Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Sept. 28 is 37:Community

37: Community

Friday, September 28th, 2012

Hexagram 37

General Meaning:  A community or extended family that works is one where healthy interdependence is appreciated and supported. Good direction is essential, but strong kinship is dependent upon every member of the community. Trust, shared responsibilities and good communication are essential. Each member must be encouraged to find his or her appropriate expression, and contribution.

The functional family is a team that symbolizes the ideal of human interdependence, and has long provided a firm foundation for society. The healthy family is a microcosm of society and the native soil in which ethical values take root and grow. Fertilize this soil, and the whole of society benefits.

The power that bonds a tribe is the yin or feminine principle — gentleness and receptivity. Relationships are improved through cultivation of these. Learn to accept both advice and aid from others, and be willing to assume an appropriate role in any group that supports good relating. A good team player is always valuable to others. Increase your value!

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for September 27 is 63: After Completion

63: After Completion

Hexagram 63

General Meaning:  It is a fine irony that after completion of some project or great enterprise, there is still much left to do. Completion is merely a pause in the cycle of creation and decay, a momentary still point for the swinging pendulum of life. Though completion does imply a period of restful pause — one that usually has been well earned — it is not an actual end, but rather a uniquely harmonious flat spot in the constancy of change and movement.

The image of After Completion is that of a kettle of water boiling over a fire. When the forces are balanced, the water boils properly; but if the pot is too full, it may boil over and put out the fire; or, if the fire is too hot, it may evaporate all the water. In the equilibrium that follows the completion of something significant, the current dynamics must be watched carefully to assure that a proper balance is maintained.

After Completion is the time for fine-tuning, for refinements and embellishments of what has already been accomplished.

Even if we are enjoying a rewarding situation right now, the laws of the natural world dictate that influence and success will eventually decline. So, don’t let current good fortunes prompt careless or relaxed attitudes. A successful endeavor or partnership needs to be carefully tended and maintained. What is incomplete should be finished, and brought to fruition without delay.

Take satisfaction upon completion, but do not dwell on it. To do so could bring a halt to your influence and capability.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for September 25 is 36: Darkening of the Light

36: Darkening of the Light

Hexagram 36

General Meaning:  When light becomes dim, it may be wise to become invisible. The image is of fresh darkness, the period after the sun has gone down or the fire has gone out. There is still much activity left over from the light of day, while movements in the outer world become more dangerous. Even the smallest sound, the faintest glow of light, can attract unwanted attention.

When the darkness of stupidity reigns, it is best that your own brilliance stay ‘hidden under a bushel basket.’ That is, your thoughts and efforts should be quiet and self-contained, and protected, as much as possible, from disruptive influences.

Whatever you do, don’t let yourself be swept along on the current of conventional wisdom when dangerous uncertainties exist. Try not to become too depressed or anxious; this period will pass. Just endure it for now and inwardly preserve your self-confidence, while outwardly remaining cooperative and flexible. The time to assert yourself will come. Avoid looking too far ahead if you have not yet achieved your goals. That only feeds regret and longing, which can eat away at your inner resources.

Be cautious and reserved. Control yourself. Do not needlessly awaken dormant forces of opposition. During dark, unsettled periods, it is best to step gingerly around the sleeping dogs.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for September 24 is 25: Innocence

25: Innocence

Hexagram 25

General Meaning: Innocence flows from a natural harmlessness, openness and pure intentions, unsullied by ulterior motives. The state of innocence has less to do with age than attitude; innocence springs from a heart that remains open to joy and wonder. Innocence, when guided by a firm faith in what is right, brings supreme success. Naiveté unanchored by an ability to discern right from wrong, on the other hand, brings misfortune.

The hallmark of innocence is a willingness to treat others with compassion and respect in a natural way. Those who possess a pure heart are best guided by their instincts and intuition. Thinking too much makes it difficult to hear the guidance of the heart, the suggestions of a clear intuition. Stay simple and be wary of cleverness.

Daily Feng Shui Tip for Sept. 22 – ‘Elephant Appreciation Day’

No one appreciates an empowering elephant more than me, and so I dedicate today’s ‘Elephant Appreciation Day’ to each of you who brings an elephant into your living space! Elephants are considered a precious animal in Feng Shui, symbolizing fertility, strength, sagacity and wealth. When an elephant is present in the home, either through an image, statue or some other symbol, that home is blessed with ‘descendant’s luck.’ Eastern traditions tell that the elephant is one of the four animals of power and energy, along with the tiger, leopard and lion. The elephant is also one of the seven precious treasures in Buddhism. In China, the white elephant is the national emblem, while Hindu mythology shares that the entire world is supported on the back of one that stands on a tortoise. The Hindu Lord Ganesh, the deity who can help remove all challenges from our lives, actually manifests in the form of an elephant god. In Feng Shui and Mahayana Buddhism, the elephant is said to be the bearer of the ‘wish granting gem’ and we can put that info to good use right now. If you’re wishing for employment, place a statue of an elephant with a crystal on its back immediately inside the front door, facing into the space. Place a coin on the back of the elephant if your wish is for fortunes and wealth. If you’re wishing for a child, situate the elephant statue at the base of your bedroom door and place a stone on its back. Whatever your wish, this elephant really rocks!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com