Hexagram 16, Line 6

The Line Text

Interpretation

This top line marks the culmination and exhaustion of Enthusiasm. The energy of the hexagram has reached its peak and is now declining. "Darkened enthusiasm" (冥豫, míng yù) describes a state of delusion or obsession. The party is over, but this person refuses to leave, still caught up in the memory of the excitement. It is an enthusiasm that has lost its connection to reality and has become a blind, self-indulgent habit. The situation is unsustainable, as the commentary asks, "how can this last long?" However, the line offers a way out. "If there is a change after completion, there is no blame." This points to a moment of awakening. When one finally realizes their delusion and recognizes that this chapter is complete ("cheng"), they have the opportunity to change course ("yu"). By consciously choosing to sober up and move on, they avoid the misfortune that would come from clinging to a hollow fantasy. This line is a powerful lesson in knowing when to let go.

Guidance for Action

A period of excitement and high energy is now over. Be brutally honest with yourself: are you still acting out of genuine inspiration, or are you clinging to the ghost of a past success? This line warns you are in danger of becoming lost in a delusion, pursuing an activity that no longer has substance or a future. It is time to wake up. Recognize that this phase has reached its natural conclusion. The key to avoiding fault is to consciously and deliberately change your course. This may feel like a letdown, but it is a necessary and mature step. Let go of what was, soberly assess the present reality, and redirect your energy toward something new. Resisting this change will only prolong the delusion and lead to negative consequences.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line points to a connection that is running on fumes. The initial passion and joy have faded, but you (or your partner) may be clinging to the memory of how things used to be. This is "darkened enthusiasm"—going through the motions, pretending the excitement is still there, and living in a fantasy of the past. The relationship has reached a point of "completion" in its current form. To continue without blame, a significant "change" is required. This means waking up to the reality of the situation. It may involve having a difficult, honest conversation to redefine the relationship, seeking counseling to find a new way forward, or accepting that it is time to part ways. Continuing the charade is unsustainable and will only lead to resentment.

For Career & Business

This line indicates that a project, a job, or a particular business strategy has run its course. While it may have been successful and exciting in the past, its energy is now spent. You may be exhibiting "darkened enthusiasm" by stubbornly sticking to old methods, celebrating past glories, or refusing to see that the market has shifted. This attachment to what's "complete" is dangerous. The advice is to pivot. Acknowledge the success you had, but recognize that it's time for a "change." This could mean ending the project, updating your business model, seeking a new role, or embracing a new strategy. Stagnating in nostalgia will lead to decline. The blameless and wise path is to consciously change direction.

For Financial Matters

This line is a strong warning against financial delusion and greed. You may be caught up in the hype of a past investment success, holding onto an asset long after its peak, hoping it will miraculously return to its former glory. This is "darkened enthusiasm." You are operating based on fantasy, not on a sober analysis of the current market. The upward trend is "complete." The only way to proceed without "blame" (i.e., without significant loss) is to "change." This means selling the asset, rebalancing your portfolio, and letting go of your emotional attachment to that past win. The time for enthusiasm is over; the time for sober, decisive action has come. Acknowledge the reality of the situation and make the necessary change.