Hexagram 35, Line 2

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line describes a situation of advancement that is paradoxically accompanied by sadness or anxiety. You are moving forward, but you feel misunderstood, unacknowledged, or isolated. The progress is real, but it lacks the external validation or support you desire from the main authority figure (represented by the fifth line, which is also yin and thus not a natural counterpart). This disconnect between your forward movement and the lack of recognition creates a sense of sorrow. However, the line's inherent qualities offer a solution. As a yin line in a yin place, it is "correct," and as the center of the lower trigram, it is "central." This inner balance and integrity are your greatest strengths. The oracle advises perseverance ("貞吉"). By staying true to yourself and your path despite the emotional hardship, you will attract a different kind of support. The "great blessing" comes not from the distant ruler but from the "royal mother"—a symbol for a nurturing, foundational, and powerful source of support. This could be a wise mentor, an ancestral legacy, a deep-seated inner principle, or a gentle but firm authority figure who sees your true worth. Your correctness and centeredness will be recognized and rewarded, just not in the way you might expect.

Guidance for Action

Acknowledge your feelings of sadness or isolation, but do not let them halt your progress. Your current path is correct, even if it feels lonely. Your worth may not be seen by those in the most obvious positions of power right now. Instead of seeking their approval, focus on maintaining your integrity and staying centered in your principles. Be patient and steadfast. Look for support and guidance from nurturing, foundational sources—a wise mentor, a trusted elder, supportive colleagues, or your own deep intuition. Trust that your consistent, correct efforts will eventually attract a significant and meaningful blessing that provides you with the security and recognition you deserve. This fortune is something you will *receive* due to your character, not something you must aggressively seize.

For Love & Relationships

In your relationship, you may be moving to a new level of commitment or intimacy, yet a sense of sorrow or misgiving lingers. One or both of you may feel that your efforts are not fully seen or appreciated by the other, or you may be facing a lack of support from family or friends. This can create a feeling of isolation within the partnership. The advice is to persevere with sincerity and truthfulness. Don't let these difficult emotions derail the positive progress. The "blessing from the royal mother" suggests that the relationship will find its greatest strength and fortune through a deep, nurturing connection, perhaps with the help of a supportive female figure (like a mother or wise friend), or by tapping into the foundational, unconditional love that is the bedrock of the relationship itself. Stay true to your heart, and a profound sense of security and happiness will be received.

For Career & Business

You are advancing in your career, perhaps taking on new responsibilities or achieving success on a project. However, this progress is tinged with anxiety or a feeling of being an outsider. You may feel that your contributions are not fully recognized or valued by upper management or the key decision-makers. This lack of validation can be disheartening. The I Ching advises you to continue your work with diligence and integrity. Your position is fundamentally correct and balanced. The "royal mother" in this context represents a supportive mentor (often a senior woman), the foundational values of your organization, or your own core professional ethics. By remaining steadfast and true to your principles, you will gain a profound and significant form of support and reward—perhaps a powerful alliance or a major opportunity—that comes from this nurturing source rather than from the top-down hierarchy.

For Financial Matters

Your financial situation is improving, but this progress brings worry and anxiety. You might be concerned about managing new wealth, the stability of your new income stream, or the responsibilities that come with it. There's a sense that your financial advancement is not yet fully secure or acknowledged. The key to lasting prosperity lies in perseverance and correct conduct. The "great blessing from the royal mother" indicates that significant financial fortune will come from a stable, secure, and nurturing source. This could manifest as an inheritance (particularly from a female ancestor), a grant, a long-term secure investment, or profit derived from a fundamentally sound and ethical enterprise. Avoid risky ventures. Instead, rely on patient, steady, and principled financial management. Your good fortune will be a blessing you receive because of your sound character, not a prize won through aggressive speculation.