Hexagram 42 — Yì / Increase (益)

Structure

Yì is formed by Wind (Xun ☴) above Thunder (Zhen ☳). Wind moves above while thunder stirs below — two forces of movement reinforcing each other, creating an upward spiral of energy and growth. The lower trigram Zhen represents initiative and arousal; the upper Xun represents penetration and gentle, persistent influence. Together they depict a situation where movement and influence combine to produce genuine, sustained increase.

Judgment and Image

The Judgment states: Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water. The Image shows wind and thunder — the superior person, when they see good, they imitate it; when they have faults, they rid themselves of them. The image of crossing the great water suggests that this is a time for bold undertakings. The image of imitating good and correcting faults suggests that the increase available now is not just material — it is an opportunity for genuine self-improvement.

Core meaning

The central teaching of Yì is that times of increase are times of responsibility. When resources and opportunities are abundant, the question is not just "what can I gain?" but "what should I do with what I have?" The hexagram consistently points toward using good fortune in service of what is genuinely right — undertaking important projects, helping others, and improving oneself.

The hexagram also speaks to the self-reinforcing nature of genuine increase. When abundance is used generously and wisely, it tends to generate more abundance. When it is hoarded or misused, it tends to diminish. This is not a moral abstraction — it reflects the practical reality that generosity builds trust, goodwill, and the kind of relationships that sustain prosperity over time.

In Liuyao readings, Yì often appears when the querent is in a genuinely favorable period — when resources, support, and opportunity are available. The hexagram asks whether they are making the most of this period by acting boldly on what is right, or whether they are hesitating, hoarding, or missing the moment. It may also appear as encouragement to undertake something that has seemed too ambitious — the conditions are better than they appear.

The hexagram also speaks to the importance of learning from good examples. The superior person, when they see good, imitates it. Times of increase are times when we can afford to be generous in our attention to what is working — in ourselves, in others, in the world — and to consciously cultivate those qualities.

In personal development, Yì can indicate a period of rapid growth — a time when learning, development, and positive change are unusually available. This is a time to invest in yourself, to take on challenges that will stretch your capabilities, and to share what you are learning with others.

In divination

When Yì appears in a reading, it generally signals a favorable period for action, growth, and bold undertakings. For career questions, it may indicate that this is the right time to launch a project, seek a promotion, or take on greater responsibility. For relationship questions, it may suggest that generosity and openness will be well received and will strengthen the connection.

Yì is favorable for action, investment, generosity, and self-improvement. It is unfavorable for passivity, hoarding, or the misuse of good fortune.