This month it is Hexagram 5 “Patience” with the elements of Heaven below in this hexagram and Water the upper Hexagram for your private reflection and meditation by Angelica Danton for 13 Society.

In a world undergoing such rapid changes Hexagram 5 encourages us to reflect on the power of positive waiting in times of pressure. It is not always wise to act without thought. It can also be a powerful move to withhold action until a better more advantageous period begins and the timing in our actions defines our judgement.

Lately, the stars have been moving us to act with Mars in Leo square Sun in Taurus and Pluto in Aquarius opposite Mars.

We feel we need to make instant decisions in a lot of areas, personal, practical spiritual or physical. The world around us is demanding attention with every day crucial decisions to be understood and made.

In addition we see many around us who are the opposite to patient in wanting the quick fixes and answers leading in places to conflicts and unnecessary misunderstandings that thwart our growth and their’s.

There is a powerful text Number 79 from the Taoism of Lao Tzu where he speaks of the bitterness that remains even when enemies make peace.

While the “Sage”honours his part of the bargain he does not further threaten his enemy to get more or to exploit more than he needs to. On the other hand the ” non virtuous” go all out to settle scores and way beyond.

There are many wisdoms in practising patience and a degree of forbearance as any parent will attest to. It is not a sign of weakness but in people who are wholly conscious can be a sign instead of strength.

This month write in your journal of any time you wanted to “get even” or lose your temper or just push someone else too hard. Think of situations where you or those around you practised patience and where it greatly helped you to heal a situation or even avoid a danger protecting your security.

It is a two way street sometimes we also need people to be patient with us and if we are patient others recognize our maturity.

Have a beautiful month of May (this month we are in the sign of Taurus moving to Gemini),and enjoy your Spring in the Northern Hemisphere.