Li ☲ represents fire and corresponds to the heart in the five organs, located in the south. In ancient times, rulers faced south while addressing their subjects, hence it symbolizes the image of a ruler. The Su Wen - Ling Lan Mi Dian Lun states: "The heart is the ruler's office, where spiritual clarity emanates." Thus, it is the supreme organ of the twelve meridians—both the three yin and three yang meridians—governing all the spirits, and the ruler of the human body. Li, representing fire, belongs to yang and is associated with qi, yet the middle line originates from the Kun source, with true yin residing within it.

The Sun Meridian (Small Intestine Meridian and Bladder Meridian) corresponds to the Li hexagram. In the pre-heavenly Bagua, it occupies the central east position, and in the post-heavenly Bagua, it occupies the central and southern positions, replacing the position and authority of the Qian hexagram. Therefore, in the post-heavenly Bagua, Li is dominant, and the heart governs the five organs at the surface of the body. In the pre-heavenly Bagua, Qian is dominant, and the deep organs are governed by the Dantian and Mingmen. The circulation of qi and blood flows continuously, with water rising and fire descending, yin balancing yang, promoting physical health, mental clarity, and harmony with nature. This is due to the interconnection and mutual nourishment of Qian, Kun, Kan, and Li—representing heaven, earth, water, and fire—working together in a subtle and natural manner.

The Li hexagram symbolizes the Sun and fire, representing abundant yang energy. Therefore, those with the Li nature tend to feel hot easily and have a strong dislike for the cold, much like a small furnace. Fire naturally rises and spreads outward, so people with a fire temperament tend to be highly extroverted, passionate, enthusiastic, proactive, and energetic. Their movements are quick, with explosive energy, and their thoughts are as fast as lightning, often possessing the qualities of an inventor. "Li represents the sun, enduring cold but fearing heat, thriving in winter but not in summer." However, they also tend to have the drawbacks of being proud, combative, and overly ambitious.

Li-type fire individuals have an excess of heat, which affects the heart, the organ associated with fire. The heart governs blood circulation, so such individuals are prone to heart and cerebrovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and arteriosclerosis. The Li hexagram, associated with fire, features an empty center in its symbol, which represents networks and pathways—similar to the various channels in the human body.

For people with a Li fire constitution, it is important to focus on rest and quiet nourishment. They should avoid getting angry, maintain calmness, eat fewer foods that generate heat, drink less alcohol, and avoid overly spicy or dry foods in daily life. This helps to maintain balance between the water and fire, yin and yang, in the body.

For those with a Li hexagram constitution, it is recommended to choose suitable foods and herbs which supplement the kidneys and vent the lungs to allow the fire to escape and return to communication with the kidneys.

By Yu Ying

Edited by Andrew MIles