I Ching · No.16 · Yü / Enthusiasm

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Yü indicates that, (in the state which it implies), feudal princes may be set up, and the hosts put in motion, with advantage.

Translation

Yü (Enthusiasm). Favorable for establishing feudal lords and mobilizing armies. The Image says: The upper trigram is Zhen (Thunder) representing thunder, and the lower trigram is Kun (Earth) representing the earth. Spring thunder rumbles and the earth shakes, stimulating and bringing forth all things; this is the image of the Yü hexagram. Observing this, the ancient kings took inspiration from the thunder that fills the earth to create music, praising virtue, presenting it magnificently to the Supreme Lord (Shangdi) and extending the honor to their ancestors.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Thunder emerges from the earth; pleasing, obedient, and joyful. In times of peace and happiness, one must guard against troubles and adversity. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram accord with heaven and adapt to the times. Everything goes auspiciously, and one can receive assistance from elders. However, one must guard against sexual temptations and must not indulge in the world of sensual pleasures.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Spring thunder stirs; all affairs are auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: New goods entering the market will surely bring great profit.
• Household 家宅: Praying to the deities and offering sacrifices to ancestors can ensure peace and safety.
• Health 身体: Pray and calm the mind.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently, it is like spring thunder stirring; you have met the right timing, and all things are auspicious.
• Business 营商: It is the time when new goods have just arrived and market prices are soaring. This is an excellent opportunity and will surely yield great profits.
• Household 家宅: Beware of changes. It is advisable to worship deities and sacrifice to ancestors to pray for blessings and protection, which will bring peace.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable to pray.
• Warfare 战征: Swift and resolute as thunder and wind; a sign of sure victory.
• Fame & Career 功名: The so-called 'a clap of thunder from the plain'; a sign of rapid promotion in the near future.
• Lost Items 失物: Will appear naturally.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Zhen above). Kun represents Earth and compliance; Zhen represents Thunder and movement. Thunder emerges according to the season, signifying the return of spring to the earth. Acting in compliance is the source of harmony and joy. This hexagram and the Qian (Modesty) hexagram are reverse hexagrams (zong gua) to each other, interacting with one another.

• Overall Image 大象: Thunder emerges from the earth; the yang energy surges, and all things flourish and thrive.
• Fortune 运势: Smooth, peaceful, and stable; one can obtain assistance from elders, but must guard against sexual temptations. In all matters, one should be prepared for action.
• Career 事业: Extremely smooth; your career can achieve success. However, you must be realistic, go with the flow, work hard, and establish a far-reaching vision. In particular, do not let your guard down or abandon your cautious attitude due to smooth career progress, falling into laziness and self-indulgence. Otherwise, you will surely regret it when it is too late.
• Business 经商: The opportune time has arrived, and you should take bold action. Even if setbacks occur, you can quickly turn danger into safety. You should strengthen cooperation with others, be open and honest, and develop the business together.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Naturally intelligent; if you can maintain upright character, demand much of yourself, strive for progress, and do not stop advancing due to pride or satisfaction with past achievements, but instead work conscientiously and tirelessly, you will surely achieve great success.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Extremely smooth, with a lifetime of smoothness and auspiciousness. However, you must never lower your guard, let alone play with emotions, or a tragedy will occur.
• Decision 决策: A smooth life without major setbacks; you can easily obtain what you deserve. But the key lies in your own efforts and struggle. You must not indulge in ease and pleasure, nor lose your ambition through self-indulgence. Being open-minded and magnanimous is beneficial to health and longevity. Even if you encounter unexpected disasters, as long as you strictly demand of yourself, maintain purity and integrity, remember sorrow in times of joy, and prepare for danger in times of peace, you will surely turn crisis into safety.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows its subject proclaiming his pleasure and satisfaction. There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: Expressing enthusiasm/pleasure and boasting of it brings misfortune. The Image says: 'Six at the beginning expresses enthusiasm'; its will is exhausted, and its reputation and life will surely be ruined.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: Those who obtain this line will face setbacks, disputes, and obstacles to progress. Officials should not lose themselves in success and must remain cautious to avoid disaster. Scholars, however, may make a sudden rise to fame.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Losing oneself in success, leading to difficulties.
• Wealth 财运: Profit can be gained initially; avoid excessive greed.
• Household 家宅: Strange and alarming events; guard against danger.
• Health 身体: Quite unfavorable.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Initial fortune is quite good, but once successful, boasting and exaggeration will lead to ruin.
• Business 营商: Profit will surely be gained at first; avoid excessive greed.
• Household 家宅: Fearing the cries of birds and howls of apes, which may bring strange and alarming frights; misfortune.
• Illness 疾病: Unfavorable.
• Litigation 讼事: The grievance voiced is not redressed; it is advisable to drop the lawsuit voluntarily.
• Lost Items 失物: Will not be found.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kăn gives the intimation of ease and development. When (the time of) movement (which it indicates) comes, (the subject of the hexagram) will be found looking out with apprehension, and yet smiling and talking cheerfully. When the movement (like a crash of thunder) terrifies all within a hundred lî, he will be (like the sincere worshipper) who is not (startled into) letting go his ladle and (cup of) sacrificial spirits.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Zhen Hexagram. When the sacrifice is approached, the sound of thunder arrives, making some people tremble with fear; yet shortly afterward, they talk and laugh as usual. A sudden clap of thunder shocks a hundred li, yet some remain calm and composed, holding the sacrificial ladle without spilling a single drop of wine. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Symbols) says: The upper and lower trigrams of this hexagram are both Zhen, and Zhen is thunder. Thus, successive claps of thunder form the image of the Zhen Hexagram. The gentleman, in accordance with this, stands in awe and dread, examining and cultivating his character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Successive thunderclaps resound; one should exert oneself and strive for progress. First difficult, then easy; first bitter, then sweet. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should rise up and strive, for much can be achieved; however, while the surface appears prosperous, there may be hidden difficulties within. One should be cautious in speech and behavior to avoid losses.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Zhen below, Zhen above). Zhen is thunder. The doubling of Zhen creates a resounding echo, which clears away stagnant air, leading to smooth progress and prosperity. In daily life, one should prepare for danger in times of peace, harboring a sense of reverence and fear without daring to slacken, so that even in the face of sudden emergencies, one remains calm, talking and laughing as usual.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows one who is firm as a rock. (He sees a thing) without waiting till it has come to pass; with his firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second line: Wedged in a crevice of rocks, fortunately rescued before the day ends. Divination brings good fortune. The Image says: 'The hardship ends in less than a day, and divination brings good fortune' because the second line is in the central position of the lower trigram, like a person holding the central and correct path.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will make a profit. Officials should retire at the height of their careers; scholars have the opportunity to become famous.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Noble character, not chasing after vanity.
• Wealth 财运: Set your own mind and make profits quickly.
• Household 家宅: Manage the household with strict integrity and reject base people.
• Health 身体: New illness can be cured; chronic illness will be forgotten.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The person has noble conduct, not rising and falling with the world's tides; auspicious.
• Business 营商: Able to determine one's own will, not swayed by dishonest merchants; shipping is fast and profits are made.
• Household 家宅: The head of the household should maintain strict control; quickly reject any interactions with undesirable people. Auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: As the saying goes: 'Defend like a mountain, attack like fire'; able to assess the situation.
• Illness 疾病: New illness will heal immediately, and chronic illness will disappear within the day.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl; birth is imminent.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state indicated by) Kieh advantage will be found in the south-west. If no (further) operations be called for, there will be good fortune in coming back (to the old conditions). If some operations be called for, there will be good fortune in the early conducting of them.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsieh (Deliverance) Hexagram. It is advantageous to move toward the southwest. But if there is no definite destination, it is better to return; returning is auspicious. If there is a definite destination, it is advisable to set out early; setting out early is auspicious. The Great Symbolism says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Chen, representing thunder; the lower trigram is K'an, representing rain. Thunder and rain work together, nourishing and developing all things, which is the image of Deliverance. The noble person views this hexagram, and thereby pardons mistakes and forgives criminals.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Difficulties are dissolved and scattered; resolving hardships and settling disputes. Seize the opportunity and proceed early. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram can free themselves from previous difficulties. It is advisable to seize good opportunities to plan endeavors; it is even better for those going abroad to seek undertakings.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (K'an below and Chen above). Chen is thunder and movement; K'an is water and danger. Danger is within, movement is without. In severe winter, heaven and earth are closed and blocked; at the extreme of stillness, movement begins. All things are renewed, winter departs and spring arrives, and all things are dissolved—this is Hsieh (Deliverance).

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows one looking up (for favours), while he indulges the feeling of pleasure and satisfaction. If he would understand!--If he be late in doing so, there will indeed be occasion for repentance.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third line: Indulging in lazy recreation will bring regret; combined with negligence and carelessness, the regret will be too late. The Image says: 'Indulging in lazy recreation will bring regret,' because the third line is in a yang position, which is an improper placement, like a person's actions not matching their position.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: Those who obtain this line act opportunistically, and right and wrong are inconsistent.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Improper conduct on one's own part, hence there is regret.
• Wealth 财运: Fleeting; make profits quickly.
• Household 家宅: Quickly guard against theft.
• Health 身体: Seek medical attention immediately.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently, fortune is not bad, but one's own conduct is improper, hence there is regret.
• Business 营商: Being able to observe market trends is the strength of a merchant; however, once information is obtained, buying and selling should be decided immediately. Any hesitation will leave you behind others.
• Household 家宅: Must guard against theft; quickly prepare and stay alert.
• Lost Items 失物: Seek quickly and it will be found; delay and it will be gone.
• Litigation 讼事: Should be settled quickly.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsiâo Kwo indicates that (in the circumstances which it implies) there will be progress and attainment. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. (What the name denotes) may be done in small affairs, but not in great affairs. (It is like) the notes that come down from a bird on the wing;--to descend is better than to ascend. There will (in this way) be great good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsiao Kuo hexagram. Success, this is a favorable divination. However, it is only suitable for small matters, not for great matters. A flying bird passes through the sky, leaving its voice by the ear, warning people: ascending leads to danger, while descending brings good fortune. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Gen, representing Mountain; the upper trigram is Zhen, representing Thunder. Thunder over the mountain is the image of Hsiao Kuo. The superior man, observing this image, stands in awe of the heavenly thunder and dares not commit transgressions. Thus, in his conduct, he does not exceed in humility; in mourning, he does not exceed in grief; in expenditure, he does not exceed in thrift; he only seeks moderation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Yin is compliant and Yang is trapped; gentleness and flexibility are in action. Maintain caution and self-control; rapid advance is unfavorable. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, all matters are unfavorable. It is suitable for small things, but not for great things. Furthermore, guard against disputes and litigation arising from one's own mistakes.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the overlapping of two different trigrams (lower Gen, upper Zhen). Gen is Mountain, and Zhen is Thunder. Thunder rumbles over the mountain, which cannot but inspire awe. Yang is great and Yin is small; the four Yin lines on the outside exceed the two Yang lines in the middle, hence it is called 'Hsiao Kuo' (Preponderance of the Small), indicating a small excess.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows him from whom the harmony and satisfaction come. Great is the success which he obtains. Let him not allow suspicions to enter his mind, and thus friends will gather around him.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth line: Hunting for pleasure and capturing a large quantity of birds and beasts. In divination, do not doubt that friends are gossiping and slandering you. The Image says: 'Hunting for pleasure and capturing a large quantity of birds and beasts' shows a great harvest, achieving one's desires.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will make progress and win fame, and profit from business. Officials will find kindred spirits, with promising prospects for advancement.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Great fortune is in progress; there is no need to worry.
• Wealth 财运: A gathering of goods; great profitability in the market.
• Household 家宅: Blessings and wealth are obtained.
• Health 身体: No need to worry.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently, great fortune is open and smooth.
• Business 营商: Gathering various goods, yielding great profit.
• Household 家宅: The household is harmonious and prosperous, gaining wealth and blessings; a family of great abundance.
• Fame & Career 功名: Forecasting the celebration of official appointment/promotion.
• Litigation 讼事: The lawsuit is dropped herewith, and both parties are pleased.
• Travelers 行人: Surely signifies returning fully loaded.
• Travel 出行: Proceeding forward from here, it will be smooth sailing all the way with great joy; indeed, there is no need for doubt.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy; easy to raise and rear, and destined for nobility.
• Lost Items 失物: Found immediately.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khwăn (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man (here intended) has to make any movement, if he take the initiative, he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his (proper) lord. The advantageousness will be seen in his getting friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Supreme good fortune and benefit. Divining about a mare yields an auspicious sign. If the gentleman takes a journey, he first loses his way, but later finds his master; auspicious. Traveling to the southwest, he gains property; traveling to the northeast, he loses property. Divining about settling down yields an auspicious sign. The Great Image says: The condition of the Earth is receptive and spacious, conforming to the Way of Heaven. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the Earth, sustaining all things with his deep virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Gentle, yielding, harmonious, and quiet, possessing the virtue of carrying things with depth; quietly guarding peaceful compliance, while rash action invites loss. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram should adapt to the flow of fortune, control movement with stillness, and avoid acting independently; complying with others and cooperating will lead to great success.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Kun below, Kun above) and is Yin in nature. It symbolizes the Earth (opposite to the Qian hexagram), complying with Heaven. It sustains all things, extending boundlessly. The Kun hexagram is symbolized by a mare, indicating that the Way of the Earth gives birth to and nurtures all things, while complying with Heaven and following the seasons with a gentle disposition. It uses 'first losing one's way, then finding' to prove that Kun complies with Qian and follows Qian, thereby grasping the correct direction, adhering to the right path, and obtaining good fortune.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth six, divided, shows one with a chronic complaint, but who lives on without dying.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth line: Divining about illness; one will not die for a long time. The Image says: The text of 'Six in the fifth line' speaks of illness because the yin line six in the fifth position sits above the yang line nine in the fourth position, showing the weak riding on the strong. 'Not dying for a long time' is because the fifth line occupies the central position of the upper trigram, which is the image of not dying.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: Those who obtain this line have many worries, face disasters, or suffer from abdominal illnesses. Officials are often self-satisfied and rely on favor to secure patronage, making mistakes unavoidable.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Weak in character, finding it difficult to pull oneself together.
• Wealth 财运: Improper use of people, resulting in losses.
• Household 家宅: Fearing encroachment or being occupied.
• Health 身体: Living on despite illness.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Knowing that the person is inherently noble, but because of a naturally weak character, they cannot stir themselves to action.
• Business 营商: The foundation of the business is very good, but due to improper employment of people, money falls into the hands of others, almost leading to depletion.
• Household 家宅: Fearing that temporary residents will encroach upon the property, leaving the owner unable to make their own decisions.
• Warfare 战征: The deputy commander usurps power, and the chief commander loses authority; though the army is not defeated, it is only a narrow escape.
• Illness 疾病: It is a chronic condition of living on despite illness.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy; he will surely have illnesses.
• Lost Items 失物: Can be recovered.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state denoted by) Ȝhui, the king will repair to his ancestral temple. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man; and then there will be progress and success, though the advantage must come through firm correctness. The use of great victims will conduce to good fortune; and in whatever direction movement is made, it will be advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Ts'ui (Gathering Together). Prosperity. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is advantageous to see the great man, leading to success; this is a favorable and correct omen. Offering great sacrificial animals (oxen) is auspicious, and having a destination to go to is advantageous. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, Dui is the Lake; the lower trigram is Kun, Kun is the Earth. The lake water overflowing onto the earth is the image of Ts'ui. The gentleman, observing this image, takes warning from the overflowing floods and gathering disasters, thereby repairing weapons to guard against unexpected rebellions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Abundant resources and rich gathering; guided and assisted by nobility, everything is favorable. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram enjoy excellent fortune, receive help from benefactors, reap abundant profits, and succeed in all endeavors.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Kun below, Dui above). Kun is Earth and yielding; Dui is Lake and water. The lake overflows and submerges the earth, and with many people contending, crises will lurk everywhere. One must obey Heaven and employ the worthy, prepare for a rainy day, remain gentle yet cheerful, bring out the best in one another, and live and work in peace. Ts'ui means gathering and unity.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost six, divided, shows its subject with darkened mind devoted to the pleasure and satisfaction (of the time); but if he change his course even when (it may be considered as) completed, there will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: Indulging in pleasure even when the end is near; what has been accomplished will also fall into ruin. The Image says: 'Indulging in pleasure even when the end is near'; occupying a high position with this, how can it last long?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: Those who obtain this line will suffer from litigation and disputes due to excessive pride; however, if they can mend their ways and maintain a peaceful mind, they will avoid error. Officials may be suspected of corruption and must protect themselves through wisdom.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Winter departs and spring arrives; strive and be proactive.
• Wealth 财运: Change the old for the new, and profit will be made.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable to relocate or renovate.
• Health 身体: There should be a turn for the better.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently, bad luck has reached its extreme, and good luck is about to arrive. If you shake off apathy and stir yourself to action, there is great promise.
• Business 营商: It is advisable to change plans and renew the business from old to new; profit will surely be gained.
• Household 家宅: The old house is unfavorable; either relocating or renovating is auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to dispatch another commander and change the flags and course to win victory; or march the troops along a different path.
• Litigation 讼事: It is advisable to drop the lawsuit and reconcile; no blame.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth will occur in a month; a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Ȝin we see a prince who secures the tranquillity (of the people) presented on that account with numerous horses (by the king), and three times in a day received at interviews.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Chin (Progress). Marquis Kang used the fine horses bestowed by King Cheng to breed horses, mating them multiple times in a single day. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: 'The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing the sun; the lower trigram is Kun, representing the earth. The sun shines upon the earth, and all things are bathed in its glory'—this is the image of Chin. In accordance with this, the superior man brightens his own bright virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun rises above the earth, and all things progress; rewards are generous, and all plans succeed. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is like the rising sun, with booming fortune, abundant income, successful undertakings, and everything going as desired.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below and Li above). Li is the sun, representing brightness; Kun is the earth. The sun hangs high, illuminating the earth; the earth is humble and receptive, and all things grow. It is open, honest, gentle in its advance, and moving upward, symbolizing a flourishing and progressing career.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.