Increase
益 · Yì
The Judgment
Increase. It furthers to undertake something. It furthers to cross the great waters. Wind and thunder together increase all things.
The Image
Wind and thunder: the image of Increase. Thus the superior person, seeing good, imitates it; having faults, corrects them.
Interpretation
Yì is the happy complement of Sǔn: where there was decrease now there is increase. Wind and thunder reinforce each other, creating expansive energy that benefits everyone. This hexagram announces a period of genuine growth where the leader's generosity enriches all. When those above give to those below, the whole society prospers. It's an exceptionally favorable time for undertaking, expanding, and taking bold initiatives. The key is that the increase be shared, not selfishly accumulated.
In love
Yì in love announces growth and enrichment of the relationship. Everything improves: communication, intimacy, mutual understanding. For singles, it indicates conditions are ideal for finding someone special. Emotional generosity attracts generous love.
In career
Yì in work is tremendously favorable: business expansion, income increase, new opportunities, and projects that prosper. It's the perfect time to invest, hire, launch products, and grow. Generosity with your team will multiply benefits.
Advice
Increase reminds you that true prosperity is that which is shared. When you receive blessings, distribute them. When you see something good in others, imitate it. When you discover a fault in yourself, correct it. Perpetual increase comes from continuous improvement.
Changing lines
The changing lines of Yì describe different forms of increase: from benefit received for doing good to generosity that multiplies shared abundance.