Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 益 (Yì) |
| English Name | Increase / Augmentation |
| Trigrams | Wind over Thunder (巽上震下) |
| Number | 42 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
Wind and thunder: the image of Increase. Thus the superior man: if he sees good, he imitates it; if he has faults, he rids himself of them.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初九 | Bottom | It furthers one to accomplish great deeds. Supreme good fortune. No blame. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 六二 | 2nd | Someone does indeed increase him; ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it. Constant perseverance brings good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 六三 | 3rd | 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. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 六四 | 4th | 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. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 九五 | 5th | If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not. Supreme good fortune. Truly, kindness will be recognized as your virtue. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 上九 | Top | He brings increase to no one. Indeed, someone even strikes him. He does not keep his heart constantly steady. Misfortune. | Unfavorable; exercise caution and restraint |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Wind and thunder; the power of increase through virtuous action
- Upper trigram Wind (gentle and penetrating) over lower trigram Thunder (arousing and energizing)
- Embodies the qualities of increase, growth, generosity and opportunity, action, expansion
Keywords
IncreaseGrowthGenerosityOpportunityActionExpansion
Divination & Prediction
★★★★★Auspicious
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. Wind and thunder; the power of increase through virtuous action Channel the energy of increase and growth for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on generosity to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels increase and growth. The Wind trigram above suggests gentle and penetrating energy in your outer dealings, while the Thunder trigram below points to arousing and energizing foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on thighs and immune system and liver and feet. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody increase and growth. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes generosity and opportunity. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate increase in all your actions
- Practice growth consistently
- Embrace generosity as your guiding principle
- Develop opportunity through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of action
- Abandon expansion under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 41. Sǔn (损) | Decrease — the complementary movement |
| 3. Zhūn (屯) | Difficulty at Beginning — growth from humble origins |
| 20. Guān (观) | Contemplation — seeing where to direct increase |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “A major opportunity has appeared. Should I go all in?”
You received Hexagram 42, Increase. The judgment says: 'Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the g...' Wind and thunder; the power of increase through virtuous action This is a favorable sign. The energy of increase supports your intention. Move forward with generosity, but remain mindful of proper timing.