Hexagram 42 changing to 25: Increase to Innocence

Where it starts: 42 Increase

The top gives to the base and everything grows: a time of increase, to be used well and used now. Thunder below, wind above: the two reinforcing each other, wind spreading the thunder's force. Increase is the mirror of Decrease: what is above gives to what is below, and the whole flourishes. The tradition's judgement is expansive: it furthers to undertake something, it furthers to cross the great water. The image describes the inner counterpart: seeing good, imitate it; seeing faults, correct them. The reading says the time is one of growth and generosity from above, that it favours large undertakings, and that it will not last; the lines warn at the end of increase that no one helps a person who has stopped giving.

Where it goes: 25 Innocence

Acting without calculation: doing what is right because it is right, and accepting what comes. Thunder below, heaven above: movement in accord with heaven. Innocence describes action that springs from an honest nature rather than from scheming, and the tradition ties it to the unexpected: what comes to the person who acts without ulterior motive cannot be planned and is not always pleasant. The judgement promises great success with persistence, and warns that anyone not as they should be will meet misfortune. The reading asks for sincerity without agenda. It also says, in the lines, that undeserved misfortune can happen to the innocent, and that the right response is not to lose one's innocence over it.

The lines that move

1. Line 4

   If you walk in the middle and report to the prince, he will follow. It furthers to be used in the removal of the capital.

   The intermediary between above and below, trusted by both because of their balance, and used for large changes because of it. Being in the middle is the qualification for being relied on. Be the fair go-between; it earns the trust for large work.

What is changing. The situation of Increase is moving toward Innocence. Use the season of increase for substantial undertakings, and keep giving as you receive. As the change completes: Act from honest motives without calculation, and take what comes without losing your integrity.

love and relationships

Now: A time of growth and giving. Invest in the relationship generously; the conditions favour it and the giving comes back. The reading warns that increase is a season, and that taking without giving, at the end, leaves you alone. Then: Act from what you honestly feel, without strategy. The reading favours the natural gesture and warns against managing the other person. Unexpected events, good and bad, come to those who are sincere; take them as they are.

career

Now: Expansion. The reading supports the ambitious project and the big crossing. Use the help coming from above, give it forward, and improve what can be improved while the wind is behind you. Then: Do the work honestly, without positioning. The reading supports straightforward action and is suspicious of clever plans. If something undeserved happens, do not let it make you cynical; that would be the real loss.

money

Now: Growth, and the moment to act on it: invest, undertake, build. Use the increase for lasting good rather than display. The reading is favourable and time-limited; use it while it lasts. Then: Do not scheme. Honest dealing, straightforward work and acceptance of what comes. The reading warns against calculated moves and against reacting to a setback by abandoning your principles.

decisions

Now: Take the expansive option. The conditions support undertaking something substantial. Decide now; the reading says increase is a moment, and moments pass. Then: Choose the option you would choose if no one were watching and nothing could be gained. If a decision requires cunning to work, the reading says it will not.