This week’s I Ching oracle reading is #12 Standstill.

Heaven is at the top, and Earth is at the bottom. The celestial energy (masculine/yang) rises above and does not fall to the earth, and the feminine/yin energy that descends to the earth does not rise; hence, there is no cross-pollination to reproduce, cocreate, and benefit one another.

Standstill or blockage is caused by a selfish small person, it is not good for the noble person.   Gain the small, lose the big. A lot of effort, but little gain.

《Tuan- Commentary on the Judgment》: The standstill hexagram violates people’s needs, making communication difficult and inconvenient. A gentleman must stay on the correct path. Gain little and lose a lot since heaven and earth do not cooperate to benefit the world.  The heavens and earth do not interact; it’s like a country without borders. Internal Yin and External Yang suggest that a small person (sinister) is within, whereas the gentleman is outside, and the negative energy expands while the gentleman’s path narrows.

External circumstances can trigger an internal crisis, leaving you feeling as if you have failed. Negative energy, such as self-doubt, sadness, and low self-esteem, might emerge.

In this situation, it is best to address all of the minor details on a fundamental level and mark them off your checklist. Sometimes it is beneficial to pause what you are doing externally and focus within.

When there is a misunderstanding, instead of becoming angry and reactive, take a deep breath and try to comprehend the other person’s point of view.