Yu

Judgment

豫 利建侯行師

It will be good for you to set up your feudal lords and raise up your army.

Interpretation

The Yu (Delight) Hexagram consists of the upper trigram Zhen (Thunder) and the lower trigram Kun (Earth). Zhen represents thunder, while Kun represents the earth. The image of this hexagram is thunder emerging above the earth, causing vibrations.

When the weather is warm, thunder rises above the earth, but when it is cold, thunder returns underground. Thunder emerging above the earth and shaking all things signifies spring. In spring, new life grows, and all things rejoice. Yu means joy and delight.

Since thunder is vibrating above the earth, it is a time of renewal and new beginnings. Preparation is necessary for this fresh start, and thus, Yu also carries the meaning of taking proactive measures in advance.

In the hexagram statement, "Jianhou" (建侯) means to establish feudal lords, and "Xingshi" (行師) means to raise an army. The subject of this action is Duke Zhou, who established feudal lords and raised an army to punish those who indulged in decadence and pleasure.

If a person casts divination and receives this hexagram, they should reflect on its imagery and meaning. Now is the time for a new beginning. One must mentally prepare, make all necessary arrangements, and proceed cautiously, as this will bring favorable results.

Since thunder is emerging above the earth, it means the energy of heaven and earth is in harmony. Just as it was beneficial to establish lords and raise an army, any endeavor pushed forward with determination will proceed smoothly.

However, just as in all things, when progress is too smooth, there is a risk of becoming overconfident and arrogant, which can lead to downfall. Therefore, one must remain cautious and not let success lead to recklessness.

初六 鳴豫,凶.

Initial Six: The cry of prosperity, dangerous.

'Myeong' is borrowed from the character for 'brightness.' This meaning extends to signify 'midday.' 'Ye' is borrowed from the character for 'entertainment' and means 'to enjoy.' A debauched feudal lord indulges in pleasures at midday, which is ominous. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation where a debauched feudal lord is indulging in pleasure at midday. One must be cautious and restrained. If one only pursues desires, ruin will follow. The matter inquired about in divination will be inauspicious.

六二 介于石,不終日,貞吉

Six Second: Mediating between the stones, no staying the whole day, good fortune.

The character "bill(s)" refers to hardness, and "Right" means like the female principle. "Gaiwoo Seok" means as solid as a rock. The ruler who engages in indulgence but refrains from excessive enjoyment is favorable. The person drawing this hexagram is currently in a situation where indulgence is balanced. They should maintain composure and avoid indulgence, and the work they are asking about will be successful.

六三 盱豫,悔,遲有悔

Nine Third: Looking with prosperity, regret, late regret.

The situation involves a ruler who indulges in pleasure but regrets it afterward. This points to a person who is trapped by their own indulgence, causing instability. Caution is needed to avoid further consequences.

九四 由豫,大有得,勿疑朋盍簪

Nine Fourth: Prosperous, great gains, no doubt, allies join.

The term "Yu" refers to enjoyment, and "Yuyu-deuk" means to gain greatly. The hexagram speaks of a situation where someone has gained much, but it involves a slight mistake. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation where they have gained greatly, but there may be some negative consequences. Do not worry, the task will turn out well.

六五 貞疾,恒不死

Six Fifth: Persistence brings illness, but constant survival.

The person is experiencing a situation where excessive indulgence has led to illness. Despite the prolonged illness, there is no immediate risk of death. The task at hand will face obstacles, but it will not result in long-term harm or damage, so there is hope for a stable outcome.

上六 冥豫,成有渝,无咎

Top Six: In the dark prosperity, things will change, no blame.

In darkness, a debauched lord revels in women by night, only to face Duke Zhou’s army, which punishes but spares his land and title. The task at hand teeters on ruin from indulgence; though retribution strikes, what was built endures, urging restraint to avoid complete collapse.