Hexagram 36
Darkening of the Light
明夷 (Míng Yí)
Earth over Fire
Hexagram 36 in the I Ching represents the darkening of the light - a time when brightness is obscured and wisdom must be concealed. This iching hexagram 36 symbolizes adversity, persecution, and the need for inner strength during difficult times when external circumstances are unfavorable.
Key Concepts
The Judgment
Hexagram 36 represents a time when darkness prevails and the light must be hidden. This iching hexagram 36 teaches us about survival during difficult times when expressing truth or showing one's abilities might bring harm. The wise person maintains their inner light while outwardly adapting to unfavorable circumstances, waiting patiently for conditions to improve.
The Image
The image of this hexagram shows fire beneath the earth, symbolizing light that has been covered or suppressed. In iching hexagram 36, we learn that during times of darkness and oppression, true wisdom lies in concealing one's brilliance while maintaining inner integrity and waiting for the right moment to shine again.
Interpretation & Guidance
When hexagram 36 appears in your reading, it signals a time of adversity and difficulty. You may be facing opposition, misunderstanding, or circumstances that prevent you from expressing your true self or abilities. This is not a time for bold action or open confrontation, but rather for patience, discretion, and inner fortitude.
This hexagram encourages you to protect yourself by not drawing unnecessary attention. Like a light hidden beneath the earth, your wisdom and talents should be preserved internally rather than displayed outwardly. This is not weakness but strategic wisdom - knowing when to advance and when to withdraw.
In all areas of life, iching hexagram 36 suggests that success comes through endurance and maintaining your principles despite external pressures. Keep your inner light burning bright even when outer circumstances are dark, and trust that this difficult period will eventually pass.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"Darkening of the light during flight. He lowers his wings. The superior person does not eat for three days on his wanderings. But he has somewhere to go. The host has occasion to gossip about him."
The first line represents the beginning of adversity when one must flee from danger. Though others may criticize or misunderstand your actions, it is essential to remove yourself from harmful situations quickly. Endure temporary hardship to preserve your integrity and safety for the future.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"Darkening of the light injures him in the left thigh. He gives aid with the strength of a horse. Good fortune."
This line shows injury during dark times, but also the ability to help others despite personal suffering. Your strength and willingness to assist those in need, even when you yourself are wounded, brings ultimate good fortune and demonstrates true nobility of character.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"Darkening of the light during the hunt in the south. Their great leader is captured. One must not expect perseverance too soon."
A time of confronting the source of darkness and achieving a significant victory. However, this is only the beginning of recovery - complete restoration takes time. Do not expect immediate transformation; patience and continued effort are required to fully overcome adversity.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"He penetrates the left side of the belly. One gets at the very heart of the darkening of the light and leaves gate and courtyard."
This line represents deep insight into the nature of the darkness surrounding you. You understand the true source of adversity and have the wisdom to remove yourself completely from the harmful situation. Escape is both necessary and possible at this time.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Darkening of the light as with Prince Chi. Perseverance furthers."
The ruler's line references Prince Chi, who feigned madness to survive tyranny while maintaining his inner virtue. This represents the highest wisdom in dark times - the ability to appear compliant while preserving one's true nature. Steadfast perseverance in your principles, even when hidden, will ultimately lead to success.
Six at the Top (上六)
Top line - Yin
"Not light but darkness. First he climbed up to heaven, then he plunged into the depths of the earth."
The top line warns of the complete fall of those who embody darkness and oppression. What rises through evil means must eventually fall. This represents the ultimate defeat of tyranny and the vindication of those who maintained their integrity through dark times.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In love, hexagram 36 represents a difficult period in relationships where misunderstandings or external pressures create darkness. This may be a time when your relationship faces opposition from others, or when communication becomes strained and feelings must be guarded.
For those seeking love, this hexagram suggests that now is not the ideal time for open romantic pursuit. Your true feelings may need to be concealed temporarily, or you may need to wait for better circumstances before expressing your affections. Patience and discretion are essential.
The key message of iching hexagram 36 in love is to maintain your inner commitment and feelings even when external expression is difficult. True love endures through dark times, and relationships that survive adversity together emerge stronger and more resilient.
Career & Business (事业)
Professionally, hexagram 36 indicates a challenging period where your talents may not be recognized or where workplace politics create an unfavorable environment. This is not the time to seek promotion or draw attention to your achievements. Instead, focus on doing your work well while maintaining a low profile.
For entrepreneurs, this hexagram warns of difficult market conditions or opposition from competitors. Business ventures may need to operate conservatively, preserving resources and avoiding risky expansions. Survival and maintaining core operations take precedence over growth.
In established careers, iching hexagram 36 suggests that you may need to endure unfair treatment or lack of recognition temporarily. Keep developing your skills and maintaining your professional integrity, knowing that this dark period will eventually pass and your true worth will be recognized.
Health & Wellness (健康)
Health-wise, hexagram 36 may indicate a period of decreased vitality or illness that requires rest and recovery. This is not a time to push yourself physically or ignore warning signs from your body. Protect your health by avoiding unnecessary stress and focusing on gentle, restorative practices.
The darkening energy of this hexagram suggests that you may need to withdraw from demanding activities and create space for healing. Mental and emotional health are particularly important now - protect yourself from negative influences and toxic environments that drain your energy.
For those dealing with health challenges, iching hexagram 36 encourages patience and perseverance in treatment. Recovery may be slow, but maintaining hope and following proper care will eventually restore your wellbeing. Avoid aggressive treatments that might cause additional harm.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, hexagram 36 indicates a period of constraint and difficulty. This is not a favorable time for investments, major purchases, or financial risks. Focus instead on preserving your resources and managing existing assets conservatively.
This hexagram warns against displaying wealth or financial success, as doing so may attract unwanted attention or create problems. Practice discretion in money matters and avoid lending or borrowing during this period. Financial recovery will come, but patience is required.
The key to financial survival with iching hexagram 36 is frugality and careful management. Reduce unnecessary expenses, build emergency reserves, and avoid any financial dealings that seem questionable or risky. Protect what you have rather than seeking to increase it.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
On a personal level, hexagram 36 represents a profound opportunity for inner development through adversity. Difficult times test and strengthen character in ways that prosperity never can. Use this period to deepen your self-understanding and cultivate inner resilience.
This hexagram teaches the valuable lesson of maintaining integrity when external circumstances make it difficult to do so. Your ability to preserve your principles and inner light during darkness demonstrates true spiritual maturity and strength of character.
The challenge of iching hexagram 36 is learning to distinguish between harmful compromise and wise adaptation. Growth comes from knowing when to bend without breaking, when to speak and when to remain silent, and how to endure hardship without becoming hardened or bitter.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing associated with hexagram 36 is unfavorable for outward action and advancement. This is a period for conservation, patience, and inner work rather than external achievement. Wait for conditions to improve before launching new initiatives or making major changes.
The best advice for those receiving this hexagram is to protect yourself through discretion and adaptability while maintaining your core values and integrity. Do not fight against overwhelming opposition, but do not surrender your essential nature either. Survive with dignity and patience.
Remember that darkness is temporary and light will eventually return. Your task now is to preserve your inner brightness and wisdom until external circumstances allow you to shine openly again. Endure with grace, and trust that this difficult passage serves your ultimate growth and development.