For the first time in many years, this monthly energy update is coming to you all slightly behind schedule. When I wrote about the rapid existential changes that would be affecting us all during the Pig month, the change agent month of this transformative year, I had no idea how those changes would affect me both professionally and personally. Many sad events have rocked my world, most notably the loss of a very dear friend and colleague Pamila Faye whose loss I can’t fully comprehend nor fully absorb in this lifetime. I am so incredibly grateful for the many years of learning, collaboration, adventure, and sisterly friendship that I was so lucky to share with her. She will be deeply missed.
I wish I could say that this month will be more positive and while it may not be as dramatic as the month we have just emerged from, it may well be treacherous but not in such obvious ways.
The Earth Rat pillar brings the power and might of a majestic mountain that is shrouded by fog, or as the month of the Rat is midwinter, a blizzard. As any trekker can tell you, trying to hike in the fog or a storm is dangerous as your vision is blocked and it is hard to see where you are going. Such will be the flavor the the coming month.
The Earth Rat is shrouded from view and such has an air of mystery. One cannot be entirely sure what is happening or what is real. Many goings on are hidden from plain sight, kept out of view. There may be dramatic events unfolding but we may not know about them until they are accomplished and at our door step.
There is an interesting relationship between the Rat zodiac sign and the Snake zodiac sign which is called a ‘Secret Combination’ and it is exactly as it sounds. This energy combination can bring all sorts of connections which are hidden. From clandestine affairs, to backroom deals, to insider trading, and back channel communications. Any number of dangerous liaisons are probable this month. Sometimes secrecy is necessary and sometimes it is not advisable, either way there is an element of danger so do proceed with caution.
The Hexagram this month does provide some additional insight on how best to manage this tricky month. This Rat month is associated with Hexagram #3 called Beginning or rather Initial Difficulty. The image of the Water Trigram above the Wood trigram paints a picture of a tiny sprout that is enduring spring rains. Of course a tiny sprout is vulnerable and a storm might batter and damage it. The advice in this case however is not to be fearful or worried but to persevere and take heart. If one can weather the spring rains, the warmth and prolific growth of summer is sure to follow. This hexagram is in fact an extremely positive hexagram that heralds great growth potential after a challenging start. While there may be danger around you look to the positive future that awaits.
The mountain imagery of the pillar of this month is an Earthly manifestation of the energy of Saturn, the cosmic road block and lesson teacher. Sometimes we encounter obstructions on our path or limitations we are not yet strong enough to overcome. This would be a good month to harness the maximum yin energy of this month to stop, to be still, to be patient, and to listen. Mountains are ideal locales for stillness and meditation, so when you cannot see the path ahead clearly, wait for the storm to clear.
If you found the image of this month’s I Ching hexagram helpful, there are 63 additional illustrations of the ancient wisdom in my forthcoming Shamanic I Ching oracle card deck. This limited edition card deck and booklet is with the printer and will be ready for distribution very soon. To order your deck click on the I Ching card image above or via the link below.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=VDZK4BYV47XCS
