Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Adapting becomes The Vessel of Nourishment
What this change means
Wood catches under fire when every line except the fourth moves, and the figure takes the shape of a cauldron. The reading rests on that one still line of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment. Its warning is plain: drift from your aim, or mix with the wrong people, and the effort fails. That echoes a concern running all through the starting hexagram, the question of whom you follow and tie yourself to. The resulting hexagram describes change that happens naturally, without upheaval, the way food cooks. Keep the flame of enthusiasm lit, and be clear about the resources you have, like a cook choosing ingredients. So the transformation is underway, slowly. Your job is to protect it. Stay with your purpose, keep the wrong company out of the pot, and let things cook in their own time.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment, which stays still
If you stray from your purpose and get involved with the wrong people, you won't succeed.
The cauldron breaks a leg and spills the prince's stew. Its form is drenched. Misfortune.
- The judgment of 17 Adapting
It's a time both to lead and to follow. If you can see the place life is asking you to take right now, and act genuinely from wherever you belong, you'll gain more leadership and more support for what you do.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. No fault.
- Line 1 of 17 Adapting
Being able to yield, listen and accept opinions different from yours will lead you to success.
The post changes. Constancy brings good fortune. Going out the gate to deal with others bears fruit.
- Line 2 of 17 Adapting
Choosing very carefully who you surround yourself with makes your projects succeed.
Cling to the boy, lose the grown man.
- Line 3 of 17 Adapting
People or situations that weren't good for you are moving away. Don't regret it: this clears the way for what is new and right for you to come closer.
Cling to the grown man, lose the boy. Following, what is sought is found. Abiding in constancy is favorable.
- Line 5 of 17 Adapting
If a larger purpose drives you, a dream that inspires you, you'll get what you want.
Trust in what is good. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 17 Adapting
You can win followers and support; even the most powerful people back you and recognize you.
Seized and bound, then tied fast still more. The king makes his offering on the western mountain.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
50 The Vessel of Nourishment → 17 Adaptinglines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Adapting
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.