What this change means
Heaven below, earth above, the two meeting at last: four lines change, and Increase opens into a season of peace. The still first and fourth lines of the resulting hexagram, 11 Well-Being, shape the reading. The first describes a time of flourishing, when you're surrounded by people who share your outlook. The fourth says your inner wealth lets you genuinely support people going through need, and that doing so adds to your own well-being. The wider moment is one of harmony and understanding, when what didn't suit you moves away and what blesses you comes near. Increase's generosity comes to fruition here. Enjoy the good company. Then turn toward those who are struggling, and give from your abundance, not out of duty but because you can. Well-being shared this way tends to deepen for everyone involved.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 11 Well-Being, which stays still
A season of flourishing: you surround yourself with like-minded people.
The grass is pulled up, and its tangled roots come too, each with its clump. Setting out brings good fortune.
- Line 4 of 11 Well-Being, which stays still
Inner wealth lets you genuinely support people going through times of need. This will increase your well-being.
Fluttering. Not rich, with its neighbors. Not on guard, with sincere trust.
- 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 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.
- 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 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 11 Well-Being
A period of well-being, harmony and understanding is coming, and you can enjoy it. People and situations that weren't good for you are moving away, and in their place come people and situations that bring blessings and support. Heaven grants its gifts.
The small goes, the great comes. Good fortune. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
11 Well-Being → 42 Increaselines 2, 3, 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
- 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.