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Hexagram #36 of 64Ming Yi (Darkening of the Light)

Darkening of the Light

Stealth mode — hiding your brilliance to survive in a hostile environment.

adversityconcealmentinjurydimmingperseverancesurvival

Trigram Composition

Upper Trigram

☷ Earth (Kun)

Lower Trigram

☲ Fire (Li)

Binary Structure

Line 6
Yin (0)
Line 5
Yin (0)
Line 4
Yin (0)
Line 3
Yang (1)
Line 2
Yin (0)
Line 1
Yang (1)

Binary: 101000

Hexagram Meaning

The Oracle Speaks

The light sinks into the earth — the sun descends below the horizon. Intelligence hidden, brightness injured. In a time of darkness, it is wise to be outwardly compliant while inwardly holding to your principles. The brilliant developer in a toxic organization. Protect your light by concealing it.

The Six Lines — Changing Line Oracles

When a line is “changing” (old yin or old yang), its oracle activates. These texts reveal the specific mutation occurring at that position in the hexagram.

1

Line 1 (Yang — solid) — Bottom

Darkening of the light during flight. He lowers his wings. The superior person does not eat for three days during travel. Urgent retreat — sacrifice comfort for survival.

2

Line 2 (Yin — broken)

Darkening of the light injures him in the left thigh. He gives aid with the strength of a horse. Good fortune. Wounded but still helping others escape.

3

Line 3 (Yang — solid)

Darkening of the light during the hunt in the south. Their great leader is captured. One must not expect perseverance too soon. The root cause is discovered but the fix takes time.

4

Line 4 (Yin — broken)

He penetrates the left side of the belly. One gets at the heart of the darkening of the light and leaves gate and courtyard. Understanding the nature of the darkness allows escape.

5

Line 5 (Yin — broken)

Darkening of the light as with Prince Ji. Perseverance furthers. Concealing your wisdom like a prince in captivity — endure now, prevail later.

6

Line 6 (Yin — broken) — Top

Not light but darkness. He first climbed up to heaven, then plunged into the depths of the earth. The corrupt leader who rises to the top and destroys everything. Total system failure from the top.

Related Hexagrams — Upper ☷ Earth (Kun)

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Consult the I Ching