What this change means
Only the fourth line holds while the other five move: a tree now rises from within the earth. That still fourth line of the resulting hexagram, 46 Going Up, holds the reading: this is a time when you can reach your goals and gain recognition. The rise is the fruit of work done with dedication, and seeking the help of an important person can bring great success; there's no need to fear that meeting. Increase hands its growth on to steady ascent. What you've been building climbs higher, step by step, like a tree adding rings. Don't hold back from approaching the people who can help you. At the same time, keep the qualities that brought you here: integrity, generosity, the habit of correcting yourself. Recognition tends to sit well on someone who earned it quietly and stays humble once it comes.
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 46 Going Up, which stays still
This is a time when you'll reach your goals and gain fame and recognition.
The king makes an offering on Mount Qi. Good fortune. 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 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.
- Line 6 of 42 Increase
If you become selfish, hoard your achievements and gains for yourself alone, and don't watch your words, this time of growth won't last long.
No one adds to it; someone strikes it. The heart is set, but without steadiness. Misfortune.
- The judgment of 46 Going Up
You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.
Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
46 Going Up → 42 Increaselines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Increase
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.