Hexagram 1: The Creative – The Heavenly Tread
by James Byrd

I. The Oracle

A. Hexagram One: The Creative Principle
Hexagram 1 symbolizes The Origin, the inexhaustible source from which all things flow. It represents the heavenly order sustaining the earthly plane, where equilibrium is achieved through precise balance. Like a cosmic clock, every element of creation—why the moon hangs there, why the tides rise—moves in perfect harmony, providing the “correct time” for all evolutional occurrences.

1. Sublime Success
   The Creative calls for resilience, strength, and readiness. Imagine yourself as the prisoner in solitary confinement—your body is your temple, and solitude becomes your sanctum. You prepare by cultivating the mind and spirit through disciplines like Qigong, Tai Chi, Yoga, and Meditation. These tools shape you into someone strong-minded and untiring, prepared for the long haul.

2. The Dragon Hides
   The dragon, a symbol of heavenly energy, strengthens itself in stillness, concealing its power until the time for action arrives. As in heaven, so on earth—this energy flows like a raindrop, traversing realms unseen yet ever present.

B. The Image

1. The Movement of Heaven Is Full of Power
   a) The Creative calls you to sustain yourself in your uniquely given vessel—your body. Prepare for long life. Leave the wonders of heaven to the Originator, and instead focus on readiness and consistency.
   b) Sublime success arises from alignment with the right path. Stay true, and the rewards will follow.

II. My Interpretation

The Creative’s essence is best seen in the boundlessness of the sky, a vastness that still adheres to containment—a glass holding water, or the Qi within the body. This balance between infinite power and finite boundaries is what the Sage understands: when to advance and when to retreat. Regular meditation hones this intuitive wisdom until it becomes second nature.

“If you think snake, and within the hour, see a snake—know that’s solid.”

1. Union Between Heaven and Earth
   The Sage embodies the union of heaven and earth, harmonizing the unseen forces above with the tangible world below. As above, so below—this principle reveals itself in the most mundane elements. Even fog, which obscures vision, holds heaven firmly seated on the plateau of earth.

The atmosphere, the very air we breathe, is the connecting thread between heaven and earth. At times, this atmospheric influence is heightened, shaping our actions and states of being.

III. The Influence of The Creative

Today we are under the influence of The Creative. This energy calls for preparation, resilience, and alignment with the Great Origin, the source of all power—The Darkness that surrounds all Lights.

The Dragon, though vast and all-encompassing, humbly sustains the earth by hiding within a single drop of water. This teaches us humility, patience, and the power of concealed potential.

Update:

• The Year of the Dragon begins on February 9, 2024.
• We are currently in the Year of the Rabbit (January 19, 2023).
• The paperback version of The Future: 2027 is set to be published on December 18, 2024.

Final Reflection

The Creative reminds us that heavenly power is not just grand—it is also subtle. Like the dragon hidden within the raindrop, profound strength often lies in stillness and preparation. Align yourself with the movements of heaven, ready your vessel, and embrace the sublime success that flows from the right path.

The Future: 2027 offers readers a unique lens to align their lives with these universal principles. Stay tuned for the paperback rollout on December 18, 2024, as it provides timeless tools for clarity, self-discovery, and daily guidance.

Finally, we made today.