Thank you for joining me here to receive the transmission of hexagram 24 of the I Ching known as Returning.
We're going to just take a minute or two to arrive and to quieten.
When we quieten then we can really hear hear the message but also hear our own heart.
So do what you need to do to get comfortable to relax using the breath,
Relaxing the muscles and if it feels comfortable you can either place your hands over your belly one on top of each other or over your heart and then breathe into that area because both of these zones are filled with nerves and glands and energetical current.
With our hands over these areas,
With our intention placed here and with the breath being directed it supports,
Settles and nourishes.
The slow breath in and a gentle breath out.
You set the intention now so that you receive through hearing and through knowing the message in alignment for your whole self right now.
And you can simply confirm this by saying I trust,
Breathing into that and then on the exhale release that as it unfolds naturally.
As we look at this hexagram we see a yang line at the bottom of the six lines with five yin lines on top.
Yin being the open or broken line representing earth,
The very soil of earth.
So this yang line underneath,
This yang vibration at the bottom is very supportive for this receptive,
Cool and dark earth.
It is so full of wisdom and nourishment and of course we need the yang to bring out the best in the yin and vice versa.
And in this particular position with the yang at the bottom it is supporting this strong and intense amount of yin above.
Whereas in the previous hexagram number 23 we had all these yin lines at the bottom with a yang on top and that had a very different energy.
However it's important to understand the previous hexagram known as splitting or stripping because it actually leads into this hexagram of returning.
I Ching's message here says this is a time of growing good fortune and especially favorable for any new undertaking.
Be cautious though,
Don't get too far ahead of the awakening forces that will support you.
Conserve your energies and concentrate on keeping to your true path and character.
Your time is arriving and you will undoubtedly benefit.
Benefit.
An encouraging message indeed.
It is always the book of changes reminds us that there will always be change.
So even in perhaps especially in times that are favorable one needs to be mindful that change will inevitably happen at some point.
And so we are encouraged to prepare for that time of change and it is easier to do so in times when one is supported and one is perhaps stronger.
Looking at the elements of this hexagram it's thunder under earth.
In other words a tremoring of a great force beneath the earth is indicating time of renewal is upon us.
This time is often likened to winter preparing for spring.
But before spring one needs to heed the call of winter which is rest and recuperation.
Perhaps even withdrawing for renewal of energy.
The I Ching tells us that the ancient kings on the day of the winter solstice shut the gates of the passes from one state to another so that the traveling merchants could not then pursue their journeys nor the princes go on with the inspection of their states.
This is one of those hexagrams that is deeply symbolic of the overarching theme of the I Ching which is guiding us through times of change.
And this hexagram describes the unending cyclic movements of decay and renewal.
Renewal and decay.
And right now with this yang line at the bottom preparing to move up slowly over time to the second line,
The third line,
The fourth line etc.
This is indicating an advancing of a change in situation.
A change for the better.
We are asked to engage with a very strong feminine side,
That nurturing,
Nourishing part that is available for others and for the self.
So where are you being called to right now?
Show and be generous with giving,
With kindness.
So to sum up there's no hasty action that is required.
In fact you might be drawn to withdrawing for some time.
And when there is action let it be gentle,
Nurturing and nourishing for all those involved.
And as much as you give be open to receiving.
For the way is paved through such a practice for success.
Please take a minute now to bring into your heart the wisdom from this message that spoke to you.
And then also your own wise response.
Notice how the two blend together.
Once you have engaged with that,
Simply trust.
With no expectations,
A very simple allowing.
And the practicing of Wu Wei.
Of effortless action,
Flowing naturally and harmoniously.
Thank you.
