Hexagram 46
Pushing Upward (Ascending)
升 (Shēng)
Earth over Wind/Wood
The image is of Wood growing within the Earth. Like a seed sprouting and pushing its way upward through the soil, this hexagram symbolizes gradual, determined, and ultimately effortless growth. The tree does not struggle violently; it adapts to its environment and grows persistently toward the light. This represents a time of natural advancement and promotion that comes through steady, patient effort rather than through force.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The Judgment promises great success. The upward movement is natural and unopposed. To ensure the best outcome, it is highly recommended to seek out and follow the guidance of a wise and experienced person ("the great man"). This will provide direction for your ascent. There is no need for anxiety or fear; the path is open. Directing your energy toward activity and clarity (the "south") is auspicious. Your efforts will be rewarded.
The Image (象传)
The Image reveals the secret to this type of success. A great tree becomes tall by accumulating material day by day, moment by moment. Similarly, the superior person achieves greatness not in a single leap, but through the patient, devoted accumulation of small deeds and efforts. High and great things are built upon a foundation of countless small, correctly performed actions. This is the virtue of tireless devotion.
Interpretation & Guidance
Receiving this hexagram is a very positive sign. It indicates a period of natural growth and advancement. Like a plant growing towards the sun, your progress will feel effortless if you remain patient and persistent. This is not a time for dramatic, forceful action. Instead, focus on steady, step-by-step work. It is crucial to seek and follow the guidance of a mentor or expert in your field. Let go of fear and anxiety; the way is clear. Your patient accumulation of small efforts will inevitably lead to great success.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"Pushing upward that meets with confidence. Great good fortune."
At the very start of your ascent, you are welcomed from above. Those in higher positions have confidence in you and support your advancement. The path is clear and your progress is met with approval, which brings great good fortune.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"If one is sincere, it is rewarding to make even a small offering. No blame."
You may not have vast resources or power, but your sincerity and inner worth are recognized. Even a small, heartfelt contribution will be valued by those above. Your genuine character allows you to advance without blame.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"One pushes upward into an empty city."
The way forward is completely clear and unopposed. There are no obstacles in your path. You can advance with ease and confidence, as if walking into a city that is open and waiting for you. Progress is swift and certain.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"The king makes an offering on Mount Ch'i. Good fortune. No blame."
You are in a position of service, and you carry out your duties with devotion and correctness, like a king performing the proper rites. This pious and correct conduct in your role brings good fortune and is entirely blameless.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Perseverance brings good fortune. One pushes upward by steps."
Now in a position of authority, the key to success is not to rest on your laurels or make hasty moves. You must continue to advance methodically and deliberately, step by step. This patient and persevering climb will bring sustained good fortune.
Top Six (上六)
Top line - Yin
"Pushing upward in the dark. It is rewarding to be unremittingly perseverant."
You have reached the pinnacle of ascent. To continue pushing upward now would be blind ambition, as there is nowhere higher to go. The wisdom here is to cease striving for more and instead apply unremitting perseverance to consolidating and maintaining what you have already achieved.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
A relationship under this hexagram is growing in a very healthy and natural way. The connection is deepening and ascending to new levels of intimacy and commitment. This progress feels effortless and right. The advice is not to force things but to allow the relationship to evolve step by step. Listening to the wisdom of trusted elders or mentors ("the great man") can be very beneficial for the partnership's journey.
Career & Business (事业)
Pushing Upward is a very favorable sign for your career. It indicates a promotion, a raise, or steady and recognized progress in your field. This success is the direct result of your patient and devoted work over time. Your consistent, small efforts have been "heaped up" and are now leading to something great. Continue to work diligently and seek guidance from a senior mentor to ensure your ascent is smooth.
Health & Wellness (健康)
This hexagram signifies a gradual but certain improvement in health. Recovery from an illness or progress toward a fitness goal will not happen overnight. It will be the result of a patient, step-by-step accumulation of healthy choices and habits. Follow the advice of your healthcare provider ("the great man") and trust in the process of steady, natural healing.
Financial Matters (财运)
Your financial situation is set for steady, upward growth. This is not about a sudden lottery win, but about the rewards of patient saving, sound investment, and diligent work. Continue to build your wealth methodically, making small, consistent additions. Don't be tempted by risky, get-rich-quick schemes. Let your prosperity grow naturally like a tree.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
The core lesson for personal growth here is the power of patient, devoted effort. Greatness, whether in character, skill, or wisdom, is not achieved in a single bound. It is built by "heaping up small things." This hexagram teaches the virtue of perseverance and the wisdom of focusing on the small, daily actions that, over time, lead to high and great achievements. It is a call to be devoted to the process of your own becoming.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time is right for continued, steady effort. Your progress is assured, so there is no need to be anxious or to force the pace. The key to success is perseverance and following the guidance of those with wisdom. Focus on your work, take it one step at a time, and trust that your consistent efforts are building toward something great. The ascent is happening naturally.
