Hexagram 37 - The Family

Hexagram 37 - The Family

"Foretell the Future with the I Ching and My Calendar of Days"

By James Byrd

I. The Oracle

A. Hexagram Thirty-Seven

Hexagram thirty-seven is associated with the concept of Returning and is often referred to as The Dwelling People. Upon deeper exploration, this hexagram encompasses additional variations such as The Family, The Clan, or the notion of Family Members.

1. The Idea of The Family:
   • Being part of a family, regardless of its size, requires maintaining correctness to promote harmonious relationships. This involves embodying a peaceful temperament and exercising good judgment. Demonstrating this behavior is crucial to sustaining order within the family unit and its surroundings. Respect within the family is cultivated by adhering to these principles.
2. The Family:
   • The perseverance of the woman furthers.
   • The settlement, the parish, the place of dwelling people.

B. The Image

1. The Wind Comes Forth from the Fire:
   • This phenomenon is an image of The Family.
   • From this, the superior person derives substance in their words.
   • It signifies endurance in one's way of life.

II. My Interpretation

Reflecting on this hexagram, I am reminded of a saying from my grandmother: one cannot be "too mannish." This term, used to describe me as a child, alluded to someone whose temperament and self-image were somewhat unbalanced. At the time, I didn't understand its full meaning, but it essentially referred to the importance of maintaining a balanced demeanor and being mindful of the image one projects to others.