Clarence had a very active life and was thinking about taking a trip to India but was not sure if it would be a good idea, considering his physical condition and the fact that he was 86 years old.  So he asked, “Will I be in good condition to go to India in a few months?” He obtained hexagram 51, “The Arousing,” hectic, agitation and hexagram 54, “The Marrying Maiden,” engaged in, busy with. By combining the most relevant meanings the following theme can be formed:  “Given the hectic activity that you are engaged in,” which can also be expressed as: “You are engaged in hectic activity.”

This does not answer the question and suggests that Clarence was too active for his condition, a negative sign. Moreover, line 2 in hexagram 51 says, “You lose your treasures. Do not go in pursuit of them. After seven days you will get them back again.” In other words, it counsels patience in regard to this trip. The text of the image of hexagram 51 says, “The superior man sets his life in order and examines himself,” which refers to taking a hard look at his fast-paced life and having a medical examination. The text of the image of hexagram 54 says, “The superior man understands the transitory in the light of the eternity of the end,” which says: “the trip is transitory, put first things first.” This is a negative indirect answer recommending a postponement. To confirm this result, Clarence asked the following question.