Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Darkness becomes Treading Carefully
What this change means
Heaven above, the lake below: only the bottom line stays still while the others move. It belongs to 10 Treading Carefully, the resulting hexagram, and it says you're in a position out of view that lets you focus on your projects. Coming from Darkness, where hiding was protection, this turns obscurity into an advantage. Use the quiet. Work on what matters to you without distraction. The resulting hexagram also asks you to move with awareness and gentleness in a difficult situation; handled well, even possible rivals may give ground. Use this time to sharpen your work before anyone is watching. Watch for resenting your lack of visibility. Out of sight is a good place to build, and careful steps there tend to pay off later.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still
You're in a position out of view that will let you focus on your projects.
A plain step. Going: no fault.
- 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 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 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 5 of 36 Darkness
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.
- 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 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
10 Treading Carefully → 36 Darknesslines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Darkness
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.