Transformation · lines 4, 5, and 6
Right Action becomes The Vessel of Nourishment
What this change means
The three upper lines move, and Water above becomes Fire: the well turns into a cauldron over wood. The two judgments are held in balance. 48 Right Action urges you to put your openings and resources to work now. The resulting hexagram, 50 The Vessel of Nourishment, speaks of change that comes naturally, little by little, the way food cooks, as long as you keep the flame of enthusiasm lit and know what ingredients you have. The two vessels belong together: one draws water, the other transforms it. Your resources are ready; now they can be turned into something new. Keep your enthusiasm steady, choose carefully what goes into the pot, and let the change happen at its own pace. Set your own place right, as the image says, and the result tends to nourish more than just you.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- The judgment of 48 Right Action
You're at a moment when opportunities are on your side. But if you don't know how to use them because you keep putting off decisions and actions, being in the right place at the right time won't do you any good. It's not about looking for new things but about making use of what you have, or there will be loss.
The town is changed, the well is not. Nothing lost, nothing gained. They come and go, and draw from the well. Nearly there, the rope does not yet reach the well; if the jar breaks, 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.
- Line 4 of 48 Right Action
It's time to rethink and focus on the opportunities. If you focus on action and use your talents, you'll succeed.
The well is lined with brick. No fault.
- Line 5 of 48 Right Action
You recognize the opportunities around you and feel motivated and determined to act, which will bring success.
The well is clear: the cold spring is drunk.
- Line 6 of 48 Right Action
You have all the talents and abilities to act and seize the moment, and you also want to contribute to those around you: there will be success.
Water is drawn from the well: do not cover it. There is sincere trust. Great good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
50 The Vessel of Nourishment → 48 Right Actionlines 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Right Action
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, and 3
- 49Renewallines 1, 2, and 4
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 3, and 4
- 45Meetinglines 2, 3, and 4
- 36Darknesslines 1, 2, and 5
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 3, and 5
- 2Passivitylines 2, 3, and 5
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 4, and 5
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2, 4, and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 3, 4, and 5
- 37The Tribelines 1, 2, and 6
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 3, and 6
- 20Observinglines 2, 3, and 6
- 1Activitylines 1, 4, and 6
- 33Leaving Behindlines 2, 4, and 6
- 6Conflictlines 3, 4, and 6
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 5, and 6
- 52Abidinglines 2, 5, and 6
- 4Immaturitylines 3, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.