Hexagram 36 - Darkening of the Light - MING I

In times of slow progress, it's easy to become discontent and lose sight of our inner independence. This can lead to darkness and negativity in the external world. However, by disengaging from these negative feelings and maintaining our inner light, we can navigate these challenging times with greater ease and clarity.

Summary

This hexagram symbolises the loss of clarity and enlightenment in a situation. The light is obscured, and one may feel lost or uncertain about the path forward. The key takeaways from the Judgment and image are to be cautious, to take the time to reflect and to find one's inner light to guide the way.

Interpretation

Advises caution and reflection in times of darkness and adversity. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope and that one's inner strength and wisdom will guide one through. The imagery of the hexagram is a candle that is beginning to flicker and dim, symbolising the loss of clarity and enlightenment.

The hexagram is associated with losing faith, confusion, and a lack of direction. It is often seen as representing the state of feeling lost and disconnected from one's true self. It can remind you to reconnect with your inner guidance and trust in your intuition.

In times of political or societal upheaval and chaos, the hexagram advises maintaining one's inner integrity and not being swayed by the negative influences around us. It is important to disengage from the negativity and focus on the inner light. By doing so, we can avoid being overwhelmed by the darkness and maintain our inner strength and wisdom.

The hexagram also warns against the dangers of vanity and pride, which can prevent us from seeing the situation clearly and lead us to overreact or become aggressive. In such cases, it is essential to remain humble and accept the situation without trying to change it or impose our will on others. Doing so allows us to maintain our inner light and avoid being consumed by the darkness.

Overall, Hexagram 36 reminds us to be cautious and reflective in times of darkness and adversity, disengage from negativity, and trust in our inner strength and wisdom. It is a call to reconnect with our inner guidance, maintain our integrity, and persevere through the darkness, knowing that progress may be slow but will come.

Sage Advice

To maintain faith in the light, even during darkness. It can be easy to become disheartened and lose hope when faced with adversity or obstacles, but it is essential to remember that the light will always shine through eventually. It is a reminder to trust in the Higher Power and have patience, knowing that the path forward will become apparent in time. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain inner integrity and not be swayed by external influences, focusing instead on what is good and true within oneself. One can emerge from even the darkest times with renewed strength and clarity by staying grounded in one's faith and the light.

Line 1

Advises against giving in to the ego's desire for visible gains or progress. It reminds us to focus on the inner light and to hold onto what is good within ourselves and others. Striving out of despair or bitterness will only lead to misfortune. Instead, we should trust in the process of growth and change, allowing the Creative to work in its own time. By relinquishing the need for immediate results and staying true to our values, we can achieve greater harmony and understanding with those around us.

Line 2

Your progress may have been hindered by obstacles and challenges, but do not be discouraged. Trust your inner guidance and persevere, even if progress seems slow. It is crucial to remain focused and determined, for in doing so, you will eventually overcome the difficulties that are blocking your way. Look within yourself and trust that you have the strength to face whatever challenges come your way.

Line 3

To address the source of a problem requires persistence and patience, for these issues are often challenging to overcome. The Line emphasises that perseverance is critical in overcoming these obstacles. We must learn to be tolerant of ourselves and others to make lasting progress. It is essential to remain vigilant and not give up in the face of difficulties. Overcoming negative patterns of thought and behaviour can take time, but with sustained effort, we can dissolve these influences and move towards a more positive future.

Line 4

Advises us to let go of any inferior or negative thoughts holding us back. Whether it is impatience or pride causing us to cling to the wrong path, we must recognise that continuing on this path will only lead to disaster. It is essential to take action and leave behind what is holding us back to move forward towards the light. The Line also suggests that we need to get to the heart of the matter to understand the root cause of our difficulties. This means examining our motivations and behaviours with honesty and objectivity. By doing so, we can identify and release any negative or inferior aspects of ourselves that are blocking our progress. We can move towards a brighter future by confronting these aspects and leaving them behind.

Line 5

To face external darkness, it is essential to maintain inner strength and perseverance. This requires a balance of yielding outwardly while remaining strong within. The image of Prince Chi represents a test of our virtues and character. We must be cautious in our dealings with the world and remain steadfast in our determination to overcome challenges. Despite current difficulties, success is possible with invincible perseverance of spirit. We can maintain a positive outlook and move towards a brighter future by viewing our current struggles as necessary stepping stones to enduring growth and transformation.

Line 6

In the darkest moments of life, it is important to remain steadfast in one's commitment to truth and righteousness. The Line suggests that when faced with the most challenging circumstances, our greatest strength lies in our ability to maintain our inner light and hold fast to our convictions. Even when all seems lost and the forces of darkness seem insurmountable, we must remain firm in our commitment to the good and the beautiful. The image of the false dragon stretched to its limits suggests that the forces of evil can only be defeated when we remain true to ourselves and do not succumb to negativity or despair. We can weather the storm and emerge victorious by staying centred and balanced. The sixth Line also reminds us that even during darkness, there is always the potential for transformation and renewal. By holding fast to our faith and commitment to what is right, we can emerge from even the most challenging situations with a renewed sense of purpose and a greater appreciation for the light.