I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 42: Increase
I · 益
Those above serve those below, and everything grows. A rare season of expansion — use it to act and to better yourself.
- increase
- generosity
- opportunity
- improvement
- Upper trigram
- Wind 巽 · Gentleness
- Lower trigram
- Thunder 震 · Movement
The Judgment
INCREASE. It furthers one to have somewhere to go. It furthers one to cross the great water.
The Image
Wind and thunder: the image of Increase. Thus the superior man: when he sees good, he imitates it; when he has faults, he rids himself of them.
Meaning
The hexagram 'Increase' carries the energy of Wind (Gentleness) acting upon Thunder (Movement). This moment asks for balance between penetrating outwardly and initiating inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests subtle influence combined with sudden passion. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors gradual growth grounded in new ventures. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Wind above Thunder suggests a natural dynamic of gentleness over movement.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.
Nine in the 1st place
First position: the force is still hidden and unripe. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Increase — the matter is increase: that is the theme this line is changing.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Increase — the matter is increase: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 2nd place
Second position: receptivity in its proper place. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
Natural balance. Act with correctness and simplicity, without artifice. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Increase — the matter is increase: that is the theme this line is changing.
Natural balance. Act with correctness and simplicity, without artifice. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Increase — the matter is increase: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 3rd place
Third position: weakness at a point that demands strength. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Increase — the matter is increase: that is the theme this line is changing.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Increase — the matter is increase: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 4th place
Fourth position: prudent reserve beside power. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Wind (Gentleness) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Increase — the matter is increase: that is the theme this line is changing.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Increase — the matter is increase: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 5th place
Fifth position: the place of the ruler. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Wind (Gentleness) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Increase — the matter is increase: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Increase — the matter is increase: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 6th place
Sixth position: beyond the summit, the excess. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Wind (Gentleness) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Increase — the matter is increase: that is the theme this line is changing.
The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Increase — the matter is increase: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 42 mean?
Increase (I): The hexagram 'Increase' carries the energy of Wind (Gentleness) acting upon Thunder (Movement). This moment asks for balance between penetrating outwardly and initiating inwardly.
What does hexagram 42 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests subtle influence combined with sudden passion. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 42 say about work?
At work, the energy favors gradual growth grounded in new ventures. Consolidate your base.