The air is ripe with imagination, inspiration, and energy. The flying dragon is an ancient symbol of a dynamic, arousing force that bodes well for creative movement. If your goals are in alignment with the greater good, positive actions taken with good timing will meet with success. This is an excellent time to exercise leadership, because you can be strong now. But be forewarned: success turns to failure if strength turns to arrogance.
This first hexagram contains all yang lines and is one of the most auspicious readings in the Book of Changes. Whoever draws this hexagram is assured success if they follow its six stages of development, starting with the bottom line. By being sensitive to conditions and doing things in the right order, one develops more influence. Time itself becomes the means to make real what has only been the potential before this moment.
Believe in your dreams and persevere, and everything around you will flourish. Call upon your creative power and let it work through you. Stay focused on your goals. Do not allow yourself to be distracted or you may lose the power that is available to you now. Remember that when taking action, success requires making the right moves at the right time.
Changing Line Interpretations
Line 1 (bottom line)
There may be creative potential in your situation that you cannot yet perceive, or perhaps you are not being recognized. Hold your power in reserve if the timing is not yet right for action. Trying to make a lot of progress too early is like trying to cook noodles in cold water—you must wait until the water boils. Harbor no fears about your ability to be successful. Be confident. Your time is coming.
Line 2
Events are moving in the right direction. Your influence is growing and you are being noticed, but the real game has not begun. Take a wider perspective, and your best strategy will become clear. You are not yet in position to make great changes, but taking wise advice and aligning yourself with an ally could lead to a significant breakthrough.
Line 3
A sphere of influence is opening up for you now. Let yourself be active, but do not expect an immediate reward. And don’t let your energies become scattered. Hold on to your vision and your integrity, and you will make progress in a stable way. Do not use your creative powers just to attract attention. Remember, freedom is not always an invitation to dance; it may be a chance to step out on a ledge. Be bold, but be careful.
Line 4
Your creative power is growing. You have a clear choice in this situation: either lunge forward or draw back. It’s natural to feel some anxiety at a time like this. You have the freedom to act as the situation requires—to engage or to withdraw. Let go of what happened in the past, but be sure to consider the long-term consequences of any action you might take. Paying careful attention will leave you without blame.
Line 5
The dragon is soaring. Your power is growing. Be like the leader who is considerate to those under his or her influence. In return, the respect of those who work with you, or the respect of a partner, will deepen. Your position may be a bit lonely, but influential people will recognize your talent. Seek out allies you respect, and take their advice. When leaders unite as peers, their power is multiplied. Those who belong together come together.
Line 6 (top line)
Be wary of personal ambition that exceeds your true power lest there be cause for remorse. Avoid arrogance. Isolating yourself will only lead to sorrow. Now is not a time to engage in conflicts or to criticize others. Relax and recharge your creative potentials.
