What this change means
Light goes down into the earth: four lines move, the first, third, fourth and top, and the sun that stood over the Earth sinks beneath it. Two lines of the resulting hexagram, 36 Darkness, stay unmoved, the second and fifth, and they guide you. The second says difficulties are growing and touching you directly, yet steady resolve, working toward a larger good and giving what you can, may see you through. Its fifth line says you can't withdraw to better circumstances for now; stay where you are, keep your mind on your goal, and keep a low profile. Coming from a bright advance, this is a sharp turn. Don't show all your light yet. Protect your integrity, give what you can quietly, and wait. Watch for trying to shine where it only draws attention. Hard stretches tend to pass.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 36 Darkness, which stays still
Difficulties are growing and circumstances affect you directly, but your firm resolve, acting for a greater good, and contributing as you're able will lead you to victory.
The wounded light: wounded in the left thigh. Rescued with a strong horse. Good fortune.
- Line 5 of 36 Darkness, which stays still
For now you can't withdraw to better circumstances, so you have to stay where you are, with your mind fixed on your goal and a low profile so you don't draw attention.
The wounded light of Jizi. Constancy is favorable.
- The judgment of 35 Advance
A time of growth and achievement is coming, and you should make the most of it. You'll receive help and favors from important people. If you need something, don't hesitate to ask: doors will open for you. Your talents are recognized, and just as you receive help, it's also a time to contribute to the growth and betterment of others.
The lord of Kang is granted horses in great numbers; in a single day he is received three times.
- Line 1 of 35 Advance
If you don't get the help you need, don't keep looking for it in that place. Open yourself to other possibilities that will come your way.
Advancing, and pushed back. Constancy brings good fortune. If there is no trust, stay easy: no fault.
- Line 3 of 35 Advance
You move forward together, with the support of others, and they'll back you in the areas where you find it hard to advance.
All agree. Regret vanishes.
- Line 4 of 35 Advance
As you advance, it's important not to pile up wealth or power just for your own benefit, because that will block your progress.
Advancing like a field rat. Constancy is in danger.
- Line 6 of 35 Advance
Make sure your advance doesn't run over other people. It's fine to clear the obstacles from your path, but without hurting anyone.
Advancing with the horns. Fit only for punishing one's own city. Danger, good fortune, no fault. Constancy brings distress.
- The judgment of 36 Darkness
It's a dark time: circumstances force you to live alongside the wrong people. If you know how to protect yourself, hold on to your integrity, and go unnoticed, without openly showing your light and your talents, you'll stay safe until better times come. However hard they seem, hard times pass too.
Constancy in hardship is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
36 Darkness → 35 Advancelines 1, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Advance
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 1Activitylines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 37The Tribelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 57Gentlenesslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 29Waterlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.