I Ching · No.36 · Ming I / Darkening of the light

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Ming Î indicates that (in the circumstances which it denotes) it will be advantageous to realise the difficulty (of the position), and maintain firm correctness.

Translation

Ming I (Darkening of the light) Hexagram. It is beneficial to divine about difficult matters. The Image says: The inner hexagram of this hexagram is Li, Li is the sun; the outer hexagram is Kun, Kun is the earth. The sun sinking into the earth is the image of Darkening of the light. Observing this image, the gentleman governs the people and administers the government not by being harshly scrutinizing to show intelligence, but by being outwardly simple and inwardly wise, tolerating things and drawing close to the masses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun enters into the earth, and the light is damaged; all things are obstructed, waiting for fortune. Inauspicious: For those who get this hexagram, their fortune is poor, and everything is laborious. They should firmly adhere to the correct path, be patient and self-respecting, and await the opportunity.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Protect oneself with wisdom to avoid disasters and misfortunes.
• Wealth 财运: No profit in the open, but secret sharing of dividends.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable for father and son to live apart; the marriage is not through formal betrothal.
• Health 身体: Severe stagnation of liver Qi; pay attention to health maintenance.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune meets great disaster; it is highly advisable to conceal and hide.
• Warfare 战征: The 'Image' says 'overseeing the masses.' This coincides with the time of employing the army. It is advisable to emulate the stratagem of 'openly repairing the plank roads while secretly crossing through Chencang,' which will surely bring victory.
• Business 营商: The hexagram image is difficult; it is feared the general public will find it hard to profit, though there are still secret distributions of gains.
• Fame & Career 功名: The fire of Li is overcome by Earth. Fame and official rank will not be manifest; if manifest, it will instead bring disasters.
• Household 家宅: The family path is not smooth, but if father and son live apart, safety may still be preserved.
• Marriage 婚姻: Must not be a marriage through formal betrothal.
• Illness 疾病: It is a disease of internal stagnation of liver-fire; treatment should extinguish the fire.
• Litigation 讼事: It is advisable to accept compromise and end the lawsuit to avoid disaster.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Li below, Kun above). Li is light, Kun is obedience; Li is the sun, Kun is the earth. The sun sinks into the earth, light is damaged, the future is unclear, and the environment is difficult. It is advisable to follow the times and nurture obscurity, firmly adhere to the correct path, be outwardly simple and inwardly wise, and hide one's light and nurture obscurity.

• Overall Image 大象: The sun is hidden beneath the Earth of Kun, the land is dark, representing the image of losing sight.
• Fortune 运势: All things are obstructed, mean people cause harm, and one is often confused when encountering events. It is advisable to hold one's ground, wait quietly for the opportunity, and then act.
• Career 事业: Being in an unfavorable environment, one should calmly handle dangerous conditions, strengthen psychological quality, and bear various pressures. Be outwardly gentle and cautious, but inwardly insightful of principles. Depart when it is time to depart, avoid disasters, and escape danger. Prevent trouble before it happens, and persist in striving amidst adversity.
• Business 经商: Carefully observe market trends and act when the time is right, but one must adhere to business ethics. Even under unfavorable circumstances, one should venture forward, especially developing toward the south, which will bring great harvest.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Keep a great ambition in one's heart, act with diligence and patience, strive in adversity, preserve one's own will, gather one's cleverness and not expose it, and persist in justice even more in chaos, hiding shortcomings and keeping simple.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: One must comprehensively analyze the other party's situation and not lose the great for the small. Pay attention to major principles.
• Decision 决策: In a poor situation, the environment is difficult and the future is unclear. However, if one can calmly face misfortune, adapt to circumstances, the prospects will turn bright. In particular, one should strengthen self-cultivation, endure silently to carry out one's will, be outwardly simple and inwardly wise, which can turn misfortune into good fortune. If one can act prudently and be cautious everywhere, one can achieve even more.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, flying, but with drooping wings. When the superior man (is revolving) his going away, he may be for three days without eating. Wherever he goes, the people there may speak (derisively of him).

Line Text (Translation)

First Nine: 'The pelican is flying, resting by the marsh side. The gentleman departs from home, having no food for three days.' If one encounters this line in divination, having a destination will surely bring condemnation from the host. The Image says: When the gentleman is on a journey, according to rites and righteousness, he cannot accept food in humiliation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair. For those who get this line, there may be injury to hands or feet; for the virtuous, there is the joy of gaining wealth and receiving blessings. For officials, there is a sign of rapid advancement, but guard against errors.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Cannot yet advance rapidly; preserve oneself well.
• Wealth 财运: Capital is damaged, and the host has annoying words.
• Household 家宅: It is best to relocate; the marriage is discordant.
• Health 身体: Disease in the esophagus, or illness in the hands.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The initial fortune is not good, but by preserving oneself well, one can remain unharmed.
• Warfare 战征: The provisions in the camp have run out, and it is advisable to retreat temporarily.
• Business 营商: Regarding 'Ming I,' there is fear that capital may be damaged; transporting goods to a distant place has the sign of suffering disaster midway, and there is also fear of the host's complaining words.
• Fame & Career 功名: 'Flying with drooping wings' clearly shows the sign of being unable to achieve rapid advancement.
• Marriage 婚姻: The first line corresponds with the fourth line, but they instead harm each other; the marriage is discordant.
• Household 家宅: This house must be rented or leased, not one's own property, hence there is a landlord; 'no food for three days' is the sign of a broken stove and no cooking. Unfavorable, it is advisable to move.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Ch'ien (Modesty) Hexagram. Success and smoothness. If this hexagram is met in divination, the gentleman will achieve success. The 'Xiang (Image) Commentary' says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Kun representing earth, and the inner trigram is Gen representing mountain. There is a mountain within the earth. The inner is high and the outer is low. Remaining high without being arrogant is the image of the Ch'ien hexagram. Observing this hexagram, the gentleman embraces modesty, reduces the superfluous and increases the deficient, measures the quantity of goods, and distributes them fairly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Modest, harmonious, patient, and yielding; honoring others while humbling oneself. Utilizing modesty, all things can be accomplished. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is lucky and peaceful, with promotion step-by-step. The future is very bright for those who are humble and patient, while the arrogant will surely meet defeat. Humility reaps benefits, while pride invites loss.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below and Kun above). Gen represents mountain, and Kun represents earth. There is a mountain on the earth's surface. The earth is low and the mountain is high, meaning inner high and outer low. It is a metaphor for not taking credit for great achievements, not self-praising for high reputation, and not being arrogant in a high position. This is humility.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, wounded in the left thigh. He saves himself by the strength of a (swift) horse; and is fortunate.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the Second: Pelican, pelican, injured in the left thigh; the gentleman is injured but saved by a horse. Auspicious. The Image says: The good fortune mentioned in the line text of Six in the Second is because the yin line Six in the Second is below the yang line Nine in the Third, just like a horse obeying its master and understanding human intentions well.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who get this line, ordinary people may have difficulties but will receive help from noble persons. Officials will hold real power and can assume great responsibilities. Scholars will achieve good results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: A noble person assists, fortunately escaping disaster.
• Wealth 财运: Improper planning makes loss unavoidable.
• Household 家宅: Renovation is complete; the wife has a foot ailment.
• Health 身体: The left foot is injured.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The current fortune is not very good, with some injuries and disability, but fortunately saved by the Luck and Horse (Lu Ma) stars, hence auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: The army of the left camp is unfavorable, but fortunately the cavalry is effective, turning defeat into victory.
• Business 营商: According to the saying that inappropriate planning is called a 'left-handed scheme' (improper planning), knowing that the business venture is out of season causes losses; fortunately, a person surnamed Ma appears to mediate, then it is auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: Any demotion in official rank is called 'leftward,' which seems unfavorable; however, encountering the Year of the Horse (Wu) or entering the Wu fortune is auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: The middle of Li is hollow, like a pitfall; the person must have fallen into a deep pit, injuring their left foot. Fortunately, the horse is strong and energetic, allowing them to leap out. Although injured, it is auspicious.
• Household 家宅: There must be damage to the left pillar foot; it should be repaired urgently.
• Marriage 婚姻: Li is a yin image; the woman is feared to have a foot ailment and difficulty walking. It is auspicious to match with a person born in the Year of the Horse (Wu).
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Thâi (we see) the little gone and the great come. (It indicates that) there will be good fortune, with progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

T'ai Hexagram. From the small to the great, from the minute to the prosperous; auspicious and successful. The Image says: Heaven and Earth interact; this is the image of T'ai. The superior man, observing this image, regulates the laws of Heaven and Earth, assists in the transforming work of Heaven and Earth, and thereby governs the myriad people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The small departs and the great arrives; smooth, peaceful, and auspicious. When peace reaches its peak, it turns into obstruction; it is advisable to maintain and guard one's position. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, extreme adversity yields to peace, great fortune is at hand, and all things go smoothly, but one must guard against sorrow arising from extreme joy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Ch'ien below and K'un above). Ch'ien is Heaven and Yang; K'un is Earth and Yin. Yin and Yang interact, the upper and lower communicate, Heaven and Earth commune, and all things flourish. The reverse is ominous. All things in the universe undergo opposition and transformation; the peak of prosperity leads to decline, and decline turns back into prosperity. Therefore, those who adapt to the times achieve peace.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, hunting in the south, and taking the great chief (of the darkness). He should not be eager to make (all) correct (at once).

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the Third: In the southern hunting ground, drawing the bow and shooting arrows, obtaining some large wild beasts. If one encounters this line in divination, divining about illness is unfavorable. The Image says: Determined to hunt in the south, greatly satisfying one's mind.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair. For those who get this line, there is a sign of repairing houses and building. For the unfortunate, the left thigh may be injured, and there are many worries of separation.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Retreating to the south, one can achieve one's ambition.
• Wealth 财运: Managing with patience, light will finally be seen.
• Household 家宅: A wealthy family in the village; obtaining a good spouse.
• Health 身体: It is more suitable to recuperate in the south.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The grand fortune is not without failures; it is advisable to retreat and defend. Upon entering the winter season, traveling south will surely bring great profit.
• Warfare 战征: The hexagram is called 'Ming I' (Darkening of the light). To openly advance troops will surely bring injury and defeat; it is advisable to secretly lead troops to enter from the south. The top line of Li says: 'The king uses it to go on an expedition, and gets the great head,' which matches this prediction.
• Fame & Career 功名: The south belongs to civilization; hunting beasts and hunting for fame are both expected to be attained. 'Great head' means the leader/champion; will one surely win the first place? Thus it is said 'the ambition is greatly attained.' Auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: The wedding ceremony presents wild geese and shoots sparrows, which also takes the image of capturing game. 'Obtaining the great head' means obtaining a good spouse. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: One should go out to avoid it in the south. Auspicious.
• Lost Items 失物: Look for it to the south of the house, and it will surely be found.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.
• Household 家宅: This house faces south in the Li position. 'Great head' refers to a very wealthy family in the countryside. Auspicious.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Fû indicates that there will be free course and progress (in what it denotes). (The subject of it) finds no one to distress him in his exits and entrances; friends come to him, and no error is committed . He will return and repeat his (proper) course. In seven days comes his return. There will be advantage in whatever direction movement is made.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Fu (Return). Pervasive success. Going out and staying at home are both free from illness. There is profit to be made, and one can remain free from disaster. On the return journey, one will return in seven days. It is advantageous to have a destination. The Xiang Commentary says: The inner trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, representing thunder, and the outer is Kun, representing earth. When the weather is freezing and cold, thunder returns to the earth; going out and returning, returning in accordance with the season, this is the image of the Return hexagram. The ancient kings observed this image, taking thunder as their model, closed the city gates on the winter solstice, not admitting merchants and travelers, and the ruler did not inspect the states.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Cycles recur, and the spark of life buds anew; success is in sight, but impatience leads to failure. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortunes are turning for the better. By going with the flow, undertakings can succeed, but it is not advisable to advance too hastily.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Zhen below and Kun above). Zhen represents thunder and movement; Kun represents earth and compliance. Movement with compliance, following nature. Movement within compliance, yang on the inside and yin on the outside, moving in sequence, advancing and retreating freely, which is advantageous for moving forward.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth six, divided, shows its subject (just) entered into the left side of the belly (of the dark land). (But) he is able to carry out the mind appropriate (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, quitting the gate and courtyard (of the lord of darkness).

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the Fourth: Return to the deep place of seclusion! Stepping out of the chamber and entering society, one feels the harshness of the environment, and the thought of seclusion naturally arises. The Image says: Returning to the deep place of seclusion satisfies the desire for retirement.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair. For those who get this line, those who go out to seek business will be successful; pregnant women will give birth to a boy; the unfortunate may develop diseases of the chest or abdomen. Officials in leisure posts will be reinstated, while those in office will mostly serve abroad. Those who hide their light and nurture obscurity will surely rise to prominence and achieve fame.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Leaving the light and entering the darkness; it is advisable to go out.
• Wealth 财运: Going out to do business, attaining wealth as one wishes.
• Household 家宅: The road is obstructed; the woman is already pregnant.
• Health 身体: A disease of the chest or abdomen; go out to seek medical treatment.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The line image goes from light into darkness, showing it is unfavorable. It is not suitable to stay at home; it is better to go out.
• Warfare 战征: One can sneak into the enemy's left camp, eavesdrop on their secret plans, and report back to the main camp to win.
• Fame & Career 功名: For fame and rank, promotion is auspicious; 'entering the left belly'—Kun is the belly, which means entering the earth. Inauspicious.
• Business 营商: Explaining the term: 'Belly' (fu) means return (fu) or wealth (fu). Entering the belly means entering wealth; 'gaining the heart' means satisfying one's heart; 'leaving the gate and courtyard' is the image of leaving home to engage in commerce.
• Illness 疾病: The disease is in the chest and abdomen, feared to be an internal injury; it is advisable to go out to seek medical treatment.
• Household 家宅: To the left of the main hall of this house, the road is obstructed, making entry and exit inconvenient.
• Marriage 婚姻: The woman is already pregnant, unfavorable.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Făng intimates progress and development. When a king has reached the point (which the name denotes) there is no occasion to be anxious (through fear of a change). Let him be as the sun at noon.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Feng (Abundance). Holding a sacrifice, the king will personally attend the ancestral temple. Do not worry, the best time is at midday. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder; the lower trigram is Li, Li is lightning. Lightning and thunder together show a major celestial phenomenon revealed by heaven, which is also the image of the hexagram Feng. In observing this image, the superior man, inspired by the brilliance and majesty of lightning and thunder, decides lawsuits and administers punishments.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Grandeur and fullness, acquiring wealth and gaining profit; plans and hopes will be fulfilled, and there will surely be celebrations. Minor luck: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is strong, undertakings can succeed, and both fame and fortune can be gained. However, one should not be overly greedy, but rather find contentment in what one has, and guard against sorrow arising from extreme joy, loss of wealth, or even fire hazards.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Li below, Zhen above). Lightning flashes and thunder rolls, leading to great achievements, symbolizing reaching the summit like the midday sun. Warning: One must pay close attention to things moving in the opposite direction; prosperity and decline are inconstant, and one must remain vigilant.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth six, divided, shows how the count of Kî fulfilled the condition indicated by Ming Î. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the Fifth: After the fall of Yin, Qizi fled to the neighboring country in the east to seek refuge, and got an auspicious sign from divination. The Image says: Qizi retired to preserve righteousness; his brilliant image will never perish through the ages.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair. For those who get this line, it is hard to meet a soulmate, or there may be the disaster of family troubles. Officials must cultivate virtue and character to remain free from worry.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The gentleman remains firm in poverty; the future will be smooth and successful.
• Wealth 财运: Only after going through difficulties can profit be made.
• Household 家宅: Relatives are in discord; it is advisable to call off the marriage.
• Health 身体: Psychological or mental symptoms.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently in distress and difficulty, but if one does not lose correctness, one will surely prosper in the long run.
• Warfare 战征: The chief commander is unenlightened, resulting in the image of strategists fleeing.
• Business 营商: One must go through hardships to profit.
• Fame & Career 功名: Current affairs are increasingly difficult; it is not suitable to advance, only to retreat and defend.
• Household 家宅: Indicates discord among relatives.
• Illness 疾病: Guard against symptoms of madness.
• Marriage 婚姻: It is advisable to call off the marriage.
• Litigation 讼事: Though not vindicated for the moment, it will naturally become clear in the long run.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kî Ȝî intimates progress and success in small matters. There will be advantage in being firm and correct. There has been good fortune in the beginning; there may be disorder in the end.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ji Ji (After Completion). Success. This is a divination of small fortune. Good fortune at the beginning, but disorder will arise in the end. The Image says: The upper trigram is Kan, Kan is Water; the lower trigram is Li, Li is Fire. Water is above and Fire is below; water douses fire, which is the image of After Completion. In view of this, the superior man prepares for trouble in times of peace, preventing disaster before it happens.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Success in crossing over, persevere and hold oneself in respect; moving from great to small, ensure the continuation of prosperity. Small fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a sign of career success and achievement, but they must guard against the inevitable decline after reaching the peak. Retreat and defense bring good fortune; further advance brings misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Li below, Kan above). Kan is Water, Li is Fire; water and fire interact. Water is above fire, the force of water extinguishing the fire; the work of putting out the fire is successfully completed. 'Ji' means already; 'Chi' means accomplished. 'Ji Chi' (After Completion) means that things have already succeeded, but disorder will arise in the end.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth six, divided, shows the case where there is no light, but (only) obscurity. (Its subject) had at first ascended to (the top of) the sky; his future shall be to go into the earth.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the Top: The sunlight disappeared, and the sky turned dark. The sun rising initially represents the image of a gentleman entering official service; the sun sinking represents the image of a gentleman retiring. The Image says: The sun rising initially, the gentleman enters service, illuminating all four directions. The sun sinking, the gentleman retires, and the state has no model.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who get this line, first joy and then worry; the elderly may not have a long life. Officials should guard against rumors or demotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good at first and then bad; it is advisable to restrain oneself.
• Wealth 财运: The price of goods should be fair to have credibility.
• Household 家宅: The terrain is too low; rich first and poor later.
• Health 身体: Heat above and diarrhea below; extremely difficult to cure.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Although the initial fortune is good, the subsequent fortune is poor. In all things, it is advisable to take a step back, and only then can one be free from blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: It is advisable to conceal oneself and go into hiding, rather than showing off one's talents.
• Business 营商: The price of goods is too high at first and too low later, showing a vast difference; it is advisable to keep it balanced.
• Warfare 战征: Guard against attacking mountains and seizing hazardous passes, as there is the danger of falling into an abyss.
• Marriage 婚姻: Suspected of being rich first and poor later.
• Household 家宅: This house faces high mountains and has an abyss behind it; the low and sunken terrain is highly undesirable.
• Illness 疾病: Initially suffering from rushing Qi, and later from diarrhea; difficult to cure.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Pî indicates that there should be free course (in what it denotes). There will be little advantage (however) if it be allowed to advance (and take the lead).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Pi hexagram. Success. There is a slight advantage in having a destination. The 'Great Symbolism' says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen/Mountain, and the lower trigram is Li/Fire. There is fire under the mountain, fire burning the mountains; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The noble person observes this symbol, thinks of the fierce fire burning the mountain, jade and stone burned together, vegetation completely consumed, and takes this as a warning, thereby clearly examining various political affairs and not daring to judge legal cases with severity.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Adornment and brightness, outer solidity and inner emptiness; a time of hidden worries, act according to one's capability. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram have a grand appearance but are empty inside, with much vanity and little substance. One should enrich oneself, act with prudence, and act according to one's capability.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (lower Li, upper Gen). Li is fire and brightness; Gen is mountain and stopping. Cultured and restrained. The Pi hexagram discusses the relationship between ornament (Wen) and substance (Zhi), prioritizing substance and using ornament for moderation. Pi means adornment or decoration.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.