Intuitive Reading from the I Ching or Book of Change: Challenged by Obstacles.
In this intuitive reading, Soul Resources offers a variety of SOS formulas and Transformation Games using the Intuitive Learning Circles and the I Ching to offer constructive advice when we’re challenged by OBSTACLES.
The I Ching
The original intent of the I Ching was based on an Eastern philosophy of observation and marking changes in natural and human events. Through many centuries and contributions from shamans and master teachers, including Lau Tzu and Confucius, the Book of Change was developed into a full philosophy for applying beneficial human conduct to varying circumstances. The Art of Feng Shui is part of that philosophy. We use The I Ching Workbook, by R.L. Wing, Random House, NYC, NY, 1979 as our preferred translation.
The I Ching Energy ~
Throughout much of late spring and summer, the I Ching energy flow for the United States was in a general state of DANGER, Hexagram #29. Then, on July 21st, the full moon ushered in a surprisingly active flow pattern of CHANGING (Hexagram #49) that opened up a series of unexpected opportunities and positive energy to make significant advances towards freedom.
Now, the energy has gone through a series of CONTRADICTIONS and moved into the flow of #39 OBSTACLES. As a part of this path we have chosen, we are challenged by a massive wave of collective karma that needs to be met with courage and realistic thinking. Extravagant flights of fancy and wishful thinking are being crushed by the realities facing us. Although the OBSTACLES are daunting, the I Ching offers some useful guidance:
“In all worldly paths, OBSTACLES appear naturally throughout the course of time. In matters of power and politics, obstructions must be overcome as they arise if you are to continue on your way. The correct approach requires a certain amount of cunning, for you must either organize a following or align yourself with established leadership in order to prepare an assault. In business concerns, now is an excellent time to hire those who can help you. Or perhaps you should consider joining forces with another. Look for qualities of leadership in these people, qualities that can surmount OBSTACLES standing in the way of longterm objectives.
A more conscientious approach to social matters is required now. The ability to be in the right place at the right time has never been more useful. If you have the opportunity to join with others who inspire you or can help you with your endeavors, do so. Also, turn your attention inward in social situations and notes those OBSTACLES you create for yourself.
Many of your external OBSTACLES are, in fact, internally generated. Whether you create them in the process of acting out internal conflicts, or instinctively choose paths fraught with certain difficulties, they must nevertheless be overcome. These struggles will take place within the Self. Often referred to as inhibitions, such OBSTACLES will block your progress. Yet if you focus your awareness on them and persevere in constructive and positive thoughts, you will experience great good fortune as your developing character strengthens and prepares itself.” ~ Hexagram #39 OBSTACLES, The I Ching Workbook by R. L. Wing, Random House, NYC, NY, 1979
The whole purpose of studying the I Ching in the first place is to help us recognize different life flows, learn how to use them and plan appropriately, so that we may cooperate with the planet and each other more effectively. Hopefully, our study will help us unite and make effective plans when we are challenged by the OBSTACLES we face.
Understanding the Larger Picture ~
There are a lot of hidden aspects about how we interact with ourselves, each other and the planet that are being processed within a patriarchal lens or mindset. The status quo is understandably the framework that our habits, perceptions and beliefs are built around. However, the New Paradigm that we’ve entered requires us to wake up about how unconscious patterns and self destructive habits are poisoning our ability to create Common Ground for the Common Good.
Since we’re no longer being governed by the Water based Element of the Piscean Age, a profusion of fast moving chi’ no longer has the buffer of Water to smooth, soothe, complicate or slow down events. We are now fully in the Age of Aquarius where the primary movement of life force comes through the Element of Air, which is much faster, lighter and quick to change.
In this paradigm shift, the Law of Karma or cause and effect is amplified and very quick to manifest. That means that the old “rules” about fighting – attack and defense – no longer work and are actually pulling us deeper into the chaos and confusion that we so wish to avoid.
By engaging in emotionally based behaviors such as casting spells, spewing curses, or organizing movements based on hatred for the other, we continue to manifest our own OBSTACLES that are increasingly more abrupt, irrational and “in our face”. This is called karmic backlash and will continue to be a profound source of the many OBSTACLES we’ll meet in the coming months.
Is it possible to find more productive ways to organize your own intentions and energy so that something more peaceful and prosperous can happen?
If you can manage to stay present and centered within yourself, you’ll have a much better chance of determining what’s actually best for you. By objectively observing what’s working and what’s not, you’ll build the courage to choose differently – to stand up for yourself so you can take genuinely productive actions without all the karmic backlash. The keys here are to develop self-care habits that strengthen good boundaries, balance and stability.
Meeting Obstacles with The Chinese Zodiac
2024 is the Year of the Yang Wood Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac.
Positive Qualities: Energetic. Confident. Ambitious. Intelligent. Generous.
Challenging Qualities: Unstable. Intolerant. Lack of persistence. Unrealistic.
The Dragon’s Feng Shui Mandala below can give you a sense of what the archetype of the Dragon is about and how it may influence you. If you’re interested, gently contemplate its center and relax. When you’re ready, ask yourself these questions and journal the answers that come:
“What is the most important thing I can focus my energy and effort on during this time in the Year of the Dragon?”
“What is the direction? Why is that important?
How can I utilize the energy of the Dragon to my best advantage?
Are there things I’m wasting time on? Something else I need to know?
Is there something important for me to do?
If so, can I tell what it is and how I would best go about doing it?”
Allow your intuition to come forward and bring guidance from your innermost Self.
Invite the Dragon archetype and his dynamic energy to advise you as you navigate change and the OBSTACLES in your own life.
A) Any new path can have distractions, dangers and opportunities that you cannot see clearly. However Dragon warns, “This is too important a time to get bogged down or fall into a hole. Gather your courage and ability to see straight. If you need extra help, call on my energy and confidence. I have plenty to spare.”
B) Transforming change that’s motivated by Joy and Freedom, rather than fear and dread is a wonderful and worthwhile pursuit. Especially when you’ve met with OBSTACLES that make it easy for old habits and conditioning to sneak back in and sabotage any progress that’s been made. Dragon wants to share some important insights about how to keep Joy in the forefront of your mind. Keep Going For Joy – Rather than Perfection.
C) The current OBSTACLES might ensnare you into taking actions that aren’t in your best long term interests. Keep yourself out of trouble’s way by using your extra-intuitive senses. Develop Precognition and Stay Out of Trouble.
D) Finally, there may be others who are threatening you or trying to erode your confidence. If someone is getting to you, get them out of your space immediately: Ground in the Truth and Your Power.
What kind of advice is recommended when we are challenged by OBSTACLES?
Once we ask for something we’ve never had before and take action on it, the Universe presents us with all the reasons why we haven’t been able to manifest it before. Past karma, both collective and individual is likely behind many of the OBSTACLES we’re now facing.
As always, Kuan Yin has offered her assistance through a specially chosen collection of Transformation Games, Mind Exercises and Self-care Formulas. During this time she is advising us to pay particular attention to how we’re keeping our boundaries, balance and stability.
She has joined forces with the help of several Plant and Animal Totems from Gifts from the Rainforest and says, “It is much easier to do the right thing when you are in good company. Following good examples will lead you to success.”
Gaze softly at the SOS symbol and ask for a number between 1 – 9.
Scroll down to that number in the list of games and exercises below and check out what that process has to offer you.
Transformation Games and Mind Exercises ~
1. Detach from Problems – Align Your Energy with Solutions.
Focusing on problems is an energy drain that saps our ability to find real solutions. This Mind Exercise will help you realize why our problems can’t be solved from the same mental position they were created from. Actualize positive help that’s available by aligning with the new energy.
Shed the skin of hyper-responsibility using the Snake Guide.
2. Handle Irritations Before They Handle You.
There’s more than enough things to be irritated about. Don’t let them get you down or drain your energy. This exercise is for when you’re ready to figure out what you need to do to stop making a bad situation worse and head in a healthier direction.
Acquire the courage to change with the Jaguar Guide.
3. Learn to Gracefully Let Go So You Can Move On.
You could be holding onto a deteriorating situation that’s filled with arguments, incompetence or downright refusals to participate in respectful ways. Sometimes an environment gets so toxic that it starts to affect your mental or physical health. This game offers some good advice from the I Ching that will help you move on safely.
Exercise your freedom with the Condor Guide.
4. Slow Down and Do the Right Thing For You.
You may be having difficulty interacting with situations and relationships around you because of false information, mixed messages or unresolved issues from your past. By taking the time to go within and find out what your thinking really is, you can understand what’s motivating you and take action to resolve the situation.
Reclaim personal authority with the Llama Guide.
5. Adapt to the Changes That Are Necessary.
How well are you keeping up with change and are you letting it work for you, rather than against you? There very well could be something you need to change about how you’re dealing with your situation to keep yourself healthy. Play this Transformation Game to help you look at the overall situation and gain a deeper understanding of what’s really needed.
Take good care of yourself with the Plant Spirits Guide.
SOS for Help When We’re Challenged by Obstacles ~
The Third Line states:
“If you abandon your present concerns in order to struggle with an external obstacles you are in danger of jeopardizing the security of those close to you and, perhaps, undermining the structure of your life. It would be a good idea to return to your center and reconsider your path.” ~ Hexagram #39 OBSTACLES, The I Ching Workbook by R. L. Wing
SOS Self-care Formulas and Mind Exercises can help you stay in balance and hone your true guidance in chaotic times:
6. Get Help for Shock and Symptoms of PTSD. Any of us who are feeling shock could experience disorientation, numbness, mental confusion or fragmentation. This SOS formula offers an opportunity to gently process difficult experiences, heal emotional stress and get centered again.
7. Keep your Mind Clear of Overwhelm. If, for any reason, you’re feeling exhausted, out of balance or pressuring yourself to do too much, this simple self-care formula will help you to calm down a think clearly again..
8. Develop Clear Perception in a New Reality. After such a stressful election season, it’s easy to feel like you’re heading in the wrong direction or having trouble navigating the new terrain. Go through an exercise that will help you tune into your inner guidance system so you can sort things out.
Chakra Healing and Clearing ~
Recommended Transformation Games and Mind Exercises to Keep You Moving with the Flow, Rather than Against it.
The sheer amount of blocked or stuck energies indicates that we need to find innovative methods for handling radical energy reversals and be conscious about it.
Kuan Yin has helped put together a whole medicine cabinet of Transformation Games and Self-care Formulas that specifically address our chakras and their accompanying psychological challenges. See the full selection and explanation here>
Thank you for joining with us for Todays Intuitive Reading and creating a New Paradigm based on common ground for the common good!
Please share if you know someone you think could benefit.
About the Author of Challenged by Obstacles
If you feel that you need additional help, Rheanni Lightwater, BFA, CHT, CKP has 25+ years experience in the art and science of mind body healing. Contact her for a private session if you need more help.
Ms. Lightwater’s mission is to assist people in creating healthy balance and harmony in their lives through Reiki, Energy Medicine, Hypnotherapy, Feng Shui and Shamanic forms of clearing.
Schedule with Rheanni via Zoom or in person when you visit Santa Fe, New Mexico. Call or text (505) 271-4612 between 10:00am – 5:00pm, MST, Monday through Friday to schedule or email: [email protected]
Disclaimer:
Challenged by Obstacles should not be considered as an exclusive method of stress management. Soul Resources LLC and Rheanni Lightwater are not licensed to practice medicine. The appropriate medical or psychotherapeutic authorities should be consulted for the diagnosis and treatment for any medical or psychological condition. The information and practices described on this website are best considered educational and complementary to orthodox medical or psychological treatments.
