Transformation · lines 3, 4, and 5

The Flame becomes Increase

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder below, wind above: the third, fourth and fifth lines move, and the flame becomes a picture of growth. The judgment of 30 The Flame speaks of clarity in what you do and an inner guide, and of a generous attitude that shares your light and increases your achievements. The resulting hexagram, 42 Increase, describes a time when projects can grow and prosper, and asks you to keep your inner integrity, learn from people who have qualities you'd like, and let go of traits that caused trouble before. Read together, they say: let your light grow by sharing it and by improving yourself. Watch for old habits that dim it. When you see something good, move toward it, and when you see a fault, correct it. Generosity and self-correction together are what turn this time into real gain.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. The judgment of 30 The Flame

    There's clarity in what you do: your inner self guides you toward your goals. A generous attitude helps you, one that leads you to share your light, and this will increase your gains and achievements.

    Constancy is favorable. Success. Raising a cow brings good fortune.

  2. 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.

  3. Line 3 of 30 The Flame

    Don't get swept along by life's ups and downs. Standing firm, centered within yourself whatever the outside circumstances, ensures achievement.

    The radiance of the setting sun. If no one beats the clay pot and sings, there comes the lament of great old age. Misfortune.

  4. Line 4 of 30 The Flame

    A quick rise, unless your inner strength and steadiness feed it, will be short-lived.

    Suddenly, so it comes: blazing, dying, cast away.

  5. Line 5 of 30 The Flame

    After a rise, expect a decline. If you stand firm and understand that this is life's natural rhythm, you'll recover.

    Tears pouring down in streams, sighs of sorrow. Good fortune.

The trigrams

Below Fire Thunder
Above Fire Wind

The way back

42 Increase → 30 The Flame
lines 3, 4, and 5

Other transformations of The Flame

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins