I-Ching

The I Ching (often spelled as I Jing, Yi Ching, Yi King, or Yi Jing ; also called “Book of Changes” or “Classic of Changes”) is the oldest of the Chinese classic texts. A symbol system designed to identify order in what seem like chance events, it describes an ancient system of cosmology and philosophy that is at the heart of Chinese cultural beliefs. The philosophy centers on the ideas of the dynamic balance of opposites, the evolution of events as a process, and acceptance of the inevitability of change (see Philosophy, below). In Western cultures, the I Ching is regarded by some as simply a system of divination; many believe it expresses the wisdom and philosophy of ancient China.

The book consists of a series of symbols, rules for manipulating these symbols, poems, and commentary.

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I believe we are given many things to help us make it through this life’s passage. We should use whatever is needed, Prayer, Meditation, Feng Shui, Exercise, Church, Divination, Drumming Circles, Acupuncture, Chi Gong ( but no Qujiboards, sorry bad juju, been there too scary, dark side stuff). All tools for sailing life’s waters. Also, that God, the Universe, The Force, speaks to us in many voices, when we are open to listening.

From time to time I use the I-ching, it is interesting. I do not think one should live only by that, but it can be used as a tool, counsel under the right circumstances, balanced with you could even say prayer if you like. If you are of the Heavy Christian Path, you could pray that GOD gives you an answer/guidance, then read your answer. Some do it by praying and opening the Bible at random and reading a verse. If you are in tune, who is to say & prove it does not work.

Anyway, back to the I-ching. Sometimes it makes no sense, at the times. One could say that later you apply whatever happened to what it said and make it right. Kind of like the prophecies of Nostradamus. Unlike his the I-ching is not about making world prophecies but telling of changing patterns. However those who follow the I-Ching find that when understood ( and many do , unlike Nostradmus), it can be scary right-on ( but not dark side kind of right-on). One thing to remember you do not asks yes or no question, but what if, or how about, or which type

eg:

last week I asked: 3/29 just after the lay off

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Question: how can i make the best of this time
Answer:
Present: hexagram #36

Darkening of the LightWhen the light goes down, it may be wise to become invisible. The image is of fresh darkness, the period after the sun has gone down or the fire has gone out. There is still much activity left over from the light of day,
and movements in the outer world are at their most dangerous. Even the smallest sound, the faintest glow of light,
can attract unwanted attention.When the darkness of stupidity reigns, it is best that your own brilliance stay “hidden under a bushel basket.”
That is, your thoughts and efforts should be quiet and self-contained, and protected, as much as possible, from
harmful external influences.Whatever you do, don’t let yourself be swept along on the current of conventional wisdom when dangerous uncertainties exist. Try not to become too depressed or anxious; this period will pass. Just endure it for now and inwardly preserve your self-confidence, while outwardly remaining cooperative and flexible. The time to assert yourself will come. Avoid looking too far ahead if you have not yet achieved your goals. That only brings regret and longing, which can eat away at your inner resources.

Be cautious and reserved. Control yourself. Do not needlessly awaken dormant forces of opposition. During dark,
unsettled periods, it is best to step gingerly around the sleeping dogs.

The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 1:

When lost in a cave, one small candle is better than the light of a thousand dreams.

Attempts to soar above obstacles by ignoring them are usually futile. When impediments are real, one should not engage
in flights of fancy about imagined success. To do so can result in a great loss of face with others, for attempting to
solve large problems is actually a sign of weakness unless there is an objective chance at success.

Future: 15 Humility

This hexagram represents the quality of likely opportunities and challenges arising from changes that are in process now:

Humility is often rewarded in human affairs, just as valleys are filled by the erosion of great mountains. It is the way
of the world to fill the empty cup. Regardless of your position, humility is a positive and deceptively powerful attribute. If you are in a high position but are still humble, people will be drawn to you and the causes you espouse. If your position is lowly, humility will endear you to those of higher status. True humility is a virtue to which all should aspire.The most successful people are those who know how to bring each situation into balance by reducing that which is too great,
and adding to that which is too little. Such a person craves not power, but balanced and stable relationships.
Humility is the virtue which allows you to perceive the balancing force in each situation; humble people are not prey
to the many illusions which grow out of self-importance. If humility is not natural to your disposition, make a conscious
effort to develop a strain of self-effacing humor.
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Hmmm, sounds pretty deep. Make cut backs, reduce spending needs, do not sit around regretting things I could have done, chill, re-center. Interesting eh!

Ok next. I get an interview for a job, feels pretty good. I am unsure about if I should take it if offered. It is the one with the suckie commute. They say there will be a 2nd interview for some…

the next day:…I get the call for a second interview

I ask the I-ching:

Question: what is my best path at this time?
Present: hexagram #44 Liaison

The attraction is strong. But the relationship is not destined to last. Be careful – the coming together of disparate
forces may not be what it seems. An apparently harmless, but potentially dangerous, element has attracted attention to
itself and is pulling on a stronger one. One ancient image is of a bold but immature young girl who uses her charms to
gain influence with a powerful man. The man dallies with her, thinking that it can do him no harm. Ha, famous last
thoughts! When power shifts into the hands of those unprepared for it, harm comes to all parties.Still, you need not fear meetings with those whose positions are widely different from your own, so long as you know you
are free of ulterior motives.Be especially wary of temptations which arise because of your position, or your connection to someone in an important
position. Generally, it is best to combat such temptations by snipping them in the bud before they can flower. As soon
as a dangerous liaison presents itself is the time to speak up. On the other hand, there are times when the meeting of
the yielding and the strong turn out to have been opportunities for truly positive and constructive relationships. The
difference between careless connection and a relationship of depth lies in the motives of the heart. How sincere are you?

The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 4:

It is not smart to turn one’s back on the lowly people, for you may need their support sometime in the future. When people of small influence have good intentions, it is wise to keep them on your side in case their support is ever needed.
Seemingly insignificant people have a way of becoming significant eventually.

Future: 57 Gentle Penetration

his hexagram represents the quality of likely opportunities and challenges arising from changes that are in process now:

The general situation suggests a subtle penetration. Reeds bend softly in the wind, symbolizing flexibility and endurance. Here we see quiet, relaxed effectiveness in action. A gentle influence is at work, but just as the wind is ceaseless in its efforts, so too small forces can persist to produce lasting results.

Gentle penetration bodes well for new relationships. Just as a summer breeze slowly penetrates the woods to cool the
forest, the ideas of gifted leaders slowly reach the minds and sink into the hearts of the people. In personal
relationships, a gentle beginning is often linked to a long-lasting union.When employing a force that is weak but persistent, careful aim is necessary, for only when a small force continually
moves in the same direction can it have much effect. In human affairs, this kind of influence comes more through strength
of character than by any direct confrontation or seduction. It’s important to have, and stick to, clearly defined goals.
Maintaining a strong vision and following a steady course of least resistance often brings good fortune.

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Wow trippy eh!, I think so. I go in today for the second interview. I find out they have no benefits, because they are a new company. Later they want to add stuff for their workers but for now nothing. This also includes they do no have paid vacation, they will pay for major holidays but that is it for now. Hmmm seems even less attractive to me, but it is a job, they can not pay close to my old salary, but it is a job, I am told by Sisook, and Lady Z. There is a chance it could turn to something good, down the road as it grows…I can always look for something else while I’m working. It would get me off Un-employment. Hmmm

We’ll see if I get the offer. They did spring a surprise design test on me as part of the second interview, to seeif I really knew waht I was doing, heheheh. I hate tests, but no biggie. They asked for two design drafts in a certain format, and configuration, with X & Y info. I did it, easily and rather fast. However did not get to check the printout before one of the interviewers checked it and he found one typo (graphic designers flaw), unlike this blog I do proof my paid work. Maybe not a big deal, maybe so… we’ll see. Jheez I’ve already put alot of time and gas into this low pay, no benefit job. Wonder if it is worth it

(“the relationship is not destined to last”) there was that statement.

The rest of the interview went easy. The owners seem like nice folks, I could get along with them. The commute, well I could ride my motorcycle.

We’ll see…

I see an ad tonight that would be prefect for me. Designing for a company that” is the American subsidiary of DHC Corporation, the largest direct mail skincare company in Japan”

Needs: Ability to read and write Japanese or designing with Japanese typography . Near Bart! Nice, In SF means good money…

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I went to visit a friend after the interview who opened her own Coffee/sandwich shop. Her place was near by, I had not seen it since she first purchased the place. I designed her logo years ago. She was surprised to see me. I got treated to lunch and we did the catch up chat thing.

Afterward I went sailing for the rest of the afternoon…re-centered in the “Zen-zone” Tada Sailing