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I Ching Weekly Message: Assembling

April 8, 2013 by Leave a Comment

island_trees_smallFeng shui knowledge is rooted in the wisdom of the I Ching (pronounced E – Ching), one of the oldest Chinese classical texts. The I Ching is an observation of human behavior and the constantly changing structure of the universe.  It is about the way things are at the moment and the way they change and transform themselves.  The I Ching symbols are incorporated into the feng shui bagua. Learning to decipher and apply the wisdom in advance, is an art.

The I Ching’s message for this week, April  7 – 13, 2013, in response to the question: “What do I need to know this week?” is hexagram 45: Assembling which later changes to hexagram 12: Stagnation or Stillness.

Hexagram 45Hexagram 45: Assembling is the energy of Lake above Earth. The Lake represents joy and the Earth represents receptivity and stability. The message of this hexagram is about gathering of resources and cultivating group energy. If you are involved with leading others, you may want to further study the meaning of this hexagram. Strong bonds will be developed through shared common goals. The time is right to drop defenses, be sincere, and have a goal in mind. Shared bonds and goals unite people and groups. Alignment with goals brings confidence and well-being. Expect good fortune.

The changing line this week is line six. This indicates that something or someone may be misunderstood. Do not be disheartened if you experience frustration or rejection of ideas. You are not at fault. Go with the flow of the group. There is no blame. The situation simply IS.

Hexagram 12The changing line creates the new hexagram of 12: Stagnation or Stillness for “sometime” in the future. In this hexagram, the energy of Heaven sits above Earth. Growth has stopped and things are at an impasse temporarily. Although this is a time to hold onto your values, principles, and inner confidence, it is not a time to influence others. Remove yourself from any situation that causes conflict. This time will pass. Learn more about the meaning of hexagram 12.

Click here to read and reflect on the 2013 weekly patterns.

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The Wisdom of the I Ching

April 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Koi Pond phot by Jack Donahue

Feng shui knowledge is rooted in the wisdom of the I Ching (pronounced E – Ching), one of the oldest Chinese classical texts. The I Ching is an observation of human behavior and the constantly changing structure of the universe.  It is about the way things are at the moment and the way they change and transform themselves.  The I Ching symbols are incorporated into the feng shui bagua.

Also known as The Book of Changes, the I Ching took its final form during the Chou Dynasty (1150-249 B.C.), a few centuries before Christ. It has remained virtually unchanged to the present day. The I Ching is really a philosophical system that incorporates mathematics and quantum physics. Each of the 64 hexagrams is accompanied by ancient texts and commentaries that relate to 64 typical human situations.  There can be thousands of variations due to changing lines.

Each week I post an I Ching reading to my Feng Shui Connections website that answers the question: “What do I need to know this week?” It’s a collective “I” for myself as well as the general public or anyone who inquires. I find the answers highly accurate, particularly when I look back with 20/20 hindsight. Learning to decipher and apply the wisdom in advance, is an art.

Beginning today, I’ll also post each week’s reading to my Feng Shui Connections blog. You may enjoy taking a light approach and playing with the concepts. Just notice if/how they correlate to your life. After a while you may see some of the patterns and begin to understand how this deep knowledge can assist you on a regular basis. Here is this week’s reading and commentary:

Sunday, March 31, 2013: What do I need to know this week?

Hexagram 21: Reform changes to Hexagram 51: Shocking.
Changing line: 6.

The first hexagram is for the present and the second one is for “sometime” in the future, which could be different for each of us. The “Changing line” provides information about something that is shifting or transforming to create a new situation or relationship to the issue or topic at hand. The energies behind each hexagram are the mixing and matching of the eight fundamental aspects of nature: Water, Fire, Heaven, Earth, Mountain, Lake, Thunder and Wind.

I Ching Hexagram 21Hexagram 21: Fire over Thunder forms the condition for Reform. A person or situation may be at cross-purposes to your life or attainment of your goals. If so, pay attention. Take clear and tangible action to overcome obstacles to your behavior, health, or well-being. For social affairs, support a leader who can bring about reasonable social reform and restore harmony. Reform brings progress.

Changing line 6: You will stray further from the path if you cannot recognize how your choices are leading you astray. If you are not on the path, it is difficult to understand the concern of others.

Hexagram 51Hexagram 51: Thunder over Thunder forms the condition for Shocking. The sudden force of double thunder represents very powerful and intense energy.  Similar to spring, the time is right for new growth to burst forth. This energy can be unpredictable, bringing you close to the inner workings of your nature. Although fear may inspire you to make initial changes, the sudden force of stored energy ultimately yields progress. Use this time to inspire yourself to make personal changes that will increase your vitality and success.

Learn more about the I Ching. Read 2103 or 2012 commentaries.

 

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Winter Solstice 2012: A New Beginning

December 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Today is the 2012 winter solstice and one week since the awful event at Sandy Hook School in Newtown, CT. There are no “right words” to express the depth of emotion that the murders evoked. They touched so many of us in multiple ways and on many levels … as humans, parents, children, friends, neighbors, colleagues, leaders, followers, teachers, students, employers, employees, you name it. One week later the event continues to top the daily news as one funeral after another continue and the community comes together to move forward, forever cWinter Solstice hanged.

The winter solstice marks the shortest and darkest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. Beginning December 22, the days grow longer as the light increases every day. How significant that it comes now, when it is needed most. This is a time to move through our sadness, grief, despair, anger … or whatever else is coming up … by being a bearer of light.

December 21, 2012 has long been noted as a turning point for humanity. Our response to the events at Sandy Hook can be seen as a catalyst to propel us forward into our new humanity …  where we genuinely care for one another. December 21, 2012 marks a call to action. The place to begin is with ourselves. Each day provides multiple opportunities to be kind, considerate, caring, and loving toward ourselves and everyone we encounter. It is far from acceptable to express our outrage about an incident like this and then turn around and complain or gossip about another person, express anger at others for big or petty situations, be untruthful, lack integrity, or be judgmental or hypocritical in any area of our lives. Taking personal responsibility for oneself and setting a good example for others creates momentum to help everyone through this monumental shift.

December 21, 2012 marks a choice point. We can choose to stand up and no longer accept actions and decisions that come at the expense of human welfare. It marks our opportunity to return to an authentic way of life that includes a sense of safety and security, accessible and healthy food (GMO and pesticide-free) , acceptance of holistic health, stigma-free mental healthcare,  public policy that strengthens the public good, care for the environment in all decisions, investments that reinforce social consciousness. It is time to stop doing work that compromises personal integrity … such as producing or selling products with toxic chemicals, turning people down for healthcare coverage, letting houses deteriorate while sitting idle, arranging for cheap labor in foreign countries where working conditions are poor or hazardous, looking the other way to do your job for the “corporate good” just because it brings home a paycheck. It is time to support people and companies that make a difference. More and more companies doing the right thing are profitable and growing. It’s an encouraging trend.

This winter solstice marks the time to recognize that we are truly all one. What one does affects everyone else. It is time to care for ourselves and care for others. It is time to move forward in peace.

Happy Winter Solstice and Happy Holidays! As Mahatma Gandhi said: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Bring joy to someone’s life this season. This is the gift we can give each other.

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An Important Day: December 12, 2012

December 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment

View of the crescent moon through the...

View of the crescent moon through the top of the earth’s atmosphere. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Much has been written about the significance of today, December 12, 2012. Madeline Gerwick sums it up in a way that is actionable for most of us. I have reprinted an article she published today, with permission.

Our Portal Day of 12-12-12

Today is the last of the twelve, major, portal days which occur each century. (1-1-01, 2-2-02, etc). There’s a lot being written about today and the energies which are coming into the planet today and again on December 21st. Notice that the numbers for 12-12-12 and 12-21-12 add up to the same vibration of 9, a number which represents completion. (1-2 = 3; 3+3+3 = 9). We’re completing the 5000+ year Mayan Calendar and preparing to enter a new age, a new world.

This portal or opening in the energies occurs one day prior to a VERY unusual New Moon. On December 12th and 13th, the Sun is bi-septile to Uranus. At the New Moon, both the Sun and Moon are exact-to-the-minute bi-septile to Uranus. These energies suggest compulsively birthing higher consciousness or a new paradigm. This is a highly unusual cycle, but it’s even more rare to see an exact-to -the-minute aspect of an unusual cycle. I find it amazing to see energies of this nature right before the December 21st Winter Solstice.

This 12-12-12 portal day also has the beginning of the Finger of God or a yod, which can suggest greatness or accomplishing great things, IF you make two adjustments which are required in order to achieve the greatness. This Finger of God is between Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. We see this configuration again on December 21st, at the Spring Equinox and at the March 27th Full Moon. Basically it suggests that we need to make a structural adjustment in order to grow in a stable way (Jupiter inconjunct Saturn). We also need to make an adjustment to our debt levels (lower them) or make an adjustment to the way we use our power and intuition (Jupiter inconjunct Pluto). At this time, we have assistance from those in power to make structural or process changes that are much needed.

What’s great about this day are the many new ideas and electrical energies which you may feel flooding into your body (Mercury trine Uranus). You need to be careful with these energies though, because they’re powerful enough that you can also lose your focus and forget what you’re doing (Mercury square Neptune). This can also result in hurting yourself or others (Mercury square Chiron) if you fail to be mindful. Keep yourself grounded and centered. If you’re going to tune into the energies, be in a safe environment and don’t plan to drive right after you complete the process. It may be too confusing for your body to handle.

Because we have this tremendous amount of energy flooding the planet today and again on December 21st, we have a window open during this period of time when new ideas and higher consciousness can anchor themselves. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, or more awake than others, this period may be the time when more people begin to catch up with your ideas and understandings.

To assist with this, make your adjustments. Give up the story that others don’t understand you or your ideas. Change your philosophy. The reason why some of us take the Hero’s Journey (as defined by Joseph Campbell) is so that we can assist our communities to move forward in new ways. Some of us have to go out and find that unusual information, seek out the dragon or find that special elixir. Then it’s our job to bring it back to the world. We agree to take on those jobs before we’re born. So get on with it! Bring your important information back to your communities or the world by putting forth those unusual ideas you’ve been gestating for years. This is required before your journey will be complete.

Heroes and heroines, can you hear the call? Can you feel the energies? A new era is being birthed and we need your assistance. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to return with the special information you’ve learned on your journey. Get a move on. It’s time to come home!

Copyright © 2012 Polaris Business Guides, All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

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Embrace The Virtues of The Heart

November 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Janine Shepherd shares how she embraced the virtues of her heart to turn her life around in 18 months. After a tragic accident that ended her Olympic dreams, she found new meaning in her life. Her courageous journey is such an inspiration. It is well worth 20 minutes of your time.

“When you let go of who you are, you become who you might be.” Lao Tzu

 

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Embracing Inner Wisdom

November 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Nov 28 2012 Eclipse path

We had a partial Lunar Eclipse this morning, November 28, 2012. Although it wasn’t visible on the East Coast, we are still influenced by its energies.

Today is an excellent day to embrace your inner wisdom. Pause and reflect on where you are, what you are doing, and where you are headed. We have a window of opportunity to expand our consciousness, and develop more meaning and purpose in our lives.

Eclipses are periods of significant change and the issues they influence can range from 3-6 months for a lunar eclipse for up to a year for a solar eclipse.  They also happen in pairs. Today’s Lunar Eclipse is a followup to the November 13th Solar Eclipse.

According to Madeline Gerwick, the November 2012 eclipses are associated with joyful news or responsibilities that also require a commitment, such as a new job, a career change, initiating a new project or business, birthing something new, becoming a parent, etc. A secondary meaning of today’s lunar eclipse is about following your intuition, trusting yourself, and seeking inner wisdom.

Carol Ciocco has also written extensively about this set of eclipses. Read her newsletters to learn more.

You can also learn quite a bit on NASA’s website.

Slowing down by taking time to include a short mediation or reflection in your day is an excellent way to accomplish more with less effort and time. Although it may sound counter-intuitive, it works. Somehow things flow along more easily, and with fewer obstacles, when you stop pushing, and start allowing yourself to simply BE. Give it a try.

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Reflections on Hurricane Sandy

November 1, 2012 by 2 Comments

Hurricane Sandy satellite

Satellite image of Hurricane Sandy taking shape. Courtesy of Wikipedia.

Hurricane Sandy certainly packed a punch into the northeast this past week. The cleanup is underway and will continue for weeks and months. This second consecutive Halloween storm is a reminder that we cannot outrun or outsmart Mother Nature. A better option is to come into alignment and adjust to the new energies that surround us.

This storm was destructive. There is no doubt about it. My heart goes out to the families who lost everything, including loved ones. The heroes are our first responders … those who toiled hour after hour to make sure others were safe. This includes those who spent more than 15 hours successfully evacuating very ill people down many dark flights of stairs in a Manhattan hospital, the hotel and transportation workers who remained to serve others rather than returning home to family, emergency personnel, electrical line workers and the many teams arriving from Canada and throughout the USA to help out, those checking in and helping out elderly neighbors or those in need, and many more.

Amazing and inspiring stories of humanity are emerging daily. We also have many silent heroes … those quietly lending a hand wherever needed, without publicity or fanfare. And there are many.

These circumstances provide an opportunity for reflection and gratitude. The more frequent storms and natural events demonstrate that there is much more to life than our day to day busy-ness and self-importance, the situations that annoy or stress us out, the value we place on our possessions, our dependence on power for personal comfort and conveniences, and our priorities in general.

Each outburst of nature provides a chance for each of us to consider what it really matters … that we are all in this together. Genuine compassion for what everyone is going through and caring for one another is most important. At any time, the life of anyone of us could be uprooted or displaced. It doesn’t matter if we are rich or poor, located in the city or country, are young or old, of one skin color or ethnic group or another. Mother Nature can dismantle and equalize all of that in a flash. We are seeing it regularly.

As you go about each day, pause to reflect on your blessings and give thanks. If you are in a position to help others, do so. If you are juggling conflicting priorities, think about what really matters and place your time there. If you need or would benefit from some help, ask. We are living through unprecedented times and things are changing quickly. Beneath the destruction on the surface, a new humanity is taking shape. More people are making room for what really matters. It is very encouraging.

David Rohde, a Reuters columnist, wrote a perspective yesterday that may interest you also.

Also, if you are in a position to donate, the American Red Cross, can use your help.

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Autumn Equinox: A Day of Balance

September 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

CA Nov 2011

Today is the Autumn Equinox and the first day of Autumn. Officially beginning  at 10:50am EDT when the moon enters the sign of Libra, it’s a day of equal lengths of day and night. In mythology, Libra is the goddess of balance and truth. For a brief period of a day, we have balance between the light and dark.

Autumn is the harvest season … when we gather the results of the seeds we planted in spring and the blossoms and growth of summer. It is a time to accumulate the bounty of what nature has to offer … vegetables, fruits, grain, nuts …  before winter’s rest. I love seeing the colorful pumpkins, squashes, apples, pears, and fall flowers fill the markets and farm stands. They are a wonderful reminder of nature’s abundance and also a signal of the shifts to come.

This is the time to reap the benefits of your efforts over the past six months. Where did you place your energy and how are your efforts coming to fruition? What work, projects, relationships, health initiatives, or fundamental shifts have been important to you? Today marks a cycle of personally turning within, as each night grows longer until we reach the Winter Solstice on December 21st. This is a worthwhile time to direct your energy toward home projects, including yourself, and your family.

This weekend, reflect on where you’ve been and where your life is headed. A quiet period of rest or meditation will begin to bring balance if you have been feeling unsettled or out of sorts. Also, take a look around your house and notice what changes you’d like to make as more activities move inside over the coming months. You don’t need to DO anything right now. A period of stillness, reflection, and taking notice of the way things are, will begin an inward shift.

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Do What You Can …

August 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Cook's Pond, Silver Lake, NH Aug 22, 2012

Cook’s Pond, Silver Lake, NH. A gorgeous mirror!

“Do what you can,
with what you have,
from where you are.
It will always be enough.”

This came to me today via Mike Dooley (TUT). It is one of my favorite, affirming, thoughts.

How often do you focus on what you don’t have or what is missing in your life? If you are like most people, this is a common occurrence. It is easy to fall into the trap of what is wrong, what is missing, and what you are not able to do. The dilemma with this is that it generates more of the same, because thoughts DO create things. Each of us energizes, feeds, and empowers the target of our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions.

If things are not the way you want them to be, it takes clarity, patience, and a healthy dose of optimism, to create new default patterns that are rooted in a positive, life enhancing perspective. Once you get there, it is much easier to recognize when you are not in the flow and get back on board.

The dilemma is: how can you create such a shift? First, acknowledge, accept, and embrace your circumstances. Then take positive steps to change them. I am not suggesting that you ignore the realities of your life. They are there for a reason. DO stop dwelling on them, wallowing in angst about them, repeating them in stories, agreeing with others that this is the way things really are, taking action out of fear, etc.

Your energy and your environment mirror each other. You can shift from the inside out or the outside in. It doesn’t matter where you begin. What matters is that you DO begin.

So for today,

Do what you can,
with what you have,
from where you are.
And know it will be enough!

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Tips for Getting Back on Track

August 1, 2012 by 2 Comments

Water Lily 5

July evaporated into thin air for me. Did you ever have a month like that? One day it was July 1st and before I knew it time was quickly closing in on July 31st, with my list of intentions waiting to get done. That was my experience this past month.

It turned out to be an excellent study in energy. We had a series of guests, including a puppy named Charlotte, throughout the month. Everyone who enters your space and everything that come in, shifts the chi. We love having guests and Charlotte was an absolute delight. I forgot how much time and attention puppies require though. At one point we had 3 dogs and several guests, and I realized I was caring for everyone else but myself. By mid-month I let go of my agenda and just went with the flow, setting my sights on August 1.

Now that it’s August 1, I plan to get back on track by living life a little slower. When I slow down, my productivity speeds up. To help me slow down I am clearing out extraneous “stuff” and focusing on what is most important. This includes:

1. Beginning each day with a mediation or some quiet, reflective time
2. Cleaning my house and putting it back in the order I prefer.
3. Thinning out email and removing myself from lists that are a distraction.
4. Setting aside some “lake time” to enjoy swimming and kayaking.
5. Being selective about social events, to be fully present and enjoy the ones we attend.
6. Getting my blog back on track.

If you have had a similar experience, stop and reflect on what is most important to you. Look over your obligations and identify a time when you can “slow down to speed up.” Figure out distractions or energy drains … things that are taking time without adding value. What can you eliminate, drop or delay? What is one thing you can do to put yourself first again? For me, it is my morning practices. When I take time to meditate or reflect, my day unfolds more easily. Things take less time and obstacles are more easily resolved. I have noticed this for years.

During this period, my I Ching weekly reflections provided guidance about how the week would unfold. And they were true to form. The one I didn’t fully understand revealed itself the day the CO shootings took place.

This week’s I Ching reflection is a “Continuing” of “Penetrating Influence” that changes over to Creative Power. It is a time to take initiative and move forward again.

We also have a full moon in Aquarius tonight … a time when projects, goals and ideas come to light. An excellent time to move ahead.

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