Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
The Vessel of Nourishment becomes After the End
What this change means
All but the third line move, and the figure becomes Water over Fire, everything seemingly in its place. That unmoving third line of 63 After the End, the resulting hexagram, holds the advice: if you want to expand right now, you'll need extreme measures to clear the obstacles in the way. The vessel's change has reached a point of apparent completion. Success is here, but it tends to be passing, and stagnation often follows. Growing further would take a great deal of force. So ask whether expansion is really worth that cost. Often the wiser path is to consolidate what's done and prepare for the quieter time ahead, so its effects are softer. If you do decide to push on, go in with your eyes open and your resources counted.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 63 After the End, which stays still
If you want to expand right now, you'll have to use extreme measures to clear the obstacles in the way.
The High Ancestor attacks the land of Guifang; in three years he conquers it. Do not employ the petty 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.
- 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 4 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
If you stray from your purpose and get involved with the wrong people, you won't succeed.
The cauldron breaks a leg and spills the prince's stew. Its form is drenched. Misfortune.
- Line 5 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
Your qualities will carry you to success without your having to prove anything. Naturally, everything will go your way.
The cauldron with yellow ears and a bar of gold. Constancy is favorable.
- Line 6 of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
Your actions will be richly rewarded. Success in your projects: you find human favor and divine help.
The cauldron with a bar of jade. Great good fortune. Nothing that is not favorable.
- The judgment of 63 After the End
You're in a situation where you'll have a passing success: everything seems to be in your favor, and at the end comes a period of stagnation. If you prepare for it ahead of time, you'll be able to soften its effects.
Success in small things. Constancy is favorable. At first, good fortune; in the end, disorder.
The trigrams
The way back
63 After the End → 50 The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of The Vessel of Nourishment
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.