Archetype 2: Wisdom

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The Lord created me at the beginning of his work,
the first of his acts of long ago.
Ages ago I was set up,
at the first, before the beginning of the earth...
Happy is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
For whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the Lord.

—Proverbs 8:22–29

The Reading

This reading describes Wisdom. This is not the wisdom you acquire by studying or reading books; it is a Wisdom you acquire by being fully receptive to the Holy Spirit. Wisdom is traditionally named Sophia, after the Greek goddess of Wisdom. In the Bible, Wisdom is always referred to in the feminine gender. Wisdom is associated with receptivity, earth, and nature. Wisdom is not God, but she is inseparable from God. She is God’s companion, perhaps even God’s lover. Wisdom does not compete with God’s creative power; Wisdom guides that power. Creative power without Wisdom’s guidance leads to chaos. For this reason, Wisdom was the first of God’s creations.

The Hexagram

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This hexagram is made by doubling the Wisdom trigram, resulting in six open lines. These open lines symbolize the open, yielding, receptive power of the feminine. This is a hexagram of devotion and great holiness. The force of this hexagram is associated with the reproductive power of the earth and the maternal.

The Archetype

There is a time...

To draw strength from the earth.
To embrace silence, solitude, and receptivity.
To mobilize the resources, wisdom, and power that will be needed for the effort.
To nurture.
To dance in the presence of God.
To feel a great love that is not bound by place or space.
To seek a wise guide.
To persevere with gentleness and devotion.
To learn from nature.

Now is that time.

Moving Lines

Moving Line in the First (Bottom) Position

A moving line in the bottom position warns of early signs of decay. If decay is not noticed early on, it advances to deterioration and then to death. But if the early signs of decay are noticed, a wise one can take appropriate action before the decay is irreversible.

Moving Line in the Second Position

A moving line in the second position reminds that Wisdom must conform to God. All beings are created in God’s image, and all creatures are equal. This is the wonder of nature. Nature creates what is right for all without any deception or favor. The wise one is guided by nature’s example.

Moving Line in the Third Position

A moving line in the third position warns of Ego. The wise one will be free of Ego and will avoid being conspicuous. This is a time to blend in, conceal abilities, and not attract attention prematurely. If the wise one must enter public life, it should be done with restraint. The wise one does not seek credit for what has been done in the past but focuses on the active creativity that will pay off in the future.

Moving Line in the Fourth Position

A moving line in the fourth position calls for reticence. The time is dangerous. Any degree of prominence leads to risk from powerful foes. Challenges can lead to hostility. Recognition can earn enmity. This is a time to be reserved, blend in, and not make waves. This time can best be used to gather one’s inner strength.

Moving Line in the Fifth Position

A moving line in the fifth position counsels discretion. One who is prominent but has no independence needs the utmost discretion. Now is not the time to shine. Instead, one’s qualities must express themselves indirectly, reflecting the interior self.

Moving Line in the Sixth (Top) Position

A moving line in the top position warns that it is time to yield. One who tries to maintain an undeserved position risks attracting the anger of those who are stronger. No one will win this struggle; all will suffer.

Other interpretations of Archetype 2:

Tom Christensen's interpretation [click here]
Cafe Au Soul's interpretation [click here]
LiSe's interpretation [click here]
Richard Wilhelm's interpretation [click here]

Internal Links:

Return to the Hexagram Index Table [click here].
Return to Consulting the Christian I Ching [click here].
Purchase a printed copy of Wisdom's Way; The Christian I Ching [click here].
Learn about our Online Christian I Ching Workshop [click here].
Find out about personal consultations [click here].