I Ching 18 – Degeneration, follows Following in the order of

Life experiences represented by the hexagrams.

Spirit explains: Degeneration suggests loss of quality or value,

Whether due to neglect, obsolescence, change in fashion, or

Whatever. Society seems almost eager to discard what is not

Shiny and new.

Following expresses faithfulness to traditional lifestyles. This

Preservation of past traditions can create difficulties in

Adjusting to change.

How do we blend progress and tradition? Or, must we choose?

There can be no future without a past. When a branch becomes

Disconnected from its tree then it must be rooted or grafted

Onto another tree that has its roots firmly planted in the earth.

To completely disconnect from our past, if it was possible,

Would endanger our future. The past is the foundation of the

Present and the present is the foundation of the future. Today

Could not exist without yesterday. It’s as simple as that.