
Hexagram #36: Earth over Fire

NOTE: This is the romance-related, Love I Ching version of I Ching Hexagram #36: "Fire below Earth". Click here for the traditional I Ching meaning of hexagram #36.
In matters of romance, this is a time when you are likely to be more vulnerable and sensitive. Pain is indicated here. Be kind and nurturing with yourself even if someone else is not. Your heart may get wounded temporarily. This too shall pass. A veil of untruth may wrap around you, but hope is not lost. Seek deeper than the darkness. The Sun still shines behind a veil of clouds. You are light. Light is love. It is the love inside you that is ultimately important. With this knowledge, you will not only survive the darkness of any challenging situation, you will come out the other side with great power and wisdom. The Sun shines brightly elsewhere. You will find it, and when you do you will be ready.
Changing Lines in Hexagram #36
Changes in Line 1
"Drooping of Wings"
You may feel abandoned and aloof from someone for a while. But no matter how dark it may get, inner light cannot be extinguished. Ask for help from a friend. Take pleasure in simple things.
Changes in Line 2
"Injury to the Leg"
Forward motion is halted. You and a special someone may find yourself at an impasse. But your horse is still by your side and so are your friends. Let others help you in matters of romance. Things will turn around soon
Changes in Line 3
"Confronting Oppressors"
A special someone is likely to push your buttons at this time. This line is a reminder to stand up for yourself. Be willing to speak your truth and you will regain love and peace. All is not lost.
Changes in Line 4
"Wounding to the Belly"
A wound to the belly is a sign to turn the other cheek. If someone is conspiring against you, remove yourself from the battle ground. Peace will ensue.
Changes in Line 5
"Love Resides Within"
When judged or hurt by another, you can feel stripped of your joy and light. But this is only true from one perspective. Your inner light and spirit are eternal and they still shine. Love resides deep within you; it has just been covered by a layer of fear. It will re
Changes in Line 6
"Seeing Light in the Darkness"
As the Yin and the Yang interpenetrate, so too do the dark and the light. Current relationship difficulties will subside when you remember that your inner most nature is light and love.
The Two Trigrams Within Hexagram #36
I Ching hexagram #36 is made of two 3-line trigrams mounted over and under one another. The bottom 3 lines of hexagram #36 form the trigram for Fire, while the top 3 lines form the trigram for Earth.
Lower Trigram of Fire
Upper Trigram of Earth
NOTE: In general terms, the upper trigram points to external forces, while the lower trigram points to internal forces.
Hexagram #36's Lower Trigram of Fire
The life-giving trigram of fire is sometimes known by its more classical names, Dependence or Attachment. The trigram of fire is a building-block representing illumination and something that is both adapted and a source of warmth and security. The fire trigram may reference a 'second daughter' or the map direction of south.
Hexagram #36's Upper Trigram of Earth
The evenly split trigram of Earth is also referred to as the trigram of the Receptive. Its characteristic traits are a loving devotion and a resilient bowing to applied energies. It may also represent 'motherhood' or powerful feminine energies. The unbroken lines of the hexagram of Earth may also reference the direction 'southwest'
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A note on iFate's I Ching translation: This is not a direct translation of the original "Book of Changes" from 1000 BC. While multiple translations of the original text are available, they include many archaic references and can be difficult to understand for 21st century readers. iFate uses our own modern rewritings (two different editions) of the "Book of Changes" which makes interpreting I Ching readings far simpler. For iFate's additional contemporary re-writing of the original text, see our "Love I Ching" translation.