Hexagram 12 > Hexagram 1
While I've given a lot of I Ching meanings through my horoscopes here on Two Dreams, I haven't formally given you my interpretations outside of my 5 Secret Meanings post.
But today, I'm offering up the three I Ching readings that I hate seeing, and the three that I love, in hopes that you're not caught off-guard more than you need to be as you begin your I Ching learning process.
Let's not waste any time, and just get into it:
The Three I Ching Readings I Hate Getting
I understand why the Taoist-types out there say there's no bad I Ching reading. That each line and hexagram is a shade of the invetiable world that will be beamed into your present moment experience.
On an ultimate level, I agree. But down here on the street level with all of you, I have to admit: some readings (or, more accurately, some experiences described by certain hexagrams and lines) suck.
If you practice consulting the I Ching long enough, you'll meet all three of these, but let's start with the worst.
1) Hexagram 29 Unchanging (uc)
Hexagram 29 is the one I call "Danger/Stress." Because that's how it shows itself!
Elementally, it's Water over Water, and it is a bit like life waterboarding you.
A reminder for me when getting this Hexagram is to 'follow what's true to you', because there's not much else to hold on to.
Risk, trouble with superiors, insults, accusations, and gossip are all ways it can present itself in your life.
Some people call Hexagram 39 Unchanging (uc) "Trouble," (while I call it "Obstacle") but trouble is often the glistening guillotine over your head when you see this reading come up.
I'd like to offer some good news, though: You've had Hexagram 29 Unchanging situations in your life already, you've just not had the readings to go along with it and describe them.
When this comes up, there likely won't be fun, but resilience is more likely when you remember all the bullshit you've already overcome in your life. Including many 29 Unchanging situations.
2) Hexagram 6 Unchanging (uc)
Hexagram 6 is what I, and many others, call "Conflict."
There's a need for nuance here, though: Hexagram 29 can be danger and stress, and sometimes the biggest issue here are the internal emotions and thoughts about it all. It's kind of like an atmosphere, or cloud hovering over you, beaming the stressful into your brain. Usually you're on your back foot with Hexagram 29.
Hexagram 6 can be an actual conflict, personal or interpersonal, as well as some anger, or some pain, and it's often a good idea to not prolong it, because you may be a little more directly involved than Hexagram 29. Sometimes in a conflict we're not necessarily stressed, despite our unpleasant emotions. It could simply be a back-and-forth with another person, and you may be on even ground with the other party.
Hexagram 38 is what I call "Opposition," and it could be something like having an opponent, or an enemy, even though you're not engaging in some active hostilities with them. It could be like two countries that don't like each other that haven't gone to war yet.
But to circle back to Hexagram 6, if you don't like 'hard' or 'unpleasant' conversations, you may not be delighted to see the reading pop up. Because that's one possibility for it.
Or it might be you wrestling with yourself over something. The point is, there's no real peace for you in the moment with this, but at least you have some agency. And that's sometimes as good as we can do.
3) Hexagram 16.5 > Hexagram 45
The James Legge translation for Hexagram 16.5 is "The fifth six, divided, shows one with a chronic complaint, but who lives on without dying."
And that's about right.
Some translations call it something like "chronically ill," and physical illness is a possibility with this line, but not a certainty.
Sometimes it can simply be you feeling 'unwell,' which is possible from a bad day of work, or one problem after another lining up to take their best swing at your face.
But, however it presents itself, I've not found it to be an enjoyable experience.
Sometimes, though, being unwell is enough of a kick to the backpockets to get you to pursue a solution. Silver lining, etc. etc.
The Three I Ching Readings I Enjoy Getting
Sometimes you get a reading that sets the mood for the day.
You don't want it to be that way. You want to be mentally and physically flawless without any help, but sometimes a pleasant I Ching reading lets you know that you're going to make it to bedtime with a bit more happiness.
Here's the three that do so for me at times
1) Hexagram 9.4 > Hexagram 1
The James Legge translation for Hexagram 9.4 is "The fourth SIX, divided, shows its subject possessed of sincerity. The danger of bloodshed is thereby averted, and his (ground for) apprehension dismissed. There will be no mistake."
Some translations put the apprehension as "anxiety," and that's usually how it reads in my mind.
And that's also, usually, how it translates itself into my actual experience.
There are moments when it's hard to remind yourself that you can reframe your anxiety as excitement anxiety post, but seeing 9.4 come up is often a small form of salvation.
It can embolden you, and reassure you without a pat on the back.
It's a moment where you're free to take a breather, without a dagger lurking in the shadows to turn you into a Shakespeare play.
2) Hexagram 14.6 > Hexagram 34
The James Legge translation for Hexagram 14.6 is "The topmost NINE, undivided, shows its subject with help accorded to him from Heaven. There will be good fortune, advantage in every respect."
Who doesn't like a little divine intervention?
That's how it can present itself in the real world, as long as you 'follow the rules' in a situation. This is not the divine help that involves slaying an enemy.
This is the I Ching, after all. This is a line that sometimes requires you to make a bit of a sacrifice to obtain a favorable result.
And often, it's not some dream result, where you end up flush, with an enviable bank account, or the stereotypical triumphant movie outcome. You may not get what you originally intended, but I've never really been 'disappointed' when I look back at receiving this particular line.
3) Hexagram 40.1 > Hexagram 54
Going to James Legge again, his translation of the line is "The first SIX, divided, shows that its subject will commit no error."
Some translations put it as simple as "No error."
Dating back to our grades being circled in red ink, perfect scores have been pursued by us. Not making a misstep might be as good as we can do most of the time.
But I'd like to point out that the relating Hexagram here is 54, which I call "Subordination."
As is often the case in the I Ching, and Chinese philosophy, you're reminded that you have a role to play. And you may not have decided it.
With 40.1, it often appears as a transitional state that you haven't made a mistake with, but it's important to remember that you're not the one in control here.
So, if you receive this line, count your blessings (like Hexagram 9.6), and rest a little easier. Until your next I Ching reading.
Final Thoughts
As you've seen, I've discussed more than just those six lines and Hexagrams in this piece. Hopefully that gets you interested in doing enough readings that you generate your own list of experiences to draw from.
But for those of you just starting out, and even for those of you that have been throwing coins (or, *cough* pulling cards) for a while, I hope you've learned some things you can take into your practice.
Even if you get one of those 'bad' readings, you'll at least be more prepared to handle it. Good luck.