Pathfinder
Hexagram 08 Counsel
The model of the moment: This represents the potential for you forming a new, close association, child. It could be a strong friendship, alliance, or other relationship. Rare and valuable opportunity is indicated if the proper entities are involved. Such opportunity for commitment and deep sharing of both reward and hardship, come what may, does not occur often. So hesitation to accept such an offer may well lose it entirely. However, it is also true that entering such a relationship with the wrong party could have great detrimental consequences as well. The course usually recommended for such times: Truth and loyalty are essential to close relationships. Therefore consider carefully before engaging yourself with others in such a fashion. Make sure that you share similar goals and values. This new role may entail counseling of a group leader. If so, it can be of even greater import. Help the one chosen to lead to curb his or her tendencies towards weakness and excess. Caution against acquisitiveness and aggression. These are excesses that squander the resources of an organization. Leaders must also know when to stop in a particular action or process. When to disengage, to avoid traps or dead ends ( especially in times of harsh conflict, as such errors then could be catastrophic ). For instance, too much and too strict an organization of a group can choke off its creativity and development. Notice in evolution that the more specialized a species, the more easily it meets with extinction when conditions change. In cases of crisis where prolonged conflict may mean disaster for all,, sow discontent and fear among your opponent's minions. Arrange subtle disruptions of any meetings your enemies hold amongst themselves, so no consensus can be found to bring them together against you. Discover what is most valuable to opposing leaders, and seize these things to bind them to your will, if necessary. Those who counsel leaders must ensure that certainty and confidence exists in the group's campaign strategies. The way to do this is to calculate all costs involved in undertaking the venture, far ahead of its implementation. Otherwise the organization would not be adequately prepared to carry things through to their logical conclusion, and failure would surely come. Lack of proper preparation and calculation of costs means many obstacles are not anticipated before they are met, and confidence is steadily sapped away. Where direct conflict is involved, all plans must adhere to as rapid a schedule as possible, to reduce waste of resources and help secure success by keeping momentum on the proper side of the struggle.
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: Isolation from your fellow beings makes for a fog of illusions surrounding you. Allowing the influence of others to occasionally aid your personal navigation through life is not an option; it is a necessity. Without such corrections, very few of us could avoid the traps of self-delusion and wasted effort.
Changing Lines:
1
You may advise the guilty without fear of significant punishment, if your advice is innocent of wrongdoing. Your sincerity draws others to you. The relationships are strengthened by inspiration from you. This brings good fortune.
2
Success comes from joining with others of like mind and direction. Membership within such groups can help you build self-confidence and self-knowledge.
3
Alignment with groups with which you share neither goals or interests will bring you no success or happiness.
4
True and obvious loyalty to group ideals brings success.
5
Choices free of coercion and submission are provided by wise group leaders. Such practices encourage good fortune.
6
Indecision or hesitation has made for an inferior beginning. Misfortune can be expected. Advisors face personal risk when their answers are not pleasing.
When all lines are changing;
This denotes a 'behind the scenes' leadership role, such as an advisor trusted by more than one leader; such a person may affect the destinies of many, though the public at large may not realize his/ her significance. If you feel that you are not up to playing such an important part in the scheme of things, you should step aside for another to do so.