Transformation · lines 1 and 3
The Vessel of Nourishment becomes Opposites
What this change means
The third and first lines move, and the Wind below turns to Lake beneath the Fire. The third leads. Your gifts aren't being recognized for now, like a rich dish no one comes to eat. Holding to your integrity is the answer, and in the end the situation tends to turn in your favor. The first line adds that the change is happening under poor conditions, yet it can still end well, especially if you empty out what has gone stale. The resulting hexagram, 38 Opposites, describes the setting: the people around you are different from you, and what you can achieve together is small for now. Don't give up, and don't try to become like them. Keep your own nature, contribute from there, and accept that being misunderstood is part of this stage. Patience with difference is what lets your quality eventually show.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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 38 Opposites
You're in a situation of opposition: the people around you are different from you, yet you need to share with them. This means that what you can achieve for now is small. Even so, don't give in. It matters that both you and they keep your own nature and contribute from there to a shared project.
In small matters, good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
38 Opposites → 50 The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1 and 3
Other transformations of The Vessel of Nourishment
- 30The Flamelines 1 and 2
- 35Advancelines 2 and 3
- 26Great Achievementslines 1 and 4
- 52Abidinglines 2 and 4
- 4Immaturitylines 3 and 4
- 1Activitylines 1 and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 2 and 5
- 6Conflictlines 3 and 5
- 57Gentlenesslines 4 and 5
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1 and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2 and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 3 and 6
- 46Going Uplines 4 and 6
- 28Excesseslines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.