Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Initial Obstacles becomes The Vessel of Nourishment
What this change means
All six lines move, and the whole figure turns: thunder becomes wind, water becomes fire, and the struggle of 3 Initial Obstacles is transformed into the slow work of a cooking pot. When every line changes, the resulting hexagram, 50 The Vessel of Nourishment, speaks for itself. It describes change and adjustment that come about naturally, without big disruptions, much as a meal cooks over steady heat. Keep the flame lit, which here means your enthusiasm, the strength that keeps you going. And be clear about your resources, the way a cook chooses ingredients.
After a beginning so full of obstacles, this is a gentle promise: things can transform, but at their own pace. Watch for stirring the pot too often or turning the heat up out of impatience. Tend the fire, trust the process, and let the result take shape little by little.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- The judgment of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
It's a time of change and adjustment, and it will happen naturally, without great upheaval, the way food cooks. Keep the flame lit: it's the enthusiasm that gives you the strength to keep going. And be clear about the resources you have, the way a cook chooses the ingredients. The change will come about little by little.
Great good fortune. Success.
- The judgment of 3 Initial Obstacles
This isn't the time to act directly: look for people who can act for you, allies who represent you. Still, stay alert so you know when the time comes to take back the initiative and control.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet. It is favorable to install lords.
- Line 1 of 3 Initial Obstacles
It's time to let others act for you.
Hesitating, circling by the rock. Abiding in constancy is favorable. It is favorable to install lords.
- Line 2 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Obstacles are on the way, but help will come. Act with caution until you feel secure and can receive that help.
Stuck, turning in place; the horses of the team pull apart. Not a raider: someone come to ask for marriage. The young woman is constant and gives no promise; after ten years she gives it.
- Line 3 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Right now obstacles aren't solved by acting: they're solved by stepping back until conditions improve.
Chasing the deer with no gamekeeper, only going deeper into the forest. The noble person sees the sign and would rather let it go. Going on: distress.
- Line 4 of 3 Initial Obstacles
It's wise to accept help now, even if it means leaving your pride behind.
The horses of the team pull apart. Seeking marriage. Going brings good fortune. Nothing that is not favorable.
- Line 5 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Act with caution, step by step, without rushing.
Holding back its richness. In small things, constancy brings good fortune; in great things, even with constancy, misfortune.
- Line 6 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Despite the obstacles, don't give up or lose heart.
The horses of the team pull apart. Weeping blood, in endless streams.
The trigrams
The way back
50 The Vessel of Nourishment → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.