46. Pushing Upward 升
Sheng · Wind over Earth
The Judgment
Pushing Upward describes growth that rises gradually and surely, the way a seedling climbs toward light. Progress here is favorable and brings success, but it depends on consistent effort rather than sudden leaps. Seek out those who can guide and support your rise, and don't hesitate to do so. Moving forward, especially toward your aims, is favored now.
The Image
A tree grows up out of the earth, gaining height a little at a time. The wise person follows this pattern, building character through small, steady acts that accumulate into something tall.
What it means
Pushing Upward is the hexagram of patient ascent. Unlike a dramatic breakthrough, this is the slow, organic growth of a tree: imperceptible day to day, undeniable over time. Conditions favor advancement, and the climb tends to succeed, as long as you keep at it.
The method matters more than speed. Steady, devoted effort, repeated small steps in the right direction, is what carries you upward. Don't wait for a giant leap; trust accumulation. The progress you can't see each day is real and adds up.
Seek good guidance and don't be shy about it. Mentors, sponsors, and those who've climbed before you can smooth and accelerate the rise. With persistence, the right support, and a clear direction, this is a time to move forward with confidence.
Love and relationships
A relationship that grows patiently and steadily, built through small consistent acts of care, rises toward something solid and lasting.
Career and decisions
A favorable season for gradual advancement earned through persistent effort; seek mentors and sponsors actively, and trust that steady steps compound into real progress.
The six lines
- 1. Six at the beginning
Your rise is welcomed and supported from the start, a confident first step upward. Trusted by those above, you move with their backing.
When changing: Marks an encouraging, well-supported beginning to your ascent.
- 2. Six in the second place
Sincerity counts more than show; even a modest, heartfelt offering carries real weight. What you bring with genuine intent is enough.
When changing: Affirms that authentic effort outweighs impressive but hollow gestures.
- 3. Six in the third place
For now the way ahead is unusually open, and you advance with surprising ease. Move while the path is clear, but don't assume it lasts.
When changing: Indicates a stretch of unobstructed progress worth using promptly.
- 4. Six in the fourth place
You reach a respected height and are honored for how you got there. Your steady climb earns recognition and lasting good fortune.
When changing: Signals arrival at a worthy position acknowledged by others.
- 5. Nine in the fifth place
Advance step by step rather than skipping ahead, and your gains hold firm. Persistence keeps you on solid footing as you rise.
When changing: Counsels methodical, stair-step progress to secure each level reached.
- 6. Nine at the top
Climbing blindly, with no sense of when to stop, becomes a trap. The persistence that served you now needs the wisdom to know its limit.
When changing: Warns that ambition without restraint turns relentless ascent into exhaustion.
Related hexagrams
升 Pushing Upward
Cast this for your questionOn-page guidance is original modern synthesis for reflection, informed by the public-domain Legge text. It is not a reproduction of any copyrighted translation, and not a prediction.