There is a phrase in a poem by Dylan Thomas, that to us, perfectly articulates the character of certain dark moods: “…when like a running grave…” In periods where darkness has reign over one’s mood, and all analysis and future articulation, when played out to their propositional horizons, seem to disappear into sticky, itchy gloom — how best to deal?

Do not over articulate a depressing idea — do not embroider your melancholy. Focus on small things; ditch the grandiose. Clean something basic or involve yourself with rudimentary preparations — but without too much thought of outcome. Embrace humble work.

And when performing these moderate tasks do not completely evade depressing notions. One should never try to escape — returning will be ever so difficult. As well, much that is true is inherently sad. Let the sadness make you more realistic and inform/strengthen your creative powers over time.



This week we pulled the Knight of Wands. The suite of wands represents creative energy, the will to conceive — in all manners of speaking. Knight cards point to the energetic carrying forth of the meaning of a particular suite. So in combination here, with the Knight of Wands, we have energy carrying forth creative energy. This is a card of positivity as relates to impassioned action.

Our first hexagram this week is #62, Preponderance of the Small. When a structural condition is too weak for the force it must bear — “extraordinary prudence is necessary.” That is, if there is going to be any success with such a disproportionate situation, modesty and calm care should be the mode. It furthers: “we must understand the demands of the time in order to find the necessary offset for its deficiencies and damages…we must not count on great success, since the requisite strength is lacking…one should not strive after lofty things but hold to lowly things.” There were two changes this week, of which the specific notes are: stay in the nest until you are ready to fly and don’t let self-confidence delude you of the delicateness of a situation.

Our second hexagram, the one that suggests how best to meet the challenges (or the changes) is #51, The Arousing (Shock, Thunder). “When a person has learned within their heart what fear and trembling mean, they are safeguarded against any terror produced by outside influences. Let the thunder roll and spread terror a hundred miles around: they remain so composed and reverent in spirit that the sacrificial rite is not interrupted. This is the spirit that must animate leaders — a profound inner seriousness from which all terrors glance off harmlessly.”