Ming I (Darkening of the Light) shows earth over fire. Sunset. Or worse: The light is wounded and has to shine underground. This is the sign of hard times, persecution, or a toxic environment. The rule here: Don't show how smart you are! 'Hide your light under a bushel.' When the environment is hostile, it is dangerous to stand out. Conceal your light. Adapt outwardly, but inwardly preserve your truth ('inner emigration'). Survive the winter.

CrisisInjury

Darkening of the Light. It is beneficial to remain steadfast in hardship.

Resilience

Ming I is the school of toughness. It teaches how to preserve the inner fire even while a storm rages outside.

Operative Resources

Indomitability. An inner core that cannot be corrupted.

System Blocks

Despair – The belief that the light will never return.

System-Hacks

Go dark.

Keep a Low Profile: Delete social media apps today.
Journaling: Write down your frustration instead of shouting it out.

Image

The light has gone down into the earth: the image of the Darkening of the Light. So the noble one lives with the multitude: he conceals his radiance and yet stays bright.

Shadow Challenge

Shadow: Victim mentality – Despair, resignation, or pointless martyrdom.

Strategy

Camouflage and deceive. Don't broadcast your successes. Be inconspicuous (like a gray rock). Keep your fire deep in your heart.

The Lines

Beginning: Flight (Hard Trial)Darkening of the light in flight. He lets his wings sink. On his travels the noble one eats nothing for three days. Yet he has a place to go. The host has things to say about him. Flight and privation at the outset.
Level 2: Injury (Self-Sacrifice)Darkening of the light. He is wounded in the left thigh. He brings rescue with the strength of a steed. Good fortune. You are hurt, yet you still help others.
Level 3: Partial Victory (Small Successes)Darkening on the hunt in the south. One seizes the great chieftain. One must not expect persistence too hastily. A partial victory over the dark, but the war is not yet won.
Level 4: Insight (Seeing Through)He pushes his way into the left side of the belly. One grasps the heart of the darkening. You recognize the true source of the evil and withdraw.
Level 5: Camouflage (Art of Survival)The darkening of Prince Ji's light. Persistence is beneficial. You play the madman in order to survive. The height of prudence.
Conclusion: Darkness (Collapse)Darkness, not light. First he rose up to heaven, then he fell down into the earth. Evil destroys itself.

Reflection Journal

Where do I need to protect my light right now in order to survive?