31 – The Lover – Attraction – Lake upon the Mountain

His eyes open wide with passion as the blood will pump and butterflies dance in the stomach. That which was dead is now reborn as that which we desire now becomes clear like the day. He moves towards her with confidence and a burning longing as the river touches the sea. The man lends support to the woman and accepts her burden as the wise man stimulates peoples hearts with words of poetry and wisdom. The lover is a time to observe and understand that which causes us pleasure or pain and to act with confidence to bear the fruits of our will.

1^st – Greater than the Lover – Though he has a burning in his loins, he overcomes this the logic of the mind to focus on external matters. There are other things that must be done before this love may be tended.

2^nd – Restraining the Love – Oh how he burns to reach out to her, but now is not the time. Best to bow to the will of others and hold our desire in check. The wise man does not leave the comforts of his own home.

3^rd – The Lover is Leashed – Diving too far, too wide into the river of passion, he awakes to find himself under collar and chain. A foolish person has gained undue influence, and may be leading us to ruin. Best to be done with this person and get as far away as possible. Do we have the strength to do this?

4^th – The Lover Must Choose – Being wooed by scores of handmaidens, the prince is only able to choose one upon which to bestow his affection. He will win her hand and satisfy his love through confident persistence, but at the same time alienate the rest of the women. Such a thing may be deemed necessary by the tides of creation and we should put the others out of our mind.

5^th – The Lover Fails – We really try our best, but just are not strong enough to impose the extent of our will. Let all pass and prepare for another day!

6^th – Foiling the Lover – Everything was in accord, but he kept talking and ruined the whole thing. Best to keep our mouth closed and speak with our action.

All Six – The Lover Attains – Having attained that which he seeks, a calculated retreat is in order; but this is now a good thing!