#hexagram 30

Fire over Fire: A simple moral lesson — as fire clings to its source for nourishment, one must cling to the good. The various images of fire presented are always controlled uses, recalling the cow or ox, marvellous beasts whose strength is rendered useful through constant attention.

Richard and Hellmut Wilhelm (in Eight Lectures on the I Ching) suggest a deeper meaning — that of an entangling net — another strong image that logically follows from the received interpretations. Ill-considered actions and struggle only tightens one’s entanglement.

Only in the fourth line do we see a hint of uncontrolled fire, which flares up quickly and then dies.

On this cautionary note, the first “half” of the I Ching comes to a close. As noted elsewhere, a series that started with the most enduring of concepts and energies — Heaven and Earth — ends with the most transient: Water and Fire.

30 Clinging

Clinging to the good will transforms the great wide world. Care for docile things.

6 Capturing the ring- leader, the underlings set free. Transforming all.

5 Shedding tears of joy, releasing your past errors: free to move forward.

4 Haste makes the greatest waste. Bright fires burn quickest. Don’t set yourself ablaze.

3 Sundown – a time for caution. The young party as elders weep. Ill luck.

2 Golden heart of fire. Balanced and in harmony on the middle way.

The Brightness #bbking

He was the king, and they said that being Fire over Fire, he could walk through flames and emerge unscathed.

The I Ching’s double fire sign, Li, means “to cling to something,” and “the brightness.” A luminous thing must contain something within itself that perseveres; otherwise it will burn itself out. It must hold fuel to nourish the flame.

Oh yes, Lord, he held on to it. The clinging fused…

Clinging to the good will transforms the great wide world. Care for docile things.

6 Capturing the ring- leader, the underlings set free. Transforming all.

5 Shedding tears of joy, releasing your past errors: free to move forward.

4 Haste makes the greatest waste. Bright fires burn quickest. Don’t set yourself ablaze.

3 Sundown – a time for caution. The young party as elders weep. Ill luck.

2 Golden heart of fire. Balanced and in harmony on the middle way.

1 Your steps are awry— Right intent, premature acts. Attend with greatest care.

Fire over Fire: A simple moral lesson — as fire clings to its source for nourishment, one must cling to the good. The various images of fire presented are always controlled uses, recalling the cow or ox, marvellous beasts whose strength is rendered useful through constant attention.

Richard and Hellmut Wilhelm (in Eight Lectures on the I Ching) suggest a deeper meaning — that of an entangling net — another strong image that logically follows from the received interpretations. Ill-considered actions and struggle only tightens one’s entanglement.

Only in the fourth line do we see a hint of uncontrolled fire, which flares up quickly and then dies.

THE CLINGING, FIRE

Cling to the power of higher truth. It is the nature of being human that we are dependent in many ways: dependent on water, air and food for nourishment; dependent on shelter for warmth and protection; dependent on each other for family life and friendship. We are also spiritually dependent: when challenges arise, each of us must have someplace to turn to for guidance and support.

The image is a fire clinging to the wood that it burns. Without a source of fuel, there can be no fire.

Likewise, a person without a source of spiritual sustenance cannot give off light in dark and challenging times.

Difficult situations tempt us to doubt the power of humility, acceptance and correct behavior. We long to abandon our inner balance and lash out. It is just at such moments that it is most important to cling to what we know to be good, true and correct – like fire clings to the log it burns. By doing this we obtain the aid of the Higher Power.

You are advised to cling to proper principles now. Quietly, willingly, joyfully cling to what is superior in yourself; cling to the possibility of a positive outcome in the situation that faces you, no matter how unlikely it may seem; cling to the good in others, even when it is obscured by inferior influences; and cling to the power of God to deliver truth where it is needed.

Trying times bring us the gift of showing where our devotion to proper principles ends.

Deepen that devotion now, cling to truth, acceptance and independence and you will meet with success.

A steady mind and heart meet with success.

Be content to progress step by step. Worry and agitation only slow you down now.

A true change of heart is possible when we accept the necessity of adversity.