/Breath) that fuse, dance and sing around a family or community fire ... People huddle together for warmth and protection against the elements and dangers that exist within the forest ... The Universe is a diverse and challenging existence where everything and every spirit/soul is in need of and prey to everything else in the Universe ... Alone, we have no chance against these competing elements, whether these forces are parents, competetors for food, mates or space, or forces of nature that want/need to cosume us ... Within this chorus of souls around the community Fire we have purpose and we give purpose ... We can't help but influence those around us, whether or not we are aware of this ... There are three lines growing old here that will move the inner Fire to Arousing Thunder and the outer Spiritual Wind to Clinging Fire ... From the intimacy of the spritual essence of Wind and Wood around us we find ourselves in the presence of Light, Clarity and Clinging Flame that exposes us in uncomfortable ways ... even embarassing ... or perhaps incriminating ... The Thunder that is now within us thrusts us headlong into the light and we must stand up to the full view and scrutiny of the community with whom we have shared those moments of spiritual intimacy ... It is important the we be honest with ourselves and try to see how our behavior has affected others and what our role is within the community ... The revelations of the individual are never perfect and it is important for all individuals within the community to see themselves with the same clarity with which they see everyone else ... It is only with such bidirectional clarity that a community, a nation, a planet can hope to achieve the kind of reform that is needed to benefit all ... Il Matto ...

Day 21,626

Day 21,626 - 2010 1019
Belov-ED Days - 4,538
Tuesday
James Oliver Smith, Jr

I Ching images

Fu Hsi 19: Beauty, Fire, Intelligence, Brightness, Caressing Fire, The Net
--- --- Thunder (Storm, Electricity, Lightning)
--- --- Foot
-------- The Arousal, The Movement, The Energy, The Motivation

--- --- Lake (Sea, River, Stream, Pond, Reservoir)
-------- Mouth
-------- The Joyous, The Happiness

No changes

Day 26,626 - Images from the I Ching: Thunder [The Arousal] over Lake [The Joyous] (Fh Hsi 12 - Intimacy) --> No changes ... In this image Thunder, that energy which thursts us into the circumstances unfolding as a result of our decisions and the events surrounding us, is absorbed into the waters and depths of the Lake. This is a kind of death, a depletion of our energies, our motivations, our desires. This spark is needed to fuel our efforts in finishing a project, carrying out a dream or following a path. When this spark is extinguished or flickers in some way, or grows dim, weak, ineffectual, then we may give up, become depressed or change our plans. When our life spark dies we may be tempted to resign from a project, give up those dreams, abbandon the path we are on. However, within this image this spark of the Thunder didn't just burn out. It was absorbed into the Joyful body of the Lake and bodes well for rebirth, refreshment, a return with new energy. But this new energy may come as the synergy of a relationship (personal, professional, spiritual) that could actually strengthen the long-term, ultimate success of that project, the full realization of that dream, the completion of that journey. This is often what happens in a good relationshp. The lives of each of those in the relationship die to an old, perhaps ineffective, way of doing things, then within the context of that relationship, both become invigorated, stronger, more focused. Within the Lake, that absorption becomes Joyful. There are no changes in this image, so the result of this synergistic death/rebirth can be lasting ... It is always difficult to give up some part of ourselves and let that evergy, we want to claim as all our own, die ... but ... the existence of everything in the Universe is the result of such syngersitic interations ... Be absorbed! ... Be renewed! ... Il Matto ...

Day 26,625

I Ching images

Fu Hsi 19: Beauty, Fire, Intelligence, Brightness, Caressing Fire, The Net
-------- Fire (Flame, Hearth, Vulcano, Campfire, Sun, Dreams)
--- --- Eye
-------- The Clinging, The Clarity, The light

--------x Fire (Flame, Hearth, Campfile, Vulcano, Dreams)
--- --- Eye
--------x The Clinging, The Clarity, The Light, The Vision, The Visions

changing towards

Fu Hsi 59: Progress, Proceeding Forward
-------- Fire (Flame, Hearth, Campfile, Light, Dreams)
--- --- Eye
-------- The Clinging, The Clarity, The Light, The Visions

--- --- Earth (Ground, Cavern, Shelter, Valley, Canyon)
--- --- Belly, Solar Plexus
--- --- The Embracing, The Creation, The Yielding

Day 26,625 - Images from the I Ching: Fire [The Clinging] over Fire [The Clinging] (Fh Hsi 19 - Beauty) --> changing towards [lines 1,3] --> Fire [The Clinging] over Earth [The Embracing] (Fu Hsi 59 - Progress) ... Both internally and externally a Fire burns within us ... Within this harmony comes beauty, intelligence, brilliance and understanding ... Everything is seen with more clarity if we chose to take it in ... This is a moment of enlightenment that we should always take advantage of, for there is much darkness, obscurity and confusion in the Universe ... When the clarity is present, we should take note of what there is to learn and apply without hesitation, for there is much to prepare for and often there is little time ... When we have energy, youth, time and resources we should use them, but not wastefully ... with discretion ... joyfully, with zest, then, when the Water turns to mist and Fire has faded and the Mountatin and Stars are hidden from us we can huddle up to the hearth, to each other and find comfort and warmth and inspiration ... The inner Fire here is old and soon to die (two lines changing 1,3), giving birth to the centering, comforting presence of the Earth. Lay back upon the ground and watch the sun (Fire) rise, following the path of the day ... then ... carry that which we gained from the inner fire and use it while there is light in the sky and energy, ideas and understanding to expend ... Il Matto ...

Day 26,624

Day 26,624 - Images from the I Ching: Thunder [The Arousal] over Earth [The Embracing] (Fh Hsi 60 - Repose) --> no changes ... The Embracing Earth receives all of us ... It is home ... It sustains and challenges us. Its valleys, canyons, ravines, ridges, deserts, forests and cliffs inspire us and serve as reminders of place, time and experience ... We think of our lives in terms of landmarks, milestones, highlands and valleys ... We are incapable of describing our existance without allusions to the terrain that greets our feet and fills our eyes ... In this image of Thunder over Earth, this is the inner Earth, the place that forms our foundation, in which we find the presence and substance of our reality whether or not we are comfortable with it ... The imprint of this inner Earth will also play a significant role in whatever happiness and harmony we are able to experience, for we must become comfortable with the reality of ourselves, acknowledging its limitations, exploiting its strengths and adapting to its deformities, its textures and its changes over time. To not do so is to subject ourselves to pain, discmfort, dissatisfaction and even death ... The outer Thunder found in this image is the energy that surrounds us. It is anan energy that will nourish, challenge and often shape this inner earth that we inhabit and evolve within, like rain, floods, personal experiences, cultural events and international relationships ... They all are driven by the forces of this Thunder, the yang(Seeking) force that serves as the spark for all activity ... Within this image there are no changing lines, which makes this a good time to contemplate this inner Earth that exists within us. Become familiar with its terrain, its traversable paths and its available resources, for these are the elements from which we can construct that which follows from this moment ... Il Matto ....

Day 26,623

Day 26,623 - Images from the I Ching:
Sky [The Seeking] over Fire [The Clinging] (Fh Hsi 17 - Fellowship) --> changing towards [lines 4,5,6] --> Earth [The Embracing] over Fire [The Clinging] (Fu Hsi 24 - Darkening) ...
The inner Clinging Fire rises up to meet the expansive, open outer Sky ... We begin this sequence with an image of a community fire ... a community gathering together in harmony, strength and synergy ... It can mean the meeting of friends, lovers or families ... affection, planning, discussions, humor fill the air, echo off stone walls and are swalled up by dense forest ... There is warmth here and support and safety ... however, at this time, all of the outer lines are old yang(Seeking) (4,5,6) and soon to die, giving rise to young yin(Embracing) lines, flowing to the earth itself that could swallow up the fire, the warmth, the creativity, the community ... This oculd be a shift in jobs, a change in management, a relocation, a loss of job, a death ... Even if the external change was sought after or expected there could very easily be a difficult period of adjustment, or a grieving for something or someone lost, missing or estranged. Even the best of plans and the most positive of intentions can lead to periods of darkness, but like the sun (Fire) which descends below the horizon (Earth) each day, the Universe will bring the light, warmth and community back, even if the community and the individuals in the comunity have moved on or changed ... The past will always exist, never changing. The Universe and all within it emanates from that static past into a diverse and complex future. That future will always be influence by that past, but it is in the present that those of us evolving, learning and reacting within the complexity of Universe must navigate the paths from the past to the potential that extends beyond the present ... In the same way, it is the community that will sustain us and prepare us for the darkness that may cloud that path ... Il Matto ...

Day 26,622

Day 26,622 - Images from the I Ching: Water [The Abyss] over Water [The Abyss] (Fh Hsi 46 - Abyss) --> changing towards [line 2] --> Water [The Abyss] over Earth [The Embracing] (Fu Hsi 62 - Unity) ... This image of Water over Water, Abyss over Abyss, is the most menacing, confusing and obscure of all the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching ... The immediate response to this immage tends to be fear, foreboding and anxiety ... However, the Universe is never all negative or all positive ... rather, the circumstances of life always lie somewhere within the continuum of potentiality (from menacing to comforting) ... Water itself is the bringer of happiness, joy and sustenance (nurturing rain, morning dew and steam energy) as well as disaster, pain and grief (floods, deep fogs, monsoons) ... So even this most depressing and ominous image can lead to clarity ... In this case there is one old yang(Seeking) line in the second position that will move the inner Water towards Earth, the most centering and supportive of the primary trigrams of the I Ching, leaving Water over Earth ... This is an image of Water flowing freely upon the surface of the Earth, as in the case of overflowing rivers and lakes from snow runoff and heavy rain ... overabundance of Water upon the Earth unifies people and communities that respond to the crises and that are drawn to the fichly fertile ground left behind, when the floods recede ... Once again, Nature has shown humanity that "evil" and "good" are not adequate descriptions of events that we experience ... Rather, adaptation, resilience, creativity, Seeking, Embracing are the elements of survival, community and sustainable co-existence ... Il Matto ...

Day 26,621

Day 26,621 - Images from the I Ching: Earth [The Embracing] over Lake [The Joyous] (Fu Hsi 16 - Approach) --> changing towards [line 2] --> Earth [The Embracing] over Thunder [The Arousal] (Fu Hsi 32 - Returning) ... Within the outer Earth there is an inner joyous spring (Lake) that is on the verge of breaking through to the surface a...nd nurturing that which lives on the surface ... This is an image of Approach, Promotion, Forest ... The forest is a place teeming with life. This life can only exist when the waters from high places on Earth flow deep into the rivers running within the belly of Earth ... This inner river is there within each of us, we need only to let it rise up from our own depths and enter the world ... our contribution to community, relationships and self ... one old yang(Seeking) line within this inner Lake will die and rise again as a young, yin(Embracing) line, moving the trigram of Lake to Thunder, The Initiator, The Arousal. From within the Earth this could be a quake that destroys some old structure that has become rigid, tight and confining to us, liberating us ... This distruction of internal structures is a return to the raw foundation of our existance ... This is an opportunity to use what we know now to build anew ... And from where will this energy to rebuild come from? ... Why, from the inner spring, of course! ... Let's enjoy this new instance of ourselves ... Il Matto ...