What does love have to do with it?
Today’s original hexagram was Fire over Earth; 35
There is no expansion, rather the expansion is part of the original hexagram
The Kernel (nugget) for today is Fire over Water; 64 BY WAY OF Water over Mountain; 39
Love equals expansion, clarity, joy, and easy progress. When we love, it frees us from our poisons. “In a single day he is granted audience three times.” In practical terms what this means is that when we love, we spread forth and influence far and wide. We receive many blessings and our lives become less arduous. Our nature is essentially good, however as we grow we become “…clouded by contact with earthly things…” and need “…purification before (we) can shine forth” again. Love is part of this purification.
To love fosters “rapid and easy” progress. When we can truly learn how to love, we can begin to move ever forward on the Path. When we love, it sets everything in motion for completion. And, we can’t love at convenience. When we love, we love genuinely and without hooks; this is the only way. “…if the little fox, after nearly completing the crossing, gets his tail in the water, there is nothing that would further.” In other words, we must love to the end and we must love equally.
Conditions for us to love can be difficult. Often times requiring a lot of responsibility and commitment~ like leading a force through battle; the “…world out of (chaos) and back to order.” However, this is what brings us enlightenment. Love unites. Learning how to love does not come without difficult tasks. We often times feel surrounded by obstacles; mountains to climb, rivers to cross, hurdles to jump. When we are in these moments and circumstances it is best to be with like minded people and friends. It might be helpful to step back and pause and gain some perspective before continuing to march. In the end, this is what will serve best.
On this wondrous winter day, be watchful of blame, look within to correct the inner compass, and step into the ocean of learning to love.
Learn more about the I Ching on the I Ching page!
