明夷
Darkening of the Light
L'Obscurcissement de la Lumière
Míng Yí
Upper trigram
Earth
Lower trigram
Fire
The Judgment
The Darkening of the Light. In adversity, it is advantageous to be persevering.
The Image
The light has entered the earth: The image of the Darkening of the Light. Thus the noble man lives with the great mass: he veils his brilliance and yet he shines.
Meaning
Eclipse, adversity, protection of inner light. Wisdom hides itself to preserve itself. The moment calls for discretion and endurance.
The six lines
Line 1 (bottom)
The Darkening of the Light in flight. He lowers his wings. The noble man on a journey eats not for three days. But he has a goal to go to. The master of the house has words to speak.
Line 2
The Darkening of the Light wounds him in the left thigh. He saves himself with the help of a horse. Good fortune.
Line 3
The Darkening of the Light during the hunt in the south. One obtains its great head. One should not expect perseverance too hastily.
Line 4
He penetrates into the left flank of the abdomen. One reaches the heart of the Darkening of the Light and leaves the gate and the courtyard.
Line 5
The Darkening of the Light as with Prince Chi. Perseverance is advantageous.
Line 6 (top)
No light but darkness. First he ascended to heaven, then he plunged into the depths of the earth.