I Ching

A time of abundance comes into full flower when the powers of a leader are at their peak.  The situation is like that of the sun at midday – a high noon of clarity, insight and progress.  Such peak periods can be brief.  Whether this refers to a national cycle, a business boon or a period of personal abundance, it is important to bale your hay while the sun is shining.

During a period of abundance, it benefits one to show benevolence, to share the fruit of one’s good fortune.  Think of good deeds now as a hedge against times of scarcity in the future.  This reading bodes well in the raising of children, and in the nurturing of a healthy family or any close-knit group.

1. To usher in an era of abundance, a mixture of energy and vision is required.  Often this combination comes from two people uniting in their efforts.  This line indicates that the time is right to seek a partner who can help you advance to the top.  Great good fortune in finding the right partner.
2. In times of radiant abundance, plots and intrigues are like eclipses of the sun.  The best way to handle such ill-intentioned dark periods is simply to let them pass – to sink of their own weight.  To try to do battle with the forces behind them, would only cause you to stumble blindly.  Hold inwardly to what is true, and the sun will re-emerge soon enough.
3. Your recent success is eclipsed by a fast-moving element which could snatch the reins from your hands.  In the ensuing confusion, even insignificant people are gaining power.  This makes it impossible for you to accomplish much right now.  A time of loss and difficulty may well follow.
4. When a dark shadow has temporarily passed over a land of prosperity and success, an unsettled feeling remains afterwards.  In order to prevent a temporary setback from becoming a permanent condition, an effort must be made to find complementary strengths which bolster your position.  The search for wise counsel, in particular, is indicated here.
5. Those who bring personal modesty to high office attract people who are capable of offering brilliant counsel.  Accepting their advice brings great blessings and supreme good fortune.  The situation is like that of a wealthy man who hires the best investment advisors, and then actually listens to them! The rich get richer.
6. Arrogance in the administration of power always tends to bring the opposite of the desired effect.  If you strive for abundance so single-mindedly that you alienate those close to you, you will find yourself left holding an empty bag in the end.  Too bad.  Holding power is like bringing a large torch into a sea of candles; the more the flame is passed to others, the greater the chance that the torch will be reinvited should its flame die out.