Continuing with "Involuntary Relationships"

Finishing up with the individual lines aspect of hexagram thirty one, the commentary on line five says, "What takes place in the depths of one's own being, in the unconscious, can neither be called forth nor prevented by the conscious mind." Here we have further discussion revealing that there is a deeper part of ourselves, and that deeper part is a connection with the universal subconscious, or what some might define as God. Universal attraction works to "bring those together who belong together." (See hexagram forty five line two, and hexagram sixty one.) True relationships, ones that are meant to be, are natural and develop without conscious manipulation or plotting. They truly come from the primal depths of the universe. Hexagram sixty one gives us further information on the meaning of this where the commentary says, "This force is not identical with simple intimacy or a secret bond. Close ties may also exist among thieves; it is true that such a bond acts as a force but, since it is not invincible, it does not bring good fortune. (And the next part is paramount) All association on the basis of common interests holds only up to a certain point. When the community of interest ceases, the holding together ceases also, and the closest friendship often changes into hate."

We must, review our motives and definitions of the relationship which we hold close to us. Is it one based on true universal attraction, or is there a hidden motive within us that drives us to maintain the relationship; perhaps for the sake of status, or financial gain, or lust, or fear of loss?" Only we can answer those questions within the depth of our being. But we must be honest with ourselves. If the motive isn't pure, and it isn't love, the relationship cannot hold as we cross the wildernesses and trials of life. The sixth line carries on the same theme. It speaks of "superficial ways of trying to influence others." Mental exercises designed to manipulate or coerce will not work in the long run, and will in fact backfire eventually. Talk that has nothing behind it does not truly influence those that are really meant to be with us.

When the second and fifth line changes, the resulting hexagram is thirty two, which in some ways carries on the same theme although in a slightly different context, but more on that later.