Transformation · lines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Water becomes The Vessel of Nourishment
What this change means
Fire burns over wood as four lines move, the third through the top, and the double pit turns into a cauldron where things cook slowly. The still first and second lines of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment guide you. The first says the change takes place in less than ideal conditions, yet it can reach a good end. The second says that if you do things the right way, you needn't fear the envy your achievements stir up. So you're moving out of danger into a time of steady transformation. Don't wait for perfect conditions; work with what you have. Watch for the worry that others' resentment could undo you. Keep your methods sound and your enthusiasm lit, and let the change unfold gradually, the way food cooks without being rushed. Patience over the flame is the skill this moment asks for.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- Line 2 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment, which stays still
If you do things the right way, don't fear the envy your achievements stir up.
The cauldron is full. My rival is ill and cannot come near me. Good fortune.
- The judgment of 29 Water
Just as a stream moves through obstacles and gets past them, following its course without stagnating, you're at a time when obstacles will come one after another, but you'll get past them if you can keep moving. Letting fear paralyze you will only leave you stuck.
There is sincere trust. Only the heart gets through. Going earns esteem.
- Line 3 of 29 Water
It's time to stop, watch and act only when you're sure that moving forward will lead to success. Ask for inner guidance.
Coming and going: pit and pit. Danger, and depth besides. Entering the bottom of the pit. Do not act.
- Line 4 of 29 Water
Obstacles will be overcome now only if you open up to help that seems minor but will make the difference.
A jug of wine, a bowl of grain besides, in clay vessels. The simple offering passes in through the window. In the end, no fault.
- Line 5 of 29 Water
You'll get out of the obstacles now if you follow the path of least resistance and, step by step, head toward your goal.
The pit does not overflow; it fills just to the level. No fault.
- Line 6 of 29 Water
Trying to escape the obstacles, you get more tangled if you keep doing things the wrong way and side with the wrong people.
Bound with braided cords, set among thorn thickets; three years and no way out. Misfortune.
- 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
The way back
50 The Vessel of Nourishment → 29 Waterlines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Water
- 49Renewallines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 36Darknesslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 51Shocklines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 37The Tribelines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 25Innocencelines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 1Activitylines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 33Leaving Behindlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 52Abidinglines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 35Advancelines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.