Li

Judgment

離 利貞亨 畜牝牛 吉

It is beneficial. It will prosper. If you raise a cow, it will be good.

Interpretation

The Ri hexagram has Ri (Fire) in both the upper and lower trigrams. The image of the Ri hexagram is the sun rising twice, signifying light and brightness. The sun rises twice, continuously shining, and remaining in the sky. Ri means "to attach" or "to stay close."

In the commentary, Chuk means to nourish or cultivate, symbolizing growth. Bin refers to a female animal, and Binwoo refers to a cow. With the sun and the moon attached to the sky, this indicates that the situation is favorable and successful. It suggests that sacrificing a cow in a victory offering will lead to good fortune.

For someone who receives this hexagram, it signifies that their fortune is currently strong, like the blazing sun in early summer. The double sun in the sky represents an exceptionally vibrant time when one's fate is at its peak. Both above and below are fire, representing an overwhelming brightness and a time of great passion, ambition, and energy. It is a time of vitality and intense drive.

However, fire is also a dangerous force, and if not handled carefully, it can destroy everything. Thus, even though the situation is favorable, one must exercise caution and avoid recklessness. Just as one would carefully handle fire, one should proceed with prudence. Moreover, just as a cow is raised in advance for a sacrificial offering, preparing for the future and securing what is necessary will lead to success.

初九 履錯然,敬之,无咎

Initial Nine: Tread carefully, respect it, no blame.

'Ri' means to step on, and 'Chakyeon' describes confusion or disorder. 'Ichakyeon' represents the chaotic sound of footsteps, suggesting an invasion. The enemy is approaching in disarray, and caution is required. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation where the enemy is approaching in chaos. Vigilance will prevent harm. The matter inquired about in divination will be free of fault if proper caution is taken.

六二 黃離,元吉

Six Second: Yellow departure, great fortune.

The character "Huangli" refers to a bird, and the situation described involves using a bird to predict the outcome of an impending attack. The person drawing this hexagram is in a similar situation, where they are seeking guidance in a time of urgency. The work they are asking about will be auspicious.

九三 日昃之離,不鼓缶而歌,則大耋之嗟,凶.

Nine Third: The sun sets, no beating the drum or singing, only the great elder sighs, dangerous.

The term "ilcheuk" refers to the setting sun, and "ri" refers to a disaster. This hexagram speaks of an invasion by enemies while people are unprepared, leading to chaos. The person receiving this hexagram is facing a situation where enemies are intruding, and they are unprepared to resist. This will lead to harm and misfortune.

九四 突如其來如,焚如死如棄如.

Nine Fourth: Sudden, like fire, death, abandonment.

The person is facing an unexpected invasion, leading to devastation. They are in a difficult and perilous situation, with significant losses and destruction. In this scenario, the task at hand is likely to result in failure, and the outcome will be unfavorable.

六五 出涕沱若,戚嗟若,吉

Six Fifth: Tears flow like rain, sorrow like grief, good fortune.

After the enemy retreats, survivors weep, lament, and sigh in grief, yet they will soon retaliate, turning sorrow to fortune. The task at hand will be marked by sadness and despair, but a reversal will soon bring auspiciousness.

上九 王用出征,有嘉折首,獲匪其醜,无咎

Top Nine: The king goes to war, with great results, capturing the enemy, no blame.

King Wen beheads Ga’s king and captures its horde, toppling the state without fault. The task at hand will triumph decisively if pursued, yielding great gains free of error.