Hexagram 36: Darkening of the Light

Written by Orbitarot · Sources: James Legge, The Yi King (The I Ching), 1882 (judgment and lines); plain readings our own · Updated October 7, 2026

Hexagram 36 in plain words

Earth lies over fire: the sun has sunk below the ground. The light still exists, but it is covered. Tradition links this hexagram to times when a harsh ruler is in charge and good people must protect themselves, citing figures who survived dark reigns by appearing ordinary while keeping their principles intact.

The advice is to stay inwardly clear and outwardly modest. Do not announce everything you know, do not provoke people who can harm you, and do not let the gloom get inside you. Keep doing what is right in small, steady ways, and let your inner light be something you guard rather than display. This is not dishonesty: it is discretion in a setting that punishes openness. It can also mean stepping away from a place that keeps wounding you, once you have seen clearly what is going on. The last line promises that darkness which climbs too high must fall, so the situation is not permanent. Endure with patience, keep your integrity, and wait for the light to return.

The judgment

Ming Î indicates that (in the circumstances which it denotes) it will be advantageous to realise the difficulty (of the position), and maintain firm correctness.

Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigram representing) the earth and that for the bright (sun) entering within it form Ming Î. The superior man, in accordance with this, conducts his management of men; he shows his intelligence by keeping it obscured.

From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).

In plain words: The sun has sunk into the earth and the light is hidden. Keep your understanding to yourself for now: stay clear inside while you show little outside.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.

Line 1 (bottom)

The first NINE, undivided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, flying, but with drooping wings. When the superior man (is revolving) his going away, he may be for three days without eating. Wherever he goes, the people there may speak (derisively of him).

You are in flight, keeping your wings low. Leaving means hardship for a while, and people may talk, but getting out is still right.

Line 2

The second SIX, divided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, wounded in the left thigh. He saves himself by the strength of a (swift) horse; and is fortunate.

You are wounded in the left thigh, hurt but not stopped. Help others with all the strength of a good horse, and things turn out well.

Line 3

The third NINE, undivided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, hunting in the south, and taking the great chief (of the darkness). He should not be eager to make (all) correct (at once).

While searching in the south you meet the source of the darkness head on. You can deal with it, but do not expect to correct everything at once.

Line 4

The fourth six, divided, shows its subject (just) entered into the left side of the belly (of the dark land). (But) he is able to carry out the mind appropriate (in the condition indicated by) Ming Î, quitting the gate and courtyard (of the lord of darkness).

You get close to the heart of the darkness and understand what is really going on. With that clarity, quietly leave the place.

Line 5

The fifth six, divided, shows how the count of Kî fulfilled the condition indicated by Ming Î. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Like Prince Ji at a cruel court, you hide your light to survive. Stay true inwardly while appearing ordinary; this steadiness serves you.

Line 6 (top)

The sixth six, divided, shows the case where there is no light, but (only) obscurity. (Its subject) had at first ascended to (the top of) the sky; his future shall be to go into the earth.

There is no light, only darkness. What rose to the top of the sky now falls to the depths; the dark force overreaches and brings itself down.

Related hexagrams

All three relations have traditional Chinese names (cuo gua for the opposite, zong gua for the inverse, hu gua for the nuclear). Many modern readers use the opposite as the shadow side of a situation, the inverse as the same moment seen from the other side, and the nuclear hexagram as its inner core.

If one line changes

With a single changing line, hexagram 36 turns into:

Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.

Hexagram 36 in love and relationships

In love, this can point to a time of hurt, distance, or a partner who does not see your worth. Protect your heart, stay kind without overexposing yourself, and give the situation time to clarify.

Hexagram 36 for work and decisions

At work, you may be in a difficult environment or under an unfair boss. Keep your head down, do solid work, document what you need to, and avoid open battles until conditions change.

Questions