Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Increase becomes Clearing Obstacles
What this change means
Five lines move, and only the third stays: thunder and rain break loose, and the air clears. That still third line of the resulting hexagram, 40 Clearing Obstacles, is the core of the reading. Acting high-handed, or inflating your achievements as you boast of them, draws quarrels and envy that can strip away what you've gained. The broader time is one of release: obstacles have been overcome one by one, and balance matters now. Act quickly and decisively where you can, without overrating your abilities, and rest or step back if you need to. Increase warns of the same danger in its top line, so the message is doubled. Success invites display, and display invites trouble. Keep quiet about your wins. Forgive what needs forgiving. Let relief make you gentle, not proud.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 40 Clearing Obstacles, which stays still
If you act high-handed and boast about your achievements, exaggerating them, you'll draw quarrels and envy that threaten to take away what you've gained.
Carries a load on the back and rides in a carriage: this brings raiders. Constancy brings distress.
- 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 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.
- 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 40 Clearing Obstacles
The obstacles have been overcome one by one. You're in a time when balance matters: act quickly and decisively as far as you can, without overrating your abilities. If you feel you need a rest, or even to step back before going on, do it.
The southwest is favorable. With nowhere to go, coming back brings good fortune. With somewhere to go, going early brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
40 Clearing Obstacles → 42 Increaselines 1, 2, 4, 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.