Mingyi, six in the fifth placeHexagram 36, line 5 · Mingyi (Darkened Light) · changing to 63
The line
In plain wordsLike Jizi: in the darkest place, beside the most benighted of rulers, still holding on to your own will. Staying true is favorable.
The Image commentary on this line
箕子之貞，明不可息也。
The staying true of Jizi: the light cannot be put out.
The small Image commentary is the earliest explanation of the line texts. It usually explains a line from its position: where it stands, whether it holds the center, and which line answers it.
Verdict
平Neutral. Neither good nor bad. Do your part, correct mistakes, and nothing will go wrong.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- The people around you are unreasonable, and you can't leave for now; this is the hardest place to be. On the surface, don't argue or defend yourself; inside, hold on to your principles and don't go along with wrongdoing. That serves you best.
- Love
- The other person, or those around you, won't listen to reason, and you can't walk away for now. Argue a little less on the outside, and inside hold on to your bottom line and your true feelings. Don't change along with them, and you won't lose yourself.
- Money
- In the darkest of times, don't follow others into recklessness, and don't touch dirty money to protect yourself. Keep a low profile outwardly and keep your own accounts and principles perfectly clear inside; holding on to them works in your favor.
This is how to read it when this is the only changing line. With several changing lines, first see which text governs; for the hexagram as a whole, see Mingyi.
Line position
A yin line in a yang place: it is not in its proper place; it holds the center of its trigram. Its partner is the second line, which is also yin, so there is no answer from it.
Fifth place: the center of the upper trigram, the ruler's seat, a place of achievement. This is where things are decided.
When you get this line
If this is the only changing line in your cast (three inscribed sides, old yin), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Mingyi (Darkened Light); when this line changes it becomes Jiji (After Completion): hexagram 36 changing to 63.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Jiji (After Completion)
The thing is already accomplished. What you most need to guard against now is slackening.