I Ching, The Book of Changes
The I Ching, usually translated as Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese divination text and among the oldest of the Chinese classics. With more than two and a half millennia’s worth of commentary and interpretation, the I Ching is an influential text read throughout the world, providing inspiration to the worlds of religion, philosophy, literature, and art. It is composed of 64 hexagrams that offer insight into issues, directions in life, problems, ways of life, decisions, and other concerns of those that consult it. It is one of the most powerful oracles known.
The Almanac of Gaia is an application of the I Ching to identify the dominant energy of a particular time in a year. The I Ching is consulted on the Summer Solstice each year in a ceremony that products the prevailing energies through the I Ching hexagrams for each week. It is a great asset and one of its benefits is that it helps us know which crystals will be the most effective.
We are going to explore each of the I Ching cards on Thursdays. You can use these articles to consult the I Ching yourself (instructions are easily found on the internet). And you can use it to more fully benefit from the Almanac of Gaia.
Hexagram 2: Being Receptive
When this hexagram is “thrown” or derived from changes from a card in a reading, it indicates the solution to an issue or the answer to a question, or the prevailing energy of the Universe is focused on a time of simply being, accepting, and intelligently following advice and counsel.
Hexagram 2 cautions you to not indiscriminately ignore your superiors (a boss, manager, etc.) You may be feeling that your leadership is not being accepted, but you must respect those in higher leadership positions if you wish to get ahead. Be patient and thoughtful. Consider your next move while respecting those around you.
This hexagram is centered around reflecting, obeying, and tireless patience. It also encourages responding wisely to your superiors and colleagues. This is not a prescription for being a doormat, but rather a guide that it is a time for seeking wisdom in those of authority in the situation.
The card is tied to several of the Crystal Reference Guides. Here are three: Crystals for Communication, Crystals for Appreciation, and Crystals for Adaptation. So let’s take a look at each of these and see what crystals should be used when we find this hexagram appears in a reading or is dominating a week’s energy.
Crystals for Communication
One of the most important attributes we possess is the ability of speech. It separates us from many other species in the animal kingdom. You think with this wonderful gift of speech we have been given, we would be natural at communication, right? Not always so. We can struggle with communication in a variety of different ways such as talking with our spouse, family, friends, or crush, giving a speech, or even writing. They are all various forms of communication that we engage with on pretty much a daily basis. You may have heard some people are just more charismatic, but what you don’t know is that it is not all about charisma. You too can improve your communication just by using the healing vibrations of crystals.
Yellow crystals are helpful enough by bringing you clarity and enlightenment, however, it is light yellow crystals that given you the enhanced communication skills you desire. In lighter shades, yellow crystals are useful for keeping awareness of important things, when day-to-day life can lead to forgetfulness. They are used extensively for ensuring that new relationships get off to a good start by aiding in the establishment of good communication. They give you the power of heightened awareness that lets you focus on the needs of the person or group you are getting to know. They let you use your energy to be aware of your surroundings and the subtle nuances coming from others. Use light yellow crystals for efforts that involve enhancing communications, particularly within families!
Citrine is one of the few light yellow crystals. Therefore, their color rays are potent and spectacular to clear your mind and allow communication to work the way it should. Citrine is a premier stone of manifestation, imagination, and personal will. Carrying the power of the sun, it is warm and comforting, energizing, and life giving. It stimulates the chakras like the sunlight of spring, clearing the mind and stirring the soul to action. Its frequency awakens creativity and imagination and sustains the process of transforming dreams and wishes into tangible form. With its pure yellow energy, Citrine encourages fullness of life, fresh beginnings, and new pursuits. Citrine is a popular healing and meditation crystal. Natural Citrine with its internal dynamics is reported to be able to clarify your thoughts and allow the creative juices to flow in your mind. Try using Citrine when the I Ching offers the advice of patience and acceptance.
You can learn more about Citrine in our Encylopedia.
You can learn more about Crystals for Communication in the Crystal Reference Guide.
You can read blogs on using crystals for communication in the Crystal Inner Circle.
You can shop for Citrine and find some bargains in our shop.
Crystals for Appreciation
Sometimes when things get down or times get tough, we can have trouble appreciating the world the same way we used to. This can be through not appreciating the beauty in the world we once saw or even down to not appreciating your friends or partner as we should. As people when we get comfortable we tend to take things for granted. This can cause stress on our relationships or inner turmoil that can be difficult to handle. If you are finding yourself losing appreciation for the things around you or if you’d like to gain more appreciation yourself, we believe crystals can help.
Crystals in any hue of Indigo can be helpful in your quest for appreciation. However, we find that light indigo is the best choice. When indigo is lightened and diffused in crystals such as those of sodalite or some fluorite, then indigo becomes the ray of connection, having similar power to that of an amethyst colored crystal. The difference in uses is a matter of degree and intent. While amethyst connects the old to the new, the light indigo connects us to the natural world and helps us understand that connection. To maintain a natural connection to life, to be naturally aware of your place, and to keep your soul and mind connected, use a pale indigo crystal.
The strong indigo hues in Iolite make it the perfect crystal for finding and generating appreciation. Iolite is often used by those embarking on a shamanic journey. It is also a powerful aid to helping you remove unwanted parts of your life and restoring balance and happiness. It is a stone of virtue and excellent for keeping your energy levels high. Iolites are perfect crystals for focusing and amplifying the Universal Life Force and your energy to accomplish your quests. Everyone gets tired and discouraged from time to time. Iolites are a good antidote to allow you to keep your energy level up and your efforts focused. Use these with your Citrines when the I Ching counsels patience and acceptance in Hexagram 2.
You can learn more about Iolite in our Encyclopedia.
You can learn more about Crystals for Appreciation in the Crystal Reference Guide.
You can read blogs on using Iolite and more in the Crystal Inner Circle.
You can shop for Iolite and find some bargains in our shop.
Crystals for Adaptation
If there is one constant thing in life, it is change. Sometimes we cause the change such as buying a new house or having a baby. Other times, the change sneaks up on us when we least expect it. We may lose our job or our relationship may suddenly come to an end. Surprisingly, whether you chose to experience the changing environment or not, change can be difficult. Most people think that if you are choosing to move, you are ready for that change, but such is not always the case. When change comes we should just be ready to adapt. If you have problems adapting to new situations or environments, we believe crystals can help you. They can make the process much easier, whether you asked for it or not. We suggest always have one of the following discussed crystals around in case an unexpected change comes into your life.
When attempting to adapt to new situations or dealing with issues of authority, we suggest using crystals in a darker turquoise color ray. Dark Turquoise crystals bring you adaptation, flexibility, openness, a new perspective, and inner strength. All of these attributes are core to learning to adapt to new circumstances. In darker, richer tones, turquoise brings us a ray of considerable power. It is the color of flexibility. Many of our shortcomings are based on intolerance. We get used to the way we think people should behave; the way the world should work. We grow more intolerant of new things as we age. Dark Turquoise rays are potent anti-intolerance rays that will give you the adaptability in your outlook to learn, enjoy, and participate in the newness that is constantly being brought to life.
Amazonite is a stone of tranquility, peace, and protection from the undesirable elements of life. It will keep negative energy away from you, making it one of the most protective stones you can own. Called the Stone of Courage and the Stone of Truth, Amazonite empowers one to search the self and discover one’s own truths and integrity, and to move beyond fear of judgment or confrontation with others to live in alignment with those beliefs and values. It is also a wonderful healer for the emotional body. It soothes trauma and calms the mind, alleviates worry and fear, and directs anger and irritability into more positive action. These are very important qualities when attempting to adapt and accept the leadership of others. We need a calm mind that is free of anxiety and takes any negative feelings we feel and help turn them into positive ones.
You can learn more about Amazonite in our Encylopedia.
You can learn more about Crystals for Adaptation in the Crystal Reference Guide.
You can read blogs on using Amazonite and Adaptation in the Crystal Inner Circle.
You can shop for Amazonite and find some bargains in our shop.
The I Ching is a powerful oracle. When you consult it, as we suggest you learn to do, it will point you in the direction you seek. And as you do, the Almanac of Gaia and these articles will show you how to use crystals to smooth your journey as the I Ching indicates.