Hexagram Five—Preparation Just as clouds prepare to rain by forming in the sky, good fortune will come from the right kind of preparation. The first line, yin, shows one who is waiting just outside the city. This person is detached, and thus approaches the new situation fresh. The second line yang, shows one who is waiting in the sand of the mountain stream, closer to the city. Although such a person has already taken sides, and there will be some criticism, they are still objective enough to be successful. The third line, yang, shows one who is standing in the mud of the stream. Such a person invites criticism for defining people as friends and enemies. The fourth line, yin, shows one who waits in the place of blood. This person feels it is important to be in the middle of the action at all times, since being on the scene helps him/her understand the situation and avoid becoming isolated. The fifth line, yang, shows one who waits in the festive and opulent setting of a feast. This person shows self-discipline and balance. The sixth line, yin, shows someone waiting alone in a cave. Unexpectedly, three people come to help. If this person receives the guests well, things will work out better. Hexagram Five Commentary Hexagram Five is a new beginning—this time going into the situation with a good attitude. It shows pictures of where people may be coming from before entering a new situation. The introduction offers a metaphor of rain clouds gathering in the sky to prepare for rain. Each of the six lines shows how humans prepare for a situation. The first line, yin, shows a person who is waiting just outside the city. This person is detached and prepared to enter with an open mind. This is a good attitude. The second line, yang, shows a person who is waiting in the sand of a mountain stream, closer to the city. Because this person has waded into the sand, this shows the person has already taken sides in the situation in the city. Although somewhat judgmental, this person is still open minded enough to be objective. The third like, yang, shows someone standing in the mud. This signifies a judgmental person whose mind is already made up. This person invites criticism for prejudging and defining people as friends and enemies. The fourth line, yin, shows someone who waits in the "place of blood." The person wants to stay involved in the drama to avoid isolation. Nowadays we call people like this control freaks. The line does not condemn this behavior, but duly notes it. The fifth line, yang, shows one who waits in the "festive and opulent setting of a feast." This shows a person with a good attitude, who prefers to stay in a positive state of mind, rather than dwelling in the "place of blood" when it's not necessary. The hexagram says this is fine, as long as the person remains sober and ready to get involved when needed. The sixth line, yin, shows someone waiting alone in a cave. This shows isolation, but then three people come to help. If the isolated person can receive the visitors well and accept their help, it will all work out. 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: e-book paperback