This week I’ve failed to finish (or even start) most items on my to-do list. I had a convo with my work wife, M, about this and we’re both suffering the same paralysis trying to get out of the gate. My mind is spinning and unable to stop long enough to focus on a task, and/or it’s just taking too dang long to make the necessary preparations to start, even for the simplest tasks.  

I gave myself a pass the last couple of days because of the sheer number of  “other duties as assigned” that I’ve been engaged with. Engaged but refusing to marry as usual. 😂

Anyways, my friend told me about this divination process called I Ching (Yijing), and it was an enticing topic. Then, just after we parted ways, I checked my email only to find a big fat rejection letter (that was actually quite small), and it stabbed me, but at least I didn’t cry in my car like last time. Why am I always getting the worst rejection news in my car??! 

It shakes my confidence when I see the list of finalists, and my name is not on it. It means my manuscript wasn’t even close. That hurts. If it were some rando journal, I would shrug, but this is from a reputable press, and it’s my book baby. A whole collection that I have heaps of confidence in. And now I’m second-guessing myself. My confidence has taken a hit. 

Rewind to the iChing, divination thing… I rolled right home and googled it. The question at the top of my mind was, “Should I give up pursuing publication of my work?”

Cast cast cast cast cast cast (you had to be there). 

The resulting hexagram had no changing lines, which I think means something besides just the answer itself, but I will have to read more on the topic to find out what. In any case, the outcome was short and to the point. Out of 64 possible combinations, it was the last.

Hexagram 64, “Nearing Completion,” signifies the culmination of a journey, the cusp of a new beginning, and the importance of cautiousness in the final stages. While the goal is within reach, it’s crucial to remain mindful and avoid missteps that could derail success. The hexagram emphasizes that even after a long and arduous journey, a new cycle of growth and change is always imminent.

One thing I always like to keep in mind when approaching this type of reading is that context is key, and examining the result helps think about a topic in new ways. It’s like asking the Universe for a sign, but what you find is a gateway to deeper introspection. Without the reading, I might not ask myself questions that ultimately lead to an answer. And the answer may not be the answer I seek, but still bring peace with the current situation. 

So, what can I learn from the result of “Nearing Completion?” The long journey could be about my journey as a writer, or it could be about my journey in publishing, or it could be about the path I have been on with publishing my first book. It could be a reminder (as I face what feels like a setback or a disappointing rejection) that my focus should be on the current project, my first book instead of the next one. My first full poetry collection is supposed to wrap in May and to go to the printer very soon. 

The result of my casting includes a warning that I should be diligent with the current path so as not to make any mistakes that will set me back. Maybe I need to let go of looking at the future and concentrate my effort on what is in the here and now. 

The explanation of each hex also includes an example and in this case, the example was “the little fox.” The little fox is crossing a frozen river to reach the opposite side. The fox needs to be diligent and think carefully about each step so as not to encounter a setback, or worse. To me this feels more relevant for my current book, so that’s how I’m taking it. 

In the context of the larger overarching question, the fact that the answer was the last, 64, also serves as reminder that something new awaits when one journey comes to a close. For me I think this means that I should not fret about the conclusion, whatever that might be. Something new will come and it can also be good. 

Maybe that will be more writing or another project, or it might be something that has nothing to do with writing at all, but no matter what, things will be OK. The answer I seek could be as simple as that. This answer lines up perfectly with the mindset that I have tried to have this year, being the beholder.

I say “Tried.” I’m still trying. Some days I am more successful than others. This i Ching result reinforces the conclusion I came to with the deep introspection I went through last year. But despite that, I feel like I still need to constantly remind myself that “everything is going to be ok.”

I’ve only gone down a little into the rabbit-hole of I Ching and it looks like there is a wealth of interesting info that I’d like to understand better. Perhaps that’s what’s next? Ha!!

I think that’s it today, and probably for all of April. Thanks for reading.

Peace and love, 
~Miss SugarCookie 

The website I used to ask my question and cast for an answer is onlineclarity.com
A very detailed description of Hex 64 is here.
Here’s a summary of Hex 64 with no changing lines:

• Nearing Completion:
  The situation is nearing a conclusion, but the path is still unfinished. 
• Caution is Key:
  Despite the clear path ahead, a careful and cautious attitude is still necessary to avoid any potential pitfalls. 
• End and Beginning:
  The hexagram highlights that no end is truly complete without a new beginning stirring within it. 
• Timeless Wheel of Change:
  It emphasizes the ever-spinning wheel of life, where things are always evolving and staying the same. 
• Potential Missteps:
  The example of the “little fox” in some translations illustrates the possibility of a small mistake or misstep leading to a setback. 

In essence, Hexagram 64 encourages individuals to be mindful of their actions in the final stages of a project or journey, recognizing that success is within reach, but vigilance is still important. It also suggests that the current phase is a natural precursor to a new phase of growth and development.