The Western year draws to a close, with only a few weeks separating us between here and 2024. Perhaps the Book of Changes knows this, so it presents us with a hexagram this week that denotes waiting, and nourishment. It is not for us to doubt that the wait is necessary. It is.

With the solstice approaching, those of us in the North will feel the strong influence of the darkness. The light is thin and grey where I am at midday. Know that next week, the days will start to get longer. In the meantime wait, have patience, and know that good things are to come from the waiting.

1st: T,T,H > Stable Yang
2nd: H,H,H > Changing Yang
3rd: H,T,T > Stable Yang
4th: H,T,H > Stable Yin
5th: T,H,T > Stable Yang
6th: T,T,T > Changing Yin

The hexagram for this week is Hsu, Waiting & Nourishment

• Above: K’an, Water

• Below: Ch’ien, Heaven

The echo of today’s hexagram is that of Ming I, a curious hexagram. It is also known as the Darkening of the Light, and this is telling. It's message is clear: in times of darkness, sometimes the good must “veil” their virtue. If you have read The Captive Mind, it is a similar concept to “Ketman”.

Of course, the Darkness is at its strongest at this time of year. In the Northern hemisphere, the Winter Solstice is in two days. Don’t be too critical of yourself if you feel like you’re “hiding your light” these next few days.

Blessings to you all.