It's About Taking the Strain with Others ...

This was one of the main cards that drew me to this deck. Most of the 64 illustrations are portraits, but there are some (such as this one) where things are happening. Here, a great set of doors are being opened by two men. It looks as though there is snow on one side, preventing them from opening easily, so the two guys need to work together to get the job done. The card, Pi, is called Solidarity in this deck. The hexagram at the bottom of the card describes water flowing into other water and forming streams. As well as the two men coming together and strengthening in the same way as the water, I feel that the card could also represent my emotional community and support. It's about taking the strain with others, right? In his book 'The Authentic I-Ching', Henry Wei labels the card 'neighborliness'. For today, this card is about supporting others through tough times. If they can't open the door themselves, then it is up to me to help them.

Even though someone told me that the weather is soon to turn, it is as warm today as it has been all of last week. I got up early this morning and went to get my hair cut. I rushed to the barbers and then raced to a few shops before meeting my friend at the railway station. She and I went for breakfast, looked around the bookshops, and had one sociable drink in a town pub garden this afternoon. I always enjoy to see this particular lady. As well as being fun to be around, we always have conversations on such a broad spectrum of subjects. I think the quality of our friendship owes a lot to having many interests in common. She sorted through the shelves in one bookshop and bought me the book by Henry Wei.

Even though I shouldn't be chucking money over my shoulder willy-nilly, I found a box set of films in a second-hand entertainment store on my way to the station. I had been looking for the movie Niagara in local shops for a while, but with no luck. It was one of my favourites when I was younger and wanted to show it to my boyfriend. It will probably mean little to him, but I know it will take me back to my teenage years for that hour or two. I loved it's drama, the music, and the famous backdrop. I managed to find a set of seven Marilyn Monroe films for £8, so I snatched it up quickly. Don't Bother to Knock, another of my favourites, was also amongst them and clinched the deal.

Grabbing understanding from the I-Ching is a little like trying to catch bubbles or hold water in your hand. It skips out of grasp like a well-kept secret. But in working with this oracle, I am hoping that these illustrations will soon become something of my own. For today, Pi represents the support of mates, compassion, and joint strength.



Illustration from The Dead Moon I-Ching by Luis Rojo