Pathfinder
Hexagram 18 Innovation
The model of the moment: Innovation and repair are concepts applicable to a wide array of life experiences. Though we usually think of them only in industrial or technological terms, they are relevant also to interpersonal relationships and life paths. Here then, is a short course in innovation/ repair: Usually the most practical innovation is a small improvement on an existing order. This improvement might be no more than a repair or maintenance operation upon a system and so be very cheap to affect. If more substantial ( and expensive ), it might make the small repair permanent, so that that single part or area will never again require such work. Or perhaps it will dispense with that part ( or person ) altogether ( In the case of unsavory acquaintances, disassociating with them can renovate our social circle. ). Larger and more radical moves are less often justified or successful, compared to more modest ones ( Changing careers can be riskier than staying your present course; moving to another state adds more variables to your life to deal with and isolates you from the support of friends and family in future crises; buying or selling a home is usually far more expensive than adding on a room to present accommodations; entering marriage or divorce rarely helps cure problems of low self-esteem, loneliness, finding a direction in life, or getting control of one's finances, while the simpler and more direct method of working on our own self-improvement does. ). Sweeping, grandiose moves may summarily dismiss previous generations or years of work and care. Such casual dismissal of large past investments is not usually viewed as wise. Quantum leaps beyond established norms must also compete with a myriad of smaller, incremental improvements in older practices, endlessly manufactured by a veritable army of their adherents ( In recent times American industry has often pitted its ability to make 'technological leaps' in particular products against that of the Japanese to incrementally improve upon existing wares. In a great many cases, the Americans lost the contest. ). The number of radical innovators is always much smaller than that of the incremental improvers. And so incremental developments often keep the older techniques competitive enough with the new to prevent the younger concepts from gaining a foothold in the market quickly or easily ( On an individual level, someone who enjoys the most radical of lifestyles and bizarre recreations, will find it more difficult to attract friends and lovers than another who is closer to the accepted 'norms' in their tastes. ). For such reasons as these, profits are usually more certain in improvements upon existing methods, rather than the creation of bold new ones. Incremental innovators almost always enjoy a market and social advantage over their radical counterparts. Not to mention more support, in the form of bodies which have invested heavily in older concepts, and stand to lose much in massive changes. Most innovation requires a constant process of compromise between old and new ideas, to minimize the costs and difficulties of implementation and acceptance. It also requires skilled negotiations between the often smaller interests pushing new concepts, and the larger, more established ones still biased towards the older ways of doing things. The course usually recommended for such times: Repair or improvement is required here, child. Radical changes may raise the ire of others involved, as well as prove expensive, in many ways. Look for small and gentle techniques to change things for the better, and make use of them. If you postpone this task, you court disaster.
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: You have neglected too much about your life, for too long. Therefore many aspects have broken down, or threaten to, such as relationships. You must change your attitude if you are to repair things. Much work is required to correct the situation.
Changing Lines:
1
It is the natural desire of a father for a son to continue his work or business; for this gives the father a feeling of lasting effect upon the world.
2
You require more active types of work to fully express yourself.
3
You may act somewhat in haste to resolve problems stemming from the past. This will spur criticism from others, but no real harm will come of it.
4
Discord comes from your desire to change careers. It affects those close to you.
5
Your position allows you to correct a wrong. This will bring you recognition.
6
Don't allow others to persuade you to compromise your integrity.
When all lines are changing;
There is something in need of fixing in this situation. Perhaps it is a relationship gone awry. Or a business in need of reinvigoration. Or a job that has been neglected. Correct the problem.