What this change means
Wind above and thunder below arrive when four lines move, the first, second, fifth and top, and the army's hard work begins to multiply. Its quiet third and fourth lines hold the advice. The third says good fortune surrounds you, with hidden blessings even in situations that look hard, as long as you do things the right way. The fourth says you can mediate between those above and those below, and that your generosity draws blessings from everyone.
The resulting hexagram, 42 Increase, describes a time of gain and growth in which to keep your integrity, learn from people who have the qualities you want, and drop the traits that caused trouble. So the commander becomes a bridge. Serve both sides fairly and generously. Watch for cutting corners because things are going well; the right way is what keeps the blessings coming.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 42 Increase, which stays still
Good fortune surrounds you: even in situations that might seem hard, there are hidden blessings. What matters is doing things the right way.
Increased through unhappy events. No fault. There is sincere trust; walking the middle way, they come before the duke with the jade tablet.
- Line 4 of 42 Increase, which stays still
This is a time when you can mediate between those below and those above; your generosity draws blessings from everyone.
Walking the middle way; speaks to the duke and is followed. It is favorable to rely on this to move the capital.
- The judgment of 7 The Army
Whatever your question, the favorable answer comes from acting with discipline and organization: face the situation head-on and speak clearly, say what you want, without trying to impose it.
The constancy of a seasoned leader brings good fortune. No fault.
- Line 1 of 7 The Army
There has to be a just cause for you to move in the direction you want.
The army sets out under discipline. Without good order: misfortune.
- Line 2 of 7 The Army
Keep up your activity and discipline to reach what you want, and you'll get it.
In the midst of the army: good fortune. No fault. Three times the king bestows his charge.
- Line 5 of 7 The Army
Choosing the situations you're able to face will keep you out of useless fights.
There is game in the field. It is favorable to seize it. No fault. The eldest son leads the army; the younger son hauls corpses. Even with constancy, misfortune.
- Line 6 of 7 The Army
You'll get real achievements and results, but choose carefully who you surround yourself with right now.
The great prince gives his command: founding states, conferring houses. Do not employ the petty person.
- The judgment of 42 Increase
You're in a time of gain and growth: your projects will grow and prosper. At times like this it's important to keep your inner integrity, follow the example of people who have the qualities you want to gain, and get rid of the traits that have caused you trouble before. Overall, it's a time of achievement and generosity.
It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
42 Increase → 7 The Armylines 1, 2, 5, and 6
Other transformations of The Army
- 55Abundancelines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 63After the Endlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 31Attractionlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 21Bitinglines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 12Declinelines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.