The judgment
The Judgment promises great, fundamental success. Go and meet a person of influence, set worry aside, and head south for good fortune. In the figure, the gentle wood of the lower trigram grows up into the receptive earth above, like a sapling pushing through soil. Meeting such a person means seeking the support of those who can help you rise. The south, associated with light and warmth, suggests moving toward growth and clarity. Advance steadily and calmly, and the ascent tends to continue.
The image: Earth over Wind
Wood grows within the earth, rising a little each day until a sapling becomes a great tree. The classics say a person of character follows this pattern: going along with what is right, they let small gains accumulate into something tall and substantial. Big achievements come from the patient accumulation of small efforts, not from sudden leaps.
Hexagram 46 in love and relationships
In love, Pushing Upward suggests a relationship growing gradually and steadily, deepening with each small step. Patience and consistent effort are favored over grand gestures. If you are single, it points to a slow-building connection, perhaps through work or community. Support from family and friends may help. Trust the process; lasting love, like a tree, takes time.
Career and money
At work, this is a favorable hexagram for promotion, advancement, and long-term growth. Progress comes through steady effort, humility, and building good relationships with mentors or superiors. Seek out influential supporters and avoid shortcuts; small, consistent achievements add up. In money matters, its image of slow growth points to gradual accumulation rather than speculation. Keep going even when growth feels slow.
If you asked about a decision
As an answer, Pushing Upward leans toward yes. The outlook is favorable for moving forward, especially step by step. Seek advice or support from those with influence, and do not let worry hold you back. Avoid rushing; a steady, patient approach suits the time.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom. Read a line's text when it came up as a changing line (a 6 or a 9) in your cast.
- Line 1 (bottom) · yin
You rise with the trust and welcome of those above: great good fortune. As a changing line, it suggests you are being invited or supported to advance; accept the opportunity with confidence and cooperate with your supporters.
- Line 2 · yang
When you are sincere, a simple, humble offering is welcome; no fault. As a changing line, it suggests your honesty and effort will be valued even if your resources or credentials look modest right now.
- Line 3 · yang
You advance into an empty town, with nothing to stop you. As a changing line, it suggests the way ahead is surprisingly open; move forward without hesitation, while staying alert to anything that seems too easy.
- Line 4 · yin
The king makes an offering at Mount Qi, the ancestral mountain of the Zhou. Good fortune, no fault. As a changing line, it suggests your devotion and service are recognized by those in authority; you may be entrusted with an honored role.
- Line 5 · yin
Steadiness brings good fortune; you ascend the palace stairs one step at a time. As a changing line, it suggests rising in rank or responsibility through orderly progress; stay steady and do not try to skip stages.
- Line 6 (top) · yin
You keep climbing blindly in the dark. What helps now is a steadiness that never lets up. As a changing line, it warns against ambition without clear vision; turn your drive toward steady, principled effort rather than further climbing.
Hexagram 46: common questions
Is hexagram 46 a good sign?
Yes, it is widely considered one of the more favorable hexagrams. Pushing Upward promises great success through gradual, steady growth, like a tree rising from the earth. It encourages seeking support from influential people and moving forward without anxiety. The main warning comes at the top line: do not keep climbing blindly once you have reached your natural height.
How fast will progress come with hexagram 46?
Gradually. The image of a tree growing within the earth emphasizes steady, incremental ascent rather than sudden leaps. Each small effort adds up, and the fifth line speaks of climbing step by step. The timing is favorable, so keep moving, but expect progress to build over weeks and months rather than overnight.
The I Ching is offered here as a traditional tool for reflection and entertainment. A reading describes a situation and its tendencies, not a fixed outcome, and is not medical, legal or financial advice.