First Six (初六)
Proclaiming pleasure and satisfaction brings misfortune.
Boasting of joy before it is earned, or celebrating prematurely without substance, invites trouble. Restraint and quiet confidence serve far better than loud proclamation.
Hexagram 16
Yù 豫
Upper · Zhèn (Thunder) | Lower · Kūn (Earth)
Joy · readiness · enthusiasm · harmony · natural momentum · inspiration
What does Hexagram 16 mean?
Hexagram 16, Yù (豫), is about joy, readiness, and enthusiasm. When genuine joy and readiness permeate a situation, great undertakings naturally find support and succeed.
The Judgment
Yu indicates that feudal princes may be set up, and hosts put in motion, with advantage.
When genuine joy and readiness permeate a situation, great undertakings naturally find support and succeed. Thunder rolling over the earth symbolizes the spontaneous energy that arises when people move together in harmony. This is the moment when leadership can establish order and mobilize forces with confidence.
The Lines
Second Six (六二)
Firm as a rock, seeing clearly without haste; with correctness comes good fortune.
Grounded in your own center, you perceive what matters without rushing to judgment. This steady discernment, rooted in integrity, naturally attracts favorable outcomes.
Third Six (六三)
Looking upward while indulging in pleasure; delay in understanding brings regret.
Seeking approval from others while lost in enjoyment clouds your judgment. If you do not soon awaken to what truly matters, you will face lasting regret.
Fourth Nine (九四)
From him the harmony and satisfaction arise; great success comes. Let no suspicion cloud his mind, and friends will gather.
The source of genuine inspiration and joy lies in your authentic conviction and purpose. Trust yourself completely, and those around you will naturally align with your vision.
Fifth Six (六五)
Bearing a chronic ailment, yet living on without perishing.
Even amid persistent difficulty, you endure by holding to what is right. Constancy in the face of hardship ensures survival and eventual recovery.
Sixth Six (上六)
Mind darkened by pleasure, yet if he changes course even when completion seems near, there is no error.
Caught in the grip of indulgence, you may seem lost; but awakening and turning back, even at the last moment, brings no shame. It is never too late to choose wisdom.
Hexagram 16 FAQ
What does Hexagram 16 mean for career?
Pursue work that genuinely energizes you. When you bring authentic enthusiasm to what you do, others feel it and want to follow. Let your natural passion guide your choices, and you will find that doors open and opportunities arise without forcing them.
What does Hexagram 16 mean for love and relationships?
Allow connection to develop naturally and joyfully. Shared activities and genuine delight in each other's company build lasting bonds far more than calculation or effort. Trust the ease that comes when two people truly enjoy being together.
What does Hexagram 16 mean for study and personal growth?
Learn what fascinates you, and learning becomes effortless. When curiosity drives your study, knowledge takes root deeply and stays with you. Find the joy in discovery, and your growth will accelerate beyond what discipline alone could achieve.
What does Hexagram 16 mean for business and money?
Inspire your team by creating an environment where work feels purposeful and even enjoyable. When people are genuinely motivated rather than merely compliant, productivity and loyalty flourish naturally. Lead with authentic conviction, and success will follow.
What should I be careful about with Hexagram 16?
Beware of mistaking pleasure for progress, or celebration for accomplishment. Indulgence without grounding leads to recklessness and eventual regret. Stay alert to the difference between healthy joy and escapism; maintain balance, and do not let enthusiasm blind you to real challenges ahead.
What if Hexagram 16 has changing lines?
Read the line statement for each changing line above. With two or more changing lines, Zhu Xi’s rules decide which text leads the reading.
Original English translation by James Legge, 1882 (Public Domain). Editorial adaptation © Yijing.