Comments on: Engagement in Hexagram 18

By: Jaliya

Jaliya — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:33:22 +0000

Hmm….In reading this thread, and considering the sequence of 17 –> 18 –> 19, I receive a sudden hunch that Hex. 18, in part, identifies an urgent need to move on from the “suffering ghosts” –> both the ancestral/family influences, and one’s own mistaken pathways/patterns. Change the course of your “following” (17), tend to what is injured (18), and move on. If appropriate attention is offered to what is injured, a new way will open (19) …

By: Pamir

Pamir — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:36:24 +0000

One of the challenges here is that we’re dealing with two different traditions, but truth often emerges anyway. Yes, it’s about placating, or another word is propitiate. This is probably outside what the hexagram says, but while the ancestor(s) isn’t being exorcised, the negative influence on you is. And there may be a negative influence because of neglect, but in the metaphysics of the soul, sometimes the soul doesn’t complete its afterlife journey for whatever reason. So they hang in an astral or earthly dimension, usually suffering.

The propitiation is to help them release into the Light, to continue their journey through eternity, rather than staying attached. It’s for the good of all involved.

By: Hilary

Hilary — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:25:11 +0000

Hi Pamir,

Timeliness is our stock in trade .

Something I find very interesting about Hexagram 18 and the beliefs behind it - what I know of them, I’m no expert - is that the idea is not to somehow ‘get rid of’ the angry ghosts. The ancestors have a powerful connection with the living: the living invite them to ritual meals as honoured guests, and nourish them with the best they have to offer. In return the ancestors offer blessings, and mediate with higher or more remote spirits that have a greater power to help.

The problems start when an ancestor is neglected. Then instead of a benevolent spirit, you have an angry ghost. Your first step is to identify the ancestor you’ve unconsciously angered. As far as I know, this isn’t so you can ‘exorcise’ anything - you can’t do without ancestors any more than you can do without air and water - but so you can restore the relationship.

All this, too, translates in interesting ways into modern habits of thought about those old ‘patterns’. Maybe the objective isn’t to eradicate them, but to pay them attention and honour that will turn them into a source of blessing.

By: Pamir

Pamir — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 13:20:05 +0000

So timely you’d write about this! I’m working with my ancestors. I hadn’t considered my family line to be an influence on me until I was introduced to ’soul genetics.’ One one level we are an uncorrupted soul, beyond familial entanglements. On another level we are ‘inherited patterns.’ I suppose there are positive influences too, but those who are no longer living sometimes remain attached to the earth plane. This is neither good for their spirit, nor yours. It’s difficult to know the history involved, so in mutual forgiveness, you encourage them to continue on their eternal journey. That’s my ritual anyway…Thanks Hilary!