Hexagram 30

Lí / The Clinging

离 — Fire / Radiance
Upper: Fire (离) ☲  |  Lower: Fire (离) ☲

Basic Information

AttributeDetails
Chinese Name离 (Lí)
English NameThe Clinging / Fire / Radiance
TrigramsFire over Fire (离上离下)
Number30 of 64

The Text (Yijing Classic)

Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)

The Clinging. Perseverance furthers. It brings success. Care of the cow brings good fortune.

The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)

That which is bright rises twice: the image of Fire. Thus the great man, by perpetuating this brightness, illumines the four quarters of the world.

The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)

LinePositionTextInterpretation
初九BottomThe footprints run crisscross. If one is serious, no blame.Acceptable situation; no error in this approach
六二2ndYellow light. Supreme good fortune.Favorable outcome; stay the course
九三3rdIn the light of the setting sun, men either beat the pot and sing or loudly bewail the approach of old age. Misfortune.Unfavorable; exercise caution and restraint
九四4thIts coming is sudden; it flames up, dies down, is thrown away.Reflect carefully on the situation before acting
六五5thTears in floods, sighing and lamenting. Good fortune.Favorable outcome; stay the course
上九TopThe king uses him to march forth and chastise. The best thing is to kill the leaders and take captive the followers. No blame.Acceptable situation; no error in this approach

Core Meanings

Essence (本质)

  • Fire clinging to fuel; brilliance through dependence on what is right
  • Upper trigram Fire (bright and clinging) over lower trigram Fire (bright and clinging)
  • Embodies the qualities of clarity, radiance, dependence and awareness, illumination, beauty

Keywords

ClarityRadianceDependenceAwarenessIlluminationBeauty

Divination & Prediction

★★★★☆Auspicious
AspectPrediction
OverallFavorable conditions ahead. Fire clinging to fuel; brilliance through dependence on what is right Channel the energy of clarity and radiance for maximum benefit.
TimingConditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence.
ChallengeMaintain focus on dependence to avoid complacency in favorable times.

Applications in Life

Business & Career

In business, this hexagram counsels clarity and radiance. The Fire trigram above suggests bright and clinging energy in your outer dealings, while the Fire trigram below points to bright and clinging foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.

Health & Wellness

Focus on heart and eyes and heart and eyes. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.

Relationships

In relationships, embody clarity and radiance. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.

Education & Growth

For learning, this hexagram emphasizes dependence and awareness. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.

Practical Wisdom

Do

  • Cultivate clarity in all your actions
  • Practice radiance consistently
  • Embrace dependence as your guiding principle
  • Develop awareness through daily practice

Don’t

  • Neglect the importance of illumination
  • Abandon beauty under pressure
  • Act impulsively without considering consequences

Comparative Hexagrams

HexagramRelationship
29. Kǎn (坎)The Abysmal — water complementing fire
13. Tóng Rén (同人)Fellowship — fire illuminating community
56. Lǚ (旅)The Wanderer — fire traveling over mountain

Sample Reading Dialogue

Querent: “Should I put my creative work out into the world now?”
You received Hexagram 30, The Clinging. The judgment says: 'The Clinging. Perseverance furthers. It brings success. Care of the cow brings g...' Fire clinging to fuel; brilliance through dependence on what is right This is a favorable sign. The energy of clarity supports your intention. Move forward with dependence, but remain mindful of proper timing.