Pathfinder
Hexagram 55 Security
The model of the moment: Security is not a bad thing. The storage of reserves against hard times can benefit not only yourself but others. However, excessive possessions beyond any reasonable need may represent symptoms of spiritual or mental malaise. Obsessive acquisitiveness can stunt one's growth and progress with the burden of a glut of material possessions. And make one's life unduly complex with all the attendant demands of such a mountain of things. Great numbers of possessions invite theft, accident, and violence upon one's person. And so demand vigilance and painstaking precautions. Great mounds of possessions exert a drag on your movements. For instance, traveling with them requires extraordinary packing and organization efforts. Traveling without them necessitates the appointment of a trusted steward to guard them during your absence. Some possessions make even greater demands on their owners. Such as periodic use or maintenance to retain their value. Buildings must be kept in repair. Real estate taxes paid. Automobiles driven. Beyond a certain point in such matters, external observers may wonder if owners really own their possessions, or the possessions own them. If our minds and lives are utterly consumed by our belongings, we are effectively dedicated to a rigid status quo, and aligning ourselves with fixed states such as death. It is no accident that the ancient Egyptians, so obsessed with death itself, viewed enormous pyramids as the ultimate possessions and security. The course usually recommended for such times: Awareness of the cyclic nature of abundance and shortage should be especially keen in times of rich plenty. In terms of material abundance, this is as good as it's going to get in this cycle. So you'd best prepare for making do with less in the future, now, while it's easy. Also be wary of extremes in acquisitiveness, or risk finding yourself chained to a mound of cold, dead matter.
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: Excess threatens your future well-being. By dulling your awareness that hard times can unexpectedly return, and making you overly dependent on your possessions. Only conscious reform can relieve the danger.
Changing Lines:
1
It is important to change your role in affairs to reflect your true status. As your fortunes wane, you and your associates must adjust your relationships accordingly, or court disaster.
2
Your efforts to overcome an inferior yet stronger opposition will meet with failure. Good fortune will come from adding patience to your efforts.
3
The height of disorder and ignorance is present here. Only the patience to wait as this time passes can be recommended now.
4
Maintain your patience, but also join forces with robust associates in order to maximize your chances of success.
5
Advantage comes from your ties to capable allies. Good fortune follows.
6
Your losses increase, both in assets and allies, due to your lack of preparation for the decline of the cycle. Expect this trend to continue for some time.
When all lines are changing;
Many of us forget that the cornerstone of security is putting back a little something in times of surplus, against possible hard times to come; preparing ahead of time for adversity. Past generations did this by canning fruits and vegetables in harvest times for sustenance through the winter. Today, it may mean putting away savings as a buffer against unemployment. Whatever is appropriate to your own situation, do not not neglect your own security. But beware too of becoming enamored with physical possessions.