Ming Yi · Darkening of the Light
明夷卦 · 地火明夷
- Lying low
- Setbacks
- Endurance
- Inner clarity
The Judgment
Ming I indicates that (in the circumstances which it denotes) it will be advantageous to realise the difficulty (of the position), and maintain firm correctness.
利艰贞。
The Image
The light sinks into the earth: darkening of the light. The noble one, in the same way, leads the many by veiling their brightness, yet remains clear within.
明入地中，明夷。君子以莅众用晦而明。
Plain-language reading
Your situation
Your light is being suppressed: perhaps an unreasonable superior, an unfair environment, or honest views that nobody listens to. Ming Yi is the sun sinking into the earth, the light wounded. Showing too much of yourself right now would only invite more harm.
Where to put your effort
Veil your brilliance: keep a low profile on the outside and stay clear on the inside. Like Prince Ji of old, hold to what is right in difficult times without compromising and without fighting head-on. Look after yourself, and leave a harmful environment decisively if you need to. The night always passes; protect your light so you are there to see the dawn.
Four areas of life
- Career
- Protect yourself wisely to avoid disaster.
- Wealth
- No visible profit, but returns come quietly.
- Family
- Father and son living apart is wise; not a formally arranged marriage.
- Health
- Liver congestion; take care of yourself.
Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.
The six lines
Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.
Nine at the beginningThe first line, undivided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming I, 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).Moving
初九：明夷于飞，垂其翼。君子于行，三日不食。有攸往，主人有言。
Image：The noble one on the road: by principle, he does not eat.
- Career
- Unable to rise for now; protect yourself well.
- Wealth
- Capital is lost; the boss complains.
- Family
- Best to move; the marriage is unhappy.
- Health
- A throat or digestive problem, or trouble in the hands.
Nine in the third placeThe third line, undivided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming I, hunting in the south, and taking the great chief (of the darkness). He should not be eager to make (all) correct (at once).Moving
九三：明夷于南狩，得其大首，不可疾，贞。
Image：The aim of the southern hunt: a great gain.
- Career
- Retreat to the south and you can achieve your aim.
- Wealth
- Patient management will eventually see the light.
- Family
- A wealthy local family; a good match is found.
- Health
- Recuperating in the south suits you.
Related hexagrams
Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.
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