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Hexagram 58: The Joyous

䷹ 兌 (Duì) · Joy. Shared delight and open conversation.

joy, openness, conversation, friendship

Lower trigram: Lake ☱ · Upper trigram: Lake ☱

The judgment

Joy is shared here, open and easy, like friends talking over a meal. True gladness comes from inner steadiness, not from flattery or chasing pleasure. Be warm and sincere, and others gladly join in. Joy that is honest lasts.

The image

Two lakes joined side by side, each keeping the other fresh. Gather with friends to talk, learn and practice together, so that good company refreshes everyone.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your casting, counting from the bottom.

• Line 1 (bottom): Quiet, self-contained contentment. You need nothing outside yourself to feel glad, and that brings good fortune.
• Line 2: Joy rooted in sincerity keeps you steady and away from tempting distractions. Regret has nothing to hold on to.
• Line 3: Pleasures come looking for you, offering easy delight. Chasing them leaves you emptier than before.
• Line 4: You weigh one pleasure against another and cannot rest. Choose the higher one, let go of the lower, and real joy follows.
• Line 5: You are trusting something that quietly wears you down. Be careful where you place your confidence.
• Line 6 (top): You are being drawn along by what charms and flatters you. Notice who or what is leading you, and whether you want to follow.

← 57. The Gentle Wind · 59. Dispersion →