Darkening of the Light: in adversity it furthers one to be persevering. The sun has sunk beneath the earth — the bright and able one is wounded by the dark ruler of the hour, and the time cannot be corrected, only survived. The counsel is the veiled light: keep your brilliance alive but hidden, outwardly yielding, inwardly unconquered.
The light has sunk into the earth: the superior person lives with the great mass — they veil their light, yet still shine. In dark times the wise neither advertise their virtue nor abandon it; the lamp burns under the basket until the hour turns.
You are in a hostile or benighted environment — a workplace, family or season where openness invites wounds — and the oracle counsels the discipline of the hidden flame: do not display your light, do not argue with the darkness, and above all do not let the darkness in. Comply outwardly where you must; consent inwardly never. Keep good records, good allies and good boundaries, and wait — this hexagram's heroes all outlasted their dark hour. Your task is simple and hard: still burning when the sun returns.
The Book of Changes has spoken — let the cards answer too. A free Tarot reading awaits your question.
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