Water I CHING Legends

Good fortune to those who remain aware of the heart of the situation.

EMERGING

 Enduring the Struggle to Emerge

Thunder and rain awaken that which is emerging from beneath the soil.

As the storm passes the seeds of life push up toward the light.

The seeds are planted to grow new crops.

As time passes we wait, seeing nothing emerging from below.

Impatiently we help the seeds by removing some of the dirt.

Hastily we work to make it easier for the seedlings to reach the light.

Those seedlings we helped withered and died, exposed before their time.

Those that remained emerged as a healthy crop.

In difficult times I do not hasten to influence.

Success to those who commit to right timing.

WAITING

Waiting for the Rain

Clouds are forming, yet we must wait for the rain to nourish all things.

Like waiting for the rain to fall, we must wait for destiny to determine our fate.

There is an uneasy feeling in the wind.

I am aware that change is in the air.

Through this awareness, I wait.

When change is imminent unrest arises.

Fortifying myself in the face of danger,

I remain calm, knowing that I have the strength 

to take action when needed.

UNITY 

The Unity of Relationship

Yielding to the laws of nature the water follows its traditional path.

Joining together in the lakes and rivers it returns to the caverns beneath the earth.

I am a stream in the river of my ancestors' dreams.

I inherit their progress for the conditions of humanity.

It is through the wisdom of their traditions that I am strong.

I celebrate their rituals established over centuries.

Now, I am the ancestor, I seek to fulfill my responsibilities 

to the generations of those who I will never know.

EXCESS 

The Breaking Point

In times of great excess caution is required as progress is not supported.

In extraordinary times, the wise withdraw, undaunted by fear.

Take heed of the times.

Caution is not fear, it is wisdom.

In setting goals be aware.

When the forces against you are strong,

it is good to have somewhere to go.

Seek the support of those without ulterior motives.

DANGER

The Path of Least Resistance

When clouds accumulate the rain must fall. 

Innocent in its true nature, no matter the obstacles, 

the water reaches its goal and returns to the heart of the earth.

With respect for the power of forces of nature,

I am consistent in my awareness.

When surrounded by danger, 

I do not lose my way.

Waiting in safety with confidence,

knowing that the virtues of my heart, 

will lead me to the right decision

ADVERSITY

 In the face of adversity perseverance, and self reflection inspire good fortune.

When there is nowhere to go the danger of obstruction is worthy of respect.

When I cannot succeed on my own,

I am aware that it would be reckless to do so.

When the task is beyond my ability,

through strength of spirit, 

I seek the guidance of those who will assist.

It is only in service to a higher cause,

that I proceed in the face of danger.

THE WELL

The wood draws water from the well

Wood, the symbol of spring, new growth, transforms water into nourishment.

The needs of the people who draw from the Well are eternal and do not change.

Like the well,

my inner wealth is stationary.

It is my intention to dwell within a social structure, 

that leads the way to the well of good fortune for all.

I draw from the clear source of the unchangeable.

LIMITATIONS

The Limitations of the Measure of Time

The boundless energy of water imposes awareness of the forces of nature.

The natural limitations of the seasons protect from the excess of endless expansion.

In times of darkness, I surrender, 

knowing that the light will soon return.

Steadfastly I secure my resources.

Recognizing the value of my own limitations,

I first strengthen my ability to sustain the present.