Darkening of the Light
The sun sinks beneath the earth; veil your light and endure.
The Judgment
“In adversity, it furthers one to be persevering.”
The Lines
Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).
Meaning
The light has sunk below the earth—a time when brilliance is suppressed and the worthy are eclipsed. Survival means concealing your light.
Guidance
Keep your inner clarity hidden and your intentions guarded; endure the dark time without losing yourself.
When This Hexagram Appears
A hostile or repressive period when openly shining would invite harm; quiet endurance is wiser.
FAQ about Hexagram 36
What does Hexagram 36, Darkening of the Light, mean?
Darkening of the Light (地火明夷, hexagram 36 of the I Ching). The light has sunk below the earth—a time when brilliance is suppressed and the worthy are eclipsed. Survival means concealing your light.
What is the Judgment of the Darkening of the Light hexagram?
The Judgment reads: “In adversity, it furthers one to be persevering.” The sun sinks beneath the earth; veil your light and endure.
What guidance does Hexagram 36 offer?
Keep your inner clarity hidden and your intentions guarded; endure the dark time without losing yourself.
When does the Darkening of the Light hexagram apply?
A hostile or repressive period when openly shining would invite harm; quiet endurance is wiser.