Hexagram 42: Increase

Written by Orbitarot · Sources: James Legge, The Yi King (The I Ching), 1882 (judgment and lines); plain readings our own · Updated October 7, 2026

Hexagram 42 in plain words

Wind blows above thunder. The two strengthen each other: thunder stirs things up and wind spreads them far, so movement and influence grow together. Tradition reads the hexagram as the higher giving to the lower, a ruler who serves the people and so increases the whole. It says it is favorable to undertake something and to cross the great water.

Increase of this kind is a window, not a permanent state, so use it while it is open. The commentary advises the wise person to copy good qualities wherever they see them and to correct their own faults the moment they notice them. Growth here is as much inner as outer: you learn faster, help reaches you, and plans that stalled begin to move. The danger is greed and self-interest. Increase that is hoarded or bent to selfish ends turns sour, as the last line warns. Put your gains to work for something larger than yourself, keep your heart steady and generous, and let this be a time of building rather than grabbing. That is how a good season becomes a lasting foundation.

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: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigram representing) wind and that for thunder form Yî. The superior man, in accordance with this, when he sees what is good, moves towards it; and when he sees his errors, he turns from them.

From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).

In plain words: Wind and thunder strengthen each other. When you see something good, move toward it; when you notice a fault in yourself, turn away from it at once.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.

Line 1 (bottom)

The first NINE, 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.

This is the time to undertake something great. Great good fortune, and no blame, as long as the aim is worthy.

Line 2

The second SIX, 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.

Someone adds to your good fortune, and ten pairs of tortoise shells could not argue against it. Stay steady and you are presented in the best light.

Line 3

The third SIX, 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.

You gain even through hard events. Be sincere, walk the middle way, and report honestly to those in charge, and there is no blame.

Line 4

The fourth SIX, 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.

Walk the middle path and advise those in charge; they listen. You can be trusted with a large change, like helping to move a capital.

Line 5

The fifth NINE, 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.

You have a sincere and kind heart; you do not need to ask. Supreme good fortune, because people recognize your kindness as genuine.

Line 6 (top)

In the sixth NINE, 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.

You do nothing for anyone else, and someone strikes at you. If you cannot keep your heart steady, misfortune follows.

Related hexagrams

All three relations have traditional Chinese names (cuo gua for the opposite, zong gua for the inverse, hu gua for the nuclear). Many modern readers use the opposite as the shadow side of a situation, the inverse as the same moment seen from the other side, and the nuclear hexagram as its inner core.

If one line changes

With a single changing line, hexagram 42 turns into:

Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.

Hexagram 42 in love and relationships

In love, this is a good time for growth: deeper trust, a new start, or more shared plans. Give freely and support each other, and the bond grows stronger.

Hexagram 42 for work and decisions

At work, this favors starting projects, learning, and making improvements. Use the support around you well, share credit, and aim at something that helps more than just you.

Questions