I Ching · No.30 · Li / The Clinging, Fire

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Lî indicates that, (in regard to what it denotes), it will be advantageous to be firm and correct, and that thus there will be free course and success. Let (its subject) also nourish (a docility like that of) the cow, and there will be good fortune.

Translation

Li Hexagram. Auspicious divination, smooth and prosperous. Raising a cow brings good fortune. The Image says: The sun rises today, and the sun rises tomorrow, continuing without pause; this is the image of Li. Observing this image, the nobility and princes illuminate the four quarters with an endless flow of light.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Clinging to light, being humble and advancing slowly; just and gentle, conforming and keeping to one's course brings good fortune. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should be humble and cautious, and progress steadily, then the future will be bright. Those who advance hastily or act on impulse will surely suffer losses.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Strive to cultivate virtue, and the future will be bright.
• Wealth 财运: Everything related to fire will yield gains.
• Household 家宅: A house of a noble person; may obtain a second wife.
• Health 身体: The fever is severe; beware of passing away.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: To defeat the enemy, fire attacks should be used; to defend against the enemy, one should also prepare for fire attacks. 'Two fires rising' suggests fear that the front and rear will be burned to ashes at the same time.
• Business 营商: If wishing to do business, it must be related to fire, such as transporting sulfur, establishing electricity or light services, or manufacturing matches, etc. All are profitable.
• Fame & Career 功名: Li represents the eyes, which portends ranking second in the imperial examinations.
• Household 家宅: This house must be newly built, open from front to back, with bright windows, and spacious surroundings; it is the residence of a great family or a noble person, auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: This is not the first marriage, but must be a second wife; the husband's family is definitely of noble status, not a partner for common people.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.
• Illness 疾病: The fever is extremely high; beware of the spirit departing within a day or two.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Li below and Li above). Li means beauty and clinging (attachment); a single Yin line clings to the two Yang lines above and below. The hexagram symbolizes fire, hollow inside and bright outside. Li represents fire and brightness; the sun rises and sets repeatedly, running endlessly, with gentleness and compliance at heart.

• Overall Image 大象: Two Li fires are doubled, indicating thorough brightness above and below. Fire has energy but no physical form, primarily signifying insubstantiality and instability.
• Fortune 运势: The external appearance is extremely prosperous, like the blazing sun in the sky; in all matters, one should not advance hastily or act on impulse.
• Career 事业: Approaching the peak, where extreme prosperity leads to decline. It is essential to summarize experiences and lessons, pursue good and avoid evil, nourish oneself with compliance, be aware of danger while in it, motivate one's resolve, and never act rashly. In particular, seek assistance from those who are central and correct, in order to revitalize your career.
• Business 经商: Avoid rushing for success; be cautious and conscientious, think deeply and plan ahead, investigate market conditions, compete fairly, and do not resort to speculation or trickery. Strive to cooperate closely with others.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Before the direction is determined, do not run around blindly. One should persevere, pursue determinedly, and humbly seek guidance from elders of talent and virtue.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: It might be difficult to find a partner on your own; it is best to ask reliable friends or elders for help, and do not be impatient. Both parties should respect each other, and evil thoughts must be avoided above all.
• Decision 决策: Be content with one's lot and know heaven's will, adapting to nature. In youth, one was eager to advance but failed to realize ideals; however, by adhering to centrality, correctness, humility, and gentleness, one can remain free from disaster, and with constant vigilance, turn danger into safety. In times of crisis, seek support, but choose your allies carefully. In old age, one should know the mandate of heaven, and particularly avoid acting rashly and blindly without regard for the times.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows one ready to move with confused steps. But he treads at the same time reverently, and there will be no mistake.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Hearing the sound of approaching, chaotic footsteps, immediately becoming vigilant and cautious; there will be no disaster. The Image says: Hearing the sound of chaotic footsteps approaching, immediately becoming vigilant and cautious, one can avoid disaster.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line must guard against unexpected disasters and should be cautious; there may be foot ailments. Officials should quietly keep to their duties.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Approaching matters with apprehension, achieving success with assistance.
• Wealth 财运: No great profit for the time being, but free from blame.
• Household 家宅: Beside a major road.
• Health 身体: Walk carefully.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The first line represents the beginning, when the three armies first set out, and banners and tracks cross. 'Reverence' (jing) means approaching matters with apprehension. War is a perilous affair; handling it with caution may keep one free from blame. Some say that crooked pathways are called 'cuo' (crossed/entangled), indicating that troops should advance along cross-roads.
• Business 营商: It must be a newly established enterprise. Nine at the beginning is positioned at Zi, which belongs to water in the north, while the hexagram's position is south, belonging to fire. It is likely a north-south trade. Large profits are hard to promise for the moment, but one will be free from blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: The Book of Odes says: 'The stones of other hills may serve to polish jade,' which implies achieving success through assistance.
• Household 家宅: The Lu hexagram says: 'Treading the path smoothly; the quiet man finds perseverance brings good fortune.' This house must be beside a major road. Auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lü intimates that (in the condition which it denotes) there may be some little attainment and progress. If the stranger or traveller be firm and correct as he ought to be, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lü Hexagram. Small success. Divining on traveling is auspicious. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing fire; the lower trigram is Gen, representing mountain. Fire on the mountain, illuminating the hidden depths: this is the image of the Wanderer. The superior man, in accordance with this, is clear and cautious in administering justice and executing penalties, neither daring to abuse punishments nor delaying the cases.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The journey is destitute, drifting and unstable; small hopes can be achieved, but grand ambitions are hard to realize. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, matters undergo many changes, as if being in a foreign land. Small matters can succeed, but great matters are hard to accomplish; it is advisable to adhere strictly to routine.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Li above). This hexagram is the opposite of the Feng hexagram (Abundance), serving as its inversed hexagram. Fire burns on the mountain, burning without stopping, the flames constantly spreading forward, like a traveler on the road, hurrying on their journey. Hence it is named Lü (The Wanderer).

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows its subject in his place in yellow. There will be great good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: A yellow glow appears in the sky; supreme good fortune. The Image says: Yellow color clings to the person, supreme good fortune, because the six in the second place occupies the central position of the lower trigram, like a person attaining the middle and correct path.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line can acquire wealth and profit. Officials will be heavily relied upon. Scholars will achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Culture and refinement shine outward; fame and career will surely become manifest.
• Wealth 财运: Profits lie in earth and wood; conform to rules and standards.
• Household 家宅: Revitalize the family reputation; can make a fine couple.
• Health 身体: Syndrome of accumulated heat.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The second line of Li changes to Dayou (Great Possession). The Image of Dayou says: 'A large carriage to carry loading; storing in the center ensures no defeat.' 'Large carriage' refers to military chariots; yellow is the color of the center; 'storing in the center' means the military provisions in the central camp are abundant; 'no defeat' means the soldiers are brave and strong, enabling them to win. Thus, auspicious.
• Business 营商: Li belongs to the south, so business profits lie in the south; yellow represents earth, and earth generates wood, and profit also lies in earth and wood.
• Fame & Career 功名: The position of Li is at Wu, which corresponds to Wenchang above, indicating an image of culture and refinement; fame and career will surely become manifest.
• Household 家宅: Li is fire, and earth is yellow. Since earth is the child of fire, it metaphorically means that the family will have an excellent son who can revitalize the family's reputation. Auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: The second line is a Yin line in a Yin position, obtaining centrality and correctness. It portends mutual compliance between husband and wife, a fine match. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: It must be a disease of internal fire accumulating in the middle burner; it should be cooled and dispersed. Free from blame.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tâ Yû indicates that, (under the circumstances which it implies), there will be great progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram of Ta Yu (Possession in Great Measure). Great prosperity and smooth success. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Qian, representing Heaven, and the upper trigram is Li, representing Fire. Fire is high in heaven, illuminating all directions; this is the image of Possession in Great Measure. In accordance with this image, the superior man, taking pattern from fire, discerns good and evil, suppresses evil and promotes good, thereby conforming to the heavenly decree and praying for good fortune.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun shines bright in the mid-heaven, illuminating all things; grand and wealthy, maintaining fullness and preserving peace. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram are in the midst of good fortune. Everything is auspicious, and great harvests are reaped, but one must guard against the extreme turning back, where peak prosperity turns to decline.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Li above). The upper trigram is Li, representing Fire; the lower trigram is Qian, representing Heaven. Fire is in heaven, illuminating all things. The multitude submits, conforming to heaven and acting in accordance with the season, leading to great achievements.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows its subject in a position like that of the declining sun. Instead of playing on his instrument of earthenware, and singing to it, he utters the groans of an old man of eighty. There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: At the hour of dusk, a rainbow appears in the sky, which is an omen of misfortune; yet the people do not beat drums and sing to ward it off, and the elders sigh in grief, for disaster is fast approaching. The Image says: How can the rainbow of dusk remain for long?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line will find sorrow rising from joy, and anxiety from good fortune; perils and difficulties arise one after another. Officials will retire.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Growing old with no achievements, mind scattered.
• Wealth 财运: Lingering in the night market will surely damage one's proper business.
• Household 家宅: Elders are uneasy; hard to hope to grow old together.
• Health 身体: Go to bed early and wake up early.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: 'The sun declines' (ri ze) means the sun is about to set. Long songs and deep sighs in the military indicate a loss of discipline, an inauspicious sign; guard especially against night attacks by the enemy.
• Business 营商: The Ritual of Zhou (Zhou Li) states under the Officer of the Market: 'The great market gathers when the sun declines,' meaning the transactions of the great market are numerous, and the market gathers only after the sun begins to set. The line says 'the Li of the declining sun,' meaning it disperses after the sun declines. The market area is noisy and chaotic, with singing or sighing, joy and sorrow without measure; this will surely damage one's proper business and should be avoided.
• Fame & Career 功名: Fear of growing old without achievements, only to sigh in vain.
• Marriage 婚姻: Beating the pot and singing; hard to hope to grow old together, misfortune.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter, difficult to raise.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Shih Ho indicates successful progress (in the condition of things which it supposes). It will be advantageous to use legal constraints.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Shi He (Biting Through). Success. Favorable for legal proceedings. The Image says: The lower trigram is Zhen, representing thunder; the upper trigram is Li, representing lightning. Thunder and lightning uniting is the image of Biting Through. The ancient kings, observing this image, took guidance from the awe-inspiring thunder and the illuminating lightning, resolved to govern with strict clarity, thereby clarifying punishments and refining the laws.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Biting through hard bones, a firm attitude; many difficulties and obstacles, yet actively striving. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, matters do not go as desired, disputes are inevitable, and all things are obstructed. It is advisable to adhere to routine, not be enticed by gain, so that peace and safety can be preserved.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the stacking of different trigrams (Zhen below, Li above). Li is a yin trigram; Zhen is a yang trigram. Yin and Yang intersect, biting through hard objects, symbolizing the simultaneous application of benevolence and authority, combining leniency with severity, and tempering hardness with softness. Shi He represents the biting together of the upper and lower jaws, chewing.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows the manner of its subject's coming. How abrupt it is, as with fire, with death, to be rejected (by all)!

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: Disaster suddenly descends; the enemy burns houses and kills people wherever they go, turning this place into a ruin. The Image says: The disaster comes so suddenly, there is no place for people to hide and escape with their lives.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line have poor fortune and face numerous difficulties, or are at odds with elders, or suffer official disasters.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: To avoid disaster, it is better to retreat and go into hiding.
• Wealth 财运: Both life and wealth are lost; be careful to avoid it.
• Household 家宅: The crime of a rebellious son; the marriage is inauspicious.
• Health 身体: Life is in a perilous state.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: There is the disaster of barracks being burned and violent firearms exploding, coming with great momentum; officers must guard against it carefully.
• Business 营商: There is a disaster of losing both life and wealth; one should hide and retreat, which may help avoid it.
• Fame & Career 功名: Success is within easy reach, but the greater the rank and fame, the more severe the disaster; it is better to retreat.
• Household 家宅: Old commentaries interpret 'tu' (abrupt/sudden) as an unfilial son; this household is bound to produce a rebellious son. 'Burned,' 'died,' and 'cast away' all speak of the crimes of the rebellious son.
• Marriage 婚姻: When the fourth line moves, the body becomes Gen. Gen represents the gate of the spirits and the underworld. Furthermore, Li contains the nuclear trigram Dui, and Dui represents the executioner. This marriage is highly inauspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter, who will surely not survive.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Pî indicates that there should be free course (in what it denotes). There will be little advantage (however) if it be allowed to advance (and take the lead).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Pi hexagram. Success. There is a slight advantage in having a destination. The 'Great Symbolism' says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen/Mountain, and the lower trigram is Li/Fire. There is fire under the mountain, fire burning the mountains; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The noble person observes this symbol, thinks of the fierce fire burning the mountain, jade and stone burned together, vegetation completely consumed, and takes this as a warning, thereby clearly examining various political affairs and not daring to judge legal cases with severity.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Adornment and brightness, outer solidity and inner emptiness; a time of hidden worries, act according to one's capability. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram have a grand appearance but are empty inside, with much vanity and little substance. One should enrich oneself, act with prudence, and act according to one's capability.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (lower Li, upper Gen). Li is fire and brightness; Gen is mountain and stopping. Cultured and restrained. The Pi hexagram discusses the relationship between ornament (Wen) and substance (Zhi), prioritizing substance and using ornament for moderation. Pi means adornment or decoration.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows its subject as one with tears flowing in torrents, and groaning in sorrow. There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: After the disaster, people weep and sigh, yet there is good fortune. The Image says: The good fortune mentioned in the line text of Six in the fifth place is because the line's image shows that the Six in the fifth place is positioned beneath the Nine at the top, like people who are saved by clinging to the nobility and princes.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line should not advance, but should keep to the routine. Active officials will realize their ambitions, while retired ones face many perils.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Position high and power great; plan cautiously and decide decisively.
• Wealth 财运: Operated with hard work; public/governmental business.
• Household 家宅: The marriage points to nobility; weeping first, laughing later.
• Health 身体: Both weeping and sighing, but still no harm.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: According to the line words 'tears flowing like torrents' (tuo ruo) and 'sighing' (jie ruo), there is an attitude of approaching matters with apprehension. War is a perilous affair; if one can be apprehensive, one can plan, and if one can plan, one can achieve victory. Thus, auspicious.
• Business 营商: This business must be royal commerce or public enterprise, not the private schemes of common people. Hence it says 'clinging to the nobility and princes.' The enterprise must also be established through hardship and difficulty.
• Fame & Career 功名: Reaching the position of prime minister, extremely noble and prominent, yet one's life is fraught with double the worry and labor—like Zhuge Liang (Wuhou) bending himself to the task until death. Only then is it auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: This marriage is extremely noble, yet it has the image of wailing first and laughing later.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter; guard against difficult labor, but ultimately auspicious.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Thung Zăn (or 'Union of men') appears here (as we find it) in the (remote districts of the) country, indicating progress and success. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to maintain the firm correctness of the superior man.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Fellowship with Men Hexagram. Gathering the crowd in the outskirts, about to undertake a great enterprise, auspicious. Beneficial to cross great rivers, beneficial for the divination of a superior man. The Image says: In the hexagram of Fellowship with Men, the upper trigram is Qian (Heaven, representing the ruler), and the lower trigram is Li (Fire, representing the subjects). Upper Qian and lower Li symbolize the ruler communicating downwards and the subjects communicating upwards, with the will of ruler and subject in harmony. This is the image of Fellowship with Men. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on fire, illuminating heaven and earth, lighting up the obscure and hidden, thereby analyzing the classes of things and distinguishing their circumstances.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Humanity seeks affinity, fellowship with others; everything sought is obtained, and all is to one's liking. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram will have good fortune and smooth progress. It is even better to cooperate and work with others; with unity between above and below, plans will succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking different trigrams (Li below, Qian above). Qian is Heaven, the ruler; Li is Fire, the subject citizens. Heaven above and Fire below; the nature of fire is to rise, harmonizing with Heaven. Above and below are in harmony, helping each other in the same boat, interpersonal relations are harmonious, and the world is in Great Unity.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, undivided, shows the king employing its subject in his punitive expeditions. Achieving admirable (merit), he breaks (only) the chiefs (of the rebels). Where his prisoners were not their associates, he does not punish. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: The king goes forth on a campaign, strikes back at the enemy, beheads the chief of the rebel state, and captures many prisoners; free from disaster. The Image says: The king goes forth on a campaign to stabilize the state. Capturing many prisoners means achieving a great victory.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line have excellent fortune, many joyful events, and make profits in business. Officials will achieve success and fame, and scholars will attain good results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Do good to others; will surely be heavily relied upon.
• Wealth 财运: Only high-grade goods can yield profits.
• Household 家宅: Traveling abroad.
• Health 身体: May pass away.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The line words have already made it clear. The king's army does not kill indiscriminately, thus obtaining the proper way.
• Business 营商: In selling goods, it is advisable to select top-quality items and avoid inferior ones; only then can profits be made.
• Fame & Career 功名: Surely win the first choice, auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: 'Zhe' (break) means dying young, unfavorable.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Făng intimates progress and development. When a king has reached the point (which the name denotes) there is no occasion to be anxious (through fear of a change). Let him be as the sun at noon.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Feng (Abundance). Holding a sacrifice, the king will personally attend the ancestral temple. Do not worry, the best time is at midday. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder; the lower trigram is Li, Li is lightning. Lightning and thunder together show a major celestial phenomenon revealed by heaven, which is also the image of the hexagram Feng. In observing this image, the superior man, inspired by the brilliance and majesty of lightning and thunder, decides lawsuits and administers punishments.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Grandeur and fullness, acquiring wealth and gaining profit; plans and hopes will be fulfilled, and there will surely be celebrations. Minor luck: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is strong, undertakings can succeed, and both fame and fortune can be gained. However, one should not be overly greedy, but rather find contentment in what one has, and guard against sorrow arising from extreme joy, loss of wealth, or even fire hazards.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Li below, Zhen above). Lightning flashes and thunder rolls, leading to great achievements, symbolizing reaching the summit like the midday sun. Warning: One must pay close attention to things moving in the opposite direction; prosperity and decline are inconstant, and one must remain vigilant.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.