16 – The Hammer – Ferocity – Thunder on the Earth

The hammer strikes the anvil, causing sparks to fly and shaping that which was previously thought unshapeable. The funeral dirge hums as the wise man gathers his resources and prepares to set forth to enact his will. Anything that is solid will shaped under the pressure of the hammer, but be aware that upon things such as water (the feminine) and wind (the formless) the hammer will have no effect.

1^st – The Weighty Hammer – The cock is sleepy, his call does not rouse men from their slumber. The hammer is too heavy and the arm fails under its weight. Perhaps we have taken upon a load too great for our strength and have failed due to exhaustion.

2^nd – The Hammer Strikes True – Following the plans he has previously laid out, the wise man strikes with confidence. Be like a rock. Consistency leads to success.

3^rd – The Hammer is Late – Too much time spent in contemplation and fear has caused the window of opportunity to pass us by. Regret may surface due to this blundering irresponsibility. Courage is required.

4^th – Branding the Hammer – Making alliance with the government inspector, the hammer is approved and validated as an enforcer of will. We have the support of official bodies behind our action, which will soon come to fruition.

5^th – The Chipped Hammer – A foreign object was hidden in the anvil, the hammer is chipped. This can be likened to the coming of a slight illness. Fear not, for the illness is acute and will soon pass.

6^th – Hurrying the Hammer – We have almost waited too long before taking action. But be aware that we still have a final chance and that if we hurry and act with extreme rashness, then we will still have the opportunity for success.

All Six – The Hammer Breaks – Too much, too fast has exhausted the stock of our merit. There is nothing more we can do except make preparations for the next turn of the wheel.