Hexagram 42
Increase
益 (Yì)
Wind over Thunder
Hexagram 42 in the I Ching represents increase, growth, and beneficial expansion. This iching hexagram 42 symbolizes a time when resources flow from above to below, when leaders sacrifice for the people, and when generosity creates abundance. It embodies the principle that true increase comes through giving and supporting others.
Key Concepts
The Judgment
Hexagram 42 represents a powerful time of growth and beneficial increase. This iching hexagram 42 teaches us that true abundance comes not from hoarding but from generous giving and wise investment in worthwhile endeavors. When those in positions of strength support those below them, everyone benefits and prosperity multiplies.
The Image
The image of this hexagram shows wind above thunder, representing how gentle influence can amplify powerful forces. In iching hexagram 42, we learn that increase comes through continuous self-improvement and the willingness to adopt beneficial practices while eliminating harmful ones. Like wind that spreads the sound of thunder, good actions multiply their effects.
Interpretation & Guidance
When hexagram 42 appears in your reading, it signals a time of growth, expansion, and beneficial opportunities. The universe is supporting your endeavors, and your efforts will yield greater returns than usual. This is an excellent time to invest in yourself, your relationships, and your projects.
This hexagram encourages you to be generous with your resources, time, and knowledge. What you give away will return to you multiplied. Support others in their growth, and you will find that your own prosperity increases as well. The principle of increase works through circulation, not accumulation.
In all areas of life, iching hexagram 42 suggests that bold action and ambitious undertakings are favored. Don't hold back or play it safe - this is a time to expand your horizons and pursue significant goals. The energy of increase supports those who dare to grow.
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."
The first line indicates receiving unexpected support or resources that enable you to accomplish significant achievements. This is a highly favorable time to undertake major projects. The increase you receive should be used for worthy purposes that benefit others as well as yourself.
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."
This line represents receiving genuine support and blessings that cannot be prevented or opposed. Your sincerity and dedication attract beneficial assistance from unexpected sources. Maintain your integrity and continue your steady efforts - the increase coming to you is destined and certain.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"One is increased through unfortunate events. No blame, if you are sincere and walk in the middle, and report with a seal to the prince."
Sometimes increase comes through difficult circumstances that force growth and development. Challenges can become opportunities if you maintain honesty and balance. Use difficulties as catalysts for positive change, and communicate openly with those in authority about your situation.
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 mediator or bridge between different parties. Your balanced perspective and honest communication can facilitate important changes and movements. You have the ability to influence significant decisions by maintaining objectivity and acting in the common good.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not. Supreme good fortune. Truly, kindness will be recognized as your virtue."
The ruler's line represents the power of genuine benevolence. When you act from authentic kindness without seeking recognition or reward, your virtue becomes self-evident and attracts natural respect and support. True increase flows to those whose hearts are genuinely generous.
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. If you seek only your own increase without benefiting others, you will ultimately lose what you have gained. Greed and instability attract opposition and loss. Remember that sustainable increase requires generosity and steadfast principles.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In love, hexagram 42 represents a time of deepening connection and growing intimacy. Relationships flourish when both partners invest generously in each other's happiness and growth. This is an excellent time for taking relationships to the next level or for single people to open their hearts to new romantic possibilities.
For those in relationships, this hexagram suggests that what you give to your partner will return to you multiplied. Acts of kindness, quality time, and emotional support create a positive cycle of increasing love and connection. Be generous with affection and appreciation.
The energy of iching hexagram 42 in love means that relationships benefit from expansion - meeting each other's friends and family, trying new experiences together, or deepening your commitment. Growth and increase in love come from opening up rather than holding back.
Career & Business (事业)
Professionally, hexagram 42 signals exceptional opportunities for career growth and business expansion. This is an ideal time to seek promotions, expand your business, or invest in professional development. Your efforts will yield greater returns than usual, and support comes from unexpected sources.
For entrepreneurs, this hexagram represents favorable conditions for business growth and scaling operations. Investments in your business, whether in equipment, personnel, or marketing, will pay off handsomely. Partnerships and collaborations are especially beneficial now.
In established careers, iching hexagram 42 suggests that helping others succeed will advance your own career. Mentor junior colleagues, share your knowledge freely, and support team success. Your generosity will be noticed and rewarded with increased responsibilities and opportunities.
Health & Wellness (健康)
Health-wise, hexagram 42 represents a time of increasing vitality and improving well-being. Your body responds exceptionally well to positive health practices now. Investments in your health - whether through better nutrition, exercise, or medical care - will yield significant benefits.
The energy of increase supports healing and recovery. If you've been dealing with health challenges, this is a favorable time for improvement and restoration of vitality. Your body's natural healing abilities are enhanced, and treatments are more effective than usual.
For those in good health, iching hexagram 42 encourages you to build on your current wellness by adopting new healthy habits or intensifying beneficial practices. The momentum is with you - use this time to establish patterns that will serve you for years to come.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, hexagram 42 indicates a period of increasing prosperity and abundant opportunities. Your income is likely to grow, and investments tend to perform well. This is an excellent time for financial planning and strategic investments that will yield long-term returns.
This hexagram favors those who use their resources generously and wisely. Money spent on education, business development, or helping others will return multiplied. Avoid hoarding - the principle of increase works through circulation and productive use of resources.
The key to financial success with iching hexagram 42 is recognizing that true wealth grows through sharing and investment rather than mere accumulation. Support worthy causes, invest in yourself and others, and watch as your financial situation expands naturally and sustainably.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
On a personal level, hexagram 42 represents a time of accelerated growth and self-improvement. Your capacity for learning and development is enhanced, making this an ideal time to acquire new skills, deepen your knowledge, or work on character development.
This hexagram encourages you to adopt the best qualities you see in others while working to eliminate your own faults and limitations. Growth comes through honest self-assessment and the willingness to change. Be open to feedback and actively seek opportunities for improvement.
The challenge of iching hexagram 42 is learning to receive as well as give. Allow others to support you and contribute to your growth. True increase is reciprocal - by accepting help graciously, you enable others to experience the joy of giving while benefiting from their support.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing associated with hexagram 42 is highly favorable for expansion and ambitious undertakings. This is not a time for caution or conservative approaches. The universe supports bold moves and generous actions that benefit both yourself and others.
The best advice for those receiving this hexagram is to act with confidence and generosity. Invest in worthwhile projects, support others in their endeavors, and don't be afraid to think big. What you put out into the world now will return to you multiplied.
Remember that increase is not just about receiving but about creating cycles of mutual benefit. Use your growing resources and influence to lift others up, and you'll find that your own growth accelerates. The principle of increase works through circulation - keep the energy flowing.