Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 5
Increase becomes Loss, Then Gain
What this change means
With four lines in motion, wind settles under the mountain and something that had begun to spoil comes to light. The still fourth and top lines of the resulting hexagram, 18 Loss, Then Gain, guide this reading. The fourth warns that if you show a weak character and let stronger personalities steer you, you won't succeed. The top line says that goals reaching beyond personal interest, held firmly, are what lead to success. The wider situation is one of mistakes that have caused decline, and of recovery through admitting them and making corrections. Increase's image fits closely: having faults, correct them. Take time to understand what caused the loss. Don't hand your direction to others just because they push harder. Set your sights on something larger than yourself, act on it, and give the recovery time to arrive.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 18 Loss, Then Gain, which stays still
If you show a weak character and keep letting stronger personalities lead you, you won't succeed.
Indulging what the father spoiled. Going on: distress.
- Line 6 of 18 Loss, Then Gain, which stays still
If you have high goals, beyond purely personal interests, and let them drive you, you'll succeed.
Serving neither kings nor lords; holding one's own work high.
- 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 5 of 42 Increase
A generous, kind heart is sure to receive help and blessings from heaven.
There is sincere trust and a kind heart: do not ask. Great good fortune. There is sincere trust: my virtue is met with kindness.
- The judgment of 18 Loss, Then Gain
You've made mistakes that have brought you into decline; still, admitting it and making the corrections needed will lead you back to success. Take time to reflect on what caused the loss and, once you've acted, give success time to arrive.
Great success. It is favorable to cross the great river. Three days before the first day, three days after the first day.
The trigrams
The way back
18 Loss, Then Gain → 42 Increaselines 1, 2, 3, and 5
Other transformations of Increase
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 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.