Hexagram 46: Pushing Upward
升 Shēng · Earth over Wind
You are growing upward step by step, the way a young tree pushes up through the soil. This hexagram promises steady progress through patient, consistent effort rather than sudden leaps. It is a good time to approach people who can help, to keep moving, and to trust that small daily gains add up. Do not stop just because the ascent feels slow.
| Number (King Wen order) | 46 |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 升 (Shēng) |
| Upper trigram | ☷ Earth (Kūn): yielding, receptive |
| Lower trigram | ☴ Wind (Xùn): gentle, penetrating |
| Unicode symbol | ䷭ |
On this page (9)
Hexagram 46 in plain words
Earth lies above wind, or more precisely above wood. A seed or root sits under the ground and pushes upward, bending around stones, slowly breaking through to the light. That is the image of pushing upward: growth from below that is gentle, adaptable and steady. Tradition says it brings supreme success, that one should see the great person without worry, and that setting out toward the south brings good fortune.
The wise person, the commentary says, piles up small things to reach something high and great. That is the key: ascent here is gradual, earned and organic. You rise through effort, humility and the willingness to bend around obstacles rather than fight them. It is a favorable time to seek out mentors or people in a position to help, because you are ready to be noticed. Keep your goals clear but your methods flexible. The one caution, in the last line, is pushing upward blindly once the climb is done. Know where you are going, and keep enough awareness to tell real progress from motion for its own sake.
The judgment
Shăng indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. Seeking by (the qualities implied in it) to meet with the great man, its subject need have no anxiety. Advance to the south will be fortunate.
Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).
The image
(The trigram representing) wood and that for the earth with the wood growing in the midst of it form Shăng. The superior man, in accordance with this, pays careful attention to his virtue, and accumulates the small developments of it till it is high and great.
From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).
In plain words: A tree grows up out of the earth, rising a little every year. Look after your character with care, and let small daily gains add up until they become something tall and strong.
The six lines
Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.
Line 1 (bottom)
The first SIX, divided, shows its subject advancing upwards with the welcome (of those above him). There will be great good fortune.
You push upward and meet with trust. Great good fortune: others welcome your rise.
Line 2
The second NINE, undivided, shows its subject with that sincerity which will make even the (small) offerings of the vernal sacrifice acceptable. There will be no error.
If you are sincere, even a small offering is enough. Plain honesty carries you upward without blame.
Line 3
The third NINE, undivided, shows its subject ascending upwards (as into) an empty city.
You push upward into an empty city with no resistance. Go ahead, but stay alert to why it is so easy.
Line 4
The fourth SIX, divided, shows its subject employed by the king to present his offerings on mount Khî. There will be good fortune; there will be no mistake.
The king makes an offering on Mount Qi, and you are welcomed into a place of honor. Good fortune, without blame.
Line 5
The fifth six, divided, shows its subject firmly correct, and therefore enjoying good fortune. He ascends the stairs (with all due ceremony).
Steadiness brings good fortune as you climb step by step. Keep going one stage at a time.
Line 6 (top)
The sixth six, divided, shows its subject advancing upwards blindly. Advantage will be found in a ceaseless maintenance of firm correctness.
You keep pushing upward in the dark, without knowing where. Only constant, careful steadiness helps; do not confuse momentum with direction.
Related hexagrams
| Opposite (every line changed) | 25. Innocence |
|---|---|
| Inverse (turned upside down) | 45. Gathering Together |
| Nuclear (lines 2 to 5) | 54. The Marrying Maiden |
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 46 turns into:
| Line 1 changes | Hexagram 11, Peace |
|---|---|
| Line 2 changes | Hexagram 15, Modesty |
| Line 3 changes | Hexagram 7, The Army |
| Line 4 changes | Hexagram 32, Duration |
| Line 5 changes | Hexagram 48, The Well |
| Line 6 changes | Hexagram 18, Repairing the Spoiled |
Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.
Hexagram 46 in love and relationships
In love, a relationship can deepen gradually and well. Show steady care, take small steps toward each other, and do not rush what grows best slowly.
Hexagram 46 for work and decisions
At work, this favors steady advancement, learning and asking for support. Build step by step, approach those who can help, and trust that consistent effort is noticed.
Questions
What does hexagram 46 mean?
You are growing upward step by step, the way a young tree pushes up through the soil. This hexagram promises steady progress through patient, consistent effort rather than sudden leaps. It is a good time to approach people who can help, to keep moving, and to trust that small daily gains add up. Do not stop just because the ascent feels slow.
What does hexagram 46 mean in love?
In love, a relationship can deepen gradually and well. Show steady care, take small steps toward each other, and do not rush what grows best slowly.
What does hexagram 46 mean for work?
At work, this favors steady advancement, learning and asking for support. Build step by step, approach those who can help, and trust that consistent effort is noticed.
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