Transformation · line 5
The Vessel of Nourishment becomes Lack of Firmness
What this change means
Just the fifth line moves, and the Fire above becomes Heaven. The cauldron here has yellow ears and a bar of gold: it's handsome, solid and easy to carry. Your qualities can take you to success without your having to prove anything; things tend to go your way on their own. Constancy is favorable. The resulting hexagram, 44 Lack of Firmness, adds a caution worth hearing. When things come easily, unsuitable people or situations can slip in, and you may think you're strong enough to handle them. If you don't set firm limits, they can end up controlling you. So enjoy the ease, and stay steady. Let your quality speak, but keep watch over whom you let close and what habits you allow. A golden handle is a gift only if you keep a firm grip on it.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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 44 Lack of Firmness
You're surrounded by unsuitable people or situations. You know it, but you think you have the power to control them and don't take them very seriously; it may even be a bad habit. If you don't pay attention and set firm limits, they'll take control over you and you won't be able to pull away.
The woman is strong. Do not take her as a wife.
The trigrams
The way back
44 Lack of Firmness → 50 The Vessel of Nourishmentline 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.