Hexagram 35
Progress
晋 (Jìn)
Fire over Earth
Hexagram 35 represents rapid advancement and brilliant progress, like the sun rising over the earth to illuminate the world. This hexagram embodies the energy of forward movement, recognition, and expanding influence. It symbolizes a time when talents are acknowledged, efforts bear fruit, and one's light shines forth clearly for all to see. Progress comes naturally and swiftly, supported by favorable conditions and the recognition of those in positions of authority. This is a period of ascent, visibility, and the manifestation of one's true potential in the world.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (卦辞)
Translation: "Progress. The powerful prince is honored with horses in great numbers. In a single day he is granted audience three times."
Hexagram 35 represents a powerful time of advancement where merit receives its due recognition and reward. This hexagram teaches us that true progress involves not only personal achievement but also the acknowledgment and support of those in positions of influence and authority. The image of being granted multiple audiences in a single day illustrates how opportunities multiply during periods of genuine progress. When your talents align with the needs of the time and your character demonstrates integrity, advancement becomes natural and swift. The gift of horses symbolizes the resources and means provided to extend your influence even further, creating a positive cycle of recognition and expanded capability.
This is a time to step forward confidently and allow your abilities to be seen. The sun rising over the earth cannot hide its light, and neither should you diminish your accomplishments through false modesty. Accept honors graciously, use resources wisely, and understand that your progress serves a larger purpose. The multiple audiences represent the increasing demands on your time and attention that come with success, requiring you to manage your energy and maintain your center even as opportunities expand around you.
The Image (大象传)
君子以自昭明德。
Translation: "The sun rises over the earth: the image of Progress. Thus the superior person himself brightens his bright virtue."
The image of the sun rising over the earth provides a profound metaphor for authentic progress and self-cultivation. Just as the sun does not strain or force itself to rise but follows its natural course, bringing light and warmth to all it touches, so too does genuine advancement flow from inner development and the natural expression of one's cultivated character. The superior person understands that external progress must be rooted in internal refinement. By continuously polishing and brightening their inherent virtues, they naturally attract recognition and create positive influence. This is not about self-promotion but about allowing one's true nature to shine forth clearly and beneficially.
The daily rising of the sun reminds us that progress requires consistency and renewal. Each day offers a fresh opportunity to manifest our best qualities and contribute our unique gifts to the world. The superior person does not rest on past achievements but continually works to clarify and strengthen their virtue, knowing that true influence comes from authentic character rather than mere position or reputation. By focusing on self-improvement and genuine service, external advancement follows naturally.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"Progressing, but turned back. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one meets with no confidence, one should remain calm. No mistake."
At the beginning of progress, you may encounter initial resistance or setbacks that test your resolve. This is natural and not a sign of failure. Maintain your integrity and continue your efforts even when immediate recognition is lacking. Your calm perseverance in the face of doubt will ultimately prove your worth. Do not become discouraged by temporary obstacles or the skepticism of others. Trust in your path and remain generous in spirit, understanding that trust must be earned through consistent demonstration of your capabilities and character over time.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"Progressing, but in sorrow. Perseverance brings good fortune. One receives this great happiness from one's ancestress."
Progress may come with unexpected emotional complexity or concern about your worthiness to advance. Despite inner doubts or sorrows, continue forward with integrity and you will receive blessings and support from unexpected sources, often through family connections or ancestral wisdom. The reference to the ancestress suggests that help comes through traditional channels or from maternal figures who recognize your potential. Accept this support graciously and understand that your advancement is part of a larger pattern of family or lineage development that extends beyond your individual achievement.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"All are in accord. Remorse disappears."
This line represents a breakthrough moment when collective support materializes and previous doubts or regrets dissolve completely. You gain the confidence and backing of the group, allowing progress to accelerate significantly. Any earlier hesitations or mistakes are forgiven and forgotten as your value becomes clear to all. This is a time of harmonious advancement where individual effort aligns with collective will. Move forward boldly, knowing that you have the trust and support of those around you. The unity of purpose creates powerful momentum for continued progress and achievement.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"Progress like a hamster. Perseverance brings danger."
A warning against advancing through cunning or accumulating position and resources without genuine merit or proper authority. Like a hamster hoarding food, you may be tempted to gather power or recognition through questionable means. This approach, even if pursued with determination, leads to danger and eventual exposure. True progress at this stage requires honesty about your limitations and a willingness to serve rather than grasp. Examine your motivations carefully and ensure that your advancement benefits others, not just yourself. Greed or selfish ambition will undermine your position and create future problems.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Remorse disappears. Take not gain and loss to heart. Undertakings bring good fortune. Everything serves to further."
From the position of leadership, this line counsels a transcendent attitude toward success and failure. Release attachment to specific outcomes and focus instead on right action and service. When you stop worrying about personal gain or loss, you align with the natural flow of progress and everything moves favorably. This is the wisdom of the enlightened leader who acts from principle rather than self-interest. Your position is secure, your influence is growing, and the best approach is to remain flexible, generous, and focused on the greater good rather than personal advantage or recognition.
Nine at the Top (上九)
Top line - Yang
"Making progress with the horns is permissible only for the purpose of punishing one's own city. Awareness of danger brings good fortune. No blame. Perseverance brings humiliation."
At the peak of progress, there is danger in pushing forward too aggressively or using your power unwisely. The image of advancing with horns suggests a combative approach that may be necessary only for internal correction or self-discipline, not for external conquest. Recognize the limits of advancement and the responsibilities that come with high position. Continued aggressive pushing forward from this position leads to humiliation and overextension. Instead, consolidate your gains, use your influence wisely for correction and improvement, and understand that the time for rapid advancement is passing. Wisdom now lies in maintaining what has been achieved rather than grasping for more.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In matters of the heart, hexagram 35 signals a time of increasing visibility, recognition, and forward movement in romantic relationships. For those in established partnerships, this period brings opportunities to deepen commitment, receive acknowledgment from family and community, or take the relationship to a new level of public recognition such as engagement or marriage. Your relationship shines brightly and attracts positive attention from others. This is an excellent time to celebrate your love openly and allow your partnership to serve as an inspiration to others. The warmth and light you share together naturally radiates outward, creating beneficial influence in your social circles.
For those seeking love, hexagram 35 indicates that you are entering a highly favorable period for romantic connection. Your personal qualities are particularly visible and attractive now, drawing potential partners to you naturally. Rather than hiding your light or playing small, allow your authentic self to shine forth confidently. Attend social gatherings, accept invitations, and be open to introductions from friends or family members who may play a matchmaking role. The energy of progress suggests that romantic opportunities will present themselves rapidly, possibly through professional contexts or situations where your talents and accomplishments are on display.
The key to romantic success during this hexagram is authenticity and generosity of spirit. Just as the sun rises to benefit all, approach love with an open heart and genuine warmth rather than calculation or strategy. Allow relationships to develop naturally in the light of day, avoiding secretive or complicated entanglements. Progress in love means moving toward greater clarity, commitment, and public acknowledgment of your feelings. Be willing to be seen, to be vulnerable, and to let your affection be known. The time favors bold declarations and forward movement in matters of the heart.
Career & Business (事业)
Professionally, hexagram 35 represents an exceptional period for career advancement, recognition, and expanding influence in your field. This is a time when your talents and contributions are noticed by those in positions to promote or reward you. Expect opportunities for advancement to come rapidly, possibly including promotions, prestigious assignments, public recognition, or invitations to take on leadership roles. Your work is illuminated and appreciated, creating momentum for continued professional growth. Take advantage of this favorable period by stepping forward confidently, accepting new responsibilities, and allowing your expertise to be visible. This is not a time for false modesty but for gracious acceptance of the recognition you have earned through consistent effort and genuine skill.
For entrepreneurs and business owners, hexagram 35 signals rapid business growth, increased market visibility, and expanding customer base. Your products or services are gaining recognition and attracting positive attention. This is an ideal time to launch marketing campaigns, seek publicity, expand operations, or enter new markets. The energy of progress supports bold business moves and strategic expansion. Investors or partners may approach you with opportunities, and your reputation in your industry is rising. Focus on maintaining quality while scaling, ensuring that rapid growth does not compromise the excellence that created your initial success. Build systems and teams that can sustain expansion.
The challenge in career matters during this hexagram is managing success wisely and avoiding the pitfalls of rapid advancement. Stay grounded in your core values and continue the practices that brought you to this point of recognition. Use increased resources and influence to benefit others, mentor those coming up behind you, and contribute to your field or industry. Remember that true progress involves not just personal advancement but the elevation of collective standards and the sharing of knowledge. Maintain integrity in all dealings, as your actions are now more visible and influential than before. Build on success with wisdom and generosity.
Health & Wellness (健康)
In health matters, hexagram 35 indicates a period of increasing vitality, energy, and overall wellbeing. Like the rising sun bringing warmth and light, your physical and mental health are improving and strengthening. This is an excellent time to establish new health routines, begin fitness programs, or address health concerns that you have been postponing. Your body responds particularly well to positive interventions now, and you have the energy and motivation to make significant improvements in your physical condition. Any treatments or therapies you undertake are likely to show rapid and visible results. The key is to harness this favorable energy through consistent action and healthy choices.
For those recovering from illness or managing chronic conditions, this hexagram brings encouraging news of progress and improvement. Symptoms may diminish, energy levels increase, and overall functioning improve noticeably. Work closely with healthcare providers to optimize treatment plans and take advantage of this period of enhanced healing capacity. Your positive attitude and willingness to engage actively in your own healing process contribute significantly to favorable outcomes. Consider complementary approaches such as improved nutrition, gentle exercise, stress reduction, and adequate rest to support your body's natural healing abilities. The progress you make now can establish a foundation for long-term health improvement.
Mental and emotional health also benefit from the illuminating energy of hexagram 35. This is a time when clarity increases, depression lifts, and optimism returns naturally. If you have been struggling with mental health challenges, seek support now as conditions are favorable for breakthrough and healing. Therapy, counseling, or support groups may prove particularly effective during this period. The rising sun energy helps dispel darkness and confusion, bringing fresh perspective and renewed hope. Engage in activities that bring you joy, spend time in natural sunlight, and cultivate relationships that support your wellbeing. Your mental clarity and emotional resilience are strengthening day by day.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, hexagram 35 represents a highly favorable period for wealth accumulation, income growth, and financial recognition. Like the sun rising to illuminate hidden resources, opportunities for increasing your income become visible and accessible. This may manifest as salary increases, bonuses, successful investments, new income streams, or profitable business ventures. Your financial acumen and efforts are recognized and rewarded. This is an excellent time to negotiate raises, seek promotions, launch business ventures, or make strategic investments. The energy of progress supports bold financial moves based on solid preparation and genuine value creation. Money flows toward you more easily now as your worth is recognized and compensated appropriately.
For investors and those managing wealth, hexagram 35 suggests that your portfolio is likely to experience growth and positive returns. Market conditions favor your holdings, and investment decisions made during this period tend to prove profitable. However, the wisdom of the hexagram counsels against greed or reckless speculation. Progress should be built on sound fundamentals and genuine value rather than mere opportunism. Diversify wisely, take calculated risks based on thorough research, and remember that sustainable wealth building requires both boldness and prudence. Use a portion of your gains to support worthy causes or help others, as generosity during times of plenty creates positive karma and sustainable prosperity.
The key to maximizing financial progress during this hexagram is visibility and confidence. Make your value known, whether through salary negotiations, marketing your business, or showcasing your expertise. Do not hide your financial goals or diminish your worth through false modesty. At the same time, manage success wisely by avoiding ostentatious displays or wasteful spending. Build solid financial foundations through saving, investing, and creating multiple income streams. The resources flowing to you now should be used to create long-term security and expanded capacity for future growth. Remember that true wealth includes not just money but also skills, relationships, reputation, and the ability to create value for others.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
Hexagram 35 represents a powerful period for personal development, self-realization, and the manifestation of your highest potential. The image of the sun rising over the earth symbolizes the emergence of your true self from the darkness of limitation and self-doubt into the clear light of authentic expression. This is a time when your unique gifts, talents, and perspectives can shine forth clearly and benefit others. Personal growth now involves stepping into greater visibility, accepting your power, and allowing yourself to be seen fully. The work you have done on yourself in private now bears fruit in public recognition and expanded influence. Trust in your development and allow your light to shine without apology or diminishment.
The superior person uses this period to refine and brighten their virtue, understanding that external progress must be matched by internal cultivation. Focus on developing qualities of clarity, warmth, generosity, and authentic leadership. Study wisdom traditions, engage with mentors, and deepen your understanding of yourself and the world. The progress you make in self-knowledge and character development during this time creates a foundation for sustained positive influence. Practice expressing yourself clearly and confidently while remaining humble and open to continued learning. Balance confidence with compassion, strength with gentleness, and ambition with service to others.
The challenge of personal growth during hexagram 35 is managing increased visibility and influence wisely. As your light shines more brightly, you attract both admiration and criticism, both opportunities and demands on your time and energy. Develop discernment about which opportunities align with your authentic path and which are merely distractions. Maintain your spiritual practices and inner connection even as external demands increase. Remember that true progress is measured not by external achievements alone but by the depth of your character, the quality of your relationships, and your positive impact on the world. Use your growing influence to uplift others and contribute to collective wellbeing.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing of hexagram 35 is exceptionally favorable for forward movement, new initiatives, and bold action. Like the sun rising to begin a new day, this is a time of fresh starts, expanding possibilities, and natural advancement. The universe supports your efforts and creates conditions for rapid progress. Take advantage of this auspicious period by stepping forward confidently, accepting opportunities, and allowing your talents to be visible. This is not a time for hesitation, hiding, or playing small. The energy of the moment favors those who are willing to be seen, to take risks based on genuine preparation, and to accept the recognition and responsibilities that come with advancement.
The primary advice of hexagram 35 is to align your external progress with internal cultivation. As you advance in the world, continue to refine your character, deepen your wisdom, and strengthen your integrity. Use success as an opportunity to serve others rather than merely to elevate yourself. Accept recognition graciously but without arrogance, understanding that your gifts are meant to benefit the collective as well as yourself. Manage resources wisely, build sustainable systems, and create value that extends beyond immediate personal gain. The sun rises to benefit all living things, not just itself, and your progress should similarly create positive ripple effects in your community and field.
Be mindful of the potential pitfalls of rapid advancement: arrogance, overextension, neglect of relationships, and loss of connection to your core values. Stay grounded through spiritual practice, maintain close relationships with trusted friends and mentors, and regularly reflect on your motivations and methods. Progress is most sustainable when it is built on solid foundations of character, competence, and genuine service. Use this favorable period to establish patterns and practices that will support continued growth even when conditions become more challenging. Remember that the sun also sets, and wise leaders prepare during times of plenty for inevitable periods of difficulty. Build wisely, share generously, and let your light shine with authentic warmth and clarity.