Li · Radiance
离卦 · 离为火
- Clinging
- Brightness
- Expression
- Clarity
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.
利贞，亨。畜牝牛，吉。
The Image
Brightness rises twice: radiance. The great person, in the same way, carries on the light and illuminates the four directions.
明两作，离。大人以继明照四方。
Plain-language reading
Your situation
You are in a phase where you need to shine and be seen. Li is fire upon fire, brilliant and bright, but Li also means clinging: fire must cling to fuel in order to burn. Your brilliance, too, needs the right platform, relationships or beliefs to cling to.
Where to put your effort
Think clearly about what you are attaching yourself to: a worthwhile cause and good people, or a passing buzz. Find the right fuel and burn steadily instead of flaring out all at once. Stay gentle and measured, and express yourself in a warm, lasting way so your light can reach further.
Four areas of life
- Career
- Cultivate your character and your future is bright.
- Wealth
- Anything to do with fire brings gains.
- Family
- A distinguished home; a second marriage is possible.
- Health
- A serious fever; take great care.
Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.
The six lines
Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.
Nine at the beginningThe 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.Moving
初九：履错然，敬之，无咎。
Image：Respect amid confused footsteps: to avoid blame.
- Career
- Approach things with care; with help you will succeed.
- Wealth
- No big profit for now, but no blame either.
- Family
- By the side of a main road.
- Health
- Watch your step.
Nine in the third placeThe 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.Moving
九三：日昃之离。不鼓缶而歌，则大耋之嗟，凶。
Image：The radiance of the setting sun: how can it last?
- Career
- Growing old without achievement; a scattered mind.
- Wealth
- Lingering at the night market will harm your real business.
- Family
- The elderly are uneasy; hard to grow old together.
- Health
- Early to bed and early to rise.
Nine in the fourth placeThe 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)!Moving
九四：突如其来如，焚如，死如，弃如。
Image：Coming suddenly: there is no place for it.
- Career
- To avoid disaster, better to withdraw.
- Wealth
- Danger to both people and money; steer clear.
- Family
- Trouble from a rebellious child; marriage is unfavourable.
- Health
- A life-threatening situation.
Nine at the topThe 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.Moving
上九：王用出征，有嘉。折首，获匪其丑，无咎。
Image：The king sends him out to march: to set the country right.
- Career
- Be kind to others and you will be given important roles.
- Wealth
- Only top-quality goods will profit.
- Family
- Travelling away from home.
- Health
- A very grave sign.
Related hexagrams
Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.
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