Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 5
Small Things becomes Nourishment
What this change means
Thunder stirs below a mountain, the shape of an open mouth, when the second, third and fifth lines move. With three lines changing, both judgments are read with equal weight. Small Things tells of a success held in reserve; the sky is heavy but it doesn't rain yet, and obstacles still have to be resolved through small steps. The resulting hexagram, 27 Nourishment, turns attention to what sustains you: tend your physical and spiritual nourishment so you have the resources each area needs, and let what you do help others grow too. The good comes from taking in and giving out. Put together, they say: feed what's real while you wait. Watch what you take in, in food, words and influences, and share what's good with those around you. The waiting period becomes a time of building strength rather than straining at the gate.
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 9 Small Things
You're facing a situation that promises success, but it isn't time yet. There are still obstacles on the way that you need to resolve. For now you can take small actions and wait for the right moment to act on a large scale.
Success. Dense clouds and no rain, from my western outskirts.
- The judgment of 27 Nourishment
Right now you need to take care of your physical and spiritual nourishment, so you have the resources you need in each area, and at the same time help others grow through what you do. Success lies in giving and receiving: take in what is good for you and share it with those around you.
Constancy brings good fortune. Watching the jaws; seeking for oneself what fills the mouth.
- Line 2 of 9 Small Things
Even though circumstances push you to advance, for now it's time to go back and prepare to act at a better moment.
Led back. Good fortune.
- Line 3 of 9 Small Things
Trying to advance at any cost only brings bigger obstacles from outside.
The spokes come loose from the cart. Husband and wife glare at each other.
- Line 5 of 9 Small Things
Allying with others and being loyal in that alliance will bring success.
There is sincere trust, bound together as by a cord. Growing rich alongside the neighbor.
The trigrams
The way back
27 Nourishment → 9 Small Thingslines 2, 3, and 5
Other transformations of Small Things
- 20Observinglines 1, 2, and 3
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 2, and 4
- 6Conflictlines 1, 3, and 4
- 25Innocencelines 2, 3, and 4
- 52Abidinglines 1, 2, and 5
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 3, and 5
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 4, and 5
- 30The Flamelines 2, 4, and 5
- 38Oppositeslines 3, 4, and 5
- 39Held Backlines 1, 2, and 6
- 29Waterlines 1, 3, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 2, 3, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 1, 4, and 6
- 49Renewallines 2, 4, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 3, 4, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 1, 5, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 2, 5, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 3, 5, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.