Archetype 43: Resolution

CR P02 C43 A01

Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?”

The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

—Acts 9:1–6

The Reading

This reading describes the conversion of Saul, who would later be known as Saint Paul. This reading occurs at the greatest point of tension. Saul had been a fundamentalist Pharisee who persecuted the early Christians without mercy. The fledgling Christian community had been under terrible stress. But then there is a breakthrough, and Saul has the most celebrated conversion experience in history.

The Hexagram

CR P02 C43 A02

This hexagram consists of the lower trigram God and the upper trigram Wonder. The God trigram consists of three strong lines. The Wonder trigram consists of two strong lower lines and a weak upper line. The net result is five strong lines pushing upward against a single weak line. The weak line cannot hold long against this force, and a breakthrough is inevitable

The Archetype

There is a time...

To celebrate the turning of the tide against the forces of darkness.
To be grateful that ignorance is now on the wane.
To realize that darkness cannot coexist with light; if light is to win, darkness must be completely vanquished.
To know that darkness can only be overcome by adhering to God’s laws, the first of which is that love is the only way.
To banish all signs of darkness in oneself before looking for the darkness in others.
To be sure that all accumulation is accompanied by distribution.
To be guided by Wisdom as one develops one’s character.

Now is that time.

Moving Lines

Moving Line in the First (Bottom) Position

A moving line in the bottom position reminds us that in times of breaking through, it is the beginning that is the most difficult. We want to move forward, but resistance seems insurmountable. This is the time to measure our own strength and move forward only as far as that strength allows. If we start prematurely without the necessary strength, our journey can end disastrously.

Moving Line in the Second Position

A moving line in the second position warns that caution is called for. This is not the time for giving in to excitement and rushing forward. It is the time for seeking Wisdom, being watchful, and preparing to meet the danger even before the danger is manifest. One who is well prepared for danger need have no fear. Be on guard against that which cannot yet be seen and on the alert for that which cannot yet be perceived. Focus on developing strength of character, and people will submit voluntarily. Reason will triumph over passion.

Moving Line in the Third Position

A moving line in the third position describes one caught in a conflict of interest. All others are fighting against the forces of darkness, yet we have a relationship with a member of the darkness. If we confront this person before the time is ready, the person will draw on the forces of darkness. The association with the dark one is beneficial, but one must be careful not to be drawn into the darkness. The association will result in isolation, because others will not understand it. But we must hold firm and remain true. Eventually the right time will come.

Moving Line in the Fourth Position

A moving line in the fourth position describes one who is suffering from great restlessness. We cannot stay still; we want to push forward regardless of the power that resists us. Our problem is that we are being led by Ego. If we could let go of Ego and follow Wisdom, all would go well. But the hold of Ego is very strong and not easily ignored.

Moving Line in the Fifth Position

A moving line in the fifth position points to a struggle against a follower of the darkness who holds a high position. Due to our relationship with this person, we are tempted to abandon the struggle as hopeless. We are warned not to do this, but to continue moving forward with resolve.

Moving Line in the Sixth (Top) Position

A moving line in the top position warns against complacency. It seems to us that our goal has been achieved, but some darkness remains. It isn’t much, only a tiny residue, but if we don’t address it, over time it will grow into a new adversity. Darkness does not go away on its own. It spreads and multiplies until we are once again faced with a new evil.

Other interpretations of Archetype 43:

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].
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