From the analysis of how our species functions in deriving meaning (see the IDM work [large
file so can take time to load on slow connections]) we discover that our habits/instincts are encoded in the input
areas of our neurons. This is very energy conserving in that it allows context to PUSH us - we do not need to 'think'
in dealing with sameness, we only need to think if faced with a 'difference'.
Thus the learning of 'good habits' etc ensures we 'go with the flow' of the context and so always 'fit in', are
always integrated with the context.
For the I Ching to serve as a metaphor for our species and so to describe 'all there is' it must describe this
context push focus, and the past emails of mine, together with the pages on ICPlus websites, demonstrate the IC
dealing with this 'push' process.
The adaptation to a context reflects 'shape shifting' in that learnt habits/instincts allow us to 'flow' with the
context - if the context is described by hexagram X so we need to adopt the characteristics of hexagram X to best
fit that context. In IDM this integration process is reflected in the concept of the Transformation Function.
From the IC perspective this integration means a hexagram with no changing lines in that those with changing lines
are reflecting 'tension' with the context. BUT for the traditional interpretations of a hexagram with no changing
lines, the hexagram is deemed something 'static'. This is so when we do not consider context, when we deal with
a hexagram 'as is', as a 'pure form' and so 'ideal'. We also see this bias in such hexagrams as hexagram 12 where
the interpretation of the hexagram reflects the neutralisation of attacks upon one's faith and so the process of
neutralisation, its success, reflects the validation of one's faith, we firm our belief. To the traditional IC
this is a 'no no' in that it reflects stasis, it reflects a refusal to change and as such the hexagram is interpreted
as 'standstill' and 'stagnation', but this is so only in the context of change. In a context of seeking something
to believe it is acceptable conduct.
The 'truth' of the matter is that a description of a situation of a non changing line hexagram in fact reflects
a 'perfect' fit of text and context, there is no 'tension', we are 'in the groove'.
Being 'in the groove' is in fact at odds with the other function of our being, the IDM-identified Transcendence
Function. That function focuses on transcendence and so a focus on change as an act of escape from something to
something 'better' - IOW a CHANGE of context rather than an adaptation to context.
In the dynamics of the universe, where that universe is the context in which we live, so LOCALLY we have choices,
we can (a) be reactive and adapt to a context. To find out the context, to get the 'bigger picture' through analysis
of its influence on our local perspectives we can derive hexagrams such that a changing line hexagram can be used
to identify the current context so we can adapt to it. (b) we can also be proactive in the form of choosing which
context we would like to be in and shift to that context, or endevour to replace the current context with the one
we want.
This replacement focus, the Transcendence function, requires energy expenditure in that we have to 'transcend'
the current context, a task harder to do then integrating with the current context; it can mean going against the
flow short term to be with the flow long term.
When I derive a hexagram and intepret it 'as is' so I am deriving the current EXPRESSION of a process and not necessarily
the process itself. Thus the current state may come out as hexagram 60 with lines 4 and 5 changing. This is usually
interpreted as 60 changing into 54 whereas the ICPlus work identifies this as 60 in a context of 17 and so tension
is created expressed in the characteristics of hexagram 54 (wasted energy, immaturity, high initial energy outlay).
The requirement to 'fit in' is to shift one's focus to the properties and methods of 17. To get 17 we had to convert
the changing lines in hexagram 60 to derive hexagram 54 and then swap the trigrams to give us 17.
If we go for more details we can flesh out the EXPRESSION, we can reveal more details about the quality of 60 etc
and its local contribution to things BUT the overall focus is to 'fit in' with the context, that described by hex
17.
To transcend a context is a different deal in that it requires a focusing of energy, to go against the flow to
get into a 'better' position to be in the flow. The PROACTIVE ICPlus tools allow you
to do this in that you can focus on a personal perspective and then focus on a context you would prefer and from
that (a) identify which perspectives you may need to change to 'fit in' and then (b) place yourself in that context.
The IC covers all of these processes etc in that it reflects 'all there is' in a metaphor of yin and yang dynamics
leading to whole (T'ai Chi) expressions.
So -- an interpretation is:
17 into 54 means ‘to do ANYTHING when also going through a change in, setting down of, belief systems is a waste
of energy’
54 into 17 means ‘to do ANYTHING using excess energy to start-with ensures the settingdown of a belief system’
The ANYTHING is what we can call the ‘given’ hexagram - for the above example it was hexagram 60. The given hexagram
manifests the expression of the underlying relationships, the dynamics, of hexagram pairs derived from swapping
trigrams; IOW beneath the facade there is something ‘deeper’ going on. We can ‘zoom-in’ for further analysis of
lines etc (using the matrix work) but here I focus on the context material. As such, the ANYTHING is a form of
distraction AWAY from the purpose of the context that is 'driving' things and the derived hexagram is the indicator
of the outcome due to the distraction. This can be positive or negative.
We can map these context relationships for all of the hexagrams and so use them to ‘decode’ change that is rooted
in the context, expressed in the text. This material has been covered at the ICPlus websites over the years but
here is perhaps a simpler format to play with and ‘get the feel’ - for ANY changing hexagram just create the derived
hexagram and then swap the trigrams, that will give you the context hexagram that is forcing the change of the
given hexagram to the derivedm, thus hex 60 with changing lines 4 and 5 is becoming hex 54. Swap the trigrams and
you get the context hexagram - 17:
The list of context influences as sources of change, (these are rough interpretations that I am sure others can
‘refine’ ;-)):
01 into 01 ‘to do ANYTHING when in a context of singlemindedness (devotion to self) ensures singlemindedness’
43 into 10 ‘to do ANYTHING when in a context focused upon spreading the word ensures a need to rigidly keep to
the path to avoid distraction’
10 into 43 ‘to do ANYTHING when in a context focused upon treading a path ensures a need to be robust’
14 into 13 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context focused upon directing things, making money etc, ensures a need to make
associations with the likeminded’
13 into 14 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context focused upon making associations with the likeminded ensures the making
of money, direction setting’
34 into 25 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context focused upon being invigorated ensures a need for one to stand up to say
one’s piece confidently’
25 into 34 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context focused upon saying one’s piece confidently ensures a need to (be) invigorate(d)’
09 into 44 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of making small gains ensures the need to persuade/seduce others’
44 into 09 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of persuading others ensures the making of only small gains’
05 into 06 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of waiting ensures learning to compromise’
06 into 05 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of compromise ensures learning how to bide one’s time’
26 into 33 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of holding firm (to beliefs) ensures withdrawals to be ‘planned’’
33 into 26 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of a strategic withdrawal (trickary) ensures holding firm’
11 into 12 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of balancing/harmonising ensures neutralising ‘distortions’’
12 into 11 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of neutralising ensures balancing/harmonising’
58 into 57 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of self-reflection/intense expression ensures becoming influencial’
57 into 58 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of cultivation/influence ensures intensity in expression’
38 into 49 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of dealing with opposition ensures revolution’
49 into 38 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of revolution/revelation ensures opposition’
(note 38 also maps to bypassing oppositions by reflecting them - let the opposition ‘see’ themselves in you and
so leave you alone - again something to make one ‘fit in’ whilst planning ‘revolt’)
54 into 17 ‘to do ANYTHING using excess energy to start-with ensures the settingdown of a belief system’
17 into 54 ‘to do ANYTHING when also going through a change in, setting down of, belief systems is a waste of energy’
61 into 28 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of softening/yielding ensure one goes beyond what is usually required (excess)’
28 into 61 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of excess ensures eventual softening/yielding’
60 into 47 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of standardisations/limitiations ensures forced enclosure’
47 into 60 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of forced enclosure ensures standardisations/limitations’
(note that 47 is positive and negative - the positive is in the forcing of enclosure of ‘something’ means integration
of that ‘something’ with the context. If that something does not like being forced then ‘exhaustion’ can result!
;-))
41 into 31 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of concentrating, distilling, ensures a tight ‘embrace’’
31 into 41 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of ‘wooing’ ensures distillation of the relationship’
19 into 45 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of approaching/defering ensures celebration, massing, congregating’
45 into 19 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of congregating ensures (the ability to) approach, communicate with, the
‘high’’.
30 into 30 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of guidence ensures establishment of a sense of direction (ideology)’
55 into 21 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of abundance (diversity of things etc) ensures a focus on problem solving’
21 into 55 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of problem solving ensures diversity (in solutions)’
37 into 50 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of rigid structuring ensures transformation’
50 into 37 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of transformation (cook - raw to refined) ensures a rigid (stable) structure’
63 into 64 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of, a focus upon, completion ensures non-completion’ (the ‘act’ of doing
something else forces mistakes)
64 into 63 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of remaining open ensures completion’ (the ‘act’ of doing something else
forces closure)
22 into 56 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of beautyfying, facading, glossing over, cover up, ensures loyalty’
56 into 22 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of loyality ensures ‘looking good’’
36 into 35 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of being uncompromising ensures bringing something into the light, progress’
35 into 36 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of bringing something into the light ensures its darkening’
51 into 51 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of enlightenment ensures awareness’ (the ‘new’ ensures ‘shock’)
42 into 32 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of augmentation ensures commitment’
32 into 42 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of commitment ensures augmentation (increase)’
03 into 40 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of sprouting, difficult beginnings, ensures softening structure (tension
release)’
40 into 03 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of relaxed structure ensures sprouting’
27 into 62 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of hungering, seeking nourishment ensures exaggerations (of traditions)/acting’
62 into 27 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of maintaining traditions/acting ensures hungering (includes gullability?)’
24 into 16 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of returning (to the one true path) ensures enthusiasm’
16 into 24 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of foresight/planning/enthusiasm ensures returning to the ‘correct’ path’
57 into 57 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of cultivation ensures becoming influencial’
48 into 59 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of setting foundations (The Well) ensures the dispelling of illusions’
59 into 48 ‘to do ANYTHING in the context of dispelling illusions ensures setting foundations (for the future)’
18 into 53 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of correcting corruption ensures gradual development (maturing)’
53 into 18 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of maturing ensures a need to correct corruptions’
46 into 20 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of entanglement (push upwards) ensures admiration’
20 into 46 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of admiration/setting_an_example ensures entanglement (increased involvement)’
29 into 29 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of containment ensures control’
04 into 39 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of masking ensures obstructions(bypassing them)’
39 into 04 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of obstructions(bypassing them) ensures masking’
07 into 08 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of uniforming ensures unity’
08 into 07 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of unity ensures uniformity’
52 into 52 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of self-restraint/blocking ensures discernment’
15 into 23 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of levelling-out, modesty, ensures pruning/weeding’
23 into 15 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of pruning/weeding ensures levelling-out, evening-out’
02 into 02 ‘to do ANYTHING in a context of dualmindedness (devotion to another/others) ensures dualmindedness’