The I CHING As Seen Through Collages

The I CHING As Seen Through Collages Krystyna C. Laycraft, Ph.D. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Collages and Writing based on the Richard Wilhelm Translation by Krystyna C. Laycraft, Ph.D. Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Laycraft, Krystyna C., PhD The I Ching As Seen Through Collages ISBN: 978‐1‐927945‐42‐1 I. Title Copyright © 2022 by Krystyna C. Laycraft All rights reserved. No part of this book may be recorded, reproduced, or stored in any form without the express written consent of the author. Published by Nucleus Learning, Calgary, AB, Canada Printer: First Choice Books, Victoria, BC Also by Krystyna C. Laycraft: Creativity as an Order Through Emotions: A Study of Creative Adolescents and Young Adults (2013) Feeling Life: Patterns of Emotions (2014) A Journey Through The Land of Feelings (2014) The Courage to Decide (2015) Ich Losy (2016) Their Lives: Marysia and Zygmunt (2016) Acceptance: The Key to a Meaningful Life (with Bogusia Gierus)(2019) Uncovering The Theory of Positive Disintegration (2019) kclaycraft@gmail.com INTRODUCTION In the book The I Ching as Seen Through Collages, I present the series of collages, which depict the eight trigrams and the sixty‐four hexagrams of the I Ching. The I Ching is the oldest and most significant Chinese classic. It is based on observations of nature and human life. The central theme is the continuous change and transformation underlying all existence, and the fundamental building blocks are the ancient concepts of Yang and Yin. As the thinking matured over centuries, this basis of Yang/Yin polarity developed into a combination of Yang and Yin in trigrams, representing eight forces in nature.     Universal opposites (Heaven and Earth), Impulsive opposites (Thunder and Wind). Organic opposites (Fire and Water), and Elemental opposites (Mountain and Lake). To achieve even greater multiplicity these eight trigrams are arranged in pairs to the form sixty‐four hexagrams or images. These sixty‐four hexagrams, representing possible human situations and different conditions of change, comprise text of the I Ching. Each hexagram combines two trigrams:  A lower or inner trigram, relating to subjective conditions,  An upper or outer trigram, relating to objective conditions. During two months, I intensely concentrated on studying the I Ching to understand the messages in the hexagrams’ descriptions and adequately express them in my collages. Through them, I wanted to reveal the deep connection of human issues with the natural world. Despite being created in ancient times, the I Ching is fully applicable to the present times. It is like a wise mentor who offers directions and answers to many questions regarding our issues. Through a richness of symbols, the I Ching helps us find how to live a harmonious and meaningful life, how to develop and maintain our inner strength, how vital the moments of silence and concentration are, and many more. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | i The base for my work on collages was the edition of the I Ching translated by Richard Wilhelm.1 I also used other publications such as Roger Green’s The I Ching Workbook2 and The Photographic I Ching with a new interpretation by Dhiresha McCarver based on the trans‐ lation by James Legge.3 1 The Pocket I Ching, The Richard Wilhelm translation, Rendered into English by Cary F. Baynes, Arkana Penguin Books 2 Green, R. (2003). The I Ching Workbook, San Diego, California, Thunder Bay Press. 3 McCarver, D., & Woods, G. (1996). The Photographic I Ching, Elan Press Page | ii The I Ching As Seen Through Collages PART I THE EIGHT TRIGRAMS The Creative – strong, active – Heaven The Receptive – devoted, yielding – Earth The Clinging – light‐giving, clarity – Fire The Abysmal – dangerous – Water Page | 2 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages The Keeping Still – resting, calm, firm, quiet – Mountain The Joyous – Joyousness – Lake The Arousing – Inciting movement – Thunder The Gentle – Penetrating, enduring – Wind/Wood The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 3 THE SIXTY-FOUR HEXAGRAMS The Hexagrams from 1 to 8 Page | 4 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 1. The Creative (Heaven over Heaven) means duration both in and beyond time. Time is the instrument of the Creative, which represents what is light‐giving, active, firm, and strong. The great man devotes himself to creating order, peace, security, and union for all. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 5 2. The Receptive (Earth over Earth) complements The Creative. The Creative initiates things/ideas, while the Receptive gives birth by providing form to new life. The Recep‐ tive becomes tireless, strong, and devoted. It allows light to enter and thereby illumi‐ nates everything. Page | 6 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 3. Resolving Chaos (Water over Thunder) expresses when thunder and rain fill the air. The natural movement of water is downward, while thunder (arousing) upward. When the two meet, the resulting thunderstorm clears the air. It brings release from tension, and all things breathe freely again. In our world, it means that chaotic times precede a pe‐ riod of order. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 7 4. Immaturity (Mountain over Water) expresses when a spring rises at the foot of the mountain. It gushes forth, not knowing which way it will go. This situation can be com‐ pared to the confusion of inexperienced youth. Out of the confusion of youth comes enlightenment. Page | 8 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 5. Waiting (Water over Heaven) indicates the rain of clouds accumulating in the sky. Rain refreshes all that grows and nourishes mankind with food and drink. But we cannot make the rain come by external forces. We must wait for it. So, waiting develops pa‐ tience, which strengthens our ability to grasp the opportunity. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 9 6. Conflict (Heaven over Water). Heaven’s nature is to rise, while water’s nature is to de‐ scend, so they are opposed to each other. When opposing tendencies appear, conflict is unavoidable. The best solution is to retreat and wait for change. Page | 10 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 7. The Army (Earth over Water) gives the idea of ground water stored up in the earth. It means that vital resources are available but hidden, requiring effort to access. This po‐ tential can be drawn upon in times of need. In the same way, military strength is stored up in the mass of the people: Invisible in times of peace but always ready for use as a source of power. This hexagram relates also to our inner strategy for pursuing our work. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 11 8. Union (Water over Earth) expresses the situation when the water traverses the land, forming streams and rivers until they merge and flow to the ocean. Hence, the central idea of this hexagram is Union and mutual help. Similarly, to survive and flourish, we should hold together through a community of interests that allows us to feel like mem‐ bers of the whole. Page | 12 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages The Hexagrams from 9 - 16 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 13 9. Quiet Accumulation (Wind over Heaven) symbolizes the power of gentleness and rep‐ resents a time when the wind blowing over heaven creates clouds and brings the prom‐ ise of rain. So, following this idea, to carry out our purpose, we should maintain inner strength and determination while displaying outward flexibility and adaptability. Page | 14 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 10. Conduct (Heaven over Lake) comprises Heaven above Lake, two forces, which are vastly separated, so no conflict arises between them. It concerns the right way of conducting oneself. The hexagram advises us to behave pleasantly, which may calm down even the most irritating individual. Though there are difficulties and obstacles, a gentle, yielding, and amiable attitude will bring us through safe and sound. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 15 11. Peace (Earth over Heaven) symbolizes the union of Earth and Heaven, a period of tran‐ quility and harmony. This is like the first month of spring when the forces of nature and all living beings bloom and prosper. For us, this refers to the harmony between our thoughts and feelings, our mind and body. By cultivating such a happy balance within ourselves, we create harmonious conditions around us. Page | 16 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 12. Stagnation (Heaven over Earth) expresses a situation when heaven and earth do not communicate with each other. It is a time of stagnation and decline: just as autumn sets up and all nature stagnates. This is a period when we have rigid thoughts and chaotic feelings. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 17 13. Fellowship (Heaven over Fire) expresses the idea of fellowship, which is represented by clarity, light‐giving, within, and strength without. True fellowship will arise from the shared goals for humanity and not from the private interests of individuals. Page | 18 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 14. Great Possession (Fire over Heaven) expresses prosperity and abundance. The combi‐ nation of the inner strength of heaven with the outer clarity of fire indicates a person of great inner wealth, who is unselfish, modest, and kind. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 19 15. Modesty (Earth over Mountain), symbolizes humbleness, where the lowly earth is ex‐ alted and placed above the mountain. The modest person is ready to admire others and does not boast about their achievements. Page | 20 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 16. Enthusiasm (Thunder over Earth) expresses harmonious joy, the product of devotion within and movement without. The arousal of thunder indicates a time of intense crea‐ tivity and enthusiasm. As summer begins, thunder comes forth to refresh nature and resolve the tension. Similarly, music brings joy and relief. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 21 The Hexagrams from 17 - 24 Page | 22 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 17. Following (Lake over Thunder) indicates the joy in movement that induces following. Followers readily join an activity that is associated with pleasure. The hexagram ad‐ dresses the flexible circumstances in which we are following others or being followed. In both situations, we might experience progress and success if guided on what is proper and correct. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 23 18. Removing Corruption (Mountain over Wind) expresses how the blowing air currents de‐ stroy the plants at the foot of the mountain. Similarly, in human cases, negligent atti‐ tudes create problems, introducing corruption into the community. The hexagram sug‐ gests that when people have been motivated to remove corrosion, they will experience new order and peace. Page | 24 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 19. Approach (Earth over Lake) expresses a lake being nurtured by the earth. Both the depth of the lake and the endless abundance of the earth indicate the unlimited readiness of wise people to educate others. By our willingness to learn, we become like nature at the beginning of spring: hopeful, flourishing, and able to move forward. The hexagram also describes how the combination of joy and forbearance paves the way for significant progress and success. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 25 20. Contemplation (Wind over Earth) describes how the wind may freely and widely travel over the earth. The hexagram shape reminds a viewing tower, so that image stresses how much more we can see from a high position than from the ground. Likewise, we perceive more with a calm, detached mind than with one embroiled in everyday life. Page | 26 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 21. Biting Through (Fire over Thunder) expresses how disturbing tension is energetically overcome by a storm in nature. Likewise, in human terms, the disturbance of harmoni‐ ous social life caused by criminals is needed to restore by appealing to criminal law and penalties. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 27 22. Grace (Mountain over Fire) represents a fire breaking out of the secret depth of the earth. It blazes up, illuminating and beautifying the mountain. There is great value and inspiration to be taken from such natural beauties, but we must remember to see be‐ yond superficialities. Appreciation of beauty inclines us toward harmony and precision rather than chaos and carelessness. Page | 28 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 23. Splitting Apart (Mountain over Earth) is a symbol of collapse and dispersion. If our life is dominated by confusing emotions, our thoughts and actions will tend to be irrational, and things might get out of control. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 29 24. Turning Point (Earth over Thunder) suggests an awareness of renewed vitality, repre‐ sented by the active thunder over the sleeping earth. It is a part of cyclical changes that are the rules in nature and in lives. By understanding them we can work with them in‐ stead of against them. Page | 30 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages The Hexagrams from 25 - 32 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 31 25. Innocence (Heaven over Thunder) describes the situation when thunder is reinforced by heaven. It symbolizes the state of being free from recklessness and insincerity. So, innocence means that we are in harmony with ourselves and others. Page | 32 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 26. Great Restraint (Mountain over Heaven) suggests that heaven's vast and creative power is stored within the stronghold of a mountain. Similarly, we need to focus our minds and wills vigorously and decisively to build up our resources. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 33 27. Providing Nourishment (Mountain over Thunder) represents the nourishment and care of oneself and others – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We must put the right food into our bodies and the right ideas into our minds and spirits. Page | 34 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 28. Inner Strength (Lake over Wind/Wood) expresses the water of a flooding lake is rising into the branches of the trees. Such condition is unusual and dangerous. We should follow the example of the tree that stands rooted, even it is covered by the temporary water of the flood. It means that we succeed under challenging circumstances if we have inner strength. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 35 29. The Abysmal (Water over Water) means plunging in danger. The danger here is an ob‐ jective situation, so we must adjust. The best strategy for survival is to be like water, consistent, reliable, and able to move with the current. It is also shown that correctly approaching danger may bring us benefits. It sharpens our minds and senses, and by learning from this experience, we can emerge much stronger. Page | 36 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 30. Brightness (Fire over Fire) indicates that fire and light represent a metaphor for intelli‐ gence. When we are guided by the inner light, undesirable external influences have no power over us. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 37 31. Influence (Lake over Mountain) represents a quiet and persistent influence by internal strength and external joy. This beneficial influence is illustrated by a well‐matched cou‐ ple who balance each other's similarities and complementary qualities. Page | 38 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 32. Duration (Thunder over Wind) expresses where thunder and wind are constantly paired phenomena. Their union is enduring. This hexagram represents a successful marriage, where two people love and respect each other and work together with a united pur‐ pose. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 39 The Hexagrams from 33 — 40 Page | 40 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 33. Retreat (Heaven over Mountain) expresses how the mountain rises toward heaven but heaven retreats before it. The hexagram advises that when darkness rises against us, the correct course is retreat rather than engagement. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 41 34. Great Strength (Thunder over Heaven) expresses the union of strength (heaven) and movement (thunder) that is the basis for great power. Flexibility, openness, resilience, and perseverance are all requirements of great power. Page | 42 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 35. Progress (Fire over Earth) expresses the sun rising over the earth, which is the symbol of progress: ever‐widening expansion and increasing clarity. We should imitate the ris‐ ing sun by approaching our goals with patience and persistence. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 43 36. Darkening of the Light (Earth over Fire) expresses when the light of the sun sinks below the earth and its brightness disappears. It symbolizes a time when we must hide our inner light to survive difficult and danger time. Page | 44 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 37. The Family (Wind over Fire), which symbolizes wind created by fire. It represents the influence from the inside that goes outside. So, the integrity of family or any other social organization is effectively maintained through the cooperation of two forces – the clar‐ ity of fire (rules) and the gentleness of wind (genuine affection). The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 45 38. Opposition (Fire over Lake), which expresses a flame rising and water descending, so these two movements never mingle. When we live in opposition and estrangement, we cannot accomplish any joint undertakings because our points of view are different, and we don't understand each other. Page | 46 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 39. Obstruction (Water over Mountain) expresses a body of water held at the top of moun‐ tains. When water has accumulated enough volume, it burst free as a powerful, poten‐ tially destructive waterfall. So, when we face obstacles that cannot be overcome di‐ rectly, we should not press forward into danger but retreat and yield. But we retreat only to prepare for overcoming the obstruction. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 47 40. Deliverance (Thunder over Water), which expresses the release of tension after a thun‐ derstorm, and the whole of nature breaths freely again. So, deliverance from burden‐ some pressure has a liberating and stimulating effect on our lives. We must liberate our minds and emotions from past difficulties and begin a new chapter in our lives. Page | 48 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages The Hexagrams from 41-48 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 49 41. Decrease (Mountain over Lake), which symbolizes lessening or diminishing. Trees on the mountain grow greener because of the moisture that rises from the lake. So, energy is constantly redistributed, resources decrease in one area to bring about an increase elsewhere. One of our significant challenges is to learn how to manipulate resources without causing instability. Page | 50 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 42. Increase (Wind over Thunder) expresses how the wind and thunder enforce each other; therefore, their combination gives the idea of strong and confident action. But such action should be based on honesty and generosity, not on greediness and selfishness. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 51 43. Breakthrough (Lake over Heaven) expresses a breakthrough after a long accumulation of tension. When a lake has evaporated to heaven, it breaks through a cloudburst. This is like the process of decision‐making. Before a decision, we accumulate our thoughts and emotions, and when the moment of decision arrives, we act with great strength. Page | 52 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 44. Temptation (Heaven over Wind), which expresses how the wind blows everything and penetrates everywhere. The form of the hexagram suggests the nature of the message, where the single yin line infiltrates the yang hexagram. Similarly, we must be careful of the temptation of unworthy people, influences, and habits in our lives. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 53 45. Gathering (Lake over Earth) expresses the image of a lake whose waters are gathered in the embrace of the earth. Likewise, it represents the coming together of a large group of people for a shared purpose. But we must remember that our success or failure is determined by the people with whom we associate and the kind of relationships we cultivate with them. Page | 54 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 46. Pushing Upward (Earth over Wood/Wind) is associated with the effort as young trees grow within the earth. This indicates that a vertical ascent is possible by willpower in harmony with time. Pushing upward will involve energy, but we must be careful not to turn to violence. We should be gentle and committed as the wood bends around objects grows upwards. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 55 47. Oppression/Exhaustion (Lake over Water) expresses an image of a dried‐up lake and represents a time of misfortune and distress. This hexagram reminds us that we all en‐ counter such periods of life from time to time. During these adverse times, we must maintain our intrinsic values, revitalize our interest in life, and prepare the way for fu‐ ture progress. Page | 56 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 48. The Well (Water over Wood) expresses the image of ancient China well: wood goes down into the water to bring it up. Likewise, in nature, the roots of plants go down to lift water out of the earth. The well is seen as an inexhaustible source of nourishment, the springs of life. It is also a symbol of our inner nature. In some memorable moments of silence and concentration, we become aware of our inner self and awaken our crea‐ tive energy. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 57 The Hexagrams from 49 — 56 Page | 58 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 49. Revolution/Fundamental Change (Lake over Fire) symbolizes change. The lake attempts to extinguish the fire, and the fire tries to dry up the lake. So, these elements combat each other directly and produce a change in each other. When imbalances occur in our lives, radical changes are necessary. But all radical changes must arise after careful con‐ sideration. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 59 50. The Secret Vessel (Fire over Wood/Wind) expresses the image of fire, kindled by wood and wind, and suggests cooking. It symbolizes nourishment and transformation. The hexagram is concerned not only with physical nourishment but also with nourishing the spiritual aspects of ourselves. Page | 60 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 51. The Arousing/Shock (Thunder over Thunder) represents a forceful upward movement and exciting power. Thunder stirs from its winter rest in spring, so it also means begin‐ ning anew and reawakening life. We can achieve a lot if we take responsibility for our troubles and look for new perspectives. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 61 52. Keeping Still (Mountain over Mountain) symbolizes stability and calmness. The hexa‐ gram advises us to withdraw from a busy life and cultivate the inner peace necessary for further development. True meditation requires inner and outer stillness, which can only be achieved through the patient, persistent quieting of our anxiety, and internal chatter. Page | 62 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 53. Development (Wood/Wind over Mountain) expresses an image of trees growing slowly and firmly on a mountain. Similarly, we must cultivate inner calm, adaptability, and per‐ severance for our self‐development. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 63 54. Love (Thunder over Lake) symbolizes the loving relationships, which develop between individuals. The trigram of thunder, representing the arousing, positioned over the lake, indicates a joyous woman who gladly joins the man of her choice. As the essential prin‐ ciple of relatedness, love is the most critical factor in all the world's relationships. Page | 64 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 55. Abundance (Thunder over Fire) expresses the flashing lightning during a thunderstorm and symbolizes a tremendous power of action. The hexagram represents a time of su‐ preme achievement, abundance, and success. We should learn how to benefit from this time of prosperity and apply it for our growth. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 65 56. The Wanderer (Fire over Mountain) describes a wildfire burning through the foliage at the top of mountains. The blaze rapidly consumes all the fuel the peak has, and it must then travel in search of more. It represents the need that drives us to keep on the move, searching for something new to energize our lives. Page | 66 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages The Hexagrams from 57 to 64 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 67 57. The Gentle (Wind/Wood over Wind/Wood) expresses gentleness, adaptability, and penetration. A flexible and gentle attitude will significantly benefit us when we find our‐ selves in difficult situations. While penetration produces its effects not by violence but by subtle and persistent action. Page | 68 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 58. The Joyous (Lake over Lake) symbolizes the joyous lake which refreshes and rejoices all life. True joy is based on inner harmony and authenticity. It radiates from the inside and inspires others. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 69 59. Dispersion (Wind over Water) expresses a situation where the wind blows over water and disperses it into foam and mist. Only through the dispersion of the rigidity of our thoughts and egoism can we progress in our lives and then unite with others. Page | 70 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 60. Limitation (Water over Lake) expresses a situation where rain falls into the lake. If there is insufficient rain, the lake will dry up; if it is too much, it may cause devastation through overflowing. This is the hexagram of moderation and the application of sensible limits. Only self‐limitations bring order, stability, and freedom to our lives. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 71 61. Inner Truth (Wind over Lake) expresses the situation when the wind blows over a lake and stirs its surface. It allows us to see the visible effects of an invisible force. The hex‐ agram, open at the center, pictures a humble heart, open to the truth. The attributes of gentleness (wind) and joyousness (lake) indicate that sincerity/truthfulness can trans‐ form people and become the basis of outstanding achievements. Page | 72 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 62. Great Smallness (Thunder over Mountain) indicates an exceptional situation – a time of transition. The line pattern of the hexagram suggests a soaring bird. During the thunder, it is wiser to fly to the mountain, to the safety of its nest. At that time, we should not be involved in ambitious projects; instead, we should concentrate on small things until we have a clearer picture of how to proceed. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 73 63. Order (Water over Fire) expresses the balanced interaction of two opposing elements: fire and water. But this balance demands the utmost care. If the water boils over, the fire will be put out, and energy will be lost: the water will dry up if the heat is too great. In life, too, there are times when all forces are in balance, working in harmony. How‐ ever, we should be aware that this state is fragile and demands extreme attention. Page | 74 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages 64. Transition/Before Completion (Fire over Water) symbolizes what is not yet completed. The upwardly rising fire and downwardly flowing water have no effect on each other. This is a period of transition. We are near to completing our project, but it still requires our diligent work. Thoughtfulness, attention, and patience are prerequisites for our success. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 75 PART II The Hexagrams with The Heaven Inner Trigram Heaven symbolizes forcefulness, perseverance, power, inspiration, originality, and vital‐ ity. When heaven is inside us, we become creative, flexible, open, resilient, and persevere. We develop patience, self‐discipline, and concentration to build our inner resources. So, we possess adequate power for our decisions and actions. The periods of tranquility are the opportunity for refining our inner world, while the pe‐ riods of prosperity are the chance to remain humble and generous. Page | 78 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages The Hexagrams with The Thunder Inner Trigram Thunder symbolizes awakening, excitement, stimulation, and renewal. When thunder represents our inner world, we are in the dynamic mental state of ques‐ tioning the meaning of our lives, cleansing our disturbing thoughts, deepening self‐aware‐ ness, and working on self‐improvement. We are fully present, take responsibility for our actions, look for new perspectives, and learn from the period of adversity. After a time of darkness and disorder, when a unique situation develops, we devote our energy to carefully preparing for the future and going with the flow. We also learn when to act and how to restore our power. Often, we adapt to unfavorable situations and remember that dissatisfaction can motivate us to outstanding accomplish‐ ments. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 79 The Hexagrams with The Water Inner Trigram Water symbolizes vitality, journey, adaptability, fluidity, courage, difficulty, uncertainty, anxiety, fear, and troubles. When the water governs our inner world, we become calm, cautious, and true to our feelings. At a difficult time, we become consistent, dependable, and able to move with the cur‐ rents. The adverse periods in our lives are the chance to liberate our thoughts and emotions from past difficulties, revitalize our interest in life, and cultivate patience. Page | 80 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages The Hexagrams with The Mountain Inner Trigram Mountain symbolizes rest, stillness, inner reserve, concentration, silence, contemplation, deep thinking, internal knowledge, and wisdom. When the mountain represents our inner world, we remain calm, mindful, and under con‐ trol in dangerous and challenging situations. We cultivate inner peace and become persistent in building our strength. Our main char‐ acteristics are modesty, dignity, sagacity, and respectfulness. We are aware of the requirement of wisdom and spiritual support to proceed harmlessly and peacefully through challenging circumstances. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 81 The Hexagrams with The Earth Inner Trigram Earth symbolizes calmness, responsiveness, acceptance, security, adaptability, openness, and kindness. When the earth is our inner world, we are in touch with our feelings, pay attention to others and our inner selves, accept our friends, and cultivate a desire for harmony. In periods of adversity, we remain gentle, firm, and courageous. We contemplate the fu‐ ture opportunity and prepare for a new beginning. We are aware that we must love and care for each other to survive and flourish. Page | 82 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages The Hexagrams with The Wind Inner Trigram Wind symbolizes gentleness, changeability, bending, politeness, courtesy, interaction, and affection. When the wind governs our inner world, we quietly gather our strength against the se‐ ductive inclinations and exploitation. Impatience and harry are usually symptoms of our anxiety, so we act gradually and cau‐ tiously. Our gentle and courteous nature attracts people, but we are aware that extreme submis‐ siveness and obedience diminish our self‐confidence and respect from others. In dangerous times, we act decisively and move away as quickly as possible. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 83 The Hexagrams with The Fire Inner Trigram Fire symbolizes intelligence, illumination, passion, clarity, liberation, insight, attachment, and inner spirit. When the fire is our inner world, we need to “attach” to things to fuel ourselves. So, our spirit arises more powerfully when it is united with others, and our inner flames of enthusi‐ asm are maintained by inspiration that is taken from the beauty of nature. So, unification and association are vital to us. When we become leaders, we inspire others by cultivating love, commitment, and au‐ thenticity within ourselves. We need to hide our inner light in dark situations, detach ourselves from the external world, and become patient and accepting. We liberate ourselves and develop empathy and compassion towards others with our patience and acceptance. Page | 84 The I Ching As Seen Through Collages The Hexagrams with The Lake Inner Trigram Lake symbolizes serenity, tranquility, calmness, peace, charm, joy, cheerfulness, and grace. When the lake governs our inner world, we are receptive to spiritual influences and have a tendency for reflection and serenity. We usually move following the current inner life and do not follow the influence of others. Joy, knowledge, and wisdom are enhanced when we share them throughout our commu‐ nity. We enjoy a spiritual and peaceful quality of life. We control our desires and behave with courtesy, discretion, and kindness in unstable times. We dedicate our efforts to becoming more receptive to universal compassion and the spiritual truth. The I Ching As Seen Through Collages Page | 85