Wind above – Wind below
The Chinese name of this hexagram is Xun, one of the 8 hexagrams formed by doubling the trigram. Xun translates as: penetrate, enter, access, mild, insinuating. Other titles for this hexagram are: Adaptation, Proceeding Humbly, Wind, The Gentle Wind. Trigram Wind is also called Wood. Wind is said to be able to penetrate anywhere because moving air infiltrates everywhere that is not already filled with a solid. The relentlessness of Wind can wear down a mountain, one tiny particle after another over time. The same idea of relentless insinuation is found when the roots of the tree (Wood) penetrate into the soil or find their way up through pavement, retaining the ability to work through and eventually crack it, if given enough time. The ancients taught that by moving along the lines of least resistance as Wind or Wood does, our minds can penetrate to find wisdom in the world through trial, error and adaptation.
Breaking down the symbolism of the 3-line trigrams helps with understanding the ancient teachings:
When trigram Wind is below (the bottom 3 lines in image below right), it references the inner realm of the person or situation. The external realm is also represented here by trigram Wind. Wind relates to spreading Earth’s hereditary instructions, motivating matter through its influence. Trigram Wind/Wood carries the specific design that makes each type of creature and creation unique from each other. Wind is all-pervasive, working invisibly, gently but relentlessly, directing and disseminating influence.
The ancient ideograph is on the upper left portion of the image below. There are a couple of interpretations of the ideograph image. One is that they are two snakes above a gong – the snakes meaning continuing and the gong meaning together – the power of continuing being doubled. The other image is of two sealed instructional documents sitting on a table to be given by an official to someone they trust in order to carry out a task. In this way the official is given the mandate to influence others.
In summary: Wind repeating illustrates the power of accumulated influence accomplished by searching out the lines of least resistance. The ancients drew on this image as an analogy for when our mind or understanding first penetrates into some area of life. Tentative and unsure, it may meet with some obstruction. But then the second chance, with increased familiarity, affords the opportunity to adapt and reapply. This is the quality of gentle but relentless perseverance which allows Wind/Wood’s success; through repeated adaptations influence penetrates, not to force an alternate outcome, but to work with and understand the true nature of something by becoming part of it. The Gentle is a hexagram which, mostly on an individual level, indicates an insinuation into and coming to terms with the unique inner dictates of the essential core of someone or something.
Following are a few ideas for interpretations of each line:
Line 1 – Moving back and forth with your intent continually undermines whatever is accomplished. This is a picture of a lack of self-confidence and steadfastness. Rather than looking for an easy solution, what is needed is your will and tenacity to take a realistic, longer-term approach.
Line 2 – This may be a time where there are things below the surface of consciousness impeding progress. It is possible to search them out on their own or turn to others who are able and willing to assist with such excavation. Allowing yourself time, using your intuition, you may penetrate the confusion and successfully comprehend what is now hidden or causing confusion.
Line 3 – Repeating the same thoughts or actions over and over is ineffective and uses too much force; it is exhausting to the will and invites negativity. Too much time thinking does not leave time and energy for opening your mind to something different, an overall plan and a gentle change in direction.
Line 4 – if you have been able to penetrate your shadow side and unconscious projections you can expect this is a time to integrate, reconcile and consolidate into new understanding and awareness of yourself, others and your interaction with the world. Allow old regrets to disperse and move on.
Line 5 – A longer term deterioration is present in this situation and when you sense it, do not try to apply the same tired routine. A different, cautiously considered plan is needed along with steadfast intent. This patient approach will correct the problem and lead you to a beneficial outcome.
Line 6 – There are times when trying too long, too hard and sacrificing too much of yourself depletes your will and strips your identity. Sometimes you just have to live your life and trust that your authentic and internal sense of purpose will guide the way.