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"The I Ching" by the Master
Therion (Aleister Crowley), inputed for the O.T.O. by The Very Excellent & Perfect
Prince and Reverend Senior; Knight of the Red Eagle, Knight Hermetic Philosopher;
- Senator Steven Santiago -. Completed May 1, 1989.
This e-text was published and spread by the american section of the O.T.O. as a free downladable archive over the worldwide-spread FIDO-network and the PODS-network in 1991. It was on the BBS of the siteowner and transferred to his website with the same name.
THE I CHING
A new translation of
the
BOOK of CHANGES
by The Master Therion
INTRODUCTION
The Yi King is mathematical and
philosophical in form. Its structure is cognate with that of the Qabalah; the actual
apparatus is simple, and five minutes is sufficient to obtain a fairly detailed
answer to any but the most obscure questions. To Mega Therion
THE TAO
1. TAO concentrateth itself upon Kether as
a point.
2. TAO directeth itself within Chokmah and
becometh the Male Force. He is called YANG, and is symbolized by a Solid Line.
3. TAO expandeth in Binah and becometh the
Female Force. She is called YIN, and is symbolized by a Broken Line.
4. These three: TAO, YANG and YIN, bring
forth heaven and earth, and all contained therein.
THE APPARATUS
0. TAO is the source of the Yi King, as of
all.
1. Thou shalt obtain 6 Chinese coins. Five
shall be of one metal and the sixth of another. One side ye shall call Yang, and
the other Yin (Heads and Tails).
2. These coins should be kept in a wrapped
black cloth, and no other should lay his hand upon them. For they swell with thine
aura when used with sincerity and repititon.
3. Hast no coins? Six sticks will serve.
Paint one side solid and the other broken. One of the six is especial; It should
be made unique by painting one end on both sides. Care for thine sticks as though
they were coins.
THE METHOD
4. When a situation ariseth in thy mind,
and you wouldst seek an oracle, do thus: Go and take out thine coins or sticks.
5. Face thou East; and make clear thy mind,
so that no thoughts shall intrude.
6. Call upon what god ye will; filling thyself
with pure light, and raising thine mind to a fixed image of the situation into which
you inquire.
7. Then, gently toss thy sticks or coins
toward the East; they wilst fall into a certain pattern which thou wilt arrange
into an Hexagram - the unit of Divination of this book: Yi King.
THE HEXAGRAM
8. An Hexagram is made up of six
lines; each line
being Yang or Yin. The especial stick
or coin
is called "The Moving Line."
9. Each line of the Hexagram is
numbered: The line
nearest thyself is number One; whilst
the farthest
away is number Six.
AN EXAMPLE
10. Thou hast concentrated upon thy situation,
and thine sticks have fallen thus:
Line 6 - YANG (a solid line)
Line 5 - YANG (a solid line)
Line 4 - Yang (a solid line)
Line 3 - YANG (a solid line)
Line 2 - YIN (a broken line)
Line 1 - YIN (a broken line)
( - The moving line is in line
2)
11. The Hexagram will look like this:
----------
----------
----------
----------
---- ----
---- ----
12. Take notice that the Hexagram is divided
into two
Trigrams: An upper Trigram and a
lower Trigram.
INTERPRETATION
13. Taking thine key, which is in this book:
thou wilst find the upper Trigram along the top of the squares. Next, find the lower
Trigram at the left of the chart.
14. Follow thee the Trigrams into the center
of the Key - Behold the number 33.
15. Then, thou shalt read the Thirty-third
Hexagram in this Book: Yi King.
16. The first two lines refer to the Hexagram
as a whole, shewing thee the direction of the matter.
17. Next, appeareth a six-line poem. The first
line of this poem pertaineth to the line number One in the Hexagram. The last line
of the poem is for number Six (the one farthest from thy-self).
18. The Moving Line (in this case number Two)
is the specific line which pertains to thy situation: Thine answer from the TAO.
19. If thou dost not understand, and are bewildered
by doubts and questions concerning the Forces of this Divination: Thou mayest read
in "Magick" where the Master Therion hath made discourse upon the subject
by his understanding of the TAO.
ABRAHADABRA
A(rgenteum) A(strum) Publication
in Class B
1
KHIEN
Lingam of Lingam
--------
--------
--------
--------
--------
--------
ŽIP11&hibar;
KHIEN Originating from the term,
piercing advantageous, right and firm.
The dragon lurks: it is no time
to act. The dragon's in the field: now make thy pact. Be active, watchful, using
care and tact. The dragon leaps; a bursting cataract. The dragon ploughs the sky
with pace exact. Exceed not, dragon; Lest thy force react.
(If all this heavenly hosts of
dragons lacked their heads, good fortune would become a fact.)
2
THE KHWAN HEXAGRAM
Yoni of Yoni
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
KHWAN: Great, originating, right
and fair, piercing and helpful, firm as in the mare. If the true man should move,
his feet will stray; for him to follow is his proper way.
Hoar-frost! The strong one cometh
by and by. Straight, square and great, advantage springs to aye. Maintain, but boast
not virtue's majesty. Here is a sack made safe by skillful tie. Behold the yellow
skirt; ill fortune fly. Dragons at war: Gold, blood and porphyry.
(Correct and firm the conduct,
thou shalt spy good fortune from the sky.)
3
THE CHUN HEXAGRAM
Moon of Fire
---- ----
----------
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
CHUN; Firm, correct; great progress
this evinces and vantage from appointing feudal princes.
Hard mere advance, maintain thy
place correct. Distress, retreat; fear not, a friend is nigh. Lost in the wood,
seek not a deer to espy. Retreating, seek thy mate; with him, aim high. Dispense
rich favors as thy friends expect. Thine house bolt; bleed tears of agony!
4
THE MANG HEXAGRAM
Earth of Moon
----------
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
----------
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
MANG: Inexperience; let them see
the sage. One gains his smile; twice will excite his rage.
Correct him once to free; twice?
Let him go! Treat fools and women kindly, they've their uses. Wed not loose women,
only that they know. Chains bind the ignorant, and sorrows flow. Yet - the great
fool! Simplicity's good glow! Protect the ignorant from all abuses!
5
THE HSU HEXAGRAM
Moon of Lingam
---- ----
----------
---- ----
----------
----------
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
HSU: Patience; be sincere; success
will gleam Firmness brings fortune, thou mayest cross the stream.
Wait, constant, in the border
of the land. Wait, slandered, by the mountain torrents sand. Ah! Shun its mud, or
mischief is at hand. Still wait, midst blood. Forth from cavern hie! Still wait,
at festival - Oh firmly stand. Three guests come helping; greet them courteously.
6
THE SUNG HEXAGRAM
Lingam of Moon
----------
----------
----------
---- ----
----------
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
SUNG: Strife: be cautious; seek not
the extreme. Seek help from friends, and do not cross the stream.
Perpetuate not strife, though
slandered thou. O'ermatched, retire, concealment be thy friend! Maintain thy place,
but claim no glory now. O'ermatched, the study of heaven's law perpend. Now with
great fortune on thy side contend! Victorious, the fruit's bitter in the end.
7
THE SZE HEXAGRAM
Yoni of Moon
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
----------
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
SZE: Armies; all depends upon the
sage, His ripe experience, and his wisdom's age.
Mark well the rules of martial
strategy. Chief of the host, thy king confers the post. Divided counsel - inefficiency!
Retreat is not an error if need be. Seek and destroy bad faith and mutiny! But find
good men for posts of dignity.
8
THE PI HEXAGRAM
Moon of Yoni
---- ----
----------
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
PI: Union. First examine, art thou
right? Then the restless join thee; woe the laggard's plight.
Sincerity of union is the key;
From inward mind comes forth true unity. Unite not with unworth's iniquity! There's
one beyond thyself that yearns for thee. Base well thy tower upon the people's power.
Thy first step missed? Disaster shalt thou see.
9
THE HSIAO CHU HEXAGRAM
Air of Lingam
----------
----------
---- ----
----------
----------
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
HSIAO CHU: Shows small restraint.
Hence quick success. But clouds indeed, we ask rain's happiness.
Strayed - Come thou back and follow
thy own plan! By true attraction mete thy starry span! Anger in wedlock or a car
en panne! Bloodshed and woe sincerity bids go. Sincerity: Here's help from all the
clan. Who wins too much may lose! Repose, O man!
10
THE LI HEXAGRAM
Lingam of Water
----------
----------
----------
---- ----
----------
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
LI: Is the treading of the path that's
right! Step on the tiger's tail; he will not bite.
Follow the path of thine accustomed
right; Level and easy walks the anchorite. Learn vanity, the brave's bluff, to flee!
Tread on the tiger's tail; he will not bite. Firm, resolute - yet perilous thy plight;
Examine well, the augury of the flight.
11
THE THAI HEXAGRAM
Yoni of Lingam
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
----------
----------
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
THAI: The due order of things; we
see, in sum, good fortune, small things gone, and great things come.
Pull up one stalk; and others
follow it. Seek patience, self reliance, love and wit. Though all things change,
rejoice; for that is writ. Call friends to help thee, they may bring thee through.
Remember what Ti Yi thought right and true. The city's fallen; there's little thou
canst do.
12
THE PHI HEXAGRAM
Lingam of Yoni
----------
----------
----------
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
PHI: All's disorder in the organum.
We see the great gone, and the little come.
Again one stalk pulled brings
the others too. Patience, obedience, fitness, build anew. Shame hide thy purpose
from thy own right view! Act rightly; comrades come to love thee and wonder. Restoring
all things, murmur, We may blunder. The darkness passes; light breaks forth from
under.
13
THE THUNG ZAN HEXAGRAM
Lingam of Sun
----------
----------
----------
----------
---- ----
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
THUNG ZAN: Men's union! Everywhere
the clan! Cross then the stream, thou firm, superior man!
Here first the master rises from
his gate. Well should he flee the cares of family! Concealed, but watchful, the
right born await! Be ready to attack, but tempt not fate. Through tears to laughter,
victory crowns thy state. Even in the suburbs men proclaim thee great.
14
THE TA YU HEXAGRAM
Sun of Lingam
----------
---- ----
----------
----------
----------
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
TA YU: Great havings; wealth's a
sorceress, within whose cauldron bubbles up succes.
Steer clear of wrong, envision
clear thy road. Lo! The great wagon with its golden load! Great prince to heaven's
son his duty hath showed. But guard resources as his jewel a toad. Sincerity is
matched bu majesty. In all ways heaven's blessing hath overflowed!
15
THE CHIEN HEXAGRAM
Yoni of Earth
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
----------
---- ----
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
CHIEN: Humility; this yeast's to
baking. A man may win in every undertaking.
Increase humilities; so clears
the way! Once recognized, who is there to gainsay? Acknowledged merit will success
inherit. Grow thou more truly humble every day. Thus all thy neighbors in thy cause
array. Use force - but only on the proper prey!
16
THE YU HEXAGRAM
Fire of Yoni
---- ----
---- ----
----------
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
YU: Satisfaction spreads through
all thy coasts. Appoint thy princes, and send forth thy hosts!
Boast not of pleasure! There lurks
overthrow. Be firm, with foresight all thy soul aglow. Presume not; understand -
what came may go! Shed happiness, call friends to share success! Make not a habit;
joy's as dull as woe. Oh! Think more deeply; change is wisdom's throw!
17
THE SUI HEXAGRAM
Water of Fire
---- ----
----------
----------
---- ----
---- ----
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
SUI: Follow after; but in following
checked by being firm, unwavering and correct.
Changing pursuit, seek friends
beyond thy gate. Should one leave old, and follow a young boy? Wiselier leave youth,
and age's wit employ. Adherents hurt; make sure thy way is straight. Follow all
excellence with eager gait. The sincere king may sacrifice with joy.
18
THE KU HEXAGRAM
Earth of Air
----------
---- ----
---- ----
----------
----------
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
KU: Service. Thou mayst cross the
stream no doubt, if thou have fully thought thy purpose out.
Good son, repair thy sire's infirmity;
Be gentle with thy mother's frailty, Son. Yea, clear thy father's troubles, every
one. Restrain thy course; view them indulgently. Thus gain the praise of thine utility.
Do what thou wilt, thyself, a slave to none!
19
THE LIN HEXAGRAM
Yoni of Water
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
----------
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
LIN: Great; here's progress and success
to firm correctness; but - more trouble at the term!
Now with thy comrade firmly force
the pace! Advance with him - alliance wins the race. Be cautious, or advance may
lead thee astray. Go forward only in the noblest way. Great rulers need great wisdom
every day. Honest, magnanimous, woo fortune's ray.
20
THE KWAN HEXAGRAM
Air of Yoni
----------
----------
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
KWAN: Manifesting; contemplating;
see thou be sincere, pure, just, with dignity.
Thoughtless and boyish: little
shalt thou see! Peep from thy door - a woman's modesty. Consider thine whole course
insistently. State's weal resolved, seek aid of majesty. Consider thy life's course,
lest action err, And criticise thy soul's true character.
21
THE SHIH HO HEXAGRAM
Sun of Fire
----------
---- ----
----------
---- ----
---- ----
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
SHIH HO: Unite by gnawing; here success
comes by the proper use of legal stress.
Nip crime in the bud; lop toes,
put feet in stocks; Else - flesh and nose must next be bitten through. Quick, or
dried flesh gives double work to do! Gnaw, gnaw, fake pledges ere the gate unlocks.
Gnaw: gold rewards precaution firm and true. Or, last, the Gangue - the ears cut
off, fate mocks.
22
THE PI HEXAGRAM
Earth of Sun
----------
---- ----
---- ----
----------
---- ----
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
PI: Ornament, should have free course
indeed. But - in its place: it shall not take the lead.
Adorn thy feet, and have no need
of horses. Adorn thy beard, for dignity is due. Adorn, seek firm correctness in
thy courses! Horsed, winged, desire the honest and true! Though poor, suburban,
there's good work to do. Clad in pure white, simplicity thy force is.
23
THE PO HEXAGRAM
Earth of Yoni
----------
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
PO: Falling; overturning; when things
quake to agitate them more is a mistake.
Injure the couch's legs, soon
all will go; Injure its frame, soon total overthrow. Destroy, when need is - will
not wisdom show? The couch destroyed, its occupant hath woe. Be loyal, help thy
followers; all's aglow. Thet'll bear thee brave; the small man digs his grave.
24
THE FU HEXAGRAM
Yoni of Fire
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
FU: Coming back; thou'rt free to
come and go. Friends help; now move with confidence aglow
Correct small blunders - look
for lucky wonders! Hast erred? Return and take the proper way. Return, return; and
go no more astray! Return though all thy comrades say thee nay. Nobly return - the
master of thy day! But error piled on error - deuce to pay!
25
THE WU WANG HEXAGRAM
Lingam of Fire
----------
----------
----------
---- ----
---- ----
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
WU WANG: Sincerity and prudence;
splendid if in these matters thou hast not offended.
Free from all insincerity, press
on! Good going, if thou reap with never a plough! Yet - innocence oft bears guilt's
branded brow. Firmness, correctness; these bid woe begone. The good man sick? He
needs no doctor-don. Time's come when silence's book is best to con.
26
THE TA KHU HEXAGRAM
Earth of Lingam
----------
---- ----
---- ----
----------
----------
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
TA KHU: The great accumulation; quit
thy private virtue when state needeth it.
Peril; move not, but look within
thine heart. Then, with due care, be ready for the start. Now, with good horse,
well trained, play hard thy part! Block even the young bull's horns! He's safer
so. Castrate the boar - its teeth will gently show. Then rule the stars - good fortune
aid thine art!
27
THE I HEXAGRAM
Earth of Fire
----------
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
I: Nourishment; the matter and the
mode, demand that thought should indicate the road.
Suffice thyself; else - how thy
jaw shall quiver! Look neither down nor up, the sages say. Ill nourished, action
merely means affray. But lo! Below thee bleats the tiger's prey. Improper method?
Firm and cautious stay! But thou, who nurturest all, mayst cross the river.
28
THE TA KWO HEXAGRAM
Water of Air
---- ----
----------
----------
----------
----------
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
TA KWO: A weakened beam is under
stress. To move in any manner spells success.
Place mats for things set down;
then faults are few. Dead willow shoots; old man young wife well wooing. The beam
is weak; fate's busy with the brewing! The beam curves up - loyalty did the glueing.
Dead willow flowers; old wife young
men pursuing! Bold wader, thine head's wet - but thou wast true!
29
THE KHAN HEXAGRAM
Moon of Moon
---- ----
----------
---- ----
---- ----
----------
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
KHAN: Defile, cavern, pit: In times
of danger make not sincerity of act a stranger.
Gorge within gorge, then cavern
- do not go! Involve not deeplier thy dangerous case! Peril all round - Be still's
the luckiest show! Instructing king's, most humble caution show! Be patient, time
brings order with grave pace. Bound and beset, bewildered too? What woe!
30
THE LI HEXAGRAM
Sun of Sun
----------
---- ----
----------
----------
---- ----
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
LI: Sun; attachment. Be thy way docile
as well as firm - then see good fortune smile.
Confused at start? Let reverence
befriend. Here's fortune - rightly placed and clothed in yellow. Accept thy ills
with cheer or worse attend. Abruptness - fie! Thus fire and death descend. Luck
comes to aid thee, melancholy fellow! In victory be just - a noble end.
31
THE HSIEN HEXAGRAM
Water of Earth
---- ----
----------
----------
----------
---- ----
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
HSIEN: Mutual influence; good fortune
bless Man's firm correctness with the tide, success.
Would'st walk? To move thy toes
alone is a flaw; But calves? 'Twere surely better to withdraw. Thigh's too? Cling
close to leaders? Thou wilt rue it. Insited plans? Only thy friends pursue it. But
shrug thy shoulders! God shall gladly view it. The wag not thy toungue, nor drop
thy jaw!
32
THE HANG HEXAGRAM
Fire of Air
---- ----
---- ----
----------
----------
----------
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
HANG: By persistance are great empires
built. There is no law beyond do what thou wilt,
Lust of result mars will in every
way; But steadfast purpose spans the vast abysm. Maintain thy virtue - heed not
criticism! Seek not reward; thy work be its own chris, Passion love wins, where
active loses, fray;
And violent efforts end in swift
decay.
33
THE THUN HEXAGRAM
Lingam of Earth
----------
----------
----------
----------
---- ----
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
THUN: A retirement. Though thy force
be spent. Adroit withdrawl masters the event!
Peril! Withdraw! Keep still -
though tail yet show. Hold fast thy purpose subtly, even so. Gracious to them that
bind thee; hate their ire; maugre their will, the great have wit to retire. Retreat
in order - even the gods admire. Retreat with dignity - rekindle fire.
34
THE TA KWANG HEXAGRAM
Fire of Lingam
---- ----
---- ----
----------
----------
----------
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
TA KWANG: Great strength. Be firm
and self-reliant; But - tyrannous to use it like a giant!
Plant firm thy feet, but dare
not yet to move! Thy firm correctness exercise and prove. Fences entangle rams who
blindly shove. Strength fails to force some gates that yield to love. Thine purpose
gained, relax - nor tax thine heart so; Once tangled, the best chance is - to know
thou art so!
35
THE ZIN HEXAGRAM
Sun of Yoni
----------
---- ----
----------
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
ZIN: To advance - when thou hast
won folk ease, thy lord shall give thee gifts and dignities.
Firm, patient and great hearted,
wait thy day! Move with regret - the royal mother's way! Confidence thus begotten
- why delay? Advance by stealth; the marmot guide thee yet; Woo not success; the
games's the game to play. Use power with caution or beware regret!
36
THE MING HEXAGRAM
Yoni of Sun
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
----------
---- ----
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
MING: Intelligence sore hurt; reflect
on the position rigidly correct.
Hurt? Droop thy wings and fast,
while critics leaguer. A horse may save one wounded in the thigh. Thy great foe
taken, be thou not over eager! Escape from night by mind's propriety. Think how
the court of Ki met destiny. At last earth swallows him that trod the sky.
37
THE KIA ZAN HEXAGRAM
Air of Sun
----------
----------
---- ----
----------
---- ----
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
KIA ZAN: The household: This right
rule's its base! The wife be firm, correct, in her own place.
First, proper law's the necessary
thing. House keeper, keep the house with modesty! Be stern for idleness and chattering.
Thus fortune helps enrich the family. All share the luck of the high handed king.
Sincere, majestic, the end's glittering.
38
THE KHWEI HEXAGRAM
Sun of Water
----------
---- ----
----------
---- ----
----------
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
KHWEI: All's disunion, mother of
distress; But in small matters there may be success.
Lost steeds return; bad men may
yet take thy way; Thy lord may chance to meet thee - in the byway. Baffled and punished?
Bide time's amnesty. Alone and disunion? Friends on highway Joined with thy minister
thy course is free. Pigs? Ghosts? Foes? Nay! Go forward on the skyway.
39
THE KIEN HEXAGRAM
Moon of Earth
---- ----
----------
---- ----
----------
---- ----
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
KIEN: Incompetence and lameness;
time for the great man to aid thee in the climb.
Advance adds trouble; stillness
aids thee now. Keep struggling with no self to mar thy vow. Advance not; seek again
thine ancient clan! Advance not; be with those united thou. Struggle! Friends come
to prosecute thy plan. Advance not! Wait for aid from the great man!
40
THE KIEH HEXAGRAM
Fire of Moon
---- ----
---- ----
----------
---- ----
----------
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
KIEH: Loosing; if all's won, return
and rest. If partial gain, quick action will be best.
Begin to loosen - Straight and
clear the way. Rid fields of foxes; fill the golden quiver. Beggars on horseback
tempt the brigand's play. Stand not to oppose the friends come to deliver. Remove
all wrong; then all men own thy sway. The prince the falcon on the wall shall slay.
41
THE SUN HEXAGRAM
Earth of Water
----------
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
----------
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
SUN: Diminution; be sincere; the
price is not the measure of the sacrifice.
Leave business to help friends,
but yet be wary! Guard against action; of the cash be chary! Three walk, one's gone;
one walks, and meets a two. By friendship one finds woes becoming few. Here's tortoise
shells from the chosen few. Prudent though kind well served by friends o'dignitary.
42
THE YI HEXAGRAM
Air of Fire
----------
----------
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
YI: Increase; now's no time to sit
and shiver; but to move on, even to cross the river.
Success excuses boldness; face
thy fate! Good omens and true virtue joined, essay! Ill leads to well, for him who
leads the way; Even the capital remove he may. Let all men share in thine approved
estate!
By soul's disorders realms disintegrate.
43
THE KWAI HEXAGRAM
Water of Lingam
---- ----
----------
----------
----------
----------
----------
ŽIP11&hibar;
KWAI: Cutting off; displeasure; front
thy foe; but show reluctance due in acting so.
Lay well thy plans before the
march begins. Seek loyal friends and have no fear of gins. Fight on alone; persistant
courage wins! Defeated, acquiesce - smiles conquer grins. Uproot small men like
purslane - tan their skins; Cut off is he - and evil his end be!
44
THE KAU HEXAGRAM
Lingam of Air
----------
----------
----------
----------
----------
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
KAU: Suddenly encountering -- behold
a woman -- do not wed her? who is bold.
Restrain weak folly - or woo melancholy!
Here's fish - but ask not fishy folk to dine! Defeated, yes; but not at meat with
swine! No fish - because thou hast mixed with thieves, in fine conceal thy virtues
- cellars ripen wine! But hermits lose things human for divine.
45
THE ZHUI HEXAGRAM
Water of Yoni
---- ----
----------
----------
---- ----
---- ----
---- ----
ŽIP11&hibar;
ZHUI: Collection; to the shrine repair
and sacrifice the greatest victories there!
Alone, art helpless; call thy
right ally; With him, even small prayers earn heaven's swift reply. Baffled, yet
struggling, thou shalt cease to sigh. Success excuses boldness; recollect then to
be firm in virtue and correct! Weep for thy loneliness - but still aim high!
46
THE SHANG HEXAGRAM
Yoni of Air
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ŽIP11&hibar;
SHANG: The ascent; go seek the lofty
one! And in the south give worship to the sun!
Make thyself welcome with the
great; aim high! Small gifts are sweetened by sincere good will. But empty cities
- art thou bold to fill? The king rewards thy true sincerity; Ascend the stairs
with proper dignity. Firm right maintain, though blind the silent sky!
47
THE KHWAN HEXAGRAM
Water of Moon
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ŽIP11&hibar;
KHWAN: Straitened and distressed;
the great man acts. But rhetoric is far removed from facts.
Bare buttocks - tree stump - valley
- hopes decay. Embarrassed king, be quiet and sincere! Rocks, thorns - come home,
and find thy wife astray. Even with friends the course is hard to steer. Rebellion?
Honesty has nought to fear. Bound? On the brink? Repent and take thy way!
48
THE ZING HEXAGRAM
Moon of Air
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ŽIP11&hibar;
ZING: Well; the common fountain of
increase. If kept with care, its virtues never cease.
Muddy or dried, what use? Beware
decay. Leaky: for shame! The worker is disgraced. Clear, but unused; how senseless
is the waste! Well laid and lined, how noble the display. Come drink the water -
cold, pellucid - chaste. Here to the brim it bubbles - go thy way!
49
THE KO HEXAGRAM
Water of Sun
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ŽIP11&hibar;
KO: Change; men doubt until their
dullness sees the change wisdom can foretell with ease.
At first; though art bound with
strips of yellow hide. Wait then a little, time's a friend to thee. Haste may wreck
all; discuss thy plans untried. First gain men's confidence; then saddle and ride!
Swift as a tiger - with the Yi for a guide! Confirm thy change with firm sincerity.
50
THE TING HEXAGRAM
Sun of Air
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ŽIP11&hibar;
TING: Cauldron; firm its auspice
we may guess, realization, progress, and success.
Upset the foul pots! thy whore
earns mother fee. Before thou eat set guards about thy table! Frowns failure if
thou be not equitable. Then shame on thee; thy case is pitiable. Gold ornaments
men's firm sincerity. And rings of jade attest him honourable!
51
THE CHEN HEXAGRAM
Fire of Fire
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ŽIP11&hibar;
CHEN: Fire! Beware, but smile with
mein divine! Let nothing scare thee into spilling wine!
Here's trouble; watch thy ways,
but drink thy wine! Take lofty ground; the tide will ebb and flow. Distraught? May
danger teach thee low to go! Fight fire with fire, or sink in mud supine! Troubles
mean profits for the men who know. Caution! Foresee the action of the foe!
52
THE KAN HEXAGRAM
Earth of Earth
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ŽIP11&hibar;
KAN: Earth; keep silence like thy
spine! See none about thee! Thus the silk of wisdom's spun.
Plant firm thy feet; repose be
now thy law. Thy legs - 'twere ill to advance them or withdraw. If loins move, the
heart's liable to riot. Keep still thy body's fidgets, Johnny raw, and, for the
love of heaven hold thy jaw! Fortune attends who persevere in quiet.
53
THE KIEN HEXAGRAM
Air of Earth
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ŽIP11&hibar;
KIEN: Gradual progress: be thy right
firm carriage suggestive of a lady's decent marriage.
Wild geese approach the shore
- with care they fly! They reach the rocks - and pasture joyfully. Dry plains they
cross - it needs a vigorous wing! They reach the trees, and rest; but not too high.
At last they gain the goal of traveling; See on broad heights their feathers glittering.
54
THE KWEI MEI HEXAGRAM
Fire of Water
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ŽIP11&hibar;
KWEI MEI: To give first younger daughters
- ill course. Don't start with the carriage in front of the horse.
Go to it, ye cripples! I'll hold
your crutches. Blind of one eye? Be as chaste as a dutchess! Now, younger sisters
there's scrubbing to do! Better postpone matrimonial clutches! Think of Ti-Yi and
his sisters anew! No meat on the chops, and no beans in the stew.
55
THE FANG HEXAGRAM
Fire of Sun
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ŽIP11&hibar;
FANG: Large, abundant; now care's
night is done. Shed forth thy glory as the noonday sun.
First meet thy mate, then multiply
thy force. Be humbly loyal in obscurity; Let not its accidents disturb thy course.
Mated in darkness - men! 'Tis fortune's source. Then, call the clansmen of ability!
But pride and insolence slay majesty.
56
THE LU HEXAGRAM
Sun of Earth
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ŽIP11&hibar;
LU: Stranger, Firm right conduct
may unravel most of the tangles incident to travel.
Mean men by menial toil increase
their woe; Well lodged, served, monied men more easy go. His house on fire, his
servants fled, 'ware danger. Though rich, armed, rested, still set caution ranger!
Good manners, self effacement with the throw; while arrogance and violence hurt
the stranger.
57
THE SUN HEXAGRAM
Air of Air
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ŽIP11&hibar;
SUN: Wood, wind; mark their subtly
suave persistance! Elastic ease, the line of least resistance.
Infirm of purpose, learn the soldier's
way. Ask humbly of the gods to guide thy course! Violent excess of struggle breeds
remorse. Wide forethoughts and shrewd tactics pledge thee prey. With steady, easy
strokes apply thy force. Fear, indecision, sap the last resource.
58
THE TUI HEXAGRAM
Water of Water
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ŽIP11&hibar;
TUI: Still waters may run deep and
free; Mistake not slackness for philosophy!
Appease thyself, harmonious in
thy sphere! Single thy will, most utterly sincere! Turn not aside when siren pleasures
woo! Search thyself well to make thy purpose clear. Too trustful customers may buy
too dear. 'Tis pleasant to be captain of thy crew!
59
THE HWAN HEXAGRAM
Air of Moon
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---- ----
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ŽIP11&hibar;
HWAN: Dissipation; in the world of
fools. The kingly man stands firm, divides and rules.
One needs a horse in this world's
mob-mellay; One needs a refuge, a secure shrewd plan. We must have knocks, nor mind
them, in the fray. Scatter the mob, then pick the choice array. Command the mob,
and fill their bellies, man! Good end forgets how badly it began.
60
THE KIEH HEXAGRAM
Moon of Water
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ŽIP11&hibar;
KIEH: Regulations: measured steps,
but fear impermanent results if too severe!
There is a time when wisdom urges
rest. Another when the bird should leave his nest. Observe no rules? Lament; the
blame's to thee. Attend them quietly - success flows free. Enact right laws - be
tactful with decree, for men are vexed when harshly pressed.
KIEH: Regulations. Who can do
without them? But not too many, lest men come to flout them!
Quit not thine house to meddle
with the state; But set good order still within thy gate. Thou mayest lament if
thou should'st disobey. But keep the law and go thy peaceful way. Enact thy laws
- suave, tactful, moderate; But vex not men with harshness overweigh!
61
THE KUNG FU HEXAGRAM
Air of Water
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ŽIP11&hibar;
KUNG FU: Supreme sincerity; thy wish
fulfilled. For this moves even pigs and fish.
Trust thou thyself, repose in
thine own sphere. But welcome and reciprocate good cheer. A mate involves vicissitudes
that vary; He travels fast who travels solitary! Men are most loyal to men most
sincere; But failure's for sky-soaring chanticleer!
62
THE HSIAO KWO HEXAGRAM
Fire of Earth
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ŽIP11&hibar;
HSIAO KWO: Exceeding in small things
I've heard to soar too high is risky for the bird.
The issue's evil when birds soar
too high; The wisest course is humble loyalty. Without precautions, enemies assail;
But adaptation and sound care prevail. Birds in a cave - sure marks for archer's
eye!
Ambition, in bad times, is lunacy.
HSIAO KWO: Excessive trifles;
but beware in great things not to trust thyself to air.
Winged though thou be, soar not
too rashly high! Let not self seeking out run loyalty! Men be incaution ask their
foes to assail; Tact and adroitness helps one to prevail. At easiest mark, let thine
arrows fly! Uncurbed ambition courts calamity.
63
THE KI ZI HEXAGRAM
Moon of Sun
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ŽIP11&hibar;
KI ZI: Perfected work. Perfection
borders close to the frontiers of new disorders.
Maintain success; be history's
lessons heeded! Alarmed, be not distracted or unsteady; Put to each enterprise the
full force needed! To stop the first leak, vigilant and ready. Small works wrought
wisely are most surely speeded! Rash violence drowns in dark disaster's eddy.
64
THE WEI ZI HEXAGRAM
Sun of Moon
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ŽIP11&hibar;
WEI ZI: Work ruined! Ah so nearly
crossed the stream! Step slackly once, and all is lost!
Is thy force equal to thy task?
else try not! Retire in the face of verwhelming odds. To the world's mote
thine own eye's beam apply not! War patient through persistent periods! So win to
fortune, fame and flame that die not; masterful, modest, feast thou with the gods.
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