26: Containment of Potential

This points to the command and control of great power—a power that increases as it is wisely stewarded. Like a river that has been dammed or a pot of boiling water with a lid clamped on, holding and containing power produces enormous potential. During normal times, daily ritual and habit keep life ordered and serene; but in times of exceptional opportunity, the force of a powerful personality is required. Focused attention is required to channel this potential and achieve supreme success.

You have considerable reserves of energy and support to draw upon. This is an excellent time to nurture creativity by collecting and organizing your best ideas and plans. Now, even large and difficult undertakings can be successful.

A hidden source of power for those who wish to do noble deeds is the study of the past. The lives of wise and successful men and women are like treasures buried in the earth. Good fortune comes to those who unearth such valuable treasures by applying the lessons of the ages to their current situation.

Changing Line Interpretations

Line 1 (bottom line)

A changing line in the first position indicates restraining an impulse to act at this time. You may wish to make strong advances, but there seems to be an obstacle in your way. Compose yourself and wait for a better time to vent your pent-up energy. In the meantime, keeping still will help to increase your power.

Line 2

There is no point in struggling now. The forces opposing you are too strong, and waiting patiently is necessary. Submit to the current conditions and content yourself with buying some time. Wait a bit and allow your energy to accumulate for vigorous action when the time is right.

Line 3

An obstacle has been cleared from the road, and the time has come to ride with fresh horses. Working with people of like minds and strong wills brings good fortune. In the period following the removal of a major roadblock, take care to remain alert, not only for challenges ahead but for threats approaching from the rear. If the obstacle was your own attitude, you may have to remove this roadblock again. If so, this is best accomplished by joining with others whose powers of focused attention are stronger than your own.

Line 4

Taking early precautions to restrain a wild force can prevent misfortune. In ancient times, a board was fastened to the forehead of a young bull to render his horns harmless. It is smart to restrain reckless forces before they do severe damage; prevention is always better than a cure. If and when disruptive forces threaten, extraordinary measures may be necessary to subdue them. A word of caution: do not rule out the possibility that the disruptive force may actually be coming from inside you.

Line 5

When confronting a powerful force, it is often best to meet the challenge through indirect action. The agile martial artist handles a formidable enemy not by blocking his path but by deftly stepping aside, allowing the opponent to drain his force bit by bit. By understanding and outwitting his adversary, he gains power over him. Similarly, by understanding the source of your challenge, you can render it powerless. Good fortune awaits.

Line 6 (top line)

Supreme fortune! Great and powerful forces that were inhibited in the recent past by temporary restraints are now free, building in strength and momentum. Use your creative powers to advance strongly at the present time; ride with the current. Do not hesitate to accept a new level of responsibility. This is an opportunity to exercise a powerful, positive influence.