Transformation · lines 2, 4, 5, and 6

Held Back becomes The Vessel of Nourishment

蹇 39 Held Back 鼎 50 The Vessel of Nourishment

Starting hexagram

Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The cauldron is set over the fire: the second, fourth, fifth and top lines move, and Held Back becomes 50 The Vessel of Nourishment. What it says comes through its unmoving first and third lines. The first says the change will happen under less than ideal conditions, but it will reach a good end. The third says that for now your talents aren't recognized, and there's no need to worry: staying true to yourself and acting with integrity brings success in the end. The resulting hexagram describes change that happens naturally, the way food cooks. After the obstacles, a transformation is underway, though not on your preferred terms. Keep your enthusiasm lit, know what resources you have, and don't wait for recognition before doing good work. The process is slow and steady, and it tends to come out well.

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 3 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment, which stays still
For now you're in a place where your talents and qualities aren't recognized. There's nothing to worry about: if you stay true to yourself and act with integrity, success will come in the end.

The ears of the cauldron are altered; its going is blocked. The pheasant fat is not eaten. When the rain comes, regret wanes. In the end, good fortune.
The judgment of 39 Held Back
Every time you advance, something blocks you, forcing you to stop, step back, and look for help from like-minded people who give you their support. That way you'll get past the obstacles one by one until the final victory.

The southwest is favorable; the northeast is not. It is favorable to see the great person. Constancy brings good fortune.
Line 2 of 39 Held Back
It's time to face the difficulties, which seem to grow as you advance. Still, if your actions go hand in hand with inner integrity, you'll succeed in the end.

The king's servant, in hardship upon hardship, and not of their own doing.
Line 4 of 39 Held Back
You won't get past the obstacles on your own. It's time to return to more stable conditions and look for support from like-minded people; with their help you'll succeed.

Going: hardship. Coming: joined with others.
Line 5 of 39 Held Back
You have great conviction and clear goals, which let you keep going despite the obstacles. Your inner strength will draw help to you.

Great hardship: friends arrive.
Line 6 of 39 Held Back
You've reached such maturity and confidence that you can face difficulties calmly and help others; in the same way, you'll receive help from those above you.

Going: hardship. Coming: greatness. Good fortune. It is favorable to see the great person.
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

Below Mountain Wind

Above Water Fire

The way back

50 The Vessel of Nourishment → 39 Held Back
lines 2, 4, 5, and 6

Other transformations of Held Back

Make your own cast

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

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