Hexagram 35Upper Li · FireLower Kun · Earth

Jin · Progress

晋卦 · 火地晋

Advancement
Recognition
Rising
Visibility

The Judgment

In Tsin we see a prince who secures the tranquillity (of the people) presented on that account with numerous horses (by the king), and three times in a day received at interviews.

康侯用锡马蕃庶，昼日三接。

The Image

Brightness rises over the earth: progress. The noble one, in the same way, makes their own bright virtue shine.

明出地上，晋。君子以自昭明德。

Plain-language reading

Your situation

A good opportunity to move upward is arriving, like the sun rising above the horizon. Jin is a symbol of advancement, progress and recognition. Your efforts are starting to be seen, and you may receive support from a superior, an elder or a mentor.

Where to put your effort

Seize the chance and show your ability and results with confidence, while making sure your character matches the higher position. On the way up there will be times you are doubted or blocked; stay calm and sincere, and do not rush to defend yourself. Rise steadily and the light will only grow.

Four areas of life

Career: Good luck is just arriving; you rise step by step.
Wealth: Businesses linked to light are the most profitable.
Family: A sunny home.
Health: Know yourself well.

Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.

The six lines

Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.

Six at the beginningThe first line, divided, shows one wishing to advance, and (at the same time) kept back. Let him be firm and correct, and there will be good fortune. If trust be not reposed in him, let him maintain a large and generous mind, and there will be no error.Moving

初六：晋如，摧如，贞吉。罔孚，裕，无咎。

Image：Advancing yet held back: walking the right path alone. Generous and without blame: no mandate has been received yet.

Career: Wait patiently; no need to rush.
Wealth: Wait a little and a big profit will come.
Family: A good house to live in; marriage comes slowly.
Health: Relax and let go of worries.

Six in the second placeThe second line, divided, shows its subject with the appearance of advancing, and yet of being sorrowful. If he be firm and correct, there will be good fortune. He will receive this great blessing from his grandmother.Moving

六二：晋如，愁如，贞吉。受兹介福，于其王母。

Image：Receiving this great blessing: through being central and correct.

Career: Many obstacles to what you seek; hold to what is right and you will succeed.
Wealth: Ride out the low point and blessings will come.
Family: Move in with an elder; wait a while to marry.
Health: Listen to the advice of older people.

Six in the third placeThe third line, divided, shows its subject trusted by all (around him). All occasion for repentance will disappear.Moving

六三：众允，悔亡。

Image：Everyone trusts him: the will moves upward.

Career: People are won over; naturally there is nothing to regret.
Wealth: Both sides get along; buying and selling both profit.
Family: A harmonious atmosphere; partners in tune.
Health: Team sports; a dispute is settled by mediation.

Nine in the fourth placeThe fourth line, undivided, shows its subject with the appearance of advancing, but like a marmot. However firm and correct he may be, the position is one of peril.Moving

九四：晋如鼫鼠，贞厉。

Image：The hamster persevering is in danger: the position is not right.

Career: Stay honest; trickery ends badly.
Wealth: Greed leads to failure; quit while you are ahead.
Family: Too much is wasted; the marriage is improper.
Health: Skin sores or coughing blood; both are serious.

Six in the fifth placeThe fifth line, divided, shows how all occasion for repentance disappears (from its subject). (But) let him not concern himself about whether he shall fail or succeed. To advance will be fortunate, and in every way advantageous.Moving

六五：悔亡，失得勿恤，往吉，无不利。

Image：Do not worry about gain or loss: going forward brings celebration.

Career: Misfortune leaves and blessings arrive unexpectedly.
Wealth: Small losses before, big gains now.
Family: The household's luck improves; an auspicious marriage.
Health: No longer serious.

Nine at the topThe topmost line, undivided, shows one advancing his horns. But he only uses them to punish the (rebellious people of his own) city. The position is perilous, but there will be good fortune. (Yet) however firm and correct he may be, there will be occasion for regret.Moving

上九：晋其角，维用伐邑，厉吉无咎，贞吝。

Image：Using them only to discipline one's own city: the way has not yet shone.

Career: The lucky streak is ending; watch out for incidents.
Wealth: Disputes among competitors, but luckily no blame.
Family: Unrest among neighbours; quarrels that end in peace.
Health: Look after your head; dropping a lawsuit is wise.

Related hexagrams

Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.

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