Hexagram 42 changing to 37: Increase to The Family

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: 37 The Family

The household in order: roles, warmth and words with substance, from which everything larger is built. Fire below, wind above: wind rising from fire, influence spreading outward from the hearth. The Family describes the structure of the household and, by extension, of any close group: each person in a fitting role, relationships held by affection and by rule together, and the whole kept in order from the inside. The tradition's judgement is that the persistence of the woman furthers, meaning that the inner, steady, nourishing principle is what holds the house. The image adds that words must have substance and conduct must be consistent. The reading is about order at home, in the widest sense, as the foundation for everything beyond it.

The lines that move

1. Line 3

   One is enriched through unfortunate events. No blame if you are sincere, walk in the middle, and report with a seal to the prince.

   Gain that comes out of misfortune, and the responsibility that goes with it. The line permits it on conditions: sincerity, moderation, and full accountability to whoever is owed it. If a setback has enriched you, stay honest and accountable about it.

What is changing. The situation of Increase is moving toward The Family. Use the season of increase for substantial undertakings, and keep giving as you receive. As the change completes: Keep the household in order from the inside: clear roles, consistent conduct, words with substance.

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: The reading is about the home you make together: clear roles, real affection, and words that mean what they say. Firmness with warmth. It warns against a household run by mood, and against one run only by rule.

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: Order in the team or the organisation, built from clear roles and consistent conduct. Lead as the head of a household: firmly, warmly, and by example. What is in order at the centre spreads outward.

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: The household budget: order, clear responsibility, and provision for those who depend on you. Wealth here means a well-run house, not a large one. Consistency over years is the method.

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: Decide as the head of a household would: for the order and wellbeing of the whole, with roles clear and words kept. The option that strengthens the foundation is the right one.