What this change means
Fire under the Earth turns to Wind as the first and second lines move, and a tree begins to push up through dark ground. The second line leads: though you're hurt and the difficulties press on you directly, steady resolve and service to a larger good can carry you, like a strong horse coming to the rescue. The first line adds the quieter part. Moving ahead now mostly reveals obstacles, so keep to the path your heart chooses and go as far as you can without straying. The resulting hexagram, 46 Going Up, says this effort can turn into a rise, the fruit of work done with dedication, and that seeking out someone of influence may help a great deal. Don't fear that meeting. Watch for impatience at the slow start; growth from below takes time to break the surface.
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
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 1 of 36 Darkness
Trying to move ahead right now will only show you obstacles. Keep persevering on the right path, the one your heart moves you along, without straying from your goal and advancing as far as you can.
The wounded light, in flight, lowers its wings. The noble person is on the road: three days without eating. There is somewhere to go; the host grumbles.
- 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 judgment of 46 Going Up
You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.
Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
46 Going Up → 36 Darknesslines 1 and 2
Other transformations of Darkness
- 2Passivitylines 1 and 3
- 19Fleeting Successlines 2 and 3
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1 and 4
- 34Great Manifestationlines 2 and 4
- 51Shocklines 3 and 4
- 39Held Backlines 1 and 5
- 5Inactionlines 2 and 5
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 3 and 5
- 49Renewallines 4 and 5
- 52Abidinglines 1 and 6
- 26Great Achievementslines 2 and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 3 and 6
- 30The Flamelines 4 and 6
- 37The Tribelines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.