Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 4

Increase becomes Conflict

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Water sinks, heaven rises: three lines move, and the shared upward pull of Increase splits into opposite directions. Both judgments carry equal weight. Increase speaks of gain and growth, of keeping your integrity and correcting the faults that caused trouble before. The resulting hexagram, 6 Conflict, describes a dispute that can't be solved by action, where cleverness serves better than force. Accepting that nothing can be resolved right now, letting events take their course, and seeking advice from someone wise in the matter help you through. Growth often brings friction; more is at stake, and more people want a share. Don't let the conflict eat what you've gained. Hold back from fighting for every point. Check how things started, since the beginning often holds the answer. Fix your own part in it, take good counsel, and let time cool what pressure would only heat.

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 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.

  2. The judgment of 6 Conflict

    A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.

    There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 trigrams

Below Thunder Water
Above Wind Heaven

The way back

6 Conflict → 42 Increase
lines 1, 2, and 4

Other transformations of Increase

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins