First Nine (初九)
It will be advantageous to make a great movement; great good fortune, no blame.
When opportunity arrives, seize it without delay. Bold initiative now brings success and removes all doubt about your path forward.
Hexagram 42
Yì 益
Upper · Xùn (Wind) | Lower · Zhèn (Thunder)
growth · contribution · generosity · opportunity · mutual benefit · advancement
What does Hexagram 42 mean?
Hexagram 42, Yì (益), is about growth, contribution, and generosity. This hexagram speaks to a time of genuine increase and mutual benefit.
The Judgment
Yi indicates advantage in every movement undertaken; it is beneficial to cross the great stream.
This hexagram speaks to a time of genuine increase and mutual benefit. The upper yields to strengthen the lower—a season when those with resources naturally share them, and when bold action finds support. Now is the moment to move forward with confidence; hesitation will cost you the advantage this period offers.
The Lines
Second Six (六二)
Ten pairs of tortoise shells add to the stores; persevere in firmness and correctness for good fortune.
Support arrives from unexpected sources when you remain honest and grounded. Trust the help that comes, and maintain your integrity through it all.
Third Six (六三)
Increase comes through what seems adverse; without blame if you walk the middle path.
Even difficulty can become a teacher if you respond with sincerity and balance. Announce your true worth without arrogance, and recognition will follow.
Fourth Six (六四)
Pursuing the right course, your counsel is heeded; advantageous for major transitions.
Your voice carries weight now. When you speak from genuine conviction, others follow. This is the time to lead significant change with confidence.
Fifth Nine (九五)
With sincere heart seeking to benefit all below, great good fortune needs no question.
True generosity rooted in genuine care brings unmistakable blessing. Those around you will recognize and honor your authentic goodness without prompting.
Sixth Nine (上九)
None contribute to his increase; many seek to strike him; his heart lacks constancy—misfortune.
Hoarding and self-interest invite opposition. When you refuse to share, you lose everything. Consistency in principle is your only protection.
Hexagram 42 FAQ
What does Hexagram 42 mean for career?
A window of real opportunity has opened. Move decisively toward larger responsibilities and new challenges. When you contribute generously to your team and mentor others, your own advancement accelerates. This is not the time to play small.
What does Hexagram 42 mean for love and relationships?
This is a season of warmth and deepening connection. Express your care openly and without reservation. Thoughtful presence and genuine attention matter far more than grand gestures. The more freely you give, the richer your bond becomes.
What does Hexagram 42 mean for study and personal growth?
Your capacity to learn and absorb is at its peak. Engage fully with new knowledge and experiences. Teaching what you've learned to others deepens your own understanding. Share your insights—this multiplies their value for everyone.
What does Hexagram 42 mean for business and money?
Growth and expansion are favored now. Invest in your people and partnerships without hesitation. When you share gains fairly and reinvest in your enterprise, returns multiply. Building value for others builds lasting prosperity for yourself.
What should I be careful about with Hexagram 42?
Greed and hoarding will undo all gains. Even in abundance, resist the urge to grasp and hold everything for yourself. Balance ambition with integrity, and remember that the greatest security comes from generosity, not accumulation.
What if Hexagram 42 has changing lines?
Read the line statement for each changing line above. With two or more changing lines, Zhu Xi’s rules decide which text leads the reading.
Original English translation by James Legge, 1882 (Public Domain). Editorial adaptation © Yijing.