What this change means
A lake now rests on the mountain as four lines move: the restless energy of Increase becomes quiet attraction. The reading turns to the still second and fifth lines of the resulting hexagram, 31 Attraction. The second asks you to hold off, neither hurrying nor stepping forward, until the right people and situations turn up on their own. The fifth says that staying still, not trying to sway people or steer events, is what brings achievement. The broader time rewards openness and receptivity, which let generous, supportive people come close. For a hexagram of active growth, this is a striking turn. The gains now come not from pursuing but from being available. Stop pushing your plans on others. Stay open, kind and patient. Let your integrity do the attracting. What's right for you tends to come within reach when you stop grabbing for it.
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 31 Attraction, which stays still
Wait, without rushing or taking the initiative, until the right people and situations show up on their own.
Contact at the calves. Misfortune. Staying put brings good fortune.
- Line 5 of 31 Attraction, which stays still
An attitude of stillness, without trying to influence people or events, will bring you achievement.
Contact at the back. No regret.
- 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 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 31 Attraction
You'll get good results to the extent that you stay open and receptive, which lets people come close who will support you and help you get there, generously and without self-interest.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Taking a wife brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
31 Attraction → 42 Increaselines 1, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Increase
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 64Transitionlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 14Wealthlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 16Passionlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 55Abundancelines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.