I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 36: Darkening of the Light
Ming I · 明夷
A time hostile to the light. Keep the glow within and do not display it; brightness survives in hiding.
- adversity
- discretion
- inner light
- endurance
- Upper trigram
- Earth 坤 · Receptivity
- Lower trigram
- Fire 離 · Clarity
The Judgment
DARKENING OF THE LIGHT. It furthers one to be persevering in adversity.
The Image
The light has sunk into the earth. Thus the superior man lives with the great mass: he veils his light, yet still shines.
Meaning
The hexagram 'Darkening of the Light' carries the energy of Earth (Receptivity) acting upon Fire (Clarity). This moment asks for balance between supporting outwardly and clinging inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests devotion and care combined with warmth and dependence. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors administration and support grounded in intelligence and vision. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Earth above Fire suggests a natural dynamic of receptivity over clarity.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.
Nine in the 1st place
First position: the force is still hidden and unripe. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Darkening of the Light — the matter is adversity: that is the theme this line is changing.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Darkening of the Light — the matter is adversity: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 2nd place
Second position: receptivity in its proper place. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
Natural balance. Act with correctness and simplicity, without artifice. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Darkening of the Light — the matter is adversity: that is the theme this line is changing.
Natural balance. Act with correctness and simplicity, without artifice. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Darkening of the Light — the matter is adversity: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 3rd place
Third position: the dangerous threshold between low and high. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
End of the lower trigram — a critical transition. Excess enthusiasm here breeds mistakes. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Darkening of the Light — the matter is adversity: that is the theme this line is changing.
End of the lower trigram — a critical transition. Excess enthusiasm here breeds mistakes. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Darkening of the Light — the matter is adversity: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 4th place
Fourth position: prudent reserve beside power. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Earth (Receptivity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Darkening of the Light — the matter is adversity: that is the theme this line is changing.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Darkening of the Light — the matter is adversity: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 5th place
Fifth position: ruling through moderation. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Earth (Receptivity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Darkening of the Light — the matter is adversity: that is the theme this line is changing.
Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Darkening of the Light — the matter is adversity: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 6th place
Sixth position: the ending that asks for release. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Earth (Receptivity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Darkening of the Light — the matter is adversity: that is the theme this line is changing.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Darkening of the Light — the matter is adversity: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 36 mean?
Darkening of the Light (Ming I): The hexagram 'Darkening of the Light' carries the energy of Earth (Receptivity) acting upon Fire (Clarity). This moment asks for balance between supporting outwardly and clinging inwardly.
What does hexagram 36 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests devotion and care combined with warmth and dependence. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 36 say about work?
At work, the energy favors administration and support grounded in intelligence and vision. Consolidate your base.