What this change means
Fire above, lake below, each moving its own way: three lines change, and the shared direction of Increase splits into difference. The two judgments are weighed equally. Increase speaks of growth and generosity, of following good examples and correcting your faults. The resulting hexagram, 38 Opposites, describes a situation where you're surrounded by people unlike you whom you still have to share with, so only small things can be achieved for now. Don't give in; keep your own nature, let others keep theirs, and contribute from there to something common. Growth now comes from coexistence rather than agreement. You don't need everyone to think like you to make progress. Look for the small shared ground, work on it, and accept modest gains. Your integrity matters more than winning people over. Generosity toward those unlike you can turn opposition into a working relationship.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 38 Opposites
You're in a situation of opposition: the people around you are different from you, yet you need to share with them. This means that what you can achieve for now is small. Even so, don't give in. It matters that both you and they keep your own nature and contribute from there to a shared project.
In small matters, good fortune.
- 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 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.
The trigrams
The way back
38 Opposites → 42 Increaselines 2, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Increase
- 57Gentlenesslines 1, 2, and 3
- 6Conflictlines 1, 2, and 4
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 3, and 4
- 1Activitylines 2, 3, and 4
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 2, and 5
- 52Abidinglines 1, 3, and 5
- 26Great Achievementslines 2, 3, and 5
- 35Advancelines 1, 4, and 5
- 30The Flamelines 3, 4, and 5
- 29Waterlines 1, 2, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 1, 3, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 2, 3, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 1, 4, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 2, 4, and 6
- 49Renewallines 3, 4, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 1, 5, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 2, 5, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 3, 5, and 6
- 51Shocklines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.