Transformation · lines 3, 4, 5, and 6
The Vessel of Nourishment becomes Water
What this change means
Water upon Water: four lines move, and the vessel is caught in a gorge of repeated danger. The resulting hexagram, 29 Water, speaks through its first and second lines, which stay still. The first says you won't get results if you keep pushing recklessly in the same direction without watching outside circumstances. The second says you're in a dangerous spot where only small matters succeed; this isn't the time for great achievements. So the change has led into difficult terrain. Slow down and look around before each step. Aim for small, reachable results and let them be enough for now. Keep moving, as water does, but carefully, following the shape of the ground rather than charging through. Fear shouldn't freeze you, and haste shouldn't drive you.
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 29 Water, which stays still
You won't get results if you keep acting recklessly in the direction you're going, without watching outside circumstances.
Pit upon pit. Entering the bottom of the pit. Misfortune.
- Line 2 of 29 Water, which stays still
You're in a dangerous situation where you only get results in small matters. This isn't the time for great success.
In the pit there is danger. Seeking, a little is gained.
- 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 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 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 29 Water
Just as a stream moves through obstacles and gets past them, following its course without stagnating, you're at a time when obstacles will come one after another, but you'll get past them if you can keep moving. Letting fear paralyze you will only leave you stuck.
There is sincere trust. Only the heart gets through. Going earns esteem.
The trigrams
The way back
29 Water → 50 The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 3, 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
- 39Held Backlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.