I Ching · No.42 · I / Increase

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Yî indicates that (in the state which it denotes) there will be advantage in every movement which shall be undertaken, that it will be advantageous (even) to cross the great stream.

Translation

The Hexagram Yi (Increase). Divining and encountering this hexagram, it is beneficial to have somewhere to go, and beneficial to cross great rivers. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder. Wind and thunder excite and strengthen each other; this is the image of Yi. In view of this image, the superior man, standing in awe of the power of wind and thunder, follows what is good when he sees it and corrects his faults when he has them.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Decreasing the upper and increasing the lower, showing vigor and initiative; making progress to achieve fame, and merchants making profits. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram are in good luck, striving to make progress, receiving help from others, and able to gain fame and wealth.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: A time of success, suitable for replacing the old with the new.
• Wealth 财运: Trade must be swift to yield profit.
• Household 家宅: Be cautious of wind and thunder; the marriage will be a harmonious match.
• Health 身体: Excessive liver fire.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Swift thunder and violent wind; this is a time when one's fortune is rising with vigor, a perfect moment to replace the old with the new.
• Warfare 战征: As swift as lightning and wind, a single decisive blow can restore peace.
• Business 营商: Trade when there is profit, or change the merchandise if there is none; speed is key, delay should be avoided.
• Fame & Career 功名: Wind and thunder join to form 'Yi' (Increase); one will fully realize their ambitions.
• Illness 疾病: An illness caused by excessive Liver-Wood; the treatment should decrease Yang and support Yin.
• Marriage 婚姻: Zhen (eldest son) and Xun (eldest daughter), a natural match.
• Household 家宅: Beware of the dangers of lightning strikes and wind damage to the house. Intact parts should be repaired or modified, and decaying parts should be rebuilt.
• Litigation 讼事: Reflect upon oneself, calm the anger, and the lawsuit will naturally resolve.
• Lost Items 失物: It has already been moved or altered; it cannot be recovered.
• Pregnancy 六甲: An odd month indicates a boy, an even month indicates a girl.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Zhen below, Xun above). Xun represents wind; Zhen represents thunder. As wind and thunder rage together, their power grows stronger, the thunder grows louder, and they assist and strengthen each other, resulting in mutual benefit. This hexagram is the opposite of the Sun (Decrease) hexagram. It decreases the upper to increase the lower, while the latter decreases the lower to increase the upper. These two hexagrams explain the principles of decrease and increase.

• Overall Image 大象: Strong wind paired with fast thunder, an image of growing power and prestige. The eldest son paired with the eldest daughter, the union of husband and wife, an image of increasing children and grandchildren.
• Fortune 运势: Currently in a period of good fortune, success can be achieved with the help of benefactors. It is advisable to show kindness to others; it is more blessed to give than to receive.
• Career 事业: Invest boldly and have the courage to support others' endeavors, and both sides will benefit. Advance bravely and act with resolve. As long as you remain kind-hearted, pure, and humble, your career will grow day by day, and your prospects will be limitless. Help should be timely, focusing on emergencies. In developing your career, maintain internal unity, align with the people's hearts, cultivate perseverance, and do not fear taking risks or facing hardships.
• Business 经商: Do not pursue small profits. By yielding benefits to customers, you will instead secure substantial profits. Avoid insatiable greed. When encountering danger, seek advice from others and strive for honest assistance.
• Seeking Fame 求名: By sincerely bestowing benefits on others, you will surely receive heartfelt returns and gain support; your career will succeed.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Mutual love and affection, a match ordained by heaven.
• Decision 决策: Broad-minded and ready to help others. Good interpersonal relations, gaining the support of the public. The key for oneself is to build perseverance and overcome indecisiveness. Especially learn from those who are superior to you, using their strength to enrich and develop yourself. Foster a necessary spirit of adventure. Do good to others in daily life. Thus, even when encountering danger, you will receive rescue and help from others.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows that it will be advantageous for its subject in his position to make a great movement. If it be greatly fortunate, no blame will be imputed to him.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Divining and encountering this line, it is beneficial to undertake great construction projects. Supreme good fortune, and no disaster. The Image says: Supreme good fortune and no disaster, because the people work hard and accelerate the progress of the project.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line can accomplish great things, and all matters will be satisfying. Officials will be promoted, and scholars will achieve great success.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Great undertakings can be pursued, everything goes as desired.
• Wealth 财运: With people and plans, great profit lies ahead.
• Household 家宅: The new residence is spacious, and the marriage is highly auspicious.
• Health 身体: No worries about health.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune is beginning to emerge; one can undertake great tasks and everything will go as desired. Auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: As the troops first engage, a single battle can achieve great success. Good fortune and no blame.
• Business 营商: Starting a business for the first time with abundant capital and large-scale operations can yield great profits and remain error-free for a long time.
• Fame & Career 功名: Can hope to rank first in the imperial examinations, supreme good fortune.
• Household 家宅: This house is newly built, with spacious rooms; supreme good fortune and no blame.
• Marriage 婚姻: Highly auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: This lawsuit is a matter of public interest, not out of personal grievance. No blame.
• Travelers 行人: Away from home establishing a career, not returning for the time being.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwân shows (how he whom it represents should be like) the worshipper who has washed his hands, but not (yet) presented his offerings;--with sincerity and an appearance of dignity (commanding reverent regard).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Kuan Hexagram. During the sacrifice, libation is poured to summon the spirits but the human sacrifice is not offered, because the head of the captive to be used for the sacrifice is swollen and cannot be used as an offering. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun representing wind, and the lower trigram is Kun representing earth. The wind blows across the great earth, brushing over all things—this is the image of Contemplation. The ancient kings, observing this image, took emulation from the wind that flows in all eight directions, thereby inspecting the principalities, observing the conditions of the people, and promoting moral transformation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Viewing the superior from below, traveling and observing; maintain a calm mind and peaceful spirit, and hold fast to one's post. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram find themselves in the midst of change, with restless minds; it is advisable to observe with great detail, wait for the right opportunity to act, and never advance rashly.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Xun above). The wind blows over the earth, symbolizing the widespread dissemination of moral teachings. The Kuan (Contemplation) hexagram and Lin (Approach) hexagram are inverse hexagrams (zong gua) to each other, used interactively. Those above view the world with righteousness; those below look up to those above with reverence, leading to the submission and obedience of the people's hearts.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows parties adding to the stores of its subject ten pairs of tortoise shells whose oracles cannot be opposed. Let him persevere in being firm and correct, and there will be good fortune. Let the king, (having the virtues thus distinguished), employ them in presenting his offerings to God, and there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: Someone presents one with a large tortoise worth ten pairs of shells; one cannot refuse it. Divining yields a long-term auspicious omen. The king presents offerings to the Supreme Deity, auspicious. The Image says: Someone presents us with a precious tortoise, indicating that this great precious tortoise comes from without.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will make profits in commerce and receive abundant blessings. Officials will have a smooth career path, and scholars will make progress and achieve fame.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Gaining unexpected wealth, and being able to keep it.
• Wealth 财运: As if with divine help, substantial profits will surely be made.
• Household 家宅: A peaceful home; a lifelong harmonious union.
• Health 身体: Can be cured through prayer.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Indicates gaining unexpected wealth that can be kept for generations, eternally auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: In ancient times, armies divined before moving and prayed before setting out. This line is entirely auspicious; the battle will surely be won. 'Coming from without' means one can attack from the outside.
• Business 营商: Shells and goods are currency, and 'ten' is a full number; 'someone increases it' suggests divine assistance. If a merchant gets this line, they will surely gain thick profits, eternally auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: In ancient times, appointing ministers and promoting the worthy were all decided by divination. Having obtained an auspicious omen, their prominence is evident, hence it is said: 'eternally auspicious'.
• Illness 疾病: Will be cured upon praying.
• Household 家宅: Lines two to four form Kun, which represents peace and earth, showing the image of a secure residence. Kun advises 'beneficial to persevere long-term,' hence 'long-term perseverance brings good fortune.' This house is suitable for long-term habitation.
• Marriage 婚姻: Zhen and Xun represent the eldest son and eldest daughter. The divination omen of the phoenix has been deemed auspicious since ancient times, promising a lifelong harmonious union, hence eternally auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kung Fû (moves even) pigs and fish, and leads to good fortune. There will be advantage in crossing the great stream. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Chung Fu hexagram. Offering pigs and fish; though the offering is modest, the heart is sincere—auspicious. It is also beneficial to cross the great river. This is an auspicious divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Dui, Dui is marsh. Wind over the marsh, wind rising and waves surging—this is the image of Chung Fu. In observing this hexagram, the noble person, inspired by the transformation of the state through moral influence, prioritizes moral education first, and thus carefully deliberates legal trials and does not lightly impose severe punishments.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Trustworthy and substantial, sincere and faithful; assisted by close friends, plans and hopes can be fulfilled. Small good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, the upright and sincere will find good fortune, receiving help from friends and succeeding in their endeavors; those with evil intentions will face misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below, Xun above). The original meaning of Fu is to hatch; the hatching date of an egg is highly precise, carrying the meaning of trust or faithfulness. The shape of the hexagram is solid on the outside and empty on the inside, symbolizing sincerity and truth in the heart, hence it is called the Chung Fu (Inner Truth) hexagram. This is the foundation of establishing oneself and conducting oneself in society.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows increase given to its subject by means of what is evil, so that he shall (be led to good), and be without blame. Let him be sincere and pursue the path of the Mean, (so shall he secure the recognition of the ruler, like) an officer who announces himself to his prince by the symbol of his rank.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: Due to the passing of King Wu, sacrificial offerings to the spirits and gods are increased, without disaster. Wu Geng took advantage of the national mourning to cause trouble, and the Duke of Zhou sent troops to suppress it, winning a great victory and capturing prisoners. Zhong Yan reported to the Duke of Zhou, and a sacrifice was held. The Image says: Increasing sacrificial offerings to the spirits and gods because of mourning is a natural principle.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: Those who obtain this line will make profits if they are ordinary people, but it is highly inauspicious for bad people, bringing both official troubles and disasters. Officials will be heavily relied upon and entrusted with important positions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Bitter first, then sweet; maintain sincerity and cultivate harmony.
• Wealth 财运: To seek wealth and honor, one must take risks.
• Household 家宅: Turning misfortune into good fortune; marrying amidst hardship.
• Health 身体: Frightening but without actual danger.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune has many shortcomings, but because of one's habitual sincerity, others believe in them, which keeps them free from blame.
• Warfare 战征: War is inherently a dangerous affair, and the troops are trapped in a perilous place. Fortunately, the army works with one heart and mind to report back to the main camp and gets rescued from danger, remaining free from blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: Bitter first, then sweet; difficulty first, then gain.
• Business 营商: As the proverb goes: 'If you want to get rich, walk the dangerous path.'
• Household 家宅: This house has many misfortunes; only with the virtue of acting in the middle course can one turn misfortune into good fortune.
• Marriage 婚姻: Fearing that the wedding takes place during mourning, yet there is no blame.
• Litigation 讼事: Must appeal to a higher official to obtain reliable verification, and then dismiss the lawsuit.
• Lost Items 失物: Fearing involvement in a lawsuit.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

For (the realisation of what is taught in) Kiâ Zăn, (or for the regulation of the family), what is most advantageous is that the wife be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Chia Jên (Family) hexagram. Divination regarding the affairs of women is auspicious. The Image says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Sun, and Sun represents wind; the inner trigram is Li, and Li represents fire. Fire within and wind without: wind assists the fire's force, and fire assists the wind's power, complementing each other, which is the image of the Family. The gentleman observes this image, thereby realizing that his words must have substance so as not to be empty, and his conduct must be persistent to be abundant.

Shao Yong's Commentary

People's hearts turn inward, and the family way flourishes; strict, upright, and constant, their minds cannot be swayed. Slightly auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, collaborating and working with others will be beneficial, and there are many signs of happy events. Those with harmonious families can work together with one heart to develop their careers.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (Li below and Sun above). Li represents fire; Sun represents wind. Fire makes hot air rise, becoming wind. All things should be based on the internal, and then extend to the external. What originates within takes shape without. It metaphorically implies governing the family first, and then governing the world. When the family way is correct, the world will be at peace and happy.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject pursuing the due course. His advice to his prince is followed. He can with advantage be relied on in such a movement as that of removing the capital.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: Zhong Yan reported on the handling of the descendants of the Yin royal family to the Duke of Zhou, who followed the advice and smoothly enfeoffed the Yin descendants to various vassal states. The Image says: The Duke of Zhou followed the king's command, showing that the unity between the ruler and subjects above and below is further consolidated.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: Those who obtain this line may relocate or carry out renovations; it is favorable for litigants and officials will find justice. Officials will be entrusted with heavy responsibilities by their leaders.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Difficulties are present; it is advisable to temporarily avoid them.
• Wealth 财运: Relocate to another place and open a new storefront.
• Household 家宅: It is best to relocate; look for another matchmaker.
• Health 身体: Seek medical treatment elsewhere.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: There are difficulties at present; it is advisable to choose a good place to temporarily avoid them.
• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to retreat, move camp, and urgently request reinforcements.
• Business 营商: It is advisable to report to the shop owner, relocate to another place, and start a new business market.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable to relocate.
• Fame & Career 功名: Unsuccessful; one must switch to another career.
• Marriage 婚姻: Must seek another matchmaker.
• Lost Items 失物: Cannot be recovered.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Wû Wang indicates great progress and success, while there will be advantage in being firm and correct. If (its subject and his action) be not correct, he will fall into errors, and it will not be advantageous for him to move in any direction.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Wu Wang (Innocence) Hexagram. Great progress and success, divination yields an auspicious omen. If behavior is improper, there will be disaster, and it will be unfavorable to go anywhere. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian (Heaven) and the lower trigram is Zhen (Thunder). Under heaven, spring thunder rolls, and all things sprout, grow, and multiply; this is the image of Wu Wang. The ancient kings, observing this image, made diligent efforts, complied with the seasons, and nourished all things.

Shao Yong's Commentary

No deceit and no delusion, true and utmost sincerity; in harmony with nature, blessings and wealth are deep and vast. Minor Auspiciousness: For those who get this hexagram, follow nature; those who maintain the correct path will find everything suitable. But those who behave improperly will surely invite disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Zhen below and Qian above). Qian is Heaven, firm and strong; Zhen is Thunder, firm and active. Active and strong, with abundant Yang, people's hearts are inspired, and there will surely be gains. However, one must follow the pure and correct path and not act recklessly. Innocence brings gains and surely leads to blessings.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject with sincere heart seeking to benefit (all below). There need be no question about it; the result will be great good fortune. (All below) will with sincere heart acknowledge his goodness.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: Capturing many prisoners, reassuring them and not holding them accountable, supreme good fortune. These prisoners will feel grateful for my kindness. The Image says: Capturing many prisoners, reassuring them and not holding them accountable, so that they feel grateful for my kindness, showing that this is how to win people's hearts.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will achieve their goals, and things will go smoothly. Officials will meet an enlightened ruler, and their career paths will be smooth.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Possessing a kind and benevolent heart, fame and reputation will follow naturally.
• Wealth 财运: Balancing justice with interest leads to long-lasting benefits.
• Household 家宅: The residence of a good person; visitors are either relatives or friends.
• Health 身体: Properly maintained.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: 'A good heart brings no bad luck.' Keeping benevolence in one's heart, everything will be auspicious, no need to ask.
• Business 营商: Taking righteousness as profit, interacting with honesty, sharing interests; doing business in this way yields extensive profits.
• Fame & Career 功名: Fame and reputation follow naturally, supreme good fortune.
• Warfare 战征: Punishments are certain and rewards are fair; victorious in every battle, supreme good fortune.
• Household 家宅: This is a neighborhood of benevolence and a household of virtue; one knows without asking that it is the home of a good person, supreme good fortune.
• Marriage 婚姻: Either relatives or friends, surely an old acquaintance; 'supreme good fortune without questioning'.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Î indicates that with firm correctness there will be good fortune (in what is denoted by it). We must look at what we are seeking to nourish, and by the exercise of our thoughts seek for the proper aliment.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Yi Hexagram. Divination brings good fortune. The study of the way of nourishment lies in being self-reliant. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen as Mountain, and the lower trigram is Zhen as Thunder. Thunder issues from the mountain, and all things sprout and grow; this is the image of the Yi Hexagram. The superior person, observing this image, contemplates the difficulty of sustaining life and growth, thereby being cautious in speech to avoid disaster, and temperate in eating and drinking to cultivate character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Nurturing correctness and providing nourishment, being cautious in speech and temperate in food; observing practical matters, and knowing self-scrutiny and prudence. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram must be cautious regarding speech and diet. One should adhere to the correct path and be prudent in word and deed; those harboring conspiracies will invite disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (Zhen below and Gen above). Zhen is Thunder and Gen is Mountain. Mountain is above and Thunder is below; solid on the outside and hollow on the inside. The warmth of spring nurtures all things, nourishing the worthy and educating the people in accordance with the seasons. Yang is solid and Yin is empty; the solid nourishes others, while the empty is nourished by others. Be self-reliant.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the sixth line, undivided, we see one to whose increase none will contribute, while many will seek to assail him. He observes no regular rule in the ordering of his heart. There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: No one helps him, and someone even attacks him. Under such circumstances, if his determination is not firm, things will go wrong. The Image says: 'No one helps him' is a comprehensive statement, meaning there are absolutely no helpers. 'Someone attacks him' shows that the attack comes from the outside.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious: Those who obtain this line covet fame and wealth, or face unexpected disasters, punishments, and injuries. Officials may be demoted due to greed for title and status.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Coveting title and status, leading to unexpected disasters.
• Wealth 财运: Seeking only one's own profit will surely generate disputes.
• Household 家宅: Cannot reside here for long; not easy to grow old together.
• Health 身体: The misfortune of lacking constancy.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune has already receded, and greed is excessive; guard against unexpected disasters.
• Warfare 战征: One can advance and attack without waiting for more troops or provisions.
• Business 营商: Focusing solely on self-interest—the so-called 'never satisfied without seizing'—will surely provoke disputes. Inauspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: Usurping others' achievements to gain fame; such fame will surely not last. Inauspicious.
• Household 家宅: This house is situated too high, yielding harm instead of benefit; it is not suitable for long-term residence.
• Marriage 婚姻: Fearing that they cannot grow old together.
• Litigation 讼事: The lawsuit lacks constancy, turning from inauspicious to auspicious.
• Travelers 行人: Beware of the danger of robbery on the journey. Inauspicious.
• Lost Items 失物: It may have been broken; it cannot be recovered.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kun (indicates that in the case which it presupposes) there will be great progress and success, and the advantage will come from being correct and firm. (But) any movement in advance should not be (lightly) undertaken. There will be advantage in appointing feudal princes.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Chun Hexagram. Supreme good fortune, a favorable divination. It is not advantageous to go out. It is advantageous to establish states and appoint feudal lords. The *Image* says: The upper trigram of Chun is Kan, which represents clouds; the lower trigram is Zhen, which represents thunder. Clouds moving above and thunder stirring below is the image of the Chun Hexagram. Observing this image, the gentleman takes pattern from the clouds and thunder, governing state affairs with the benevolence of clouds and the majesty of thunder.

Shao Yong's Commentary

All things are beginning to live, starting with difficulty; labor first and ease later, bitterness ends and sweetness comes. Inauspicious: For those who get this hexagram, they are in a difficult situation. It is suitable to defend and not to advance. Great effort and hard work are required to overcome difficulties before smooth progress can be achieved. This represents a sign of initial difficulty followed by resolution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking different trigrams (Zhen below, Kan above). Zhen is thunder, symbolizing movement; Kan is rain, symbolizing danger. Thunder and rain together bring abundant dangers and a harsh environment. 'Chun' originally refers to plants sprouting from the earth. As all things begin to grow, they are full of hardships and obstacles, but if they follow the seasons and correspond to destiny, they will surely flourish.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.