This week we pulled the “Knight of Cups”. This card symbolizes new opportunity — the arrival of something beneficent. The image is of a poised soldier; and implies that to receive any such beneficence requires calmness and gracefulness.
        Our first hexagram, which we partner with our tarot to describe (or further detail) the current situation, is #7, “The Army.” The topic discussed here is the invisible that makes something strong (an army in a time of peace, groundwater, wealth) and what is necessary to keep that (invisible) strength. It states first that “without strict discipline nothing can be accomplished” and then that “a people living under a mild rule becomes strong and powerful.” So whether you lead an actual group or just the parts of yourself, focus on discipline and cultivate that discipline with kindness — and make sure to lead by mild example.
        Our second hexagram, the one that suggests how best to meet the challenges (or the changes) is #45, “Gathering Together.” For great things to be achieved people must work together. It is individuals of great faith or great deeds that unite people. But with masses there is always danger of large catastrophe, so if possible a leader (of great faith or great deed) should constantly be preparing for mass trouble.
        Our extraction: What we see running through these readings is something like opportunity is only possible with the constant preparation, of a dyed-in-the-wool or skin-in-the-game leader. (Again if you are an individual think of the “masses of people” as the disparate parts of yourself.)