Pathfinder
Hexagram 11 Civilization
The model of the moment: Civilization is a state where the populace largely adheres to agreed upon rules of behavior. These rules tend to limit the use of violence ( among other things ) exclusively to agencies of the government. They also define the boundaries of personal freedoms and responsibilities in the society. All in all, they strive to minimize harmful friction between citizens, while maximizing freedom and opportunity for all involved. The balance between the two aims may be best maintained by an open, free press, and a legislature where no single group can consistently exert its will over the others. Thus civilization is a structure set up to maintain peace and promote progress, through utilization of a 'fluid' body of ultimate authority. The members of this body change regularly and somewhat randomly, so that no one person, organization, or group may exert undue and continuous control over the affairs of the state. Civilization does well to possess a relatively unfettered investigative force that continually distributes all information it can find within and without the nation to the general populace. The structure is typically dynamic and flexible, though also so self criticizing that superficially it might appear always to be in dire straits, and in danger of collapse. Though the development of civilization usually paves the way for a brighter future for whatever people it coalesces around, it cannot guarantee solutions to all problems. Rather, it more often serves as a fertile ( or at least benign ) environment of opportunity for citizens to better the lives of themselves and their families. Negotiation, compromise, and abhorrence of open violence are some of the hallmarks of modern civilizations. The course usually recommended for such times: Virtually any organization could benefit from an infusion of greater 'civilization' into its structure and practices. The enormous success of some Japanese companies has pointed up the fact that corporations which delegate greater responsibilities to their employees benefit from greater productivity. On a global scale, democracies enjoying various degrees of free speech have consistently outperformed their totalitarian, controlled media counterparts, by almost every conceivable measure, such as innovation, productivity, living standards, and more. On a personal level, you could discover that opening fresh channels of communication at work or within the family could help resolve long festering problems, and reduce the stress on everyone. Weeding out prejudice from your own decisions and behavior could help improve your home or work environment, and pave the way for fresh new ideas to come from unexpected sources. Many of us in the West ( especially in positions of authority ) labor under the mistaken assumption that we should always 'keep everything under control'. Though it is true that complete anarchy can be dangerous, its extreme opposite can be no less so. Witness the mass murders and terror carried out in those most strictly controlled of states, Hitler's Germany and Stalin's Soviet Union. Civilized states ( and groups ) are cognizant of the fact that a certain amount of 'slack' in the system is not only healthy, but vital. So while a 'tight hold on the reins' may be appropriate at times, it is by no means recommended as a continuous course of action.
Fixed (no changing lines);
This is a plateau process or event; the given model will hold true for an extended period of time. Attempts to manipulate events away from the present course could prove frustrating and fruitless, until destiny is satisfied. Consider the following as well as the above: This is a good general purpose omen. It does not necessarily portend great riches or exciting times, but merely the protection of civilized works and ideas from widespread violence and systemic coercion.
Changing Lines:
1
Success comes from working peacefully with others. Still, keep your tools, weapons, and skills in good working order.
2
Attention to the details of maintaining order is necessary even in the best of times. Care must be taken that proper justice is administered and a tolerance of others is encouraged. Don't forsake allies in times of danger. Beyond possibly needing their help later, being in their company benefits you in other ways.
3
Some discord is appearing. Be cautious and plan ahead for the coming changes, and problems will be minimized.
4
The harmony of relationships at this time requires more a concern for others than for finances. But do not entirely ignore your financial status. It may in fact be at risk. Do not trust others with it easily.
5
Keep in mind that the greatest leaders are those who serve the people they lead.
6
Peace has given way to conflict and opposition. You cannot stop this advance of disorder. Adapt to the changing circumstances. But avoid exploiting a seeming weakness in your enemy. You could find yourself entrapped.
When all lines are changing;
The general environment is now favorable, but by no means skewed to giving you particular advantage over your peers. The present time is beneficial to all, not only the one.