What this change means
Thunder bursts from the earth as four lines move, and Increase turns into enthusiasm that wants to spread. The still second and third lines of the resulting hexagram, 16 Passion, guide the reading. The second says that staying alert and reading the signs around you will tell you when to advance and when to pull back. The third says success comes from acting at the right moment. The broader time is full of drive toward action, a passion you can share with others to win their help, as long as you keep their needs in view alongside your own. Increase gives this enthusiasm a sound base. Let your excitement be guided by attention. Watch, then move; watch again, and pause if needed. Timing turns energy into results, and generosity toward those working with you makes those results last.
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 16 Passion, which stays still
Staying alert and reading the signs around you will let you know when to advance and when to withdraw.
Steady as stone. Not waiting for the day to end. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 3 of 16 Passion, which stays still
Success lies in knowing how to act at the right moment.
Delight that looks upward: regret. Delay brings 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 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 16 Passion
A time of passionate drive toward action. You can pass this passion on to others to gain their help, which lets you take on big projects with resolve and optimism. For these ventures to succeed and last, you can't look after only your own interests; you also need to keep in mind the needs of the people working with you.
It is favorable to install lords and set the army in motion.
The trigrams
The way back
16 Passion → 42 Increaselines 1, 4, 5, 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
- 31Attractionlines 1, 3, 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
- 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.