What this change means
The second line asks a blunt question: whose job is it to feed you? Here the jaws are turned upside down, looking for sustenance from the hill instead of providing it, and setting out in that state brings misfortune. In plain terms, waiting for others to sort out your affairs, or acting only for yourself, isn't favorable now. As the line moves, the Thunder below becomes a Lake at the foot of the mountain, and the resulting hexagram is 41 Decrease: a time for moderation, for saving your resources and energy and avoiding excess of every kind. The two fit together. Instead of leaning on others' supplies, live within your own means for a while and take responsibility for your own needs. Growth can follow later, but it tends to come to people who have learned to manage what they have rather than reaching for what belongs to someone else.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 27 Nourishment
Expecting others to sort out your affairs and acting selfishly isn't favorable.
Jaws turned upside down: against the norm. Seeking sustenance from the hill. Setting out brings misfortune.
- 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.
- The judgment of 41 Decrease
It's a time for moderation and saving: conserving your resources and energy matters a great deal now. A period of growth will follow, but for now you need to stay aware and avoid excess of every kind while you get ready to take on big projects.
There is sincere trust. Great good fortune. No fault. Constancy is possible. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. What to offer? Two bowls will do for the offering.
The trigrams
The way back
41 Decrease → 27 Nourishmentline 2
Other transformations of Nourishment
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.