What this change means
Thunder upon thunder: the whole upper trigram changes, and the wind of Increase turns into a second clap. With three lines moving, the judgments are weighed side by side. Increase is a time of gain and growth, kept sound by integrity, good examples and correction of faults. The resulting hexagram, 51 Shock, describes unexpected events that would frighten others, and asks you to stay in control and act calmly, without losing your composure, which lets you succeed where others fail. The combination suggests that growth may come with sudden jolts. Don't let surprises knock you off course. The steadiness you've practiced, your inner integrity, is what holds now. Take a breath before reacting. Look inward and check yourself, then act. What startles others can become, for you, a chance to show calm and gain trust.
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 51 Shock
When unexpected situations come along that would frighten others, keep control and act calmly, without losing your composure. This attitude will get you results in what you want and let you succeed where others fail.
Success. Thunder comes, and there is dread; then laughter and easy talk. The thunder alarms a hundred leagues around, yet neither the ladle nor the sacrificial wine is let fall.
- 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.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
51 Shock → 42 Increaselines 4, 5, and 6
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
- 38Oppositeslines 2, 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
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.