Pathfinder
Hexagram 64 Undone
The model of the moment: There is complete disorder here. Much to correct, much to organize. Here the new crowds the old, eager to transform what is into what was. The imminent future is an unruly child which will be difficult to guide and understand. The looming transition from the old to the new may not be welcome, but it is necessary. A mountain of work beckons in its wake. In scientific terms this would be called a bifurcation point; a place where divergence from old ways to completely new ones is possible. To say such moments can symbolize the ultimate opportunity for shaping the future would not be entirely misleading. But it also indicates a need for decisiveness and courage on the part of participants. This locus represents nothing less than the swirling chaos that lies just under reality itself. The future is undefined here, and could just as easily go into an inferior direction as a better one. 'Dissipative structures' can make great leaps in complexity and richness, but only as a result of first entering a very unstable phase, where things could literally go any which way. This state of maximum uncertainty is another hallmark of the bifurcation point. In such circumstances are the cornerstones laid for future achievement within the structure. Or for falls into ignominious defeat. This concept can be applied so widely as to include both cold mechanical assembly line designs, or the human mind and all the relationships derived there from. A leap from average intelligence to cognitive genius may be described as a transformation ( via successful passage through a bifurcation point ) for the individual so enlightened. A cosmological note: Among the hexagrams, this circumstance is the precursor to the first, most creative, and powerful archetype; that of Cause; the primal shaper of possibilities. The Undone model is the link in the chain that closes the loop, making the I Ching self-sustaining and endless in scope. The incompleteness, non-fulfillment, and unrealized potential symbolized here is what attracts the creative power of Cause. Disorder is the mate to Order. In the beginning of a new Universe, Cause crystallizes Chaos to form local analogues of space-time, energy, and matter; the building blocks of perceived Reality. Chaos, then, provides the raw materials upon which universes are built. Chaos is the challenge, and the opportunity, that attracts Cause. Nothingness draws the primal force to it, and together they produce Somethingness. The course usually recommended for such times: Fight against the natural depression and confusion you might feel now, child. For still is diligence required to finish the task at hand, and 'bridge the gap' to the next stage of things. Failure to follow through now would be tragic, as the bulk of the work is done, and the reward almost within your grasp.
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: Fear of success. Fear of ending, completion, leaving, arrival, or new beginnings. All these things may hinder us as we near the final stages of any major process, journey, task, or life itself. The final stages of a thing are often less engaging to us than earlier ones. Many times the last acts are more a matter of tying up loose ends than breaking new ground. And too, there is the issue of what there will be to do next overshadowing the day. Witness the apprehension of company employees as a major project winds down, and no other can be seen on the horizon. Or the fear of the unknown many of us share, in regards to death. Is it any wonder we so dislike endings? Yet endings are necessary to pave the way for new beginnings. One day we shall all unexpectedly breathe our last breath. Yet we cannot prevent this by suspending our exchange of air. That would only bring the end crashing down upon us sooner. Life most go on, though each moment brings its ending that much closer.
Changing Lines:
1
Doing something clumsy in public may embarrass you, but it is not dangerous.
2
A bit of caution can often prevent very big mistakes.
3
Now is a bad time to pursue your present plans.
4
There is conflict here that you must join. You must not let up until victory is achieved.
5
This is a good time for wiping the slate clean. Make good on all your obligations, and leave the past behind.
6
Celebration is fine, but excess can make it bear bitter fruits.
When all lines are changing;
There is no turning back or staying put. Only forging ahead is possible now. For the end to what was has come. That which will be cannot be stopped.