I Ching Weekly Reflection
Much of feng shui's foundational information is rooted in the I Ching, one of the oldest books from China. You ask an open ended question and reflect on the answer. Each week I ask the question "What do I need to know this week?" and post the response. Studying the meaning of the hexagrams is an excellent way of connecting with current energies, noticing patterns, and learning how to "go with the flow." The first hexagram is for the present and the second one is for the future. The changing lines are a bridge from "now" to "then." This page begins with January 1, 2022.
May you find the reflections helpful. For a personalized reading, contact Peg Donahue.
What do I need to know this week for my highest good?
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Hexagram 45: Assembling.
There are no Changing lines.
Hexagram 45: Lake over Earth forms the condition for Assembling. Will you be participating in a group assembly? Strong bonds will be developed through shared common goals, The time is right to drop defenses. Be sincere and have a goal in mind. Shared bonds and goals unite people and groups. Alignment with goals brings confidence and well-being. Good fortune.
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Hexagram 1: Creative Power changes to Hexagram 13: Community.
Changing line: 2.
Hexagram 1: Heaven over Heaven forms the condition for Creative Power. This is a time of accelerated growth. Take the initiative and direct your energy wisely. You have the opportunity to manifest personal desires and achieve happiness.
Changing line 2: It is in your interest to align yourself with someone in your area of interest.
Hexagram 13: Heaven over Fire forms the condition for Community. This is a favorable time for new endeavors. Society functions best when each member is gainfully employed, excelling doing something they love, and contributing to society's overall goals. Focus on the creation of structure, processes, and healthy disciplines to help everyone align with the greater good.
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Hexagram 20: Contemplating changes to Hexagram 12 Stagnation.
Changing line: 4.
Hexagram 20: Wind over Earth forms the condition for Contemplating. Approach all situations with seasonality in mind: the Spring of new ideas, the summer of work and growth, the autumn of harvest and completion and the winter of rest. Reflect on the season of situation and you can approach it with a predictable plan. Honest contemplation will help you to explore new ideas, reflect, and modify any practices that need adjustment.
Changing line 4: Identify the best causes, people, or organizations to join to exert your influence.
Hexagram 12: Heaven over Earth forms the condition for Stagnation. Growth has stopped and things are at an impasse temporarily. Do not try to influence others. This is a time to hold onto your values, principles, and inner confidence. Remove yourself from any situation that causes conflict. This time will pass.
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Hexagram 33: Heaven over Mountain forms the condition for Retreat.
There are no Changing lines.
Withdraw from struggle and opposing forces at this time. This is a time to go within, reflect, and develop inner wisdom, strength, and reserve. When the proper time to advance comes, you will be ready.
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Hexagram 55: Zenith changes to Hexagram 62 Conscientiousness.
Changing line: 1.
Hexagram 55: Thunder over Fire forms the condition for Zenith. You are at the peak. You fulfill your potential, achieve your goals or exhaust the possibilities. Move quickly. The Zenith is a brief period. Make the most of the matters at hand. Success and prosperity are imminent. Once on top, decline begins. It is a part of the natural cycle. Expect such change. All that you are creating will sustain you through the decline. Your successes will serve as the foundation for later growth. This is an ideal time for self discovery.
Changing line 1: Associate with those whose goals are similar to bring clarity, energy, and completion.
Hexagram 62: Thunder over Mountain forms the condition for Conscientiousness. This is a time for inner development and humility. Pay attention to detail and practice self control. Watch finances carefully and be conservative with expenditures. You will find good fortune by staying "below the radar" and quietly performing your life's work with dignity and diligence. Winter is an excellent time for deep, inner development.
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Hexagram 16 Harmonize changes to Hexagram 55: Zenith.
Changing lines: 1 and 3.
Hexagram 16: Thunder over Earth forms the condition for Harmonize. Listen to your inner voice. You are in a position to harmonize socially and communicate your ideas and interests. Do so by aligning your values with those of society and gain the cooperation of others. Anticipate what is needed. Select enthusiastic supporters. The path of truth is always the path of least resistance.
Changing line 1: Stay on top of your situation. Avoid boasting
Changing line 3: Develop self motivation to maintain your independence and self reliance./p>
Hexagram 55: Thunder over Fire forms the condition for Zenith. You are at the peak. You fulfill your potential, achieve your goals or exhaust the possibilities. Move quickly. The Zenith is a brief period. Make the most of the matters at hand. Success and prosperity are imminent. Once on top, decline begins. It is a part of the natural cycle. Expect such change. All that you are creating will sustain you through the decline. Your successes will serve as the foundation for later growth. This is an ideal time for self discovery.
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Hexagram 35: Progress changes to Hexagram 14: Sovereignty.
Changing lines: 1, 2 and 3.
Hexagram 35: Fire over Earth forms the condition for Progress. Fire is radiant energy. The sun rising above the earth is a time of rapid progress. This is a favorable time to make personal and professional progress, as long as your aims are sincere and benefit the greater good. Good ideas are best put to use serving others. Progressive action meets great success.
Changing line 1: Overcome others' lack of confidence in you through your warmth and generosity.
Changing line 2: Continue your efforts and maintain your virtues. An unexpected breakthrough may occur with authorities.
Changing line 3: Your progress is dependent upon the involvement of others. Maintain a common trust.
Hexagram 14: Fire over Heaven forms the condition for Sovereignty. This is a time of increased personal power and clarity for you. Proper behavior will bring you success. Keep your ego in check and express compassion towards others in your relationships. You are in the spotlight. Focus on qualities in yourself that enhance goodness and well-being.
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Hexagram 63: After the End changes to Hexagram 37: Family.
Changing line: 6.
Hexagram 63: Water over Fire forms the condition for After the End. You have reached equilibrium and the end of a phase. Rather than relax, this is the time to contemplate and prepare for what is next. Changing circumstances and relationships provide the opportunity to strengthen your position and character. Take care of details along the way to help you successfully move toward what is next. Misfortune can be avoided through proper planning and foresight.
Changing line 6: Take inspired action to continue your shifts and to meet your commitments and responsibilities.
Hexagram 37: Wind over Fire forms the condition for Family. Inner radiance is carried by the outer wind. This is a time to approach relationships as Family. Healthy families embody three qualities: love, faithfulness, and proper conduct. In order to improve your family, company, nation, or world, begin with yourself. Actions speak louder than words. Concentrate on your character. This is a time of good fortune.
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Hexagram 42: Benefit changes to Hexagram 20: Contemplating.
Changing line: 1.
Hexagram 42: Wind over Thunder forms the condition for Benefit. This is a very favorable time for energies directed toward worthwhile endeavors and those of service to others. Generous actions can enhance all relationships.
Changing line 1: You are blessed and in a position to help others. Maintain worthy goals that are above reproach.
Hexagram 20: Wind over Earth forms the condition for Contemplating. Approach all situations with seasonality in mind: the Spring of new ideas, the summer of work and growth, the autumn of harvest and completion and the winter of rest. Reflect on the season of situation and you can approach it with a predictable plan. Honest contemplation will help you to explore new ideas, reflect, and modify any practices that need adjustment.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Hexagram 43: Resolution changes to Hexagram 1: Creative Power.
Changing line: 6.
Hexagram 43: Lake over Heaven forms the condition for Resolution. YThreatening forces are in a position to be eradicated. This must be done in the open and without violence. Deny your adversaries power by moving in the direction of what is good for common welfare. Raise issues frankly and honestly, without judgment. Bonds are strengthened as resolution springs from your heart.
Changing line 6: You may be blinded by your own delusion. Remain alert. Have checks and balances.
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Hexagram 45: Assembling changes to Hexagram 20: Contemplating.
Changing lines: 4 and 6.
Hexagram 45: Lake over Earth forms the condition for Assembling. Will you be participating in a group assembly? Strong bonds will be developed through shared common goals, The time is right to drop defenses. Be sincere and have a goal in mind. Shared bonds and goals unite people and groups. Alignment with goals brings confidence and well-being. Good fortune.
Changing line 4: Join with others to serve a larger goal. Your sacrifice will yield success.
Changing line 6: Wait for a more favorable time to unite with others. Attempts to do so now will bring frustration.
Hexagram 20: Wind over Earth forms the condition for Comtemplating. Approach all situations with seasonality in mind: the Spring of new ideas, the summer of work and growth, the autumn of harvest and completion and the winter of rest. Reflect on the season of situation and you can approach it with a predictable plan. Honest contemplation will help you to explore new ideas, reflect, and modify any practices that need adjustment.
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Hexagram 8: Unity changes to Hexagram 17: Adapting.
Changing lines: 1 and 4.
Hexagram 8: Water over Earth forms the condition for Unity. Unity brings good fortune. Take advantage of the opportunities that arise. If you are uncertain, return to your plan. Procrastination brings misfortune. The time is right to lead, be heard and influence others..
Changing line 1: Genuine, honest, unbiased associations will attract like-minded others to you and yield good fortune
Changing line 4: Openly support leaders in your community while remembering allegiance to self.
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Hexagram 62: Conscientiousness changes to Hexagram 35: Progress.
Changing lines: 3 and 6.
Hexagram 62: Thunder over Mountain forms the condition for Conscientiousness. This is a time for inner development and humility. Pay attention to detail and practice self control. Watch finances carefully and be conservative with expenditures. You will find good fortune by staying "below the radar" and quietly performing your life's work with dignity and diligence. Winter is an excellent time for deep, inner development.
Changing line 3: Take conscientious precaution to avoid lurking danger.
Changing line 6: Adjust your ambitions for ultimate success.
Hexagram 35: Fire over Earth forms the condition for Progress. Fire is radiant energy. The sun rising above the earth is a time of rapid progress. This is a favorable time to make personal and professional progress, as long as your aims are sincere and benefit the greater good. Good ideas are best put to use serving others. Progressive action meets great success.
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Hexagram 62: Conscientiousness changes to Hexagram 40: Liberation.
Changing lines: 2 and 3.
Hexagram 62: Thunder over Mountain forms the condition for Conscientiousness. This is a time for inner development and humility. Pay attention to detail and practice self control. Watch finances carefully and be conservative with expenditures. You will find good fortune by staying "below the radar" and quietly performing your life's work with dignity and diligence. Winter is an excellent time for deep, inner development.
Changing line 2: Your connections and affiliations with others are important at this time to help you become more secure.
Changing line 3: Take conscientious precaution to avoid lurking danger.
Hexagram 40: Thunder over Water forms the condition for Liberation. It is within your power to resolve issues, release stuck emotions, and stalled patterns which have blocked your progress. Forgive past mistakes and transgressions. Clear the ground for new growth, taking firm action now. The future is promising.
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Hexagram 5: Calculated Waiting changes to Hexagram 60: Limitatios.
Changing line: 3.
Hexagram 5: Water over Heaven forms the condition for Calculated Waiting. This can be a challenging time since the elements involved are not under your control. The situation is out of any one person's hands. Stay focused in the present and use this time to align internal and external energy. Keep thoughts and words positive. Wait until circumstances are in your favor to act. Ultimately you will meet success.
Changing line 3: Proceed cautiously and conservatively to avoid attack..
Hexagram 60: Water over Lake forms the condition for Limitations. This is a time to set practical limits related to money, time, energy, emotions, and behavior, to bring future opportunity. Life without guidelines can be confusing and unsettling. Practical rules and regulations limit extravagant practices, help conserve resources, and bring balance. For steady progress and true meaning, define and observe reasonable limits in all you do.
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Hexagram 40: Liberation changes to Hexagram 59: Reuniting.
Changing lines: 4, 5, and 6.
Hexagram 40: Thunder over Water forms the condition for Liberation. It is within your power to resolve issues, release stuck emotions, and stalled patterns which have blocked your progress. Forgive past mistakes
Changing line 4: Free yourself from entanglements with those who may be limiting your progress with helpful allies
Changing line 5: Only you can change yourself. Once you release that which holds you back, you will win the respect you deserve.
Changing line 6: Smart planning and good timing will alleviate the obstacle on your path to success.
Hexagram 59: Wind over Water forms the condition for Reuniting. It is a time to experience the collective flow. Reunite with family, including "work" families. If in business, help people to reunite with their reality by offering functional products and services that appeal to the widest possible audience. There is an advantage to correct persistence.
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Hexagram 24: Repeating
There are no Changing lines.
Hexagram 24: Earth over Thunder forms the condition for Repeating. Thunder is active in the womb of the Earth. You are repeating a cycle in your life after a period of stagnation or frustration. The paths leading to growth are revealing themselves. Allow the improving situation to develop at its own pace. This is a time when like-minded people can work together toward a common goal. It is an ideal opportunity for self-knowledge. Set a goal. Repeating brings progress.
Sunday, January 26, 2025
Hexagram 48: The Source changes to Hexagram 28: Critical Mass.
Changing line: 4.
Hexagram 48: Water over Wind forms the condition for The Source. The Source is the inexhaustible pool of collective nourishment and truth available to each of us. With a peaceful and reflective approach, go deep inside to gain clarity about the matter at hand. The deeper you go, the more meaningful your insight may be. Practice acceptance over judgment.
Changing line 4: This is a time to re-evaluate your life and goals, for future contributions.
Hexagram 28: Lake over Wind forms the condition for Critical Mass. The time is right to act independently without fear. Important, serious and meaningful possibilities are coming to a head now. This could feel like a time of crisis. It is a good time to take a stand. Make decisions about your next move.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Hexagram 51: Shocking changes to Hexagram 55: Zenith.
Changing line: 3.
Hexagram 51: Thunder over Thunder forms the condition for Shocking. The sudden force of double thunder represents very powerful and intense energy. Similar to spring, the time is right for new growth to burst forth. This energy can be unpredictable, bringing you close to the inner workings of your nature. Although fear may inspire you to make initial changes, the sudden force of stored energy ultimately yields progress. Use this time to inspire yourself to make personal changes that will increase your vitality and success.
Changing line 3: Choose a positive way or path to move through shock, particularly that resulting from fate./p>
Hexagram 55: Thunder over Fire forms the condition for Zenith. You are at the peak. You fulfill your potential, achieve your goals or exhaust the possibilities. Move quickly. The Zenith is a brief period. Make the most of the matters at hand. Success and prosperity are imminent. Once on top, decline begins. It is a part of the natural cycle. Expect such change. All that you are creating will sustain you through the decline. Your successes will serve as the foundation for later growth. This is an ideal time for self discovery.
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Hexagram 9: Restrained changes to Hexagram 22: Grace.
Changing lines: 2 and 5.
Hexagram 9: Wind over Heaven forms the condition for Restrained. Your impulses, intentions and plans may be held in check by an unknown detail. Stay close to the situation you wish to affect. Attend to details and avoid aggressive action. Restrain yourself until your plan can be accommodated.
Changing line 2: Study the situation before taking action. A retreat leads to good fortune at this time.
Changing line 5: Continue to develop your character to attain wisdom and insight.
Hexagram 22: Mountain over Fire forms the condition for Grace. Fire at the foot of the Mountain creates a perfect time to bring clarity to your mind, happiness to your heart, and peace to your soul. This is an enriching time for self development and self expression. An exceptional time for inspiration.
Sunday, January 5, 2025
Hexagram 23: Deterioration changes to Hexagram 50: Cosmic Order.
Changing lines: 2, 3, and 4.
Hexagram 23: Mountain over Earth forms the condition for Deterioration. It is part of the natural order of ebb and flow. Contemplate this time with great care, particularly in financial and business matters. Build a secure foundation by consolidating relationships. Keep a low profile. Nurture your body and mind. Look for wisdom within. The time to move toward your goal will come again.
Changing line 2: Be cautious as you adapt to present circumstances. You may be without allies at the present time.
Changing line 3: Always take the high road in your relationships with others. The circumstances will work themselves out.
Changing line 4: Defeat may be imminent.
Hexagram 50: Fire over Wind forms the condition for Cosmic Order. When the development of the individual and the needs of the cosmos are in harmony, Cosmic Order exists. To flourish, align your aims and desires with the needs of the flow of the cosmos. Great deeds are possible when you act in harmony with the Cosmos.