豫
Hexagram 16 · 豫
Upper trigram: 震 · Lower trigram: 坤
Yu (Enthusiasm): the hexagram of responsive momentum. Give shared energy a clear purpose and keep excitement grounded in judgment.
The image
Thunder rises above earth, stirring what has been quiet. Receptive ground supports a sudden movement outward. Yu means enthusiasm, ease, or joyful readiness. The image concerns energy that gathers people, together with the discipline needed to guide it.
Judgment
利建侯行師。
It is beneficial to establish a lord and set the army in motion.
The commentary praises movement that responds to an appropriate order. A team energized by a new idea often needs a clear coordinator before its enthusiasm becomes effective shared work.
Great Image
雷出地奮，豫。先王以作樂崇德，殷薦之上帝，以配祖考。
Thunder emerges and stirs above the earth: Enthusiasm. The former kings accordingly made music to honor virtue, offered it richly to the Highest Lord, and associated their ancestors with the offering.
The ancient ceremony presents shared joy as a way to remember meaningful commitments. A community celebration can similarly recognize those whose work sustains the group, without making spectacle its only purpose.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初六
鳴豫，凶。
Proclaiming one's enthusiasm. Misfortune.
Six in the first place is yin carried away before a sound basis is established. The Small Image calls its purpose exhausted, like announcing a grand project before checking whether anyone can deliver it.
Line 2 · 六二
介于石，不終日，貞吉。
Firm as a stone, not waiting until the day ends. Constancy brings good fortune.
Six in the second place is central and correctly placed yin with clear discrimination. The Small Image credits that balance, like noticing an unsuitable commitment early and declining before excitement takes over.
Line 3 · 六三
盱豫，悔。遲有悔。
Looking upward for enthusiasm brings regret. Delay also brings regret.
Six in the third place is yin out of position, seeking encouragement outside itself. The Small Image notes that mismatch, like waiting for a popular colleague's approval instead of making a considered decision.
Line 4 · 九四
由豫，大有得。勿疑，朋盍簪。
The source of enthusiasm brings great gain. Do not doubt. Friends gather like hair held together by a hairpin.
Nine in the fourth place is the single yang line setting others in motion. The Small Image sees its purpose widely enacted, like an organizer giving volunteers a concrete task they can willingly share.
Line 5 · 六五
貞疾，恆不死。
Persisting in sickness, yet enduring without dying.
Six in the fifth place is central yin constrained above strong yang. The Small Image says its center remains; the bodily metaphor can illuminate a strained organization that still retains a workable core, rather than a personal health forecast.
Line 6 · 上六
冥豫，成有渝，无咎。
Darkened by enthusiasm. Though it has taken shape, changing brings no blame.
Six at the top is yin absorbed in excitement beyond its useful limit. The Small Image asks how this could continue, like recognizing that constant social activity is crowding out important personal commitments.
When asking about
Career
Shared excitement often helps a project begin. Turn it into clear responsibilities and realistic next steps.
Love
Enjoyment can bring people closer. Leave space for honest judgment alongside attraction and shared activity.
Money
Excitement can encourage spending before reflection. Pause to check whether a purchase fits ordinary priorities.
Home
A shared celebration may renew warmth. Keep the preparation manageable and include quieter family members.
Study
Interest often gives learning momentum. Support it with a routine that remains useful when novelty fades.
Health
An active mood benefits from quiet intervals and regular sleep. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Welcome energy that serves a considered purpose. Notice when excitement becomes dependence on approval, and change direction before it consumes your judgment.
Related hexagrams
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Cast a hexagramReference content based on the I Ching classic, not a prediction.