離
Hexagram 30 · 離
Upper trigram: 離 · Lower trigram: 離
Li (Clinging Fire): the hexagram of sustained clarity. Attend to what supports your understanding and let brightness remain measured.
The image
Fire stands above fire, repeating the image of illumination. Each flame depends on something that sustains its burning. Li means attachment or clinging as well as the trigram of fire. The picture asks what clear understanding relies on and how its light can continue without excess.
Judgment
利貞。亨。畜牝牛，吉。
Constancy is beneficial. Flourishing. Raising a cow brings good fortune.
The commentary compares attachment with sun and moon in heaven and plants rooted in earth. A thoughtful worker needs reliable evidence and receptive attention, just as a useful lamp needs a steady supply of fuel.
Great Image
明兩作離，大人以繼明照于四方。
Brightness arises twice: Clinging Fire. The great person accordingly continues the light and illuminates the four directions.
Clarity becomes valuable when it is sustained and shared. A teacher passing on an understandable method helps others see for themselves rather than depend on a single explanation.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初九
履錯然，敬之无咎。
The footsteps cross in confusion. Treating this with respect brings no blame.
Nine in the first place is yang beginning amid competing movements. The Small Image favors respectful care, like checking the agenda and materials before a busy meeting gets underway.
Line 2 · 六二
黃離，元吉。
Yellow radiance. Great good fortune.
Six in the second place is central and correctly placed yin within the flame. The Small Image credits the middle way, like explaining a difficult matter clearly without exaggeration or theatrical certainty.
Line 3 · 九三
日昃之離，不鼓缶而歌，則大耋之嗟，凶。
In the light of the declining sun, if one does not beat the earthen jar and sing, one laments great old age. Misfortune.
Nine in the third place is yang at the close of the lower light. The Small Image asks how that light could last, like accepting a project's ending with appreciation instead of clinging to its busiest phase.
Line 4 · 九四
突如其來如，焚如，死如，棄如。
Suddenly it comes: blazing, dying, and being cast away.
Nine in the fourth place is forceful yang entering the upper flame abruptly. The Small Image says it finds no place, like a brilliant but unprepared proposal that overwhelms the team and has no lasting support.
Line 5 · 六五
出涕沱若，戚嗟若，吉。
Tears pour down, with sorrow and sighing. Good fortune.
Six in the fifth place is central yin in a ruler's demanding position. The Small Image associates its good fortune with that responsibility, like a leader honestly acknowledging strain while seeking wiser counsel.
Line 6 · 上九
王用出征，有嘉折首，獲匪其醜，无咎。
The king undertakes a campaign. There is merit in striking down the chief; capture is not extended to all the followers. No blame.
Nine at the top is yang using decisive clarity to restore order. The Small Image stresses setting the state right, like addressing the source of misconduct without blaming every member of a department.
When asking about
Career
Clear information often supports responsible influence. Check the foundation of a persuasive proposal before promoting it.
Love
Closeness benefits from knowing what each person depends on. Express feelings without letting intensity replace understanding.
Money
Visibility can improve ordinary financial choices. Keep records clear and question decisions driven mainly by excitement.
Home
Shared understanding can make routines easier. Explain expectations calmly rather than assuming everyone sees them alike.
Study
Learning tends to deepen when explanations connect to reliable foundations. Teach a concept to someone else to examine your own clarity.
Health
Balance stimulating activity with quieter evenings and regular rest. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Choose carefully what your attention and understanding depend on. Sustain a useful light through receptiveness, moderation, and fair discrimination.
Related hexagrams
Weighing a decision? Cast a hexagram for your own question.
Cast a hexagramReference content based on the I Ching classic, not a prediction.