Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Increase becomes Success in Small Matters
What this change means
Of the six lines, all but the second change: thunder now rumbles on top of the mountain. That still second line of the resulting hexagram, 62 Success in Small Matters, holds the reading: recognizing your limits right now and focusing on small achievements will bear fruit. This isn't the time for great things. Living in step with that, without stretching beyond your present means, keeps your effort from going to waste. After the expansive mood of Increase, this can feel like a narrowing. Yet it's not a loss. Growth continues, at a smaller scale. Choose modest, reachable goals. Do them well. Be careful, frugal and respectful in how you act. Ambition can wait; for now, precision matters more than size. Small successes, gathered patiently, tend to keep the momentum alive until a bigger opening comes.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 62 Success in Small Matters, which stays still
Recognizing your limitations right now and focusing on small achievements will bear fruit.
Passes the grandfather and meets the grandmother; does not reach the lord and meets the minister. 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 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 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 62 Success in Small Matters
This isn't a time for great things; it's a time for small achievements. Recognizing that will help you live in step with the moment. Trying to go beyond your present means and resources will lead you astray and waste your efforts.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Small things can be done, not great ones. The flying bird leaves its call behind: it is not fitting to rise, it is fitting to descend. Great good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
62 Success in Small Matters → 42 Increaselines 1, 3, 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.