Hexagram 36: Darkening of the Light (明夷 Míng Yí) – I Ching Meaning

Hexagram 36 of the 64 I Ching hexagrams is called Darkening of the Light (明夷, Míng Yí). It is made of the lower trigram Li (Fire) and the upper trigram Kun (Earth). Keywords: discretion, endurance, inner light. This is for reflection and entertainment, not a prediction.

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Judgment

The light is dimmed for a while. Keep your inner brightness safe and be discreet about it, and stay steady.

The Image

The sun has gone into the earth. Move through crowds with a quiet face, yet keep your clarity.

Darkening of the Light hexagram meaning

General meaning

A difficult or unappreciative atmosphere. Keep a low profile and protect your values.

Love

Not everything can be said just now. Be gentle, patient and protect your inner warmth.

Career

The environment is not welcoming. Keep your head down, keep your integrity and wait for it to ease.

Advice

Protect your inner light. Be discreet and patient, and do not give up your values.

The six changing lines

  1. Line 1. Leaving quietly, even if tired and hungry, is a sound choice. Follow your own path.
  2. Line 2. You are wounded but not defeated. Get help and stay steady.
  3. Line 3. You find the source of the trouble. Do not rush to fix it; go gradually.
  4. Line 4. You understand the heart of the problem. Leave quietly and take the step that is right for you.
  5. Line 5. Hide your light while holding on to it. Stay true when it is hard.
  6. Line 6. The darkness reaches a peak and begins to give way. Dawn is closer than it feels.

In short

Times are dim; protect your inner light and stay quietly resilient.

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