Cambios

Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, and 5

Observing becomes The Vessel of Nourishment

觀 20 Observing 鼎 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire burns over wood, the cauldron's image, as four lines move from the second to the fifth. The two still lines of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment carry the reading. The first says the change will happen under less than ideal conditions, yet it will end well. The top line says your actions will be richly rewarded, with success in your projects, human favor and divine help.

The patient observation of the starting hexagram turns here into a slow, natural transformation, like food cooking. Imperfect conditions aren't a reason to stop. Keep the flame of enthusiasm alive, be clear about the resources you have, and let the change happen step by step. Watch for waiting for perfect circumstances before you begin; this movement suggests that what starts imperfectly can still be well rewarded.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. Line 1 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment, which stays still

    The change will happen under conditions that aren't ideal, but it will come to a good end.

    The cauldron upended, feet in the air. It is favorable to tip out what has gone stale. A concubine is taken for the sake of her son. No fault.

  2. Line 6 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment, which stays still

    Your actions will be richly rewarded. Success in your projects: you find human favor and divine help.

    The cauldron with a bar of jade. Great good fortune. Nothing that is not favorable.

  3. The judgment of 20 Observing

    Observe before you act. Right now you're a source of inspiration for others, and at the same time you need to observe those who inspire you. This will let things unfold at the right moment, and perfectly.

    Hands washed, the offering not yet made. There is sincere trust, solemn and grave.

  4. Line 2 of 20 Observing

    If your perception is subjective, you'll stay on the surface and never reach the heart of the situation.

    Peeking through a crack. A woman's constancy is favorable.

  5. Line 3 of 20 Observing

    Observing yourself, along with the signs coming from outside, will give you a full view of the situation and let you decide whether to advance or pull back.

    Contemplating my own life: advancing or withdrawing.

  6. Line 4 of 20 Observing

    You can look at things with wisdom and bring light where there is darkness. This will bring you recognition.

    Contemplating the light of the kingdom. It is favorable to be the king's guest.

  7. Line 5 of 20 Observing

    If you observe responsibly, you'll see how similar situations turned out in the past and can apply the corrections now.

    Contemplating my own life. For the noble person, no fault.

  8. 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

Below Earth Wind
Above Wind Fire

The way back

50 The Vessel of Nourishment → 20 Observing
lines 2, 3, 4, and 5

Other transformations of Observing

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins