Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 6
The Vessel of Nourishment becomes Darkness
What this change means
Light sinks into the earth when four lines move: Fire below, Earth above. The meaning sits with the third and fifth lines of the resulting hexagram, 36 Darkness, which don't change. The third says a bit of luck may help you advance, yet the obstacles still stand, so hold off celebrating and keep watch until they've really fallen. The fifth says there's no moving to better ground for now, so remain in place, eyes on your goal and head down. So the change you've been cooking has to continue in a dark setting. Take what progress comes, without fanfare. Don't relax your guard. Keep your aim clear and your light inside, and wait for the moment when it's safe to let it show again.
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 36 Darkness, which stays still
A small stroke of luck lets you move forward, but the obstacles aren't overcome yet, so don't celebrate too soon. Stay alert until they're fully defeated.
The wounded light on the southern hunt: the great chief is taken. Constancy must not be hurried.
- Line 5 of 36 Darkness, which stays still
For now you can't withdraw to better circumstances, so you have to stay where you are, with your mind fixed on your goal and a low profile so you don't draw attention.
The wounded light of Jizi. Constancy is favorable.
- 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 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 36 Darkness
It's a dark time: circumstances force you to live alongside the wrong people. If you know how to protect yourself, hold on to your integrity, and go unnoticed, without openly showing your light and your talents, you'll stay safe until better times come. However hard they seem, hard times pass too.
Constancy in hardship is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
36 Darkness → 50 The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
Other transformations of The Vessel of Nourishment
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 25Innocencelines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 37The Tribelines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 20Observinglines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 51Shocklines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 29Waterlines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.