selfgazer logo
selfgazer logo

Selfgazer's mission is to facilitate personal growth by drawing from the timeless wisdom of esoteric belief systems and contemplative traditions.

We create experiences that promote psychological and spiritual integration, with the goal of guiding individuals towards enlightened inner states.

For psychological self-exploration discussion or help with the app, join us on Reddit (r/selfgazer).

Join r/selfgazer on Reddit

The Meaning of Hexagram 35 in the I Ching

In this entry, we explore the meaning of Hexagram 35 (Progress/Jin) in the I Ching, discovering how this symbol represents advancement, the power of steady progress, and the wisdom of moving forward with clarity.

Learn

Hexagram 35: Progress

Hexagram 35, known as Jin (晉) in Chinese, represents the principle of progress and advancement. This hexagram is composed of the fire trigram above and the earth trigram below, creating an image of the sun rising over the earth, symbolizing steady progress and illuminated advancement.

Trigram Analysis

The upper trigram is Fire (☲), composed of one solid line between two broken lines, representing clarity, illumination, and awareness. The lower trigram is Earth (☷), composed of three broken lines, representing receptivity, support, and foundation.

When these trigrams combine, they create a metaphor for enlightened progress. Fire's illuminating clarity above earth's receptive foundation suggests how progress requires both clear vision and solid grounding. This combination points to the importance of balanced advancement.

Symbolic Representations

In nature, Hexagram 35 corresponds to the sunrise, when light gradually advances over the earth. This natural metaphor represents how true progress occurs steadily and with increasing clarity.

The hexagram also represents the sage who advances with both wisdom and humility. This human dimension emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper perspective while moving forward.

Core Meanings and Attributes

The essence of Hexagram 35 is the power of proper progress. This manifests as:

The virtue of advancement. The power of clarity. The wisdom of timing. The importance of foundation. The strength of steady movement.

These attributes combine to create a powerful symbol of progress. The hexagram suggests a time when clear advancement and steady movement are essential.

Line Meanings

Each line in Hexagram 35 represents a different aspect of progress:

The first line shows progress impeded, suggesting initial obstacles.

The second line indicates progress through sorrow, representing overcoming difficulties.

The third line shows progress with trust, warning about maintaining integrity.

The fourth line demonstrates progress like a squirrel, indicating careful advancement.

The fifth line shows progress through loss, representing necessary sacrifices.

The sixth line reveals progress through darkness, suggesting completion of a cycle.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Hexagram 35 often appears when there is a need for steady advancement or clear progress. It suggests a time when measured movement forward is crucial. The hexagram encourages:

Moving steadily forward. Maintaining clarity. Building foundations. Understanding timing. Preserving balance.

Relationships with Other Hexagrams

Hexagram 35 has a special relationship with Hexagram 36 (Darkening of the Light), as they represent complementary aspects of movement. While Hexagram 35 focuses on progress and advancement, Hexagram 36 deals with maintaining light in darkness.

The hexagram also relates to others that share its trigrams or themes of progress and illumination, providing context for understanding different aspects of advancement.

Modern Interpretation

In contemporary usage, Hexagram 35 often appears in situations requiring steady progress or clear advancement. It can indicate:

A time for movement. The need for clarity. An opportunity for growth. The importance of foundation. A reminder of balance.

Meditative Implications

As a meditation focus, Hexagram 35 offers insights into the nature of progress and advancement. It invites contemplation of:

The process of moving forward. The role of clarity. The proper pace of progress. The balance between movement and stability. The path of advancement.

Historical Context

In traditional Chinese thought, Hexagram 35 was associated with the concept of proper progress and the wisdom needed for successful advancement. This connection emphasizes its relevance to both personal development and social advancement.

The hexagram was also linked to the importance of maintaining clear vision while moving forward, highlighting how proper progress serves both individual and collective needs.

Summary

Hexagram 35 represents the principle of progress and advancement, manifesting as the wisdom of moving forward with clarity. Its combination of fire and earth trigrams creates a powerful image of illuminated progress, while its line meanings offer guidance on navigating various aspects of advancement.

Understanding this hexagram provides insights into the nature of progress and the proper approach to moving forward, while its practical applications offer guidance for contemporary situations requiring steady advancement and clear vision. Whether appearing in divination or serving as a focus for meditation, Hexagram 35 reminds us that true progress comes through maintaining both clear vision and solid foundation.


Next Hexagram: Hexagram 36.

Previous Hexagram: Hexagram 34.

A note about Selfgazer

Selfgazer is a collection of experiences and resources thoughtfully designed to enable self-discovery. Inspired by Jungian psychology, it offers interactive tools and learning materials to explore esoteric systems and mystical traditions known to aid in the introspective exploration of personal consciousness.

Our assisted experiences include:

  • Birth Chart Analysis: Examine the celestial patterns present at your birth, revealing potential psychological correspondences and inner truths.
  • Weekly Horoscope: Get personalized astrological readings based on the interactions of your birth chart with the planetary positions of the week ahead.
  • Guided Tarot: Explore the enigmatic symbolism of Tarot to uncover deeply rooted insights about your psyche and the circumstances shaping your reality.
  • Guided I Ching: Engage with this ancient Chinese philosophical and divination system to gain fresh perspectives on life's challenges and changes.

To learn more, visit selfgazer.com

Back to Blog