I Ching

Flames cling to their source of fuel in order to keep the fire burning.  Likewise, in the human world, everything that radiates light or love is dependent upon something else.  Through these dependencies we discover that everything is related, each thing to the other.  Awareness of your own dependency on others is the key which unlocks the door to your true place in the world.  No woman is an island.

Fire is also a symbol of liberation – crackling little molecules flying away from home.  Paradoxically, by clinging to what is right and proper, we gain inner freedom.

Given perseverance on your part, this reading indicates success.  In spite of challenges, cling to what is luminous in yourself, in others, and in life itself, never forsaking your belief in what is right.  When events seem foreboding, or people seem oppressive, remember the good that has been and is yet to be.  Holding to this idea is to cling to the power of the light, the force which enables inner darkness to be illuminated.

1. When awakening to a new day, focused concentration is necessary, so that the central task at hand is not obscured by frenzied activity.  It is at the beginning that one needs composure most, for as seeds are planted, so shall they grow.  Do not begin a new project without careful consideration.
2. The sun has reached its highest spot in the heavens; supreme good fortune.  When the central fires of life are at their peak, light shines evenly on the entire world.  It furthers one to remain active at such a time, and to persevere in steady, moderate action.
3. At the end of the day, the setting sun calls to mind the transitory nature of all existence.  The great souls understand that death comes in its allotted time, and that until that moment, life is for living.  Enjoy simple pleasures while they last.
4. Clarity of mind is most valuable when it illuminates events slowly and evenly.  It is possible to be too clever; intelligence must be tied to sincerity and genuine feeling, otherwise it may burn itself out like a fire in dry straw.  Those in possession of brilliance must learn to temper their insights, so as not to arouse enmity in others.  Those who are restless and impatient with others may rise to prominence quickly, but are likely to descend just as rapidly.
5. Clarity of vision can enable one to penetrate the veil of life’s illusions.  This can bring good fortune, if such a vision is also accompanied by the appropriate change of heart.  Once the vanity of all human endeavors has been exposed, two outcomes are likely.  Either you will continue to strive for life’s rewards as if they were real – or you will find yourself falling into the depths of awful despair.  But after despair, then what?
   First there is a mountain, then there is no mountain, then there is.  No blame.
6. Discipline that is too severe, like punishment that is too cruel, fails to achieve its true purpose.  Seek the underlying cause of difficulties, and take strong action to cut off negativity at its roots.  But be merciful and reasonable about small imperfections.  Does the fact that the sun has spots mean that it should be removed from the sky?