New Growth

A withered willow gives birth to a shoot. An older husband acquires a younger consort. Nothing not advantageous. In the midst of a crisis something happens that gives everything a new lease on life. Shake things up and clear the channels through which spirit and energy flow. Do not discipline people or set out on an expedition now. Diminishing your forward drive will augment you in the end. A hasty move will lead to nothing but trouble. You are coupled with a creative force.

九二, 枯楊生稊, 老夫得其女妻, 无不利.

A dry poplar sprouts at the root. An older man takes a young wife. Everything furthers. ##### Comments Wood is near water; hence the image of an old poplar sprouting at the root. This means an extraordinary situation arises when an older man marries a young girl who suits him. Despite the unusualness of the situation, all goes well. From the point of view of politics, the meaning is that in exceptional times one does well to join with the lowly, for this affords a possibility of renewal.