Transformation · lines 2, 4, and 5
Gradual Progress becomes The Vessel of Nourishment
What this change means
Wind below and Fire above: the second, fourth and fifth lines move, and the figure takes the shape of a cauldron over flames. Three moving lines put the two judgments in balance. Gradual Progress counsels stages and patience. 50 The Vessel of Nourishment describes change that happens naturally, without upheaval, the way food slowly cooks. Both texts trust slow transformation. Your part is to keep the fire going, which here means your enthusiasm, and to know your resources well, the way a cook chooses ingredients. Don't lift the lid every minute to check whether it's ready. Adjust carefully, keep your place in order, and let the change come about little by little. The result will be more nourishing for having taken its time, and the people who share it with you will feel the difference.
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 53 Gradual Progress
You'll make progress, and it will come step by step, gradually, through stages that make it lasting and stable. Trying to speed things up will bring delays and obstacles. Keep at it, one rung at a time.
The woman goes to be married: good fortune. 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.
- Line 2 of 53 Gradual Progress
You'll have a first success as you move forward. Nothing spectacular, but it will let you rest and recharge to keep going.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the boulder. It eats and drinks with joy. Good fortune.
- Line 4 of 53 Gradual Progress
In the middle of your progress, situations come up that are out of your control. Don't despair: act with caution and respond wisely to these obstacles. That way you'll stay safe while conditions improve.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the tree. Perhaps it finds a flat branch. No fault.
- Line 5 of 53 Gradual Progress
In the middle of your progress you're cut off, and hostile people stir up misunderstandings around you. All you can do is wait calmly for this to pass; it will pass on its own.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the hill. For three years the wife does not conceive; in the end nothing overcomes her. Good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
50 The Vessel of Nourishment → 53 Gradual Progresslines 2, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Gradual Progress
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 2, and 3
- 1Activitylines 1, 2, and 4
- 25Innocencelines 1, 3, and 4
- 6Conflictlines 2, 3, and 4
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, and 5
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 3, and 5
- 4Immaturitylines 2, 3, and 5
- 30The Flamelines 1, 4, and 5
- 35Advancelines 3, 4, and 5
- 5Inactionlines 1, 2, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 3, and 6
- 29Waterlines 2, 3, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 4, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 2, 4, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 3, 4, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 1, 5, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 2, 5, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 3, 5, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.