Yi Jing · Chinese tarot
Progress
Hexagram 35 of the Yi Jing · 晋 Jìn
The figure
Fire above the Earth: the sun rising over the ground, light climbing. The image of progress, of advance in plain day.
What this figure illuminates
Progress lights up periods of clear advance, when you are recognized and the way opens. It is a favorable moment, provided you advance with uprightness rather than by sheer ambition.
For a decision, the figure invites you to seize the momentum without rushing it: “how do I advance plainly while staying faithful to what makes this progress legitimate?”.
The classical text
The Judgment
A prince who has brought peace to the land is honored by his king with horses in abundance, and received three times in a single day. Progress here is an advance in broad daylight — merit recognized, and welcomed.
The Image
The sun comes forth above the earth. Seeing this, the noble person turns the rising light upon themselves, to make their own bright virtue brighter still.
The Six Lines
- First line
Wishing to advance, you are held back. Meet the check with firmness and rectitude — good fortune. These are the small, obstructed beginnings; do not force them, and take no offense at not yet being trusted.
- Second line
You advance, and yet sorrow is with you. Hold firm and true, and good fortune comes. What is central and right waits a while in obscurity, then succeeds.
- Third line
Those around you place their trust in you. Every cause for regret dissolves.
- Fourth line
You advance like a hoarding rodent — grasping and furtive. However correct you keep yourself, the position is one of peril.
- Fifth line
Regret disappears. Weigh gain and loss no longer: to advance now is fortunate, and favorable in every way.
- Sixth line
You advance with your horns — yet you use them only to master the disorder within your own city. Perilous, and still good fortune, without fault; but even held firm and correct, this way leaves some cause for regret.
Daoa's wording, written after the classical reference translations, now in the public domain: James Legge (1882) and Charles de Harlez (1889).
A question to keep
How can you advance plainly without betraying what makes this progress right?
Draw this figure for your question
Ask your question and do a free I Ching reading online, then receive a reading tied to your situation.
To go further, Daoa is also an iPhone, iPad & Android app.
Download on the App StoreDownload on Google PlayOr do a free Chinese tarot reading online →