Hexagram 42
Increase
益 (Yì)
Wind over Thunder
Hexagram 42 represents increase, augmentation, and beneficial growth through the generous distribution of blessings. This hexagram symbolizes a time when resources flow abundantly from above to below, when leaders benefit their people, and when giving creates expansion for all. The image shows wind and thunder working together to stimulate growth, embodying the principle that true increase comes through sharing abundance, supporting others, and creating conditions where everyone prospers. This is a time of expansion, opportunity, and mutual benefit through generosity and wise distribution of resources.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (卦辞)
Translation: "Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water."
Hexagram 42 represents a powerful time of increase and expansion where conditions favor bold undertakings and significant ventures. This hexagram teaches that true increase occurs when those who have abundance share generously with those who need support, creating a cycle of mutual benefit and prosperity. The energy of Increase is not passive accumulation but active distribution that multiplies blessings for all involved. When leaders decrease themselves to increase others, when the strong support the weak, and when resources flow to where they are most needed, everyone benefits and society flourishes. This is the essence of sustainable growth and genuine prosperity that enriches the entire community rather than concentrating wealth in few hands.
The counsel to cross great waters indicates that this favorable time should be used for ambitious projects and significant endeavors. The universe supports expansion, risk-taking, and forward movement during this period. However, the increase must be used wisely and shared generously to maintain the flow of blessings. Those who hoard during times of increase will find the flow stops, while those who distribute abundance wisely will see it multiply. This hexagram encourages seizing opportunities, investing in growth, supporting others' development, and using favorable conditions to accomplish important goals that benefit the greater good.
The Image (大象传)
君子以见善则迁，有过则改。
Translation: "Wind and thunder: the image of Increase. Thus the superior person, if he sees good, he imitates it; if he has faults, he rids himself of them."
The image of wind and thunder together creates the powerful symbol of Increase, where the stimulating force of thunder below combines with the penetrating influence of wind above to generate dynamic growth and transformation. Just as thunder awakens and energizes while wind spreads and distributes, this hexagram represents the active circulation of beneficial influences throughout a system. The superior person understands that personal increase comes through continuous self-improvement, learning from positive examples, and eliminating negative patterns. This is not passive growth but active cultivation of virtue and capability. By observing excellence in others and adopting their beneficial qualities, while simultaneously identifying and correcting personal flaws, one creates the conditions for genuine self-increase that benefits both individual and community.
This teaching emphasizes that true increase requires both addition and subtraction, both acquiring virtues and eliminating faults. The wise person remains humble and teachable, always ready to learn from good examples and always willing to acknowledge and correct mistakes. This attitude of continuous improvement creates a virtuous cycle where personal development leads to greater capacity to benefit others, which in turn creates more opportunities for growth. The image reminds us that increase is not merely about gaining more but about becoming better, more capable, and more beneficial to the world around us through dedicated self-cultivation and moral development.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"It furthers one to accomplish great deeds. Supreme good fortune. No blame."
This line represents an excellent opportunity to undertake significant projects and ambitious endeavors. The energy of increase at the beginning stage provides strong support for major initiatives. Use this favorable time to launch important work that will benefit many people. Your efforts will be blessed with success if you act with proper motivation and dedication. This is the moment to think big and act boldly, as conditions strongly favor substantial accomplishments that create lasting value and widespread benefit for your community and beyond.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"Someone does indeed increase him; ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it. Constant perseverance brings good fortune. The king presents him before God. Good fortune."
This line indicates receiving unexpected blessings and valuable gifts from higher sources. The increase comes to you not through your own striving but through the recognition and generosity of others. Accept these blessings with gratitude and humility, understanding that they carry responsibility. The gifts you receive are meant to be used for beneficial purposes, not hoarded selfishly. Maintain your integrity and dedication to worthy goals, and the flow of support will continue. This favorable recognition from authority figures or spiritual sources validates your path and provides resources for important work.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"One is enriched through unfortunate events. No blame, if you are sincere and walk in the middle, and report with a seal to the prince."
This line teaches that increase can come through challenging circumstances and difficult situations. When you respond to misfortune with sincerity, integrity, and balanced action, you transform adversity into opportunity for growth. Maintain your principles during difficult times and communicate honestly with those in authority. Your sincere efforts to address problems and serve the greater good during crisis will be recognized and rewarded. Challenges become stepping stones to advancement when met with authentic dedication and proper conduct that demonstrates your true character and capabilities.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"If you walk in the middle and report to the prince, he will follow. It furthers one to be used in the removal of the capital."
This line represents serving as a trusted intermediary or advisor who facilitates important transitions and major changes. Your balanced perspective and sincere counsel are valued by those in leadership positions. You have the opportunity to influence significant decisions and help guide important transformations. Use this position of trust wisely to benefit the greater good. Your recommendations will be followed if they come from genuine concern for collective welfare rather than personal ambition. This is a time when your mediating role can help accomplish major beneficial changes that serve the entire community.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not. Supreme good fortune. In truth, kindness will be recognized as your virtue."
The ruler's line emphasizes that genuine kindness and sincere generosity bring the greatest blessings without need for calculation or expectation of reward. When you give from authentic compassion and share abundance with pure motivation, the results exceed anything you could plan or anticipate. Your benevolent nature becomes recognized as your defining virtue, attracting support and creating harmonious relationships naturally. Act from the heart without questioning whether your generosity will be appreciated or reciprocated. True kindness is its own reward and generates increase for all involved through the natural law of reciprocity.
Nine at the Top (上九)
Top line - Yang
"He brings increase to no one. Indeed, someone even strikes him. He does not keep his heart constantly steady. Misfortune."
The top line warns against selfishness and inconsistency during times of increase. When you fail to share blessings with others and instead hoard resources for yourself alone, you violate the principle of increase and invite opposition and loss. An unstable heart that wavers between generosity and greed, between service and selfishness, cannot maintain the flow of blessings. This position teaches that increase must be distributed to be sustained. Those who try to keep all benefits for themselves will find that abundance turns to scarcity and support transforms into opposition. Cultivate steady generosity and consistent benevolence to avoid this misfortune.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In matters of the heart, hexagram 42 represents a beautiful time of increasing love, deepening connection, and expanding emotional abundance. This is an excellent period for relationships to flourish through mutual generosity, where both partners actively contribute to each other's growth and happiness. The energy of Increase in romance means that giving freely to your partner without keeping score creates a virtuous cycle where love multiplies and deepens naturally. Small gestures of kindness, thoughtful attention to your partner's needs, and generous sharing of time and emotional resources all contribute to relationship growth. This hexagram encourages you to invest wholeheartedly in your relationship, knowing that authentic generosity creates lasting bonds and genuine intimacy that enriches both partners equally.
For those seeking love, this hexagram indicates that expanding your social circles, being generous with your time and attention, and showing genuine interest in others will attract meaningful romantic connections. The principle of increase suggests that you will receive love in proportion to the authentic kindness and openness you offer to the world. Participate in activities that allow you to contribute to others' wellbeing, as this creates the energetic conditions for love to find you. Your generous spirit and willingness to support others' growth makes you attractive to potential partners who value depth and authenticity in relationships and seek mutual development rather than superficial connection.
In established relationships, this is an ideal time to deepen commitment, expand shared goals, and invest in your partnership's future together. Consider taking your relationship to the next level through engagement, marriage, starting a family, or embarking on shared ventures that express your combined values and vision. The increase energy supports relationship expansion in all forms, whether through greater emotional intimacy, shared creative projects, or building a life together that benefits your broader community. Support your partner's individual growth and aspirations generously, trusting that their increase contributes to the relationship's overall flourishing and creates more love for both of you to share.
Career & Business (事业)
Professionally, hexagram 42 signals an exceptional period for career advancement, business expansion, and professional development through strategic investment in growth opportunities. This is the time to pursue promotions, take on larger responsibilities, expand your business operations, or launch new ventures that have been in the planning stages. The energy of Increase favors bold professional moves, significant investments in your career development, and ambitious projects that stretch your capabilities. However, the key to sustainable professional increase lies in sharing your success generously with colleagues, mentoring others, and ensuring that your advancement benefits your team and organization as a whole. Leaders who use this favorable time to develop their people and distribute opportunities widely will see exponential growth in organizational capacity and success.
For entrepreneurs and business owners, this hexagram represents ideal conditions for scaling operations, entering new markets, developing new product lines, or making significant capital investments that position your business for long-term growth. The universe supports expansion during this period, making it an excellent time to secure funding, form strategic partnerships, or acquire resources that will multiply your business capacity. Focus on creating value for customers, treating employees generously, and building business practices that benefit all stakeholders rather than extracting maximum profit for owners alone. Businesses that operate on the principle of shared increase, where success is distributed among employees, customers, and community, will experience sustainable growth that weathers economic fluctuations and builds lasting market position.
In your current position, look for opportunities to expand your skills, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute to projects that showcase your growing capabilities. Invest in professional development through courses, certifications, or advanced training that increases your value to your organization and opens new career pathways. Share your knowledge generously with colleagues, mentor junior team members, and contribute to your organization's success beyond your immediate job description. This generous approach to professional development creates visibility, builds valuable relationships, and positions you for advancement when opportunities arise. Your willingness to increase others' capabilities while developing your own creates the conditions for rapid career progression and professional recognition.
Health & Wellness (健康)
In health matters, hexagram 42 represents a favorable time for increasing vitality, building strength, and expanding your wellness practices to achieve higher levels of physical and mental wellbeing. This is an excellent period to invest in your health through improved nutrition, increased exercise, stress reduction practices, or addressing health issues that you have been postponing. The energy of Increase supports the body's natural healing and strengthening processes, making this an ideal time to recover from illness, build fitness, or establish healthy habits that will serve you for years to come. Focus on practices that genuinely nourish and strengthen your body rather than quick fixes or extreme measures. Sustainable health increase comes through consistent, balanced practices that support your body's natural vitality and resilience over time.
This hexagram encourages expanding your understanding of holistic wellness by exploring new healing modalities, working with skilled health practitioners, or learning about nutrition, movement, and stress management in greater depth. Invest in your health education and be willing to try new approaches that address root causes rather than merely managing symptoms. The principle of increase in health means that small, consistent improvements in multiple areas of wellness create compound benefits that dramatically enhance overall vitality. Consider how sleep quality, stress levels, social connection, purposeful activity, and emotional wellbeing all contribute to physical health, and make incremental improvements across all these dimensions for maximum benefit.
For those recovering from illness or injury, this hexagram brings encouraging news that your healing process will accelerate and your vitality will increase steadily with proper care and patience. Support your body's recovery through adequate rest, proper nutrition, gentle movement as appropriate, and positive mental attitude. Seek support from healthcare professionals, healing practitioners, and supportive friends and family who can contribute to your recovery process. Remember that true healing often requires both receiving care from others and actively participating in your own recovery through healthy choices and practices. The increase in health comes through this combination of accepting support and taking personal responsibility for wellness practices that rebuild strength and vitality.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, hexagram 42 indicates a highly favorable period for increasing wealth, expanding income streams, and making strategic investments that multiply your financial resources over time. This is an excellent time to pursue raises, seek higher-paying positions, start side businesses, or invest in assets that generate ongoing returns. The energy of Increase supports financial growth through both increased earnings and wise investment of existing resources. However, the hexagram emphasizes that sustainable financial increase comes through generosity and circulation of wealth rather than hoarding. Those who share their abundance through charitable giving, supporting others' ventures, or investing in community benefit will find that their wealth continues to grow, while those who grasp tightly to every dollar may find the flow of increase stops.
This is an ideal time to invest in your financial education, work with financial advisors, or develop more sophisticated strategies for wealth building and asset protection. The principle of increase suggests that money invested in learning how to manage wealth wisely will return many times over through better financial decisions and opportunities you can recognize and seize. Consider diversifying your income sources, building passive income streams, or developing skills that command higher compensation in the marketplace. The universe supports financial expansion during this period, but you must take concrete action to develop new capabilities, pursue opportunities, and position yourself to receive the increase that is available.
Practice conscious generosity with your financial resources, understanding that giving from abundance creates space for more to flow in and establishes you as a conduit for prosperity rather than a dam that blocks the flow. Support causes you believe in, help family members or friends who are struggling, or invest in ventures that create jobs and opportunities for others. This generous approach to wealth creates positive karma, builds valuable relationships, and establishes you as someone the universe can trust with greater resources because you use them wisely for collective benefit. Financial increase that is shared and circulated grows exponentially, while wealth that is hoarded tends to stagnate and diminish over time through inflation, poor decisions, or unexpected losses.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
Hexagram 42 represents an exceptional period for personal development, self-improvement, and expanding your capabilities across multiple dimensions of life. This is the time to invest seriously in your growth through education, therapy, coaching, spiritual practice, or any discipline that develops your potential and increases your capacity to contribute meaningfully to the world. The energy of Increase supports rapid learning and skill development, making this an ideal period to tackle challenging subjects, develop new competencies, or deepen existing expertise to mastery level. Focus on growth areas that will serve you throughout your life and enable you to benefit others more effectively. Personal increase is not selfish when it enhances your ability to contribute to collective wellbeing and serve purposes larger than yourself.
The image of this hexagram teaches that personal growth comes through both adopting virtues you observe in others and eliminating faults you recognize in yourself. Seek out mentors, teachers, and role models who embody qualities you wish to develop, and study their approaches, attitudes, and practices carefully. Simultaneously, engage in honest self-examination to identify patterns, habits, and attitudes that limit your effectiveness and wellbeing. Work systematically to replace negative patterns with positive ones, understanding that personal transformation is a gradual process of consistent effort rather than dramatic overnight change. Each small improvement compounds over time to create substantial increase in your capabilities, wisdom, and positive impact on the world around you.
This hexagram encourages expanding your perspective through travel, cross-cultural experiences, studying diverse philosophical and spiritual traditions, or engaging deeply with people whose backgrounds and viewpoints differ significantly from your own. Personal growth accelerates when you challenge your assumptions, question your conditioning, and open yourself to new ways of understanding reality and human potential. The increase in personal development comes not from rigidly adhering to one path but from synthesizing wisdom from multiple sources into an integrated approach that serves your unique purpose and circumstances. Remain humble and teachable, always ready to learn from any source, and you will experience continuous expansion of consciousness, capability, and contribution throughout your life.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing associated with hexagram 42 is highly favorable for initiating important projects, making significant commitments, and taking bold action toward your most important goals. This is not a time for hesitation, excessive caution, or playing small. The universe supports expansion, growth, and ambitious undertakings during this period, so seize opportunities that align with your values and vision. However, remember that the increase must be shared to be sustained. Whatever blessings, resources, or opportunities come to you during this time should be used not only for personal benefit but also to increase the wellbeing of others. Approach this favorable period with both confidence and generosity, knowing that what you give freely will return to you multiplied many times over.
The advice of this hexagram is to act decisively on opportunities for growth while maintaining integrity, balance, and concern for collective benefit. This is the time to cross great waters, to undertake ventures that seemed too risky or ambitious during less favorable periods. Trust that conditions support your success if your intentions are pure and your actions benefit others as well as yourself. Invest in your development, expand your capabilities, and position yourself to receive and distribute the increase that is flowing during this period. Avoid the temptation to hoard resources or keep all benefits for yourself, as this violates the principle of increase and will cause the favorable flow to stop.
Cultivate an attitude of abundance and generosity, understanding that there is enough for everyone when resources are shared wisely and circulated freely. Look for ways to create win-win situations where your success enables others to succeed as well, and where supporting others' growth contributes to your own advancement. This is the essence of sustainable increase that benefits entire communities and creates lasting prosperity. Use this favorable time wisely to build foundations for long-term success, develop capabilities that will serve you throughout life, and establish patterns of generous contribution that will continue to generate blessings for yourself and others for years to come. The increase you create and share during this period will compound over time into abundance beyond what you can currently imagine.