I Ching

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?

1. As soon as it becomes clear that an inferior element has crashed the party, show that distraction to the door.  One relatively weak person can disrupt the lives of many good people; that party-crasher may have many derelict relations.  The intrusion of inferior forces is like a small, unhealthy craving which, if not checked in time, can ultimately become a destructive obsession.
2. Here, the inferior force is held at bay through gentle means.  Good fortune – if you can pull it off.  The image is that of a viral epidemic which is contained through quarantine rather than through a massive program of vaccinations and other aggressive measures.
3. There is danger of your being influenced by an inner weakness, but circumstances are temporarily preventing it.  As much as you might like to indulge a certain petty desire, you must not do so, at least not right now.  Indecision, in such a situation, can actually be helpful, if it leads to insight and proper action in the long run.
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.
5. Strong personalities can find of way of exerting control over weaker ones without even seeming to act.  Using the support of others to bring about the desired end, without while appearing to, simply allow events to take their natural course – that is supreme leadership, and the greatest sign of power!
6. Those who have been sitting quietly on the mountaintop often find the tumult of the city unbearable.  The mere suggestion of re-entering the active arena can be repulsive after times of peaceful withdrawal.  Yet, holding yourself aloof from normal concerns or activities, can open you to criticism and reproach.  So what? When your work is done, your time is your own; take quiet time if you need it.  Ignore the expectations of others when charting your own course.