The Joyous (Lake)
Lake (兌 Duì) above, Lake (兌 Duì) below
Published July 22, 2026 · By Oriens
I Ching Hexagram 58, 兑 (Duì), represents The Joyous (Lake).
SourceZhouyi (周易, The Book of Changes) — hexagram 58 (兑 Duì). Chinese source: Chinese Text Project, based on 《武英殿十三經注疏》本《周易正義》 (ctp:book-of-changes/dui). Judgment: received Zhouyi hexagram statement (卦辭). English: Translation by Oriens Editorial Translation. Image: Xiang / Image commentary layer (象傳), distinct from the Judgment and line texts. Image and line English: named translation by James Legge, The Yî King (1899), public-domain translation; online reproduction. The named translation is used for the Image and line statements only.
1. Judgment (卦辭 Guàcí)
兌：亨，利貞。
Oriens Editorial Translation: Success. Steadfastness is fruitful.
2. Image (象 Xiàng / Xiang commentary)
丽泽,兑。君子以朋友讲习。
James Legge: (Two symbols representing) the waters of a marsh, one over the other, form Tui. The superior man, in accordance with this, (encourages) the conversation of friends and (the stimulus of) their (common) practice.
3. Line Statements (爻辭 Yáocí)
Line 1 of 6 (from the bottom):
初九：和兌，吉。
James Legge: The first NINE, undivided, shows the pleasure of (inward) harmony. There will be good fortune.
Line 2 of 6 (from the bottom):
九二：孚兌，吉，悔亡。
James Legge: The second NINE, undivided, shows the pleasure arising from (inward) sincerity. There will be good fortune. Occasion for repentance will disappear.
Line 3 of 6 (from the bottom):
六三：來兌，凶。
James Legge: The third SIX, divided, shows its subject bringing round himself whatever can give pleasure. There will be evil.
Line 4 of 6 (from the bottom):
九四：商兌未寧，介疾有喜。
James Legge: The fourth NINE, undivided, shows its subject deliberating about what to seek his pleasure in, and not at rest. He borders on what would be injurious, but there will be cause for joy.
Line 5 of 6 (from the bottom):
九五：孚于剝，有厲。
James Legge: The fifth NINE, undivided, shows its subject trusting in one who would injure him. The situation is perilous.
Line 6 of 6 (from the bottom):
上六：引兌。
James Legge: The topmost SIX, divided, shows the pleasure of its subject in leading and attracting others.
For the general method for changing lines and relating hexagrams, see How to Read the I Ching.
4. Modern Interpretation (Oriens commentary)
This is an Oriens interpretation, not part of the Zhouyi text.
In ordinary life, Dui points to the quality of our exchanges rather than to feeling good for its own sake. It asks whether the happiness we pursue is shared or isolating, honest or performed, rooted in reality or borrowed from others. Teams, friendships, and partnerships that practice the doubled-lake habit — open speaking, patient listening, and deliberate practice together — do not need manufactured enthusiasm; their confidence is visible because it is earned.
The hexagram is not an instruction to be cheerful on cue or to hide difficulty behind friendliness. Its caution runs the other way: it exposes the cost of performing joy that is not sincere, and it values the slower work of building trust until gladness can be genuine, mutual, and resilient.
Continue with the Hexagram 58 card and the I Ching guide; these are reading paths, not additional predictions.