Transformation · lines 2, 4, 5, and 6
The Vessel of Nourishment becomes Held Back
What this change means
Water on the Mountain: four lines move, and the vessel faces a steep, wet climb. The first and third lines of 39 Held Back, the resulting hexagram, stay still and carry the counsel. The first says a strategic retreat in the face of obstacles helps you reflect, find new approaches, and act when conditions are right. The third says the right move now is to pull back from the obstacles and go back to ordinary life, among the people who love you, until it's time to act. So the change you've been tending has hit resistance, and pushing won't help. Withdraw for a while without shame. Rest with those close to you, think things through, and come back with a better plan. The climb will still be there when you're ready for it.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 39 Held Back, which stays still
A strategic retreat in the face of obstacles will help you reflect, come up with new strategies, and act when conditions are right.
Going: hardship. Coming: praise.
- Line 3 of 39 Held Back, which stays still
The right thing now is to step back from the obstacles and return to normal conditions, with the people who love you, until the time to act comes.
Going: hardship. Coming: a return.
- 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 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 39 Held Back
Every time you advance, something blocks you, forcing you to stop, step back, and look for help from like-minded people who give you their support. That way you'll get past the obstacles one by one until the final victory.
The southwest is favorable; the northeast is not. It is favorable to see the great person. Constancy brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
39 Held Back → 50 The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 2, 4, 5, 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
- 36Darknesslines 1, 2, 4, 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
- 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.