What this change means
The fifth line is in the ruler's place, yet it admits it can't feed everyone alone. Going against the usual way, it finds good fortune by abiding in constancy, and it warns that the great river can't be crossed. In practice, recognizing how far your help can reach, and asking how to give it well, brings modest gains, not extraordinary ones, but real. As this line moves, the Mountain above turns to Wind, and the resulting hexagram is 42 Increase: gain and growth, projects that prosper, a time of achievement and generosity. The two meet in humility. Growth comes, but through you knowing where your strength ends. Follow the example of people who have the qualities you want, let go of traits that have caused trouble before, and keep your integrity. Don't attempt the big crossing yet.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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 42 Increase
You're in a time of gain and growth: your projects will grow and prosper. At times like this it's important to keep your inner integrity, follow the example of people who have the qualities you want to gain, and get rid of the traits that have caused you trouble before. Overall, it's a time of achievement and generosity.
It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
42 Increase → 27 Nourishmentline 5
Other transformations of Nourishment
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.