Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 4
Increase becomes Lack of Firmness
What this change means
Four lines move, and wind now blows beneath heaven: an encounter you didn't plan for. The reading turns to the still fifth and top lines of the resulting hexagram, 44 Lack of Firmness. The fifth is encouraging: your inner worth gives you the power to change unsuitable people around you, and even your own harmful habits. The top line is more guarded: keeping your distance from people who aren't good for you may look proud or aloof, and that's still better than getting tangled up with them. The broader situation is one of unsuitable influences you may be tempted to take lightly. Increase reminds you of its image: when you have faults, correct them. Use your strength first on yourself. Influence others where you truly can, and where you can't, step back without apology. Firm boundaries keep this season of growth from being quietly undermined.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 5 of 44 Lack of Firmness, which stays still
Right now, thanks to your inner worth, you're able to transform unsuitable people and even your own harmful habits.
Willow branches wrap the melon. Beauty kept within: something falls from heaven.
- Line 6 of 44 Lack of Firmness, which stays still
Your distance from unsuitable people makes you look proud and aloof, but that's better than getting involved with them.
Meeting with the horns. Distress. No fault.
- 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.
- Line 1 of 42 Increase
It's a good moment to carry out important projects.
It is favorable to undertake a great work. Great good fortune. No fault.
- Line 2 of 42 Increase
Your inner qualities are rewarded with gains and favors from people in power.
Someone adds to it: a tortoise worth ten strings of shells cannot go against it. Lasting constancy brings good fortune. The king makes an offering to the Lord on High: good fortune.
- Line 3 of 42 Increase
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
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 44 Lack of Firmness
You're surrounded by unsuitable people or situations. You know it, but you think you have the power to control them and don't take them very seriously; it may even be a bad habit. If you don't pay attention and set firm limits, they'll take control over you and you won't be able to pull away.
The woman is strong. Do not take her as a wife.
The trigrams
The way back
44 Lack of Firmness → 42 Increaselines 1, 2, 3, and 4
Other transformations of Increase
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 64Transitionlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 14Wealthlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 16Passionlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 55Abundancelines 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.