Bi :: Ornament

Offerings:: Small gains: somewhere to go

音

䷕

6 :: first

Foot ornaments. Descend from the chariot and go on foot.

Recognize and make use of your subordinate position. It is important for you te be unostentatious and self-motivated (go on foot).

9 :: second

Beard ornaments.

Prepare yourself for presentation. The situation calls for improving you appearance (the preening and plaiting of the beard) in preparation for al important event (ritual). Be prepared for action.

6 :: third

Glistening adornments. It is auspicious in the long run.

You are thoroughly prepared, but it is still best to wait to be noticed. Do not g forward unless you are invited to do so. You are fully prepared and exception ally worthy (glistening, bathed or dew-drenched). Patience now will pay off i the future.

9 :: fourth

White ornaments. Swift horse. Not a slanderer; a bridegroom.

Style should not veil the truth. At first, your appearance is so plain (white) tha there is some confusion about your ability and motive. A simple and unadorne style is, however, a perfect expression of confidence. Simplicity ultimate works to bring you to new alliances (bridegroom) and deepen the feelings mutual trust.

9 :: fifth

Ornaments are plain. A small bolt of silk' is offered. No misfortune.

A simple exterior lets the power and feelings within shine forth. Thrift lend virtue to beauty. When a small and humble offering is made with sincerity an appropriateness it brings a positive response. The sincere heart of the weave can be felt in the simple cloth (homespun silk).

6 :: top

White ornaments. No misfortune.

Simplicity (avoiding extravagance) is the greatest ornament. Practicing mo esty even after success creates stability in the nation and popular confidence a new leader.

Image

Bi is about the significance and use of luxury. It is art and ornamentation and the power of elegance. It is how simple design can make a common event (marriage or funeral) into a beautiful ceremony (a place to go). True beauty is, in fact, an articulate expression of inner value. In properly ornamenting even a small thing (event), it is important that its inner value is expressed. The cowrie shell is the symbol of beauty.

Auspices

Bi is favorable when appearances match the inner nature of things. Simplicity, rather than extravagance, is recommended as the aesthetic of confidence. Beware of the deception that comes from superficial decoration.

Good for short journeys, preparations, parties, design, art, and cultural events.

Bad for extravagant romance, pride, and artificiality.

Comment

What we have here is a Zhouyi aesthetic. Though the elaborate and elegant celebration of ritual was highly regarded in the Shang dynasty, the Zhou aesthetic was one of spiritual simplicity. Part of the Zhou rebellion was to put an end to the extravagant luxury of the Shang royal ceremonies.

In Zhou times white (representing simplicity, purity and naturalness), the only color mentioned here, was difficult to find and difficult to maintain. This tells us that in expressing the beauty inherent in our nature it is in sincerity and simplicity, not extravagance and luxury that we find art. The wisdom of the Zhouyi suggests that the expressions of culture and art are most beautiful when they both express and remind us of our true and common spiritual nature.

Other Correspondences

Business: Advertising campaigns, logo design, new product design, and redecorating the office.

Disharmonies: Lethargy, dermatological problems, spleen deficiency, and blood toxicity.

Prognosis: Poor. Minor symptoms may mask a patient's serious illness. A brief recovery may precede a sudden relapse or death.