Dec 21 21
Two of Pentacles
56. The Wanderer
31. Influence (Wooing)
Petite Reading
To achieve anything in this life, something like a super power of focus needs to be developed. And this is keeping in mind that distraction is also necessary to life; as life would be unbearable if we weren’t diverted from thoughts of death and the other crazy unknowns. But still it is focus where gains are to be found (this is true in areas of ethics, politics, art, business, family life, everything really). But how does one get, and maintain, this super power of focus? First must come joy; joy is at the center of a super powered focus. That is one must focus on the positive (revel in it and multiply it). Then develop ever increasing flexibility; the methods of distraction are vast, you have to be infinitely lithe to redirect them. Then, eliminate narcissism; joy does not come from insecurity. And finally accepting that the process never ends — that you are lucky to be alive and participating (no matter how counter intuitive that may seem at times).
Complete Reading
This week we pulled the Two of Pentacles. The idea proffered here is that balance in life is achieved by juggling. And like Camus’ Sisyphus, the task, though infinite should be a happy one.
Our first hexagram this week is #56, The Wanderer. Ultimately we are just travelers; we come from somewhere/nowhere and return to somewhere/nowhere. This hexagram contains behavioral recommendations for us transients: “When a person is a wanderer and stranger, they should not be gruff nor overbearing. They have no large circle of acquaintances, therefore they should not give themself airs. They must be cautious and reserved; in this way they protect themself from evil. If one is obliging toward others, they win success.” There were two changes this week, of which the specific notes are: bring gifts and be modest and adaptable.
Our second hexagram, the one that suggests how best to meet the challenges (or the changes) is #31, Influence (Wooing). The implication here is the stimulation of a favorable (and healthy) circumstance requires a certain attitude, namely, humbleness and receptivity. “By keeping still within while experiencing joy without, one can prevent the joy from going to excess and hold it within proper bounds.”
To achieve anything in this life, something like a super power of focus needs to be developed. And this is keeping in mind that distraction is also necessary to life; as life would be unbearable if we weren’t diverted from thoughts of death and the other crazy unknowns. But still it is focus where gains are to be found (this is true in areas of ethics, politics, art, business, family life, everything really). But how does one get, and maintain, this super power of focus? First must come joy; joy is at the center of a super powered focus. That is one must focus on the positive (revel in it and multiply it). Then develop ever increasing flexibility; the methods of distraction are vast, you have to be infinitely lithe to redirect them. Then, eliminate narcissism; joy does not come from insecurity. And finally accepting that the process never ends — that you are lucky to be alive and participating (no matter how counter intuitive that may seem at times).
Complete Reading
This week we pulled the Two of Pentacles. The idea proffered here is that balance in life is achieved by juggling. And like Camus’ Sisyphus, the task, though infinite should be a happy one.
Our first hexagram this week is #56, The Wanderer. Ultimately we are just travelers; we come from somewhere/nowhere and return to somewhere/nowhere. This hexagram contains behavioral recommendations for us transients: “When a person is a wanderer and stranger, they should not be gruff nor overbearing. They have no large circle of acquaintances, therefore they should not give themself airs. They must be cautious and reserved; in this way they protect themself from evil. If one is obliging toward others, they win success.” There were two changes this week, of which the specific notes are: bring gifts and be modest and adaptable.
Our second hexagram, the one that suggests how best to meet the challenges (or the changes) is #31, Influence (Wooing). The implication here is the stimulation of a favorable (and healthy) circumstance requires a certain attitude, namely, humbleness and receptivity. “By keeping still within while experiencing joy without, one can prevent the joy from going to excess and hold it within proper bounds.”