Hexagram 46
Pushing Upward
升 · Shēng · Yükseliş
Upper trigram: Earth (receptive, nourishing) · Lower trigram: Wind and wood (gentle, penetrating)
Judgment
A tree within the earth: the seed grows upward, step by step. This hexagram describes a slow, patient and steady rise. Approaching a great person and moving without anxiety is favorable; heading south, toward the light, is seen as good. The climb is like natural growth: not hurried, yet unbroken.
Image
A tree grows within the earth. The noble-minded gather virtue in small things and so reach something high and great.
Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)
- Line 1 (from the bottom)Pushing upward is welcomed: great good. As you begin to rise, finding the support of trustworthy people is likely.
- Line 2 (from the bottom)Sincerity: even a small offering is enough; no error. Being simple and genuine helps the rise.
- Line 3 (from the bottom)Rising into an empty city. A road without obstacles, yet it is worth reflecting on what this advance is aimed at.
- Line 4 (from the bottom)The king makes an offering on Mount Qi: good, no error. While rising, putting forward your share with modesty is fitting.
- Line 5 (from the bottom)Steadiness is read as favourable: ascending the steps. One who advances step by step reaches the goal calmly.
- Line 6 (from the bottom)Rising in darkness: unrelenting steadiness is favorable. But when climbing blind, pausing now and then to check direction is needed.
Question for reflection
Which small but steady step could carry you slowly upward?