Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 5

Increase becomes Great Achievements

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Heaven is held inside the mountain as three lines move, and the gains of Increase are stored up for a larger leap. Read the two judgments as equals. Increase describes prosperity and growth, kept sound by inner integrity and generosity. The resulting hexagram, 26 Great Achievements, says it's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and try things beyond what you think you can do; heaven favors unusual actions because you have what's needed. One builds the reserves, the other spends them boldly. The connection is the image of Increase: seeing the good, move toward it. Now the good may lie past your usual limits. Learn from people who have done great things, gather what you need, and then take the uncommon step. Accumulated strength wasted on routine would be a missed chance; used well, it can carry you somewhere new.

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 26 Great Achievements

    It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.

    Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

The trigrams

Below Thunder Heaven
Above Wind Mountain

The way back

26 Great Achievements → 42 Increase
lines 2, 3, and 5

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