What this change means
The first and fifth lines move, and a mountain now rests on bare earth: the rising energy of Increase meets a time of erosion. The fifth line leads: a kind, generous heart is answered by help from heaven, without needing to ask. The first line urges you on toward an important project. But the resulting hexagram, 23 The Fall, describes obstacles and difficulty, when even true words may not be believed and people who misuse power are gaining ground. In that climate, kindness is your protection more than ambition. Be generous toward those who depend on you, as that is what helps you hold on while things change. If you start something large, build it on a firm base, and don't push against resistance you can't move. Let your goodwill do its quiet work, and keep your best efforts for when conditions improve.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- The judgment of 23 The Fall
It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.
It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
23 The Fall → 42 Increaselines 1 and 5
Other transformations of Increase
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1 and 2
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1 and 3
- 9Small Thingslines 2 and 3
- 12Declinelines 1 and 4
- 10Treading Carefullylines 2 and 4
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 3 and 4
- 41Decreaselines 2 and 5
- 22Good Mannerslines 3 and 5
- 21Bitinglines 4 and 5
- 8Unionlines 1 and 6
- 60Thriftlines 2 and 6
- 63After the Endlines 3 and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 4 and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.