Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 5
The Vessel of Nourishment becomes Decline
What this change means
Heaven and Earth pull apart as lines two, three and five move. The Vessel's judgment promises change that comes naturally, step by step, as long as you keep the inner flame alive. The resulting hexagram, 12 Decline, describes adverse people and situations around you and circumstances unfavorable for acting or deciding. Held in balance, they say the slow transformation continues, but out of sight. This isn't the time for bold moves. Withdraw to a safe place, keep a low profile, and avoid getting involved with people who aren't good for you, whatever they offer. Keep your enthusiasm, though; it's what will carry you until conditions shift. Take stock quietly of your resources so you know what you'll have when the time comes. The meal is still cooking, just on a very low flame.
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 12 Decline
You're surrounded by adverse people and situations. Avoid getting involved with those people, no matter what they offer you. Circumstances aren't good for acting or making decisions; it's time to withdraw to a safe place and wait for conditions to change. It's time to keep a low profile.
Stagnation: these are not worthy people. The constancy of the noble person is not favorable. The great goes, the small comes.
- 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.
- 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.
The trigrams
The way back
12 Decline → 50 The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 2, 3, and 5
Other transformations of The Vessel of Nourishment
- 21Bitinglines 1, 2, and 3
- 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
- 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.