This week we pulled the “Empress” card. It calls for the consideration of all that is related to maternity. Thus the emphasis here is on nurturing and balance. A mature view towards the realities of life and death is encouraged. As well, general earthiness is implied: seeds, crops, eating, excrement, fertilization, etc.
        Our first hexagram, which we partner with our tarot to describe (or further detail) the current situation, is #43, “Break-Through (Resoluteness).” Here, a few contingent images — a sequence illustrating the release of tensions (both good and disastrous): a cloud filling to the brink with water yielding to a welcome downpour, but resulting in a river swelling and breaking its banks. It is implied that the tensions here are that of reason and passion, incompatible forces; of the two passion is the more damaging. Passion or “flood” can only be controlled by reasoned, meticulous and ongoing supervision.
        Our second hexagram, the one that suggests how best to meet the challenges (or the changes) is #57, “The Gentle (The Penetrating, Wind)“. The image here is dual, that of sun and that of wind, as both are ceaseless, penetrating forces whose chief attribute is invisible life giving permeation. This important diffusion is used as a model for all leadership, that is guidance or stewardship should not be “an act of violation” but like wind and sun an “influence that never lapses.”
        Our extraction: A persistent and thorough management of passion seems the main subject this week. Success whether in childbirth, in agriculture, in flood prevention, or even in the reaction to an already existing crisis, is only to be arrived at with a calm, resolute and persistent course of action. Basically a plan. Devise or re-up a plan; then communicate it (with utter thoroughness) to both the parts of your self and your external collaborators.