Hexagram 16: Enthusiasm
Joyous movement, motivation
| Chinese | 豫 (Yù) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☳ Thunder — The Arousing (Wood) |
| Lower trigram | ☷ Earth — The Receptive (Earth) |
| Keywords | enthusiasm, joy, movement, harmony |
| Opposite | Hexagram 9: Small Taming |
| Inverted | Hexagram 15: Modesty |
What does Hexagram 16 (Enthusiasm) mean?
Enthusiasm 豫 (Yù) is hexagram 16 of the I Ching, formed by Thunder (The Arousing) over Earth (The Receptive). Its theme is joyous movement, motivation, with key ideas of enthusiasm, joy, movement, harmony. The Judgment reads: “Enthusiasm. It furthers one to install helpers and to set armies marching.”
The Judgment of Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm. It furthers one to install helpers and to set armies marching.
The Image of Enthusiasm
Thunder comes resounding out of the earth.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 16
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Six at the beginning
“Enthusiasm that expresses itself — brings misfortune.”
Boasting about enthusiasm before acting invites resistance. Let results speak rather than proclamations.
Six in the second place
“Firm as a rock. Not a whole day. Perseverance brings good fortune.”
Seeing clearly and acting swiftly at the right moment — not hesitating a full day — is the key to good fortune.
Six in the third place
“Enthusiasm that looks upward creates remorse. Hesitation brings remorse.”
Looking to others for validation of your enthusiasm, or hesitating to follow it, both lead to regret. Act from your own centre.
Nine in the fourth place
“The source of enthusiasm. He achieves great things. Doubt not. You gather friends around you as a hair clasp gathers the hair.”
Being the genuine source of inspiring energy draws people naturally. Without doubt, the leader creates a field of joyful movement.
Six in the fifth place
“Persistently ill, and still does not die.”
Trapped in a position that drains vitality but falls short of decisive crisis. Endurance without resolution is its own warning.
Six at the top
“Deluded enthusiasm — but if after completion one changes, there is no blame.”
Being swept away by excitement leads to error; but honest recognition and correction after the fact restores integrity.
Will Enthusiasm answer your question?
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