What this change means
Light comes back out over the earth: four lines move, the first, third, fourth and top, and the figure turns over to 35 Advance. Its second and fifth lines hold, and they're the ones to read. The second says that if the person you asked doesn't help at first, there's no need for sadness; remain open and persist, and the same person may still give you the support you need. The fifth says that advancing while contributing to others is a sign of greatness, and that you needn't regret what you give along the way. From Darkness, this is the light returning. Ask again, give freely, and move forward. Watch for bitterness at early refusals; the help can still come.
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 35 Advance, which stays still
Even if at first you don't get help from the person you asked, don't be sad. Stay open and keep at it, and that same person will give you the help you need and deserve.
Advancing, and grieving. Constancy brings good fortune. This great blessing is received from their grandmother.
- Line 5 of 35 Advance, which stays still
To advance and, as you do, to contribute to others is a sign of greatness, and it will keep your progress going. There's no reason to regret what you've given along the way.
Regret vanishes. Loss or gain: don't be troubled. Going brings good fortune. Nothing that is not favorable.
- 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.
- 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.
- Line 3 of 36 Darkness
A small stroke of luck lets you move forward, but the obstacles aren't overcome yet, so don't celebrate too soon. Stay alert until they're fully defeated.
The wounded light on the southern hunt: the great chief is taken. Constancy must not be hurried.
- Line 4 of 36 Darkness
You'll be allowed to see the causes of the hard situations you're facing. This will help you act quickly and withdraw to safe ground before adversity takes complete control.
It enters the left side of the belly; it reaches the heart of the wounded light and goes out through the courtyard gate.
- Line 6 of 36 Darkness
If you keep persevering, quietly and without drawing attention, the bad situations and the people behind them will fall under their own weight.
No light, darkness. First it climbs to heaven; later it goes into the earth.
- 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.
The trigrams
The way back
35 Advance → 36 Darknesslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Darkness
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 29Waterlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 28Excesseslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 45Meetinglines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 58Inner Peacelines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 38Oppositeslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 57Gentlenesslines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 20Observinglines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 61Inner Integritylines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 1Activitylines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 25Innocencelines 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.