Change is Afoot

From the Japaridze Tarot, the Eight of Tides (Cups); from the Holitzka I Ching, 'Hexagram 35:'

          A cloaked figure walks toward the morning light in this card, symbolizing what Japaridze describes as "a search for a deeper meaning, a journey of self-discovery." This is the second time I've drawn this card recently, and it made me ponder what might hold me back from finding a higher purpose. Is there some idea that I cling to or some expectation I long for? Does my role as a mentor keep me from being a student - able to see other viewpoints? Perhaps there is simply a fear of the unknown. Whatever it is, the disillusionment and emotional dissatisfaction will push me to take steps, either haltingly or with purpose. Hexagram 35 is often called 'Progress,' and it states that if progress isn't being made then an attitude check is in order (note the Sun). There needs to be a shift in thinking, from what isn't working to what might work; from what isn't possible, to what could. There is a natural flow inherent in this kind of thinking that doesn't force things but opens to observe. Change is afoot!

Diversity and Development

From the Japaridze Tarot, the Two of Tides (Cups); from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexagram 35:

          I thought this card was an illustration of two wolves, but the companion booklet states it is a dog and a wolf who have established a friendship. Japaridze explains that in such a relationship where the differences are obvious, we have the opportunity to appreciate and learn from diversity. I think the best friendships and partnerships are this way; each person can bring a strength to support the other's weakness. The I Ching card appears to parallel this idea with one figure leaning on the other. The traditional image is of the sun rising over the earth. It concerns self-development which becomes a useful tool in how we relate to others and the world around us. The suggestion is not simply self-improvement that stokes the ego, but a change in attitude and beliefs which will help in making progress while maintaining harmony. I might have to drop what I've been clinging tightly to in order to make headway; time to take a page from someone else's playbook.

The Right Roots

From the Japaridze Tarot, the Seven of Gardens (Pentacles); from the Holitzka I Ching, hexagram 35 "Progress:"

This gardener at rest made me think of an Emerson quote: "Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience." Seedlings have to be given time for a root system to develop; roots anchor the plant and help them survive environmental stress. If fish emulsion (high in nitrogen) is dumped on them to rush leafy growth, the plant won't develop the underground support it needs to thrive. The Tao Te Ching states:

Rushing into action, you fail.

Trying to grasp things, you lose them.

Forcing a project to completion,

you ruin what was almost ripe.

The I Ching card suggests another way to make progress is to put aside selfish desires and act with a cooperative and harmonious spirit. Moving with rather than against the natural flow without trying to manipulate the outcome will give the best results.