Hexagram 46
Pushing Upward
升 (Shēng)
Earth over Wind
Hexagram 46 represents gradual but steady advancement and growth. This hexagram symbolizes the natural process of pushing upward like a plant growing from the earth, embodying patience, perseverance, and organic development toward success.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (卦辞)
Translation: "Pushing Upward has supreme success. One must see the great man. Fear not. Departure toward the south brings good fortune."
Hexagram 46 represents the power of gradual, organic growth and advancement. This hexagram teaches us about the importance of patient development and the value of seeking guidance from those who can support our upward journey. Pushing Upward symbolizes natural progress that cannot be forced but unfolds through consistent effort and proper timing.
Like a tree growing from the earth, advancement comes through steady effort and the support of those who nurture your growth. The reference to seeing the "great man" emphasizes the importance of mentorship and guidance in times of ascent.
The Image (大象传)
君子以顺德，积小以高大。
Translation: "Within the earth, wood grows: the image of Pushing Upward. Thus the superior person of devoted character heaps up small things in order to achieve something high and great."
The image of this hexagram shows wood growing within the earth, representing the invisible but powerful force of natural growth. In hexagram 46, we learn that true advancement comes from accumulating small achievements and building a strong foundation, just as a tree grows steadily from a tiny seed into a mighty presence.
The superior person understands that greatness is built through the patient accumulation of small deeds and virtues. Each day's modest effort compounds into significant achievement over time.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"Pushing upward that meets with confidence brings great good fortune."
The first line represents the beginning of your upward journey with favorable conditions. Your sincere efforts are recognized and supported by others. This is an excellent time to begin new projects or pursue advancement, as you have the trust and backing needed for success.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"If one is sincere, it furthers one to bring even a small offering. No blame."
This line emphasizes the importance of sincerity and genuine effort over grand gestures. Even modest contributions made with true dedication will be valued and will advance your position. Focus on authenticity rather than impressive displays.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"One pushes upward into an empty city."
A time when obstacles unexpectedly disappear and advancement becomes easier than anticipated. Your path forward is clear and unobstructed. Take advantage of this favorable situation to make significant progress, but remain humble and prepared for future challenges.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"The king offers him Mount Ch'i. Good fortune. No blame."
This line represents recognition and reward from those in positions of authority. Your steady advancement has been noticed, and you receive honors or opportunities from influential people. Accept these gifts with grace and use them to continue your upward journey.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Perseverance brings good fortune. One pushes upward by steps."
The ruler's line emphasizes the importance of steady, step-by-step progress. Success comes through consistent effort and patience rather than dramatic leaps. Continue your methodical advancement, and you will reach your goals with certainty and stability.
Six at the Top (上六)
Top line - Yin
"Pushing upward in darkness. It furthers one to be unremittingly persevering."
The top line warns that advancement may become more difficult and less visible. Continue your efforts even when progress seems unclear or recognition is absent. Persistent dedication during challenging times will ultimately lead to breakthrough and success.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In love, hexagram 46 represents relationships that grow and deepen gradually over time. This is an excellent period for building strong foundations in new relationships or strengthening existing bonds through patient nurturing and consistent care. Romance develops naturally without force or pressure.
For those seeking love, this hexagram suggests that meaningful connections will develop through shared activities, mutual support, and gradual getting-to-know-you processes. Trust in organic development rather than rushing into commitment.
The upward energy in love means that relationships have strong potential for long-term growth and increasing intimacy, provided both partners remain patient and supportive of each other's development.
Career & Business (事业)
Professionally, hexagram 46 signals steady career advancement through consistent performance and skill development. This is an ideal time to focus on learning, building expertise, and establishing yourself as a reliable professional. Promotions will come through demonstrated ability.
For entrepreneurs, this hexagram represents sustainable business growth built on solid foundations. Focus on gradual expansion, customer satisfaction, and quality rather than rapid scaling. Your business will flourish through organic development.
In established careers, seek mentorship and continue developing skills. Your advancement may be gradual, but it will be stable and lasting. Accumulate achievements and build relationships that support your upward trajectory.
Health & Wellness (健康)
Health-wise, hexagram 46 represents gradual improvement and building long-term vitality. This is an excellent time to establish healthy habits and routines. Focus on sustainable practices rather than quick fixes.
The upward energy supports progressive health improvement. Whether recovering from illness or building fitness, steady effort and patience will yield excellent results. Your body responds well to consistent, gentle encouragement.
For wellness journeys, establish exercise routines, improve nutrition, and develop mental health practices. Small, consistent changes will accumulate into significant improvements.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, hexagram 46 indicates steady wealth accumulation through consistent saving and wise investment. Your financial situation improves gradually through disciplined money management. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes.
This hexagram favors building security through regular contributions to savings and diversified investments. Your wealth grows like a tree, with strong roots. Trust in compound growth and time.
The key to financial success is consistency and patience. Small, regular investments will yield substantial returns over time. Seek advice from experienced mentors.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
Hexagram 46 represents significant self-development through accumulated learning and experience. You have the opportunity to grow in wisdom and character through patient self-cultivation and guidance from mentors.
Embrace personal development as a gradual process. Each small step forward, each lesson learned, contributes to overall growth. Trust that you are becoming stronger through consistent effort.
The challenge is maintaining patience when progress seems slow. True transformation happens gradually, like a tree from a seed. Celebrate small victories and trust in daily improvement.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing favors gradual advancement and patient development. This is not a time for dramatic moves, but for steady, consistent effort. The universe supports organic growth and natural progression.
Trust in gradual improvement and seek support from mentors. Build success on solid foundations, accumulate small victories, and remain patient as efforts compound into significant achievements.
Embrace the upward journey with confidence and humility. Like a plant growing toward light, your natural tendency is toward advancement. Support this with consistent effort and patience to allow natural development.