I look to the I Ching as a book of wisdom and counsel. I ask the oracle to help me perceive the essence of situations and respond in a way that enhances my adaptability and sense of well-being. I ask directly what old habits of thought or emotion may rise up to diminish my ability to be of service to myself and others. 

After the death of my daughter last year, I asked the oracle how to move forward. The answer was to view my accomplishments as the foundation of a higher and more noble goal. In the exact words of the Toltec I Ching, “Aspire to meaningful beauty.” 

In the same breath, the oracle whispered, “Let spirit enter your heart from the outside.” It told me not to focus on what I am thinking, feeling, and remembering, but to pay focused attention to my surroundings. Still today, it reminds me to see with an open heart, the world as it truly is. It tells me not to hesitate as I walk this path alone, for “good fortune will be extended.”

Yet, even in the most “positive” of hexagrams, we must take note of the potential shadow side that speaks to the wise. We must recognize the warning signs. I must recognize what might prevent my broken heart from opening to its fullest – even as it grieves.

The shadowed warning in the wisdom of the oracle was to avoid holding on to misconceptions and misunderstandings. “Accept instruction,” it said. Fan the flame of a new fire. 

As I think about the new words, “Aspire to meaningful beauty,” I return to the following words within the reading:

“Uninterrupted awe is the hallmark of authenticity.” 

I must, and will, pay careful and continuous attention to what I see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. This is the world as it is now in all its ecstasy. May I stand in awe allowing beauty to penetrate and heal a broken heart. I already see clearly that my daughter is everywhere.

This is why I return to the I Ching again and again. 

May its wisdom find its way to you in this new year.