Archetype 14: Wealth

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God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you.”

—1 Kings 3:10–14

The Reading

This reading describes King Solomon at this early point in his reign. Solomon has a dream in which he meets God. God promises to grant Solomon whatever he wants. Solomon doesn’t ask for wealth or power. Instead he says, “I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people that I may discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:7–9). At this pivotal moment, Solomon chooses wisdom over wealth and thereby will be granted both. However, it is his great wisdom for which he will be remembered.

The Hexagram

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The trigrams indicate that strength, the attribute of God, and light, the attribute of Christ, are now united. This indicates a time favoring strength on the inside and clarity and culture on the outside. Strength is present, but it is expressed as light.

The Archetype

There is a time...

  • To feel the alignment of strength and light and know that the light shines far.
  • To feel the synergy between strength and clarity.
  • To fight against evil and to promote Wisdom’s way.
  • To understand that a true leader’s strength is tempered with kindness, modesty, and wisdom.
  • To manage great wealth with great wisdom and use it in accordance with God’s will.

Now is that time.

Moving Lines

Moving Line in the First (Bottom) Position

A moving line in the bottom position tells us that wealth is coming but is still in its early phases. Therefore it has not yet been challenged, and one must not be overconfident; there are still many difficulties to be overcome. One can overcome these difficulties if one stays diligent, but if one gives in to Ego, conceit and waste are likely to follow.

Moving Line in the Second Position

A moving line in the second position counsels that wealth has value only if it is used effectively and for good purposes. Able and willing helpers are needed, and, once found, they can be given substantial responsibility. This will help achieve desired outcomes.

Moving Line in the Third Position

A moving line in the third position tells us that the one with wealth must be generous. Possessions are not to be seen as personal property, but as God’s property that has been loaned to us to help us accomplish God’s will. Possessions thought of in this way have great energy. Possessions hoarded for private use wither and disappear. The petty person cannot understand this and becomes possessed by the possessions.

Moving Line in the Fourth Position

A moving line in the fourth position warns that when one is caught between the conflicting whims of the rich and powerful, one is in a dangerous position. One can only survive this by remaining fully centered and not giving in to Ego.

Moving Line in the Fifth Position

A moving line in the fifth position is very favorable. People are willing to be led by an honest and sincere leader. But the dedication of the people can degenerate into insolence, and once insolence gains a foothold, it can quickly spread. But force is not the correct response to insolence; dignity is.

Moving Line in the Sixth (Top) Position

A moving line in the top position portrays one who, though in full possession of wealth and at the height of power, remains modest, helps others, and gives honor to God. When success is approached this way, God’s blessings will come in abundance.

Other interpretations of Archetype 14:

Internal Links:

  • Return to the Hexagram Index Table [click here].
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Reproduced with permission from Wisdom's Way; The Christian I Ching copyright (c) 2015 Roger Sessions.