Hexagram 42: Yi, Increase

The meaning of hexagram 42 is increase that comes from a generous flow downward. The lower trigram is Thunder (Zhen), movement and initiative, and the upper trigram is Wind (Xun), gentle penetration and steady spreading. Tradition sees this figure as Hexagram 12, Standstill, after one strong line from the upper trigram has come down to the very bottom, so the top gives up something to strengthen the base. When leaders, parents, mentors or institutions invest in those beneath them, everyone gains, and the gladness of those who receive spreads without limit.

Yi describes a favorable tide. Support is available, ideas find an audience, and action meets less resistance than usual. Wind, which also stands for wood, moving above thunder suggests a wooden boat driven forward with energy, which is why the judgment speaks of crossing the great river: plans that would be too risky at other times have a better chance now. The opportunity is time-sensitive, however, because no increase lasts forever.

The lines show how to handle growth well. The first line, the strong line that arrived at the bottom, is encouraged to use what it has received for a great work, on the condition that the result is excellent. The second and fifth lines show that blessings come to those who stay sincere and kind, while the third and fourth lines show that even emergencies and major relocations can become gains when one acts honestly and keeps to the middle path. The sixth line, by contrast, warns that someone who only wants more for themselves turns increase into hostility.

Hexagram 42 is the reverse of Hexagram 41, Sun (Decrease), and the two are meant to be read together: what was trimmed in a season of decrease returns as growth in a season of increase. Yi asks you to keep the circle open. Receive with gratitude, put gains to good use and pass some of the benefit on, because the moment you hoard the flow, it starts to dry up.

In love, hexagram 42 is one of the more encouraging signs you can receive, because it speaks of growth, generosity and fresh energy. If you are single, it favors taking the initiative, accepting introductions and letting people see your warmth; thunder starts things and wind lets them unfold gently, so be bold in reaching out and patient while a connection deepens. If you are dating, the relationship can move forward, but growth depends on both people investing time and kindness rather than waiting to receive. In a committed partnership, this is a good moment to build something together, whether that means planning a shared goal, improving habits that strain the bond or simply offering more appreciation. The image's advice to adopt what is good and correct what is wrong applies directly: notice what works between you and do more of it, and own your mistakes quickly. Reconciliation is possible when the gesture comes from a genuinely kind heart that asks for nothing back, as the fifth line suggests; it is less likely if either person keeps score or acts inconsistently, which is the warning of the top line.

Professionally, hexagram 42 points to expansion, backing and opportunity. It is a favorable time to start a project, pitch an idea, ask a mentor for support, apply for a role or take on a challenge that stretches you, because the environment tends to reward initiative. If you lead others, the hexagram suggests investing in your team, sharing credit and resources and letting benefits flow down; loyalty and results tend to rise in return. For students, it favors new courses, steady practice and correcting weak areas promptly. Financially, it describes a period in which inflows and openings may increase, but the warning of the sixth line is clear: greed, short-term grabbing or erratic decisions can quickly reverse the trend. Consider using any gain to build something lasting instead of spending it on show.

Act while the wind is behind you. Choose the project, conversation or commitment that matters most and move on it now, using whatever help is being offered. Make each gain count by applying it to something substantial, and keep improving in small, practical ways: copy a good habit you notice in someone else, and drop a fault as soon as you see it. Avoid hoarding, taking more than your share or changing your intentions from day to day, since the hexagram's only warning concerns selfish and unsteady hearts. For a yes or no question, hexagram 42 leans clearly toward yes, especially for ventures, moves, learning and acts of generosity. If the question involves benefiting only yourself at someone else's expense, read it as a caution instead.