I Ching reading: Mingyi (Darkened Light) changing to Qian (Humility)
Mingyi: Nine at the beginning
Darkened light in flight, its wings drooping. The noble one on the road goes three days without eating. There is somewhere to go; the host has words to say.
明夷于飛，垂其翼。君子于行，三日不食。有攸往，主人有言。
慎Proceed with care
Reading
Yes, but carefully.The light is pressed under the ground; for now, keep yourself somewhat hidden.
Governing text · Mingyi: Nine at the beginning
In plain wordsA wounded bird flies with its wings hanging low. The noble one is on the road and for three days has no time to eat. Where you are headed, the host will have talk about you. Such are the times; it cannot be avoided.
- Now
- A time when capable, clear-sighted people are the very ones who get hurt. The surroundings are dark and unreasonable.
- The key
- Only one line is changing: Nine at the beginning. The answer is in that line. The text gives no verdict, but the picture holds an obstacle and a warning. Slow down and watch the point it warns about.
- Where it is heading
- Things are moving toward Qian (Humility): Lower yourself, and things actually go more smoothly.
- What to do
- Pull in your sharp edges. Look a little muddled on the outside; stay clear on the inside. Hold on to yourself through the hardship, and do not collide head-on.
Read more closely
Which text applies
One changing line: read that line of the primary hexagram.
Your six throws, bottom to top: 1: 9 yang (changing) · 2: 8 yin · 3: 7 yang · 4: 8 yin · 5: 8 yin · 6: 8 yin
Line position
In its proper place · answered by the fourth line
First place: the beginning of the matter. Low position, little power. Begin carefully.
Nuclear hexagram · Xie (Release)
The difficulty is lifting; you can breathe out.
The nuclear hexagram is formed from the four inner lines. It shows what is going on inside the situation.
Full texts
One who truly knows the Changes does not need to divine. The text is for reflection; what you do is up to you.