Sh^eng / Pushing Upward

above:K'un The Receptive, Earth
below:Sun The Gentle, Wind

Shang 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.

Overall Meaning

Rising and advancing, the symbol of pushing upwards

The character Shang is used of advancing in an upward direction, 'advancing and ascending'. And here, as the name of the hexagram, it denotes the advance of a good officer to the highest pinnacle of distinction. The second line, in the center of the lower trigram, is strong, but the strength is tempered by its being in an even place. As the representative of the subject of the hexagram, it shows him to be possessed of modesty and force. Then the ruler's seat, the fifth place, is occupied by a divided line, indicating that he will welcome the advance of 2. The officer therefore both has the qualities that fit him to advance, and a favorable opportunity to do so. The result of his advance will be fortunate.

It is said that after he has met with the ruler, 'the great man' in 5, 'advance to the south will be fortunate'. Ku Hsi and other critics say that 'advancing to the south' is equivalent simply to 'advancing forwards'. The south is the region of brightness and warmth; advance towards it will be a joyful progress.