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Hexagram 53, line 3

‘The wild geese gradually advance to the high plateau.
The husband marches out and does not return;
The wife is pregnant, but does not nurture the child;
Pitfall.
Harvest in resisting outlaws.’

Some thoughts based on a single experience of this line. (In other words, not ‘What It Means’, but something it can mean.)

I think it may have to do with the different ways in which partners see an unprecedented, alien experience. The geese don’t belong on the high plateau; they can’t behave naturally here. And this seems to be about a time of war, which is also not the natural habitat for human relationships to grow and flourish.

He deals with things by setting out to bring order to the outer world. Out there, he finds problems he can solve and a way he can contribute. So he commits himself to the work with vigour; it’s not easy for him to turn back towards her and reconnect with what’s happening there.

She has turned inward; there is a new response growing within her, a new life. Everything from outside turns into nourishment for this; she introspects – a lot – and becomes self-absorbed. She may lose all sensitivity to those who need nurturing.

It’s not easy at such a time to resist outlawry, to avoid alienation and hostility – but it is fruitful.

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4 thoughts on “Hexagram 53, line 3”

  1. I have I ching book . I got number 50 is present .and 38 is future . I ask about me and my boy friend , He lived in Europe now . Can you explain for me , Thank you very much. Jenny

  2. Hi Jenny,

    I don’t quite understand what you’re asking, as I never ‘sent’ you 53 (unless you’re subscribed to the newsletter – in which case I sent you and over 3,000 other people a link to this post…).

    It sounds as if you would like some help with an I Ching reading. To answer your question ‘why you don’t explain for me’, between 3.50 and 4 am I was asleep and unaware of your request.

    What I suggest you do is to make your way to the I Ching Community, sign up as a Friend, and post a clear explanation of your situation and what question you asked the I Ching. Then lots of people (myself included) will be able to help you more.

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