Case study 2: Papa

In April 2006, MM had an accident which caused extensive bleeding in the brain and perforation of his lung, starving his brain of oxygen for a while. He was in a coma for some months and remained in hospital for about 13 months. He was deemed to be in a vegetative state and was discharged to a nursing home since the medical team felt that they could do nothing further. All this time, most of his muscles were out of his control, with fingers curled almost into a fist, with feet and toes contorted in crazy angles and with tension in most limbs.

In May 2007, when we first visited him in hospital, MM did not open his eyes; the lids were still swollen and heavy. I sensed that MM was minimally conscious and wondered, from previous experience with my father, if he might make a recovery. The following readings were made since a) I did not want to raise any undue hopes; and b) was worried that any therapy I offered to help him as a last resort might make matters worse and could lead to litigation. But, I felt I had a duty to take the risk and needed advice.

18 May 2007 - I Ching
Hexagram 47 - Repression with no moving lines. The Marsh (also symbolises joy) is above The Deep (the abyss/pit which symbolises danger)

Reifler (p207)

The marsh drains into the deep.
The superior man will make the supreme sacrifice in the pursuit of his purpose.

Success.
Auspicious if you keep to your course.
No mistakes.
Make no promises. (What is said will not be believed anyway).

Interpretation

The implication is that the water (the essential element) which gave the marsh (the outward person) its nature has gone 'underground'. His outward form has lost its nature/character but his essential nature lies within. Wilhelm (p 182) states This symbolises an adverse fate in life. But, Danger and joy are conjoined. If such a fate befalls a man, it is important for him to be strong and overcome the trouble inwardly. Righteous persistence will bring good fortune but only a superior man can do this (Blofeld, p 178).

At this stage, I did not say anything to MM's wife but decided to just try the therapy without forcing it. I also consulted the Mah Jongg for another perspective.

CENTRE

0: Knot

The person is in a knot (tied up or locked in) but since this card is in the centre, there may be an eventual solution, perhaps unexpectedly.

EAST – Self - How others sees the subject

1: Fire

An intelligent person - mentally and physically burnt up.
3: Unicorn

People are worried about the future.

Yourself

2: West
West is partner - west in the realm of east (self) implies that he will have the support of his partner (does have a devoted wife).

SOUTH – recent past and near future

4: White
This is a journey one has to make on one's own.

5: Mushroom
Mushroom indicates something unexpected - he was not expected to recover. So, does this mean that he will make some recovery? Mushroom also indicates the unusual - the therapy I had in mind was unusual.

6: Commence
In this position, this is supposed to indicate some proposition from an important person.

WEST – problems and challenges

7: Centre

Centre also implies something which is fixed and inflexible (his current condition) but in this position it also implies over ambition (on my part?).

9: Lotus

In this position it indicates the uncovering of some deception or fraud (seems unrelated to my concerns).

8: Entering
Barriers are being lifted.

NORTH – long term (possibly problem zone as well)

10: Lotus
Recognition of abilities and gifts - recompense and gratitude - contentment and inner happiness with new ideas (for his recovery?).

11: Pine
Youngish man - who is determined and resilient - has inner courage and moral support.

12: Pearl
Looking into the mirror - contemplating the nature of one's life. Further expenditure. Lucky chance. Unexpected announcement that will bring benefits. Unexpected reward.

The outcome
Largely true. As the case study reports, MM is making a recovery through his own effort with the support of his devoted wife and others. Part of the treatment has involved novel (Lotus) and unusual (mushroom) therapies. It is now evident that he is no longer in a vegetative state. Everyone is feeling much more optimistic and happier than they were in May. The readings imply that this would have happened without my intervention anyway - so my husband and I are just pleased to bear witness to his recovery as predicted.

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