Welcome to this contemplation for Hexagram 13 of the I Ching,
The Book of Changes.
These ancient texts are based on the wisdom of the Tao and Confucianism,
So we are guided through these different aspects of change with spiritual and earthly insights.
And the focus for this Hexagram 13 of Heaven and Fire is about fellowship.
It's about community,
Unity,
Relationships and shared purpose.
In fellowship we find strength,
A gathering of hearts and minds unified in purpose and spirit.
The message of these texts encourages us to celebrate the power of community and the joy and challenge of shared journey.
We look at the symbolism we see in the lower triagram is fire,
Illuminating connection,
While above is heaven,
Lighting and shining the way from the sky.
Together they symbolize clarity born through unity.
Through these teachings we are reminded that no one walks alone.
True power arises through connection,
In sharing ideals or supporting one another and forging common paths with trust.
Let's return for a moment to the imagery of the hexagram where we see it is comprised of all yang lines except the middle line in the lower triagram which is the only yin.
And it is the yielding yin line in this hexagram which holds the seemingly stronger yang lines together.
It's also important to note that this hexagram is complemented with the wisdom of the hexagram number 7 entitled the army.
The imagery in hexagram 7 shows the complementary opposite of all yin lines except the middle in the lower triagram is the only yang.
So working with both of these will support one in one's communication in relationships,
Connections if one is working with others in a team and even in a family or neighborhood situation.
The I Ching says,
The union which is promoted here must be out in the open,
Clear and honest.
It will be achieved and held together because of worthiness of character,
Not because of status or influence.
The union bonded with love and respect will be capable of withstanding the greatest afflictions but will still require to exercise a due caution and circumspection.
And as always in all of its teachings,
The I Ching reflecting the Tao reminds one that whether one is standing alone,
Working together,
Crossing a difficult stream or enjoying the pleasures of life,
In any situation we are always reminded to be firm and true to oneself.
And the firmness is not about fragility,
It is being flexible while being rooted and grounded in one's truth,
In one's values,
Not only for the benefit of the self but for all,
All beings,
All of life.
Take a moment now to imagine a circle of friends around a fire.
We're sharing warmth,
We're sharing stories.
The stars are shining in such a bright cluster above.
And each light,
Whether it's coming from the fire or the stars or the sentient beings around,
Are enhancing the circle.
Spiritually,
This message reminds us that unity truly uplifts the individual and community nurtures the soul.
Let's take a slow breath in and just relax the body,
Empty the mind,
Soften the face.
As you contemplate these questions,
Just allowing the first responses to come through.
Please ask of yourself,
Where can I deepen my fellowship?
And once your answer has come through,
Just breathe in,
Exhale and let that go.
And now ask of yourself,
Who shares my values and vision?
Exhale and let that go.
Even if you're not receiving direct answers immediately,
The fact that we are asking allows the process to continue.
And so the answers will come through the right time in the right way.
Now please ask of yourself,
How do I contribute to fellowship?
Exhale,
Let that go.
And let's ask this last question.
Where can unity bring healing and strength in my life and the lives of others?
Once more,
Release that focus through the exhalation.
To bring conclusion to this message of fellowship,
It reminds us that no one walks alone.
True power arises in connection,
In sharing ideals,
Supporting one another and forging common paths with trust.
Thank you.
