Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 3
The Vessel of Nourishment becomes Biting
What this change means
Wind turns to Thunder under the Fire when all three lower lines move, and quiet cooking becomes lightning and a sharp report. The Vessel's judgment speaks of change that happens naturally, little by little, kept alive by enthusiasm and by a clear sense of your resources. The resulting hexagram, 21 Biting, asks for something stronger: firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, with energy and clear limits, even formal steps if needed. Held in balance, they say the gradual transformation you've been tending now meets something that won't yield to patience alone. Keep the flame and the clarity about what you have, and then act. Name the obstacle and set the limit. Don't let fear make you hesitate once it's plain that something must be dealt with. The change still cooks slowly, but this part of it needs a firm bite.
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 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 judgment of 21 Biting
It's a time for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, even legal action if needed. Success is within reach if you act with energy and set limits. Don't be afraid: act.
Success. It is favorable to bring things to judgment.
- Line 1 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
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
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.
- Line 3 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
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 trigrams
The way back
21 Biting → 50 The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 2, and 3
Other transformations of The Vessel of Nourishment
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 2, and 4
- 41Decreaselines 1, 3, and 4
- 23The Falllines 2, 3, and 4
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, and 5
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 3, and 5
- 12Declinelines 2, 3, and 5
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 4, and 5
- 53Gradual Progresslines 2, 4, and 5
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 3, 4, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 1, 2, and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 3, and 6
- 16Passionlines 2, 3, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 4, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 2, 4, and 6
- 7The Armylines 3, 4, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 5, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 2, 5, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 3, 5, and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.