Fire above – Fire below
The Chinese name of this hexagram is Li which translates to rise, radiate, separate and hold on to. Some other titles for Li are: The Clinging Fire, Arising, Clarity, Fire. According to ancient diviners, Li once meant to “attach” but also came to mean “to part from”. This makes sense because fire clings to what it is burning while, at the same time, physically breaking down (separating) the constituent elements of what it is burning. Fire confers enlightenment, clarity and discernment but it also moves quickly and requires fuel. Some of Li’s symbolism includes insight, organization and aligning with the truth of one’s own path.
Breaking down the symbolism of the 3-line trigrams helps with understanding the ancient teachings:
Trigram Fire is doubled here showing clarity on the inside (lower trigram) being channeled externally into well-order actions (upper trigram). Fire is associated with the Sun; Water is associated with the Moon. While Water seeps downward, Fire moves upward and so it was said that in Li “brightness raises twice” (because of the doubled Fire trigrams). Fire is also associated with the color yellow and the element of gold. There is a belief that, through Fire, non-essential elements may be filtered out, leaving the relevant – this is the separating aspect. The clinging aspect comes through retaining that which is truth and/or interdependence with others.
The ancient ideograph is on the upper left portion of the image below. The left half is understood as representing a net for catching birds (although it has also been identified as the sound Li, which was an animal now extinct). The right is an extinct bird with yellow feathers (chosen for its bright color) associated with Fire. Taken together they show concepts of brightness, Fire, the Sun and the yang element.
In summary: Li’s symbol is the Sun, the source of light and heat, which the ancient diviners aligned with the attributes of intelligence and wisdom. Symbolic reference further includes a bird bringing bright messages as flashes of insight (which is characteristic of Fire). Another symbol is that of female cattle who confer images of quiet strength and willingness which is a necessary component to hold (inner trigram) and act (outer trigram) on the truths revealed through insight and acquisition of wisdom. There is an association between Fire and interdependence with other people; developing communities that are vital for civilizations.
Following are a few ideas for interpretations of each line:
Line 1 – This situation may be likened to the dawn of a new day, still not fully light. Therefore, these first steps may be somewhat overwhelmed by impressions pouring in or perhaps a sense of confusion. At the beginning, as long as one’s attempts are sincere, there is no blame and no need for overeager or perfectionistic tendencies.
Line 2 – The symbolism of yellow within this situation is very auspicious as a universal sign of light and clarity. It is also seen as symbolic of midday when the Sun is overhead, with full illumination. As long as you are maintaining your clarity and truth, there is good fortune.
Line 3 – Aligned with the time of sunset, there is an idea that the light is fading and along with it, one is advised not to allow personal attitude to diminish. Allowing fear, worry or discontentment to seep in works against you. Actively seeking happiness and contentment, even in small ways, will bring your perception to a much better place while allowing this phase to pass.
Line 4 – Allowing things to burn too fast and on the surface means they cannot be sustained. Sometimes this can illustrate an overdone response to a situation, an idea that is so over-enthusiastic it cannot possibly work or a temporary situation of angst which will soon pass.
Line 5 – Within difficulties and grief one would do best to try to remember the reality of the deeply transformational qualities of such times. In this situation, you have the ability to look with clarity and comprehension, even though it may be difficult. Following this path with clear vision can lead to a success that is sustainable.
Line 6 – This is a circumstance where one must use the clarity of mind gained through experience to differentiate between what is benign and what is not. It is necessary, after taking time to carefully ascertain the validity of your decision, to outwardly celebrate that which has value and eliminate that which is not serving higher good or best interests.