The relating hexagram

the relation between the first and second hexagram

1 Specifying your actions.

When you get a hexagram, and one or more of the lines are changing (they are old yang or old yin), you get a second hexagram. Some say, the second one indicates the future, others see it more as the future you make yourself, the good or bad outcome, depending on how you handle the situation in regard to the first hexagram. For me, the second hexagram more or less specifies the first one. To give an example:

Hex.44, with lines 1 and 2 changing --> 13.

Line 1 and 2 are very direct action and contact. An influence of something very different (44) can be creative, but you should take care to stay true to being a human among humans (13). Don't allow anyone or anything to make you forget your own path, your truth, your way of dealing with life and others, your own way of being part of this human world.

Hex.44, with lines 3 and 4 changing --> 59.

Line 3 and 4 speak about emotions and decisions. Infuence (44) can be creative if you dissolve your (too narrow) personal opinions (59). Make a common goal, a common feeling. Be considerate of the other and her dreams, build a temple together and sacrifice to higher things than personal wishes.

Hex.44, with lines 5 and 6 changing --> 32.

Lines 5 and 6 have to do with mind and spirit. In that realm it is important that you follow your own course (32) when being influenced by someone very different from yourself. Stay true to the wisdom of your heart.

2 The reason of your question.

The relating hexagram usually describes your state of mind or situation or the 'why' of your question. If you feel depressed, the relating hex. can be 47, if you ask how you can increase something, it might be 42. I got both answers, and the fact that Yi saw my problem was a relief.

I also noticed that the relating hexagram could be more realistic than my hopes. If I ask 'can I improve this?' and I get 42 as relating, I assume I can. If I got 32, I would understand that improvement was not in the cards now, I'd better stabilize things.

3 The future

The idea of a future point might be just a construct of our mind, wanting a road with a start and an end. The relating hexagram shows the situation, and if you do the right things, this situation will become the best it can.

Looking at the relating hex. as a future outcome will not help you. See it as the situation now and act within this situation to turn it into its best manifestation. That way you create a better future yourself instead of sitting back and waiting for one.

A 'bad' relating hexagram does not mean things will go that way. It means things 'are' that way, and it is good to know that. It means you know now what you can or should do, what is possible, and what is not.

You need those 'bad' hexagrams in order to know where you stand. Good advice does not gloss over what is difficult to hear. On the contrary, it tells you the points you should tackle. It does not give an image of an unattainable goal, but of reality.

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