Transformation · lines 2, 5, and 6

Nourishment becomes Thrift

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Water settles over the lake as the second, fifth and top lines move, and the jaws are asked to measure each bite. Both judgments point the same way. Nourishment asks for moderation at the table and care in speaking. The resulting hexagram, 60 Thrift, calls for conserving time, energy and resources to be ready for what's coming; then challenges tend to be easier to meet. The two judgments speak almost with one voice. This is a time for measure: budget your strength, spend words carefully, eat and drink with some restraint, and don't waste what you've gathered. That isn't austerity for its own sake, and it isn't fear. It's preparation, so that when demands arrive, you have enough for yourself and enough left over to help others.

What to read, in order

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

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 60 Thrift

    It's a time to conserve your time, energy and resources so you're ready for what lies ahead. If you do, when challenges arrive you'll be prepared and will overcome them easily.

    Success. Bitter measure cannot be kept up with constancy.

  3. 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.

  4. Line 5 of 27 Nourishment

    Being aware of your limits in helping others and asking advice on how to do it will bring you moderate achievements, not extraordinary ones, but it's something.

    Against the norm. Abiding in constancy brings good fortune. The great river cannot be crossed.

  5. Line 6 of 27 Nourishment

    You gain the resources to take care of your own affairs, and you help others get theirs. This brings a great responsibility, but also great success.

    From here comes sustenance. Danger; good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

The trigrams

Below Thunder Lake
Above Mountain Water

The way back

60 Thrift → 27 Nourishment
lines 2, 5, and 6

Other transformations of Nourishment

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins