Pathfinder
Hexagram 47 Trapped
The model of the moment: You are surrounded by enemies or inundated with adversity. In harsh conditions one cannot afford the waste of energy that comes from self inflicted stress. Allowing yourself to dwell on thoughts of retribution only consumes energy that is sorely needed elsewhere. We can be our own worst enemies under adverse conditions; sinking ever deeper into despair, and giving in to an inner monologue that declares hopelessness, when we should instead be actively absorbed in seeking survival or escape. We must at all costs avoid falling into our own psychic traps and dead ends in times of trouble. The course usually recommended for such times: Hold onto a positive attitude about your circumstances; you're going to need it for a source of energy. No matter what the conditions, if escape is impossible, you must try to make the best of things. Some survivors of the Nazi death camps in World War Two spoke of staving off despair with inner visions of happiness and plans of what they would do with their lives when their ordeal was over. In many cases thoughts of loved ones sustained them for months or years.
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: Here you are close to exhaustion from hardship. Overwhelming depression threatens. Unfortunately, there's little you'll be able to do to change things for some time to come, short of changing your goals. If a possible escape from the circumstances presents itself, seize upon it. Hesitation to extract yourself from this state of affairs will bring on only more hardship. Sometimes we may cling to situations that are obviously bad for us, out of an unrealized subconscious perspective that we deserve such punishment. However, most of us who endure such self-persecution really deserve better.
Changing Lines:
1
These difficulties will last for some time. Cheerfully adapt as best you can.
2
You are offered a chance for advancement. It is best to refuse it at this time, for you are not ready.
3
You are being overwhelmed by despair. Lamenting your fate only brings on more hardship. Try to find your own way out of the situation.
4
Now you may wish you had helped others earlier. Still, providing it now will be to your advantage later.
5
Sometimes material wealth itself becomes a burden, and we must strip ourselves of all nonessentials to regain our freedom.
6
Before drawing any nearer to your goal, you should first look for any past mistakes you might have made in regard to this particular objective, and correct them; otherwise any gain enjoyed could be encumbered with undesirable consequences. But once any necessary corrections have been accomplished, be bold in striking out to gain the object of your quest.
When all lines are changing;
It does no good to complain here. Inferior forces now have the upper hand, and restrict progress of superior elements. Adapting honestly and bravely to your situation is the best you can do. Cheerfulness in the face of your difficulties is the best path, as anything else might lead to spiritual defeat from exhaustion.