Pathfinder
Hexagram 31 Exposure
The model of the moment: Intimate or close relationships might involve lovers, family, friends, or business partners. Such relationships strip away our privacy to expose much more of us to others than is the case in other associations. They also limit some freedoms while granting new ones in return. Such exposure makes us more vulnerable to betrayal, deception, and coercion, both directly and indirectly. Many of the possibilities include personal pain and anguish. And yet, the very spice of life is to be found in such arrangements, when they go well. Love, inspiration, and success can all be unlocked through these avenues, if those with whom we are involved, and we ourselves, are not excessively selfserving or shortsighted. While the risk is great, and the price can be steep, so too can the rewards be substantial. If one is unfortunate, however, such affairs may end regretfully. Exposure, or opening yourself up to others, marks a time which could possibly lead to stronger associations or commitments, such as marriage or long term business relationships. This is a time of attracting or being attracted to such enterprises, child; it does not necessarily mark the actual achievement of them. The course usually recommended for such times: Choose carefully and gradually to whom you give your heart or trust, but once you do choose, give yourself over wholly to the new relationship. Selfishness or reluctance will not nurture success.
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 may need to expose more of yourself to the influence of another at this time. This entails the possibility of change; perhaps painful change. This might mean taking on the risk involved in a new, potentially important relationship, or business venture. The benefits of a new, shared experience could add much to your life. But such benefits do not come without cost or risk.
Changing Lines:
1
Though you may have the best of intentions, your influence is wasted at this time. Wait, watch, and be ready for the moment the proper opening presents itself.
2
Your involvement is too deep. Retreat.
3
You have suffered a wound. Seek healing and restoration.
4
Things have changed. Improved. Freeing yourself of uncertainty and behaving decisively and consistently will lead you to better times.
5
Though your intentions are beyond reproach, you have chosen insignificant goals for yourself. This prevents you from making progress. You should end this involvement now.
6
It is suggested by others that you are not sincere in your words and actions. This greatly weakens your influence with your associates. Slander can only be endured by quietly working to bring your tasks to completion. Avoid adding fuel to the fire by striking back verbally.
When all lines are changing;
A beverage container must first be opened before its contents may be used, its reason for being fulfilled. But the act of opening also brings with it the possibility for painful loss; the contents may be spilled upon the ground rather than sustaining life. Each of us share similarities with the container; until we open ourselves to others our purpose is not met, our value left untapped. And yet the act of opening up brings the danger of us not being accepted, and our offering spilled instead upon the ground. Intimacy or closeness with others is risky, but necessary. We may often lose such gambles, and suffer for it. But occasionally we may win. And in many cases, a single win might be worth a thousand losses. And the thousand losses prerequisites for the single win. Take the chance, but see it for what it is, and realize that there are no guarantees.