The Prairie Sage: Consults the I Ching

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By Deborah Demander

Source: Photo by Gary Kramer USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service

The Prairie Sage

What is a sage

I googled sage, just to find out where I am in my spiritual journey. "Having or exhibiting wisdom and calm judgement. Profound wisdom."

Wow. That's a lot to live up to. I am trying to be wise. In a book I read about the Tao Te Ching, the author suggests that there is no trying. There is either doing or not doing. So, I can be wise in a moment. I can choose to slow my thoughts and exercise the wisdom of years of experience. It only takes a moment. Right now, in this moment, I am wise. I have to see my ex-husband today, so the real exercise in learning to be a sage will come when I choose in that moment to be wise. It will have to be a conscious choice not to be fearful, not to be a victim, not to be scared of him.

The bible says we should not fear men, for all they can do is harm our physical body. That's not entirely true. Some men can crush your spirit. But the sage stands strong and resilient, bending but not breaking. Withering but not dying.

Part of my journey into enlightenment and spiritual growth includes consulting various "oracles". For example, some days, I read the bible. I used to read the bible everyday, excluding all other forms of perennial wisdom. My fear kept me from seeking out the teaching of those who have gone before me. Having shed my fear and moving forward on my path of growth, I also regularly read "A Course In Miracles", the Tao Te Ching, and I also seek guidance through the I-Ching and oracle cards.

Where Are the Answers?

Today, my question for the universe, for God is: "What should I know today?". In addition, our family has some significant changes coming up, so I asked for guidance regarding that situation.

Throwing three coins (I use gold Sacagawea dollars) for a total of six times, I hold the coins in my hand, concentrate on my question and toss. I then make note of heads or tails for each toss. At the end of six times, I have constructed the hexagram which represents the answer for my question. This can be done daily, weekly, or whenever you have a question or issue arise, and you have no clue how to proceed.

My Answer For Today

"In fellowship with others, embody the principles of the Sage."

So far, the first line seems daunting. The explanation continues, describing how in relationships (love, work, family, friends) we are to conduct ourselves with proper principles in order to find success. 

These principles include kindness, humility, correctness, equanimity and openness. So what is equanimity anyway? Thank goodness for google. My webster's remains silent. The online definitions include "evenness of mind, especially under stress." Hmmm... remain even tempered. As I contemplate these principles of relationship, I realize the similarity between this list, and the list of the fruit of the Spirit, in the bible. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, temperance, self-control. Years ago, I memorized the Fruits of the Spirit, in an effort  to better myself. I sometimes use the list as a meditation. And now, here it comes again, through the I-Ching. 

Continuing with my reading, it says that the fundamental rule of relationships is openness and honesty. It speaks of entering into relationships without hidden agenda's or unspoken reservations.  Give trust where trust is due. Where trust is not warranted, do not resort to harsh behavior, rather act with reserve and reticence. Do not volunteer more information than is necessary in a situation.

The final part of my reading warns against fighting and quarreling. It is better to disengage and separate. It advises perseverance in proper principles. Again I am reminded of the bible, which says to not grow weary in doing good, for in due time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up.

So I face today, and my upcoming situations with kindness, humility, correctness, equanimity and openness. I face the relationships, both good and bad, with an open heart and truth. Where reserve is required, I can still be kind. 

If I only remember this lesson in each moment, then I can grow in wisdom. If I feel myself growing fearful, in a moment I can change my perception. I can be the prairie sage. I am the prairie sage.

Namaste friends.


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Comments

msorensson profile image

msorensson Level 3 Commenter 21 months ago

I know little about it, the I Ching. I am glad you are using it, Thanks.

Jewels profile image

Jewels Level 3 Commenter 21 months ago

The I Ching is said to be the most powerful divination tool there is, rated far above the runes, or tarot.

LeanMan profile image

LeanMan Level 4 Commenter 21 months ago

I have always wanted to know a bit more about the I Ching, thanks for writing.

Deborah Demander profile image

Deborah Demander Hub Author 21 months ago

LeanMan, I appreciate your comment.

Jewels, I have found it to be quite powerful and insightful.

msorensson, Thanks for reading.

Namaste friends.

LillyGrillzit profile image

LillyGrillzit Level 1 Commenter 21 months ago

MsDeborahD, Yep, right there with you. I hope the visit went well. I learned a lot of how to face a continual enemy by I Ching, in The Art of War. The universe belongs to you as much as anyone...Peace and Blessings.

Deborah Demander profile image

Deborah Demander Hub Author 21 months ago

Thanks Lilly for your blessing. Much appreciated.

Namaste.

Wendy Krick profile image

Wendy Krick 21 months ago

Thanks for this information about the I Ching.

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