garden-gate

Hexagram Forty—Resolution

If no further work is needed, it will be wise to return to the regular routine as soon as possible.

The first line, yin, shows one who is firm, yet flexible. This person will perform the correct action and will be successful.

The second line, yang, shows one on a hunt, capturing three foxes and retrieving three golden arrows. This is an auspicious sign for one who has worked long to achieve a desired goal.

The third line, yin, shows a servant riding in a carriage. By taking advantage of the situation, this person has made themself vulnerable and will be attacked by robbers. In this situation, no precaution can avoid trouble.

The fourth line, yang, shows one who is victorious and receives the graces of friends after they have removed their slippers of false prestige.

The fifth line, yin, shows one who is humble enough to return to small duties after a great struggle is won. Such a person will win the confidence of all people.

The sixth line, yin, shows resolution and harmony. The image is a feudal prince who shoots a falcon on a high wall with one of his arrows. Striking the target implies success.


Hexagram Forty Commentary

This hexagram discusses the idea of resolution, when it works and when it doesn't. The introduction says if the resolution is complete, don't dwell on it. Just get back to regular routines.

The subject of the first line, yin, is flexible. This person can go from resolution of a crisis, right back to normal routines.

The subject of the second line, yang, goes on a hunt, "capturing three foxes and retrieving three golden arrows." Resolution in this case calls for celebration, since this represents the fulfillment of the person's long term goals.

The subject of the third line, yin, shows a person who has acted dishonestly and is vulnerable to destruction. Because this person has chosen to take advantage of the situation, the ride will most likely descend into disaster. The line describes a likely outcome: "this person has made themself vulnerable and will be attacked by robbers."

The subject of the fourth line, yang, has worked hard at a project and resolved it. Their surprised friends are grateful, and receive the subject of the line "after they have removed their slippers," which represent false prestige.

The fifth line, yin, amplifies the original message of the introduction and first line. After resolution of a "great struggle," the subject of the fifth line "is humble enough to return to small duties."

The sixth line, yin, shows life is good when people can rise to meet difficulties, and then also return to normal life. The metaphor is "a feudal prince who shoots a falcon on a high wall with one of his arrows." Although killing a falcon seems objectionable to our ears, the original meaning was "Striking the target implies success."





To the reader: Most of the hexagrams have at least one line that predicts bad results, but that does NOT mean you are fated to that result. The hexagrams illustrate different attitudes, so study the actions and reactions to learn the attitudes that will lead to better outcomes.

The I Ching teaches you to flow with changes and create positive change from the inside through conscious living. Your future is in your hands. Consult the I Ching for ideas that lead to clear thinking and positive mental attitude. Reading the I Ching helps you take the time to reflect on your attitudes and ideas. Continue asking until you feel positive about your course.


Click here for another hexagram.





A note about this interpretation of the I Ching: Nori Muster wrote this version of the I Ching in 1994 and put it online at Surrealist.org in 2000. It is also available at Amazon:
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