Pathfinder
Hexagram 25 Acceptance
The model of the moment: Those who expect nothing are often better prepared than those who live their every moment in anticipation. The unexpected is by definition beyond our ability to grasp beforehand. Those who construct their own projections of what the future will bring, and invest heavily in related preparations, may find themselves knocked off balance by the subsequent course of events. On the other hand, those of more modest practices and minimal expectations may adapt more easily and quickly to changing circumstances. For example, those who have invested excessively in gold in anticipation of calamity, may find themselves devastated as things don't quite go as awry as expected, and the prices of their cold metal plummet. While those of more modest means, who perhaps struggled to operate a small business through the same times rather than withdrawing to a 'safe' haven to watch gold prices rise, might see their fortunes increase along with the return of prosperity to the community. Innocence of bias aligns you with natural forces. Lack of prejudice expands your options over those of more narrow-minded views. It allows you more opportunity, greater freedom of movement, and smoother communications with others. Impartiality puts you in harmony with the indifference nature shows to all things. This can allow you a certain measure of contentment, no matter how events may progress. It offers you enjoyment of widely diverse conditions. And provides you with a flexibility and resilience about your life beyond that available via any other means. The first step to power is an innocence of expectation. Expectations and preconceived notions can act as blinders, narrowing our perspective, and causing us to miss important concepts which may lie just outside our immediate field of view. Too often we perceive reality through a filter of our own hopes and desires; we see only what we wish to see, what we expect to see, or what we fear to see, rather than what is. Then, when events turn out differently than we expect, we are disappointed, upset, or confused. Yet, it is never reality which lets us down in such instances; it is our own flawed perceptions and attitudes. For if we are innocent of expectations, we cannot be disappointed. If we allow ourselves to see what is truly happening at all moments, we cannot be unpleasantly surprised. Full acceptance of what is, and what will be, can give us the power to act without error, and the strength to endure well whatever the future may bring. The course usually recommended for such times: Though we often see ourselves and the outside world as two different things, this is not so. We are one and the same. Our bodies were once part of the cold stones of Earth; and will be, again. Thus we are not so far removed from the world as we might think. Therefore we can only be surprised by events when we have blinded ourselves to their development. While imagination is a grand thing to possess, we all too often use it only for self-delusion, rather than real accomplishment. Masking over reality with a veneer of fantasy is where we usually first lose our way. See things for what they are, child. Respond honestly and spontaneously to the changes you encounter.
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: The unexpected rules the moment. You cannot prepare. It is too late now for anything but acceptance of your fate. The best you can do is be receptive to what comes your way.
Changing Lines:
1
Your honesty and sincerity are acknowledged. When meeting with others, pay them the respect they are due.
2
Properly tending to the duties at hand, with no thought to any future compensation, is advantageous now.
3
Innocence doesn't protect you from unexpected calamities. It can only limit the damage done, and enhance the recovery process. Others gain from your misfortune here. False accusations may also be directed against you.
4
Continue your ways of honesty and sincerity, but also maintain caution, as the unexpected could rob you of your hard won gains.
5
Don't worry about how or why the unexpected has wreaked misfortune upon your efforts. Circumstances will help you adjust.
6
Take no action, as it will bring disaster in the long term. Wait for better times.
When all lines are changing;
A vein of unpredictability exists here. You will require spontaneity and acceptance to deal with it successfully.