Pathfinder
Hexagram 32 Consistency
The model of the moment: All of us require a certain stability or integrity of character, else we could not complete the tasks we undertake, or have lasting effect upon the world. While we must not be too resistant to change and influence, so too must we not be too easily swayed by superficial appearances and ephemeral circumstances. Flightiness and shortsightedness are to be avoided. The key is balance between flexibility and steadfastness, and can be labeled consistency. The course usually recommended for such times: child, in respect to your query, it appears you should lean towards being firm in resolve and behavior at this time, and not easily be induced to make changes in your plans or actions. Even under threat of physical force. Aggressiveness and violence are temporary phenomena, requiring resources that cannot be maintained over long periods. Also, such excesses tend to attract countermeasures of comparable magnitude, making end results cloudy and unpredictable for all involved. Therefore aggression and violence are usually fleeting in their effects. Long term goals and influence demand the use of longer lived techniques. Methods that can be sustained. Attitude is just such a tool. Attitudes can be maintained with little energy, and do not as easily spark opposition in others. Attitudes may exert a steady influence on reality; exactly the sort of force required to affect real change.
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 are inconsistent. You don't know who you are, or where you wish to go at this time. So you hop about from one thing to another, like a small bird. This habit reduces further the substance in your character and actions, and demeans you in the eyes of others. You don't stick to any one thing long enough to carry it through. And so you have no lasting impression on the world.
Changing Lines:
1
Recycling past behaviors, attitudes, and experience is not the way to maintain a relationship. Coercion, or hasty stabs at creating long term relationships or effects on events, brings you no benefits, only misfortune.
2
Infuse your relationships with honesty and consideration to make them long lasting. Also do not try to force new elements or acquaintances to become little more than 'reasonable facsimiles' for previous ones. Every aspect of our Reality is unique, and not meant to serve as merely a modular replacement for another. Treat people as modular replacements for one another, and you will quickly find your own 'plug' pulled.
3
Inconsistency and uncertainty in commitments create conflicts, and bring humiliation.
4
Discipline will be required to meet your goal. Guard against forming associations which do not naturally appeal to you.
5
Society has subtle ways of enforcing the traditional roles of men and women. Such influences are deeper and wider than guessed at by many. Yet adaptability to changing circumstances is as necessary as consistency and consideration in the preservation of relationships.
6
If you insist on relentlessly haranguing others, they will eventually tune you out completely. Failure will follow as a consequence, in your works. Give it a rest, occasionally.
When all lines are changing;
Inconsistency in thought and action robs us of influence on the world. It also denies us feedback we require from external sources to keep our balance in society ( i.e., if our own behavior fluctuates from one day to the next, so too will the feedback we get from others concerning it. Which actions were well received? Which not? It's difficult to discern from a mass of mixed returns stemming from chaotic or flighty behavior. ).