East Almanac
English

30. The Clinging (Fire) (离)

Line 5

If this line changes it transforms into 13. Fellowship with Men (同人)

Modern reading

Six in the Fifth Place occupies the sovereign position with a humble, conscientious awareness of heavy responsibilities. Classical traditions note that genuine sorrow and vigilant introspection allow a sensitive leader to cling to wise counsel and secure good fortune.

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I Ching / BaZi reading request (from eastalmanac.com).
Page: Hexagram 30 离 — Line 5.
Interpret through classical principles in two layers: 1) Structural Evidence: identify key line dynamics, changing line pivot, or element balance. 2) Actionable Verdict: direct answer to the inquiry in plain language, followed by 2–3 concrete next steps (action-verb first) and mindful cautions. Grounded wisdom for self-reflection. Source page:
https://eastalmanac.com/yijing/30/5

I Ching casting

Although Six in the Fifth Place holds the governing center, its yielding nature amidst strong surrounding forces creates profound concern and solemn self-examination.

The traditional commentary explains that its auspicious outcome stems from adhering faithfully to noble values and seeking the wisdom of worthy mentors.

In short, letting your sense of duty guide you through moments of doubt and seeking wise advice will turn anxiety into strength.

Career

Holding a central coordinating role in a high-stakes environment can feel overwhelming, yet your acute sensitivity to risks helps protect the entire group.

Leadership traditions praise the humility that listens to seasoned colleagues and addresses vulnerabilities before they manifest. In short, treat your workplace anxieties as a reminder to collaborate closely with trusted advisors who can help carry the load.

Love & relationships

Vulnerability and shared tears can soften long-standing defensiveness, allowing both partners to connect on a deeply heartfelt level. Relationship traditions observe that acknowledging one's emotional fragility often invites genuine tenderness and mutual dedication.

In short, be willing to show your honest feelings, as vulnerability will deepen emotional safety between you.

Wealth

Managing substantial commitments requires vigilant oversight and a willingness to confront structural balance issues directly.

Conservative financial philosophy commends the steward who remains constantly attentive to liabilities and seeks professional audits to safeguard reserves.

In short, staying cautious about financial commitments and consulting dependable experts will keep your resources well-protected.

References

Original text

Line statement

5. The fifth line, divided, shows its subject as one with tears flowing in torrents, and groaning in sorrow. There will be good fortune.

Small Image

‘The good fortune attached to the fifth SIX, divided),’ is due to its occupying the place of a king or a prince.

Classical commentary

Zhouyi BenyiLine statement

Tuo is pronounced with tu and he. Occupying the honored position with a yin line, yielding and clinging to the center, yet failing to attain correctness and pressed by the yang lines above and below; hence there is anxiety and fear like this, after which good fortune is attained.

This serves as an admonition to the diviner.

Zhouyi BenyiSmall Image

Li is pronounced like li (clinging).

Yichuan YizhuanLine statement

Six in the fifth place occupies the honored position and preserves the center, possessing the virtue of cultural brightness, which can be called good.

Yet dwelling above with a yielding nature, lacking assistance below, and clinging alone between firm and strong forces, it is a perilous and fearful circumstance.

Only because of its brightness can it fear deeply, even weeping floods of tears, and grieve deeply, even sighing in sorrow; this is how it can preserve its good fortune.

Weeping tears and sighing sorrowfully express the extremity of its deep anxiety and apprehension, which the time demands. Dwelling in the honored position with cultural brightness and knowing such anxiety and fear, it attains good fortune.

If it relied on its virtue of cultural brightness and its central clinging, feeling complacent and unafraid, how could it preserve its good fortune?

Yichuan YizhuanSmall Image

The good fortune of Six in the fifth place is that what it clings to is the correct position of king and prince.

Relying on the position above, clearly discerning the principles of affairs, and maintaining itself through awe, anxiety, and caution—this is how it can achieve good fortune. Otherwise, how could it be secure?

Zhouyi ZhuLine statement

Treading in an improper position, unable to bear what it treads upon. Riding the firm with the yielding, unable to control those below; those below are firm and advance, about to bring harm to oneself. The grief is deep, reaching torrential weeping and sighing.

Yet that to which it clings is in the honored position, and the fourth line is the chief rebel; weeping and sorrowing to the utmost, it receives aid from the multitude, so through torrential weeping and sighing it attains good fortune.

Zhouyi ZhengyiLine statement

Correct Meaning: 'Shedding tears in torrents': treading in an improper position and unequal to its responsibilities, Riding the firm with the yielding and unable to control those below; the firm lines below advance and will bring harm to oneself.

Its sorrow and distress are deep, hence shedding tears in torrents and sighing in grief. 'Ruo' is an expletive particle.

'Good fortune': because it dwells in the honored position and the fourth is the chief rebel, while oneself can grieve, mourn, and sigh, gaining the support of the multitude; hence 'good fortune.'

Zhouyi ZhengyiSmall Image

Correct Meaning: This explains the meaning of 'good fortune for Six in the fifth place.' The reason it ultimately attains good fortune is that it resides in the Fifth, clinging to the position of king and prince, and receives aid from the multitude; thus it attains good fortune.

The Fifth is the royal throne; mentioning 'prince' alongside 'king' is done for textual convenience and to match the rhyme.

Sources