Fellowship With Men is the title of the Yijing's Hexagram 13. The yin and yang lines are an image of fire under heaven. Heaven means strength, endurance, and The Creative, while fire means clarity, enlightenment, and human consciousness. The clarity here comes from within a group or gathering of people. Their strength is based on their common, universal goals rather than on individuals each serving their own interests. It means sharing and agreeing, not simply mingling.
"Heaven and fire combine: This is Fellowship with People."
This hexagram was my answer when I asked Yi what to write about today. The truest meaning of the hexagram is about creating harmony and peace among people, not about assuming these things will come into existence without effort. It is about discovering our commonalities among our many differences, and finding the place where all fit in.
This was an interesting answer, since I spent some time this morning turning over the thought of creating or organizing a venue for readers, healers and seekers of all kinds here in Asheville, NC. My thought was a monthly (or other timing?) group or gathering for not just Yijing readings, but for all who have gifts to share. This could be Reiki, massage, energy healing, Tarot, or other body, mind and spirit offerings. There could be information available about specific groups or places to learn or practice meditation, or Tai Chi, or yoga. There are so many resources and gifted people here.
This thought is just a seed right now. The rest of the text of Hexagram 13 follows naturally with the concept.
"People in harmony in the wilds: Creating success.
Harvest in crossing the great river."
The "wilds" here are open ways, beyond the usual mental and physical boundaries that limit us. Creating harmony in the wilds is about coming togther on neutral ground to expand concepts about collective human potential. Exposure to different traditions and ways of knowing can spark greater awareness of our common humanity and our shared goals.
"Crossing the great river" means having the courage to step outside of the comforting familiar and to embrace the unknown. To find something greater than the sum of its parts. To find reasons for inclusion rather than exclusion of others. To create Fellowship With Men.
Here's to this seed finding fertile ground in Asheville. I seek your comments, suggestions, and interest.
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