Hexagram 16
Enthusiasm
豫 · Yù · Coşku
Upper trigram: Thunder (arousing, stirring) · Lower trigram: Earth (receptive, nourishing)
Judgment
Thunder comes forth from the earth: after a long silence, a new movement awakens. This hexagram speaks of enthusiasm, preparation and the harmony of people moving together. Music and rhythm gather people in a shared feeling; a step taken at the right time gains strength. When enthusiasm joins with preparation and measure, it can find a lasting direction.
Image
Thunder bursts out of the earth with a shaking. The ancient kings made music, honored virtue and offered it grandly, sharing it with heaven and their ancestors.
Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)
- Line 1 (from the bottom)Announcing your own enthusiasm loudly can backfire. Carrying joy without turning it into show is suggested.
- Line 2 (from the bottom)Firm as stone: decides before a day has passed. Not being swept up by tempting offers and seeing what is right is valuable.
- Line 3 (from the bottom)Looking upward for enthusiasm brings regret; so does delay. Knowing your own timing rather than leaning on another matters.
- Line 4 (from the bottom)The source of enthusiasm: many gather around you. Putting doubt aside, a trustworthy union may be built.
- Line 5 (from the bottom)A lingering unease, yet not deadly. Carrying a burden even amid enthusiasm can keep a person alive and awake.
- Line 6 (from the bottom)Enthusiasm with closed eyes: sinking into fancy and habit. Waking up in time and changing direction keeps errors away.
Question for reflection
With what preparation could you turn your inner enthusiasm into a real direction?