I Ching hexagram 42

I Ching hexagram 42: Increase

益 yì · wind above thunder

Wind and thunder strengthen each other: a time of real gain, when bold undertakings and generous help both pay off.

The judgment: It is favorable to go somewhere. It is favorable to cross the great river.
"Yi 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."
James Legge's translation, 1882
What it says to you: Wind above, thunder below, each making the other stronger: the storm that drives a whole landscape into growth. This is the hexagram of gain, and its judgment is all go. Go somewhere; cross the great river. The old reading is that the ruler takes from the top and gives to the people below, so the whole country grows. Increase here is generous by nature. It flows downward and outward, and that tells you how to ride it. Start the large project you have been circling, because the first line says great works are favored now. Accept unexpected help without fuss. Give where you can, sincerely, and you won't need to ask an oracle whether it's working. The warning sits at the top: whoever takes increase and stops giving gets struck. Name your big undertaking, and take its first concrete step this week.

Matter by matter

Love: A growing, generous time. Give freely and sincerely; the relationship deepens and strengthens.
Work: Expansion is favored. Launch the ambitious project, accept support, and share the credit.
Money: Gains are likely. Put resources into worthwhile ventures, and share the benefit with others.
A yes or no question: Yes. Go forward; even crossing the great river is favorable.

The six lines of Increase

A hexagram is built from the bottom up, so the first line is the lowest. You read a line's text only when your cast made it a moving line.

Bottom line, solid

It is favorable to undertake a great work. Great good fortune; no mistake.

You have backing now that you didn't have before. Use it for something large and worthwhile. Starting big is justified this time, provided the aim is good and the work serves more than you.
Second line, broken

Someone enriches him with a tortoise shell worth ten strings of cowries, it cannot be refused. Lasting steadfastness, good fortune. The king offers to the Lord on High: good fortune.

Gifts flow toward you from people, from chance, and from higher powers. Take them with humility and steady character, and let gratitude show, the way the king gives thanks at the altar.
Third line, broken

He is enriched even through misfortune; no mistake. Sincere and walking the middle path, he reports to the duke, bearing a jade tablet.

Even a setback adds to you, if you face it honestly. Hold to the middle, then report clearly and formally to whoever is responsible. Transparency turns trouble into benefit.
Fourth line, broken

Walking the middle path, he reports to the duke, who follows his advice. He is relied on when the capital is moved.

People in charge trust your judgment now. You may be asked to help with a big move or a major change. Steady, centered advice makes you the one they lean on.
Fifth line, solid

Sincere, with a kind heart: no need to ask, great good fortune. Others sincerely honor my kindness.

Your kindness is genuine, and it shows. You don't need to consult an oracle about this one; the goodwill comes back to you on its own. Keep giving freely.
Top line, solid

No one increases him; someone may even strike him. His heart is not constant. Misfortune.

You have taken without giving, or wavered when steadiness was needed, and support has dried up. Settle your intentions and stay constant, or the blows will keep coming.

About hexagram 42

What does I Ching hexagram 42 mean?

Hexagram 42, Increase, puts wind above thunder. Wind and thunder strengthen each other: a time of real gain, when bold undertakings and generous help both pay off. Its judgment reads: It is favorable to go somewhere. It is favorable to cross the great river.

Is hexagram 42 a yes or a no?

Yes. Go forward; even crossing the great river is favorable.

What does hexagram 42 mean for love?

A growing, generous time. Give freely and sincerely; the relationship deepens and strengthens.

What does hexagram 42 mean for work?

Expansion is favored. Launch the ambitious project, accept support, and share the credit.

Cast the coins for a new question , or for a straight yes or no, throw the moon blocks

The I Ching reads a moment. For the years of your own life, cast your birth chart; on your chart page you can ask three questions of your own, answered against it, for $2.99.

The judgment and lines are rendered from the Chinese text; the quoted judgment is Legge's 1882 translation, and every other English line is Jade Almanac's own. A cast is a prompt for reflection, not advice about health, money or the law.