FIFTY

鼎

ALCHEMY

CONCERNS: The transformation of psychological and social organizations into those that reflect the Divine Order.

1. It helps our development to keep in mind that every situation, person, occasion and thing has its use and can make a contribution.
2. When we have achieved some measure of internal balance, we cannot be destabilized by others who are emotionally reactive.
3. Unless we work with modesty to make our good qualities accessible to others, they become wasting assets.
4. Our incompetence threatens the proper execution of our plans.
5. When we are correctly balanced, we draw helpful energy to our work.
6. A transformed personality, aligned with the soul, in harmony with the Divine Order, is a constant source of wisdom and encouragement to all.

COMMENT: The symbol for this hexagram is the “ting”, the ancient Chinese sacrificial vessel used for ceremonial offerings. The origin of the word “sacrifice” has to do with making something sacred. We make sacred what is ordinary and accessible by offering it to a transcendent and vitalizing purpose. If we dedicate our everyday lives to the expression of the Divine Order, we practice a form of transformative alchemy in the mundane world.