I Ching Guidance for the Year of the Earth Boar

Contributors: Gardner Murphy, Timaree Bierle-Dodds, Abbey Pleviak, Laura Byrd; Photos by Dale Bennet
Three people throwing coins for an I Ching reading

John Smith, Janie Paige, and Gardner Murphy

It is traditional every year on Shambhala Day to throw the I Ching, the classical Chinese system of interpreting questions or current situations by tossing, in our case, three coins. Each toss of the three coins can result in a broken line, representing the yielding or the energy of earth; or a solid line, representing the firm or the energy of heaven. A line also can be changing or unchanging; a changing line can end up being transformed into its opposite. The coins are tossed six times, resulting in a hexagram, a set of six lines; there are 64 possible hexagrams, and many subtleties and details that you can learn more about.

This year, Janie Paige and John Smith, our newly sworn in co-directors, threw the coins on our behalf. The results were interpreted on the day by Gardner Murphy. Subsequently, based on guidance from the I Ching, Gardner threw an additional clarifying hexagram. Following are the results and his interpretation as drawn from these references:

I Ching: Navigate Life’s Transitions – 2004 – Antonia and Bill Beattie
The I Ching: The Book of Answers (New revised edition) – 2005 – Wu Wei

John and Janie’s initial throw was:
Hexagram 8: Pi. Union, Joining, Supporting, Uniting – Water over earth

I Ching, Hexagram 8, Pi

I Ching, Hexagram 8, Pi

This hexagram represents the way in which individuals unite to form communities. Pi asks us to examine how we contribute to our own community:

  • Successful communities have a shared purpose which will give them direction;
  • Integration of various community individuals is required for stability;
  • Trust and mutual assistance are imperative to unite community;
  • Self-interest is the primary obstacle;
  • Cultivate relationships built on respect, goodwill and generosity;
  • All members are valued and supported regardless of their roles;
  • There is no more powerful force for positive change than a community bound by goodwill;
  • Each member brings strength to the group; group success requires clear cut goals which the group supports;
  • To reach goals, leaders must adhere to good values;
  • Be loyal, possess greatness of spirit, enthusiasm, positive attitude, strength and wisdom;
  • If goals are begun without being equal to the task, you will incur misfortune;
  • If you feel you are not equal to the task it will be better for you to join some other group of which you can be a part.

The pronouncement of hexagram 8, Pi, is: Being part of a group brings good fortune.
This hexagram has four changing lines. The readings of these lines are:

Changing line 2 – Good fortune will prevail if you remain inwardly loyal to your leader and are cautious in your outward behavior.

Changing line 3 – Sever ties with those of questionable integrity and support those in power. Do not be afraid.

Changing line 4 – Show loyalty and support openly. Subordinates may not support you, but if you persevere in visible demonstrations of loyalty that are rooted in true intentions, good fortune will result.

Changing line 6 – You waited too long and the opportunity to support, join, and unite has come and gone. If misfortune occurs do not be dismayed. Develop the attributes mentioned in this hexagram and you will achieve great fortune. Learn from the experience and be grateful for the things you still possess.

This hexagram changes into:
Hexagram 44, Kou. Coming to Meet/ Return of the Dark Force – Heaven over Wind

Gardner interpreting the I Ching coin toss

Gardner Murphy

Kou is concerned with how virtue may be undermined. A virtuous individual may be tempted to meet with a dangerously beguiling individual who may sow seeds of corruption. If one is tainted by the contact, acknowledge one’s mistake in the meeting. Keep clear of immoral suggestions. Resist pernicious influences the moment you sense the presence. Follow the path of utmost integrity; do not resort to force. Act promptly and decisively and the group will be safe. Remain alert to prevent insurgence of possible corruption.

These interpretations accompany the very general advice and guidance in our practice books for 2019, Year of the Earth Boar, that indicate a year of kindness, steadiness, balance, bearing of responsibility, diligence, enjoyment of life, making peace, being receptive, and spaciousness.

Whenever the hexagram 8, Unity, is thrown, the I Ching counsels the asker to throw the coins again with a clarifying question. Gardner threw the coins again two weeks later on the new moon with the following question:

What do we need to know about unifying during this time? How can we be successful in this endeavor?

The answer was:
Hexagram 47, K’un. Exhaustion

I Ching hexagram 47

I Ching hexagram 47

The image symbolizes a situation in which continuous affliction has depleted vitality, faith and enthusiasm. Despair can sometimes undermine the desire for success. Strengthen your resistance to self pity before negative situations occur. Cultivate a positive mental attitude. Pessimism is a symptom of exhaustion. As strength and sense of purpose return, outlook will be renewed. A sense of purpose is the most valuable asset; do not make any important decisions concerning your business at this time; take time to rest, recuperate, focus on improving the diet.

 

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Photo credits: Dale Bennet
Hexagram images by Ben Finney, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=611613

 

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