Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 5

Abiding becomes Increase

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Wind and thunder replace the two mountains as the first, third and fifth lines move, and a period of rest opens onto growth. With three lines in motion, the reading rests on both judgments. The mountain's counsel is a centered pause: no stepping past the present until outer signs give permission. The resulting hexagram, 42 Increase, describes gain and projects that prosper. Keep your integrity, learn from people who have the qualities you want, and drop habits that caused trouble before. Together they suggest that the stillness was a kind of preparation. When the signal comes, move toward what's good and correct what isn't. Growth that starts from a calm center tends to be generous and lasting. Let the new energy build on the calm instead of replacing it.

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 52 Abiding

    It's a time of stillness, of staying centered and steady: that's the best way forward in your present situation. Sometimes you need to stop, calm and confident, and wait for outer conditions to show you it's time to act. Don't go beyond what's happening now. There's no action, only a harmonious stillness, and staying that way brings success.

    Still at the back; the body is not reached. Walking in the courtyard; its people are not seen. No fault.

  2. 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.

  3. Line 1 of 52 Abiding

    Better to stop too soon than to take ill-advised steps.

    Still the toes. No fault. Lasting constancy is favorable.

  4. Line 3 of 52 Abiding

    The stillness you need now can't be forced. It has to come from a calm heart and unhurried breathing.

    Still the waist; the flesh along the spine is torn. Danger: the heart is smothered.

  5. Line 5 of 52 Abiding

    You need not only to stay still and calm but also to keep quiet, because careless words could put you at risk.

    Still the jaws; words come in order. Regret vanishes.

The trigrams

Above Mountain Wind

The way back

42 Increase → 52 Abiding
lines 1, 3, and 5

Other transformations of Abiding

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins