Hexagram 35
Progress
晉 (Jìn)
Fire over Earth
The image is of the sun (Fire) rising over the Earth. This is a clear and powerful symbol of natural, unobstructed progress. As the sun ascends, it illuminates everything below, bringing clarity and warmth. This hexagram signifies a time of easy advancement, growing influence, and public recognition. Your merits are being seen and rewarded, and the path forward is smooth and bright.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
This judgment is highly auspicious. It describes a situation where a wise and capable subordinate is being lavishly rewarded and recognized by a benevolent leader. The progress is rapid and significant. This indicates that your efforts are being seen and valued by those in authority. It is a time to graciously accept rewards and to use your growing influence for good.
The Image (象传)
The sun's nature is to shine. A person of character, seeing the sun rise, is inspired to emulate it. They do not become complacent in this time of easy progress. Instead, they use the favorable conditions to further cultivate and polish their own inner light—their skills, their wisdom, and their moral character. They work to become a source of their own illumination, independent of external recognition.
Interpretation & Guidance
When you receive Hexagram 35, the way forward is clear and open. Obstacles are melting away, and your path is illuminated. This is a time of advancement, promotion, and public acclaim. Your hard work is paying off. The primary guidance is to embrace this progress with grace and humility. Accept the gifts and recognition you receive. Use this period of favor to not only advance your own position but also to shine a light for others. The greatest wisdom lies in using this external success as an opportunity for internal growth, to "brighten your own bright virtue."
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"Progressing, but turned back. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one meets with no confidence, one should remain calm. No blame."
You try to advance but are met with mistrust or an initial obstacle. Do not force the issue. If you remain calm and patient, your integrity will eventually be recognized, and you will find good fortune.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"Progressing, but in sorrow. Perseverance brings good fortune. One receives great happiness from one's ancestress."
You are advancing, but there is some sadness because you are not recognized by the proper authorities. However, if you persevere, you will receive support and blessings from a gentle, receptive, maternal source. This unexpected support brings great joy.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"All are in accord. Remorse disappears."
Universal trust and confidence are established. Everyone is on board with the progress. All previous doubts and remorse vanish as the way forward becomes clear and collectively supported.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"Progress like a hamster. Perseverance in this way is dangerous."
You are making progress, but with improper motives. You are hoarding resources or advancing through stealth and greed. This behavior, while seemingly successful in the short term, is dangerous and will ultimately lead to a fall.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Remorse disappears. Take not to heart gain or loss. Undertakings bring good fortune. Everything is favorable."
From a position of leadership, you act with detachment and generosity. You are not concerned with personal gain or loss, but with the overall progress. This selfless attitude banishes all regret and ensures that everything you undertake is successful.
Top Nine (上九)
Top line - Yang
"Making progress with the horns. For punishing one's own city only. To be conscious of the danger brings good fortune. No blame. Perseverance brings humiliation."
This describes using force, but only in a very limited, internal, and corrective way. It is a necessary but difficult action to deal with internal wrongdoing. This must be done with great caution. To persevere in this aggressive approach would be a mistake and lead to shame.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This is a wonderful hexagram for love. It signifies that your relationship is naturally and easily moving to a new level of clarity, warmth, and commitment. The sun is rising on your union. This could manifest as a courtship progressing to engagement, or an established relationship finding a new, deeper level of intimacy and mutual understanding. Obstacles that once seemed significant are now melting away. The guidance is to enjoy this phase of effortless progress. Be generous with your affection and appreciation. Use this bright period to "brighten your virtue"—to become an even better partner and to consciously build a foundation of trust and joy that will last. This is a time for shared happiness and a bright future together.
Career & Business (事业)
Professionally, this hexagram is a clear sign of promotion, recognition, and success. Your talents and hard work are being noticed by superiors and colleagues alike. The "powerful prince" is honoring you. This is a time when a new job offer, a raise, or leadership of a significant project is highly likely. The path of advancement is smooth and well-lit. The key is to accept this progress with grace and to use your new position wisely. The Image advises you to "brighten your bright virtue"—meaning, use this opportunity to further develop your skills, mentor others, and lead with integrity. Don't rest on your laurels. The favorable conditions are an opportunity to amplify your positive impact and solidify your reputation as a capable and virtuous leader.
Health & Wellness (健康)
For health, 'Progress' is a very positive sign. It indicates a period of rising vitality, mental clarity, and swift recovery from any existing ailments. Your life energy is like the rising sun, growing stronger each day. This is an excellent time to start a new health regimen or wellness practice, as you will see positive results quickly, which will build powerful momentum. The hexagram encourages you to take an active role in "brightening" your own health. This means seeking clarity—understanding your body's needs, getting clear diagnoses—and actively cultivating vibrant energy through nourishing food, joyful movement, and positive thinking. It's a time when your efforts to improve your well-being will be met with easy and encouraging success.
Financial Matters (财运)
'Progress' signals a significant and positive shift in your financial situation. Like the sun rising over the earth, your prosperity is growing. This could come in the form of a salary increase, a bonus, a successful investment reaching maturity, or a generous gift. Your financial prospects are bright and clear. The Judgment's imagery of the prince being honored with "horses in great numbers" points to an increase in assets and wealth. The wisest course of action is to receive this abundance gratefully and use it to build a more secure and radiant future. Line 5's advice, "Take not to heart gain or loss," suggests a mindset of generosity and detachment, using your wealth not just for personal gain but to create further good in the world. This is a time of financial dawn.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
This hexagram marks a period of major breakthrough and illumination on your personal journey. Your self-awareness is expanding, and you are seeing your life path with a newfound and empowering clarity. It feels as though a light has been switched on, and you can now see the way forward without the confusion and obstacles that previously held you back. The work you've done on yourself is now yielding tangible results. The guidance of the Image is paramount here: as your outer world brightens, your main task is to brighten your inner world. This is a time to deepen your spiritual practice, to study, to cultivate compassion, and to polish the gem of your own character until it shines with its own inherent light. The external progress is a reflection of and an opportunity for even greater internal advancement.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time is now. This is a highly favorable moment for advancement. Move forward with confidence and grace. The path is clear, and conditions are ideal for success. Embrace opportunities for promotion and recognition. Be generous and open. There is no need to force events; like the sun, your progress will unfold naturally and effortlessly. Your primary task is to receive the blessings of this time and use them to cultivate your own inner excellence.
