Transformation · lines 2 and 4
Increase becomes Treading Carefully
What this change means
Heaven above, the lake below: as the second and fourth lines move, the gusting energy of Increase settles into a careful step. The fourth line leads. You can be the link between people at different levels, and your generosity earns trust on every side. The second line adds that your inner qualities draw favor and gains from people in power. The resulting hexagram, 10 Treading Carefully, describes a delicate situation. If you move with awareness and gentleness, even potential rivals tend to give way, and may become allies. This is where mediation shows its value. Being trusted by powerful people and by those beneath them can stir resentment, so how you carry yourself matters. Stay courteous, respect distinctions of role, and don't let favor make you careless. Grace and tact keep the position you've earned.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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.
- 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 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
10 Treading Carefully → 42 Increaselines 2 and 4
Other transformations of Increase
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1 and 2
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1 and 3
- 9Small Thingslines 2 and 3
- 12Declinelines 1 and 4
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 3 and 4
- 23The Falllines 1 and 5
- 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.