Viewing. The cleansing, then the libation.
The connection to spirit will come like a presence.
Let everything come into view. Watch the signs and connect to the common good. Cultivate learning and development among all. Beware of failing to recognize patterns, ignoring landmarks, forgetfulness and lack of attention to detail. Commit to flexible long term planning.
The Image
The old character shows a bird with bright eyes called old gatekeeper and a standing person whose head is filled with spirit.
Circle of Meanings
Let everything come into view, examine, contemplate, find the deep meaning; instruct, inform, make known; the tower where initiation begins, an observatory used to read signs and celestial omens; pouring out the wine that calls the spirits. Heart Theme: 23 Stripping away the past.
Spirit Helpers
Wind/Wood over Earth. Eldest Daughter and Mother, the Matchmaker and the Midwife, are creating images of spirit on the inner field. Examining things deeply will bring you the insight you need. Have confidence. The spirit will arrive and carry you through. Let all the images appear on the inner field of vision. Strip away your preconceived ideas. Seek out what is truly important. Yield to things. Let your whole world come into view. If you prepare well, the things you are trying to influence will change spontaneously. When the sages used this way of teaching, the whole world would listen.
Voice of the Mothers
Let everything come into view and divine the deeper meanings. Look at what you do not want to see. When you have made the preparation, the spirit will arrive. Inner devotion now lets you acquire a place where you can influence the world you live in. This is the time when you emerge as a true individual (28). Do not focus on gathering resources for a great project (45).
Viewing represents the perception of the invisible influences that spread from the new ancestor spirit created through the ceremonies in 19 Nearing. It is the moment when we read the omens of the new ancestor spirit as they appear in the world around us, penetrate into them deeply and are thus able to seize the influx of the hidden energies. In ritual terms, this is fixing the spirit (heng), making its influence endure in our heart. It is the image of a sacred bronze wine-vessel (gui) and a certain mood and moment in a ceremony, just before the wine libation that calls the spirit presence is poured. It is also the place where the omens of the spirit are observed, a tomb, tumulus, grave mound, temple or observatory tower. The root of the term “gui, viewing” suggests visualizing in all its aspects: watching, appearance, clairvoyance, inner images and the intelligence that makes things clear. It is the word used to translate yoga. King Wen, spiritual father of the Zhou, built such a magic tower, watching the skies and consulting the intermediaries from a ritual platform raised high above the ground. He was searching for the appearance of the ming xing, the Mandated Star that would confirm the commands of Heaven to be implemented in the world below.
Fall (20): Harvest the crop through seeking signs of a new time as they manifest. Compare what you have against what you need. Don’t impede the new with outmoded thinking.
Winter (8): Find the seed of the new by re-grouping your thoughts and plans. Make new connections. Lay out a real plan and integrate it with your current resources. New energy will shift your momentum.
Spring (3): Rouse new growth. Distance yourself from old entanglements. Do it now. This will lead to a breakthrough.
Summer (42): Ripen the fruits by stepping up all your involvements. Clean up old mistakes. Don’t fall into negative feelings.
Voice of the Fathers
This is a Realizing Figure. It is a Transition from the time we search for personal identity and mission to the stage of the Symbolic Life when our adult Name is roused and fixed through initiation and we connect to the deeper Self.
The Situation: A time to note patterns and trends and understand relationships in order to plan strategy on all levels.
Caring for Others: Take in the whole picture and clarify key reference points. Simplification is the key. Avoid distractions and take your time. This is a crucial moment. Evaluate circumstances and goals with care and precision.
Setting Intentions: This is a time for synthesis. Bring together experienced people who can creatively connect impressions, ideas and possibilities of realization. If the beginnings are correct, everything will fall into line.
Communication and Interaction: Consult in detail. Plans must reflect real values. Listen and prepare well. Make information available to all.
Change from the Inside Out: Your judgment is very good. Do not doubt, but do consult with others. Evaluate options and make plans. Conserve your energy and record your inspirations. Carry through with existing plans. Seek support. The next six months will test you.
- Immediate Future: many possibilities are arising.
- Personal Development: look at your shadow and let it enlighten you.
- Working within the Family: make small moves to release inner meanings.
- Expanding the Circle: look at overall patterns to plan new strategies.
- Partnership: do not judge your partner. A great change is coming.
Pairing: Bringing Change to Life
Each hexagram is part of a Pair that that activates hidden paths of transformative energy through the interaction of the trigrams or Spirit Helpers, connecting phases of Inspiration and Realization. You are in the Realizing phase of this Pair.
The transformative process of the Pair 19:20 Nearing and Viewing develops the patience to wait on a new spirit and the insight to see how it manifests.
Outer to Inner: The process shifts the power of the Midwife trigram from the outer world of 19 to the inner world of 20, turning your abstract faith in the process of life into deep inner devotion.
Inner to Outer: This interiorisation transforms the Mediator trigram in the inner world of 19 into the Matchmaker trigram in the outer world of 20. This turns inner self-reflection into the ability to find a place where you can influence the world you live in.
Transforming Lines
Mothering Change presents Transforming Lines as Steps of Change that show you where and how to focus your energy. Click on the links to connect with the Relating Figure generated by each line.
Inner World
Step 1 Beginnings: This return of the spirit attracts a new fate.
Viewing the children playing. For Small People this is not a mistake.
For the Realizing Person: Distress.
Watching the children play, you see signs that can disturb the whole state. Move with them. Arouse the great within you. Generosity and power can enter your life if you act on what you see. This will not diminish you, it will augment what you can offer. Something important is returning. Be open and provide what is needed. (42 Augmenting)
Step 2 Inner Center: This inner re-organization leads to harmony with others.
Viewing through the patterned screen.
Advantageous if the women divine. Harvesting.
Watch the hidden patterns and beware of falling into negative emotions. The knowledge proper to a great leader is approaching now. Articulate it quietly. Leave what usually supports you and flee to the hidden springs of change. Express yourself joyously and you can inspire others. Be open and provide what is needed. (59 Dispersing)
Step 3 Threshold: This inner re-balancing lets you make your way in life.
Viewing our birth, advance or withdraw?
Look at the origin of the things you see to understand if you should advance or withdraw. The climax is nearing. Resist the temptation to act violently or impulsively. Draw out the encounter to find the right time to act. Do not let your relationships fall apart through unconsidered action. Proceed step by step. Gather energy for a decisive new move. (53 Gradual Advance)
Outer World
Step 4 Arrival: This inner preparation leads to what is greater.
Viewing the city shining.
Advantageous to be a guest when the King hosts the ancestors.
This connection can bring wealth and influence in the end. Do not try to take immediate advantage. It may look sweet, but no good can come of it. Accept the hardship. Have no cares. There is a hidden message in this obstruction that you must cultivate. Step outside the norms and re-imagine the situation. Gather energy for a decisive new move. (12 Obstruction)
Step 5 Outer Center: This inner re-grouping lets your real purpose shine.
Viewing our birth.
The Realizing Person makes no mistake.
Look deeply into this connection and measure yourself against the ideal of the Realizing Person who seeks to live life in accord with the flow. The spirit liberated now belongs with you like parts of a previously separated whole. Relax your grip and return to the flow. You will obtain the favor of the noble ladies and their secret connections. Strip away your old ideas. Be open and provide what is needed. (23 Stripping)
Step 6 Culmination: This inner stripping leads to a breakthrough.
Viewing their birth.
The Realizing Person makes no mistake.
Look deeply into this connection and measure yourself against the ideal of the Realizing Person, who seeks to live life in accord with the flow. The spirit liberated now belongs with you like parts of a previously separated whole. The armies set out from here. Do not obstruct their power with old forms and outmoded ways of communicating or the group that is emerging will have no real purpose. Strip away your old ideas. Be open and provide what is needed. (8 Grouping)