Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 6

Increase becomes Water

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Water upon water: three lines move, and both trigrams turn to the same rushing danger. The two judgments are weighed equally. Increase describes growth and generosity, sustained by integrity and by correcting faults. The resulting hexagram, 29 Water, describes obstacles coming one after another; like a stream that keeps moving and finds its way, you get through them if you don't stop, while fear would leave you stuck. A season of gain doesn't exempt you from difficulty. What it gives you is resources and practice in doing right. Use both now. Keep moving through each obstacle without panic, and don't freeze when the next one appears. Stay consistent in your conduct, and keep learning as you go. Like water, adapt to the shape of the terrain without losing your direction, and the growth you've built can survive the passage.

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 29 Water

    Just as a stream moves through obstacles and gets past them, following its course without stagnating, you're at a time when obstacles will come one after another, but you'll get past them if you can keep moving. Letting fear paralyze you will only leave you stuck.

    There is sincere trust. Only the heart gets through. Going earns esteem.

  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 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 trigrams

Below Thunder Water
Above Wind Water

The way back

29 Water → 42 Increase
lines 1, 2, 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.

Toss the coins