Transformation · lines 3, 4, and 5

The Vessel of Nourishment becomes Release from Obstacles

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Wind over Water, a breeze breaking up the ice: lines three, four and five move, and the vessel's contents begin to disperse. The starting judgment speaks of change that comes about naturally, fed by enthusiasm and by clarity about your resources. The resulting hexagram, 59 Release from Obstacles, says you can free yourself from what holds you back by acting sincerely and bringing opposing sides together around shared goals; the tension comes from selfishness, and humility helps you move with the current. Balanced, they say your transformation now involves other people pulling in different directions. Keep the flame lit, but use it to warm rather than to burn. Be clear about what you and others bring, look for common ground, and give way where you can. Unity is what lets the change go forward.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 59 Release from Obstacles

    You can free yourself from the obstacles that hold you back if you're able to act sincerely and bring opposites together around shared goals. The tension has arisen because selfishness rules. To move forward, be humble and let the current carry you rather than going against it.

    Success. The king goes to his temple. It is favorable to cross the great river. Constancy is favorable.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

Below Wind Water
Above Fire Wind

The way back

59 Release from Obstacles → 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
lines 3, 4, and 5

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.

Toss the coins