Archetype 9: Small Gathering
Then, majestically adorned, after invoking the aid of the all-seeing God and Savior, she took two maids with her; on one she leaned gently for support, while the other followed, carrying her train. She was radiant with perfect beauty, and she looked happy, as if beloved, but her heart was frozen with fear. When she had gone through all the doors, she stood before the king. He was seated on his royal throne, clothed in the full array of his majesty, all covered with gold and precious stones. He was most terrifying.
Lifting his face, flushed with splendor, he looked at her in fierce anger. The queen faltered, and turned pale and faint, and collapsed on the head of the maid who went in front of her.
—Esther 15:1–7
The Reading
Esther was the Jewish queen of the Persian king Achaemenid around 460 BCE. Her cousin had refused to bow down before Prince Haman because it would have violated his beliefs as a Jew. In retaliation, Haman ordered the killing of all the Jews in the Persian Empire. Esther was determined to save her people. She planned a series of banquets during which she would soften up the king and convince him to rescind the order. But first she had to convince the king to attend the banquets. This meant appearing before the king unbidden. Appearing before the king unbidden, as Esther well knew, was a crime punishable by death.
The Hexagram
This hexagram consists of the Spirit above and its image of a Gentle Wind coupled with the strength of God below.
The Archetype
There is a time...
- To recognize than when in a position of weakness, only gentleness can restrain and subdue strength.
- To maintain the determination that will overcome the obstacles.
- To remain inwardly grounded in God, but to outwardly be as gentle and adaptable as a soft breeze.
Now is that time.
Moving Lines
Other interpretations of Archetype 9:
- 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].
Reproduced with permission from Wisdom's Way; The Christian I Ching copyright (c) 2015 Roger Sessions.