Li ☲: yin in the middle, yang outside; the image of fire

Li is the trigram ☲. From bottom to top its lines are yang, yin, yang. The middle line is broken and the outer two are solid, giving the mnemonic “Li is empty in the middle.” Its traditional image is fire, also associated with brightness and attachment.

In the usual Later Heaven arrangement, Li is south. In the Earlier Heaven system transmitted by Shao Yong in the Song dynasty, it is east. The meaning of Li in Changes studies cannot simply be equated with the modern Chinese words for leaving or divorce. The trigram name alone cannot establish that a relationship will break down.

Introductory cultural reference, not personal fortune-telling, medical or investment advice. Symbolism expresses a wish, not a guaranteed effect.