Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 4

The Fall becomes The Vessel of Nourishment

剝 23 The Fall 鼎 50 The Vessel of Nourishment

Starting hexagram

Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Three lines in the middle move, and wood takes fire beneath it: The Fall becomes 50 The Vessel of Nourishment. Each judgment has the same say. The Fall speaks of erosion: obstacles, doubt about your words, lesser people rising. It advises holding still and supporting those below you, like a mountain resting on broad earth. The second describes change that happens naturally, without great upheaval, the way food cooks over a steady flame. Put together, they suggest that the erosion you're living through can become slow transformation if you tend it. Keep your enthusiasm alive, even if it's small; it's the fire under the pot. Take stock of the resources you actually have, as a cook picks ingredients, and work with those. Don't expect a dramatic reversal. The shift will come 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 23 The Fall
It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.

It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
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.
Line 2 of 23 The Fall
Resources and help aren't enough right now. All you can do is wait for better conditions.

The bed is stripped at the frame. Constancy is destroyed: misfortune.
Line 3 of 23 The Fall
Turning to spiritual resources and inner help will keep adversity away.

Stripping. No fault.
Line 4 of 23 The Fall
Adversity is advancing; even your body may be affected.

The bed is stripped down to the skin. Misfortune.

The trigrams

Below Earth Wind

Above Mountain Fire

The way back

50 The Vessel of Nourishment → 23 The Fall
lines 2, 3, and 4

Other transformations of The Fall

Make your own cast

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

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