Pi :: Obstruction

Obstructed by inferiors: inauspicious for princes:: The great departs: the small approaches

否

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Obstructed by inferiors: inauspicious for princes:: The great departs: the small approaches

6 ::

first

1^st

Pulling up the clumped mao grass¹ by its roots.

In adversity you are not alone. Our natural interconnectedness to beings and things brings both misfortune and its resolution.

9 ::

second

2^nd

Wrapped steamed meat offering. Auspicious for the small.

Realizing the full potential of a lowly position brings good fortune. Sincere humility (small and simple offerings) brings the support of real power. Doing the right thing when you are in a lesser position demonstrates that subordinate (young, new) does not mean ineffective (inferior, weak).

6 ::

third

3^rd

Wrapped seasoned meat offering.²

Bragging, pretense and ostentatious behavior have no benefit. You are obstructing yourself by exaggerating your self-importance. You embarrass yourself.

9 ::

fourth

4^th

A decree is made. Distribution is fair. No misfortune.

There is a general amnesty and an equitable redistribution of resources (decree). You are released and rewarded. Use your new freedom and resources wisely.

9 ::

fifth

5^th

Obstruction removed. Auspicious. Hidden. Protected by mulberry bows.³

You experience a natural end to obstruction and struggle. You may advance, but it is best to retire or retreat. You return home to the security of the familiar.

6 ::

top

Briefly obstructed; then liberated -- happy.

A temporary obstruction is removed. You feel great happiness. Patience pays off.

Image

Pi is a situation in which good or superior people are temporarily held back by minor obstructions. This includes mistakenly working against your own Fate. It is also about a time when inferior, small-minded people prevail. When the best people are stagnant, held back or obstructed; change for the better is inevitable.

Auspices

Pi is not a time for going forward. You are blocked by your own pretense or by external circumstances. Be humble and patient, and cancel or postpone great plans. Adaptation and patience are the keys to positive change in the future.

Good for staying put, reevaluation, self-reflection, withdrawal, and postponement.

Bad for traveling, marriage, pressing forward, and complaining.

Comment

Pi is about the temporary obstruction of good people, appropriate words, and/ or progressive ideas.

Pi is an obstacle that arises from the distractions of petty ideas or flattery. The situation can and should be resolved by adaptation--not overcome by force. When obstruction of this kind occurs, the Zhouyi advises us to accept the given situation without complaint or struggle and wait for natural clarity (decree) to return. Once clarity resumes and liberation is accomplished, return to normal (home) progress as soon as possible. Let the pettiness go and do not hold a grudge.

Other Correspondences

Business: Rethinking business plans, downsizing, and retirement.

Disharmonies: Spleen deficiency, injury, and mental depression from excessive grieving.

Prognosis: Good. The patient responds well to treatment and recovers slowly but surely.