Hexagram 46 · Shēng (升) · Rising Gradually
- Upper trigram
- 坤 Earth
- Lower trigram
- 巽 Wind
Like a tree growing up from the earth, this hexagram signals gradual rise. Growth here comes not from a single leap but from steady accumulation. It is a good time to seek advice from experienced people and move forward one step at a time.
Editorial summaryJudgment
升：元亨，用見大人，勿恤，南征吉。
Shăng indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. Seeking by (the qualities implied in it) to meet with the great man, its subject need have no anxiety. Advance to the south will be fortunate.
Line 1
初六：允升，大吉。
The first line, divided, shows its subject advancing upwards with the welcome (of those above him). There will be great good fortune.
Line 2
九二：孚乃利用禴，无咎。
The second line, undivided, shows its subject with that sincerity which will make even the (small) offerings of the vernal sacrifice acceptable. There will be no error.
Line 3
九三：升虛邑。
The third line, undivided, shows its subject ascending upwards (as into) an empty city.
Line 4
六四：王用亨于岐山，吉无咎。
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject employed by the king to present his offerings on mount Khi. There will be good fortune; there will be no mistake.
Line 5
六五：貞吉，升階。
The fifth line, divided, shows its subject firmly correct, and therefore enjoying good fortune. He ascends the stairs (with all due ceremony).
Line 6
上六：冥升，利于不息之貞。
The sixth line, divided, shows its subject advancing upwards blindly. Advantage will be found in a ceaseless maintenance of firm correctness.
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