Transformation · line 3
Transition becomes The Vessel of Nourishment
What this change means
The third line stands at the river's edge with a paradox: setting out before you're ready brings misfortune, and yet crossing the great river is favorable. Acting hastily or forcing things will fail; seeing that and leaning on people who can help puts you back on course. When the line moves, the Water below becomes Wind, wood feeding fire, and the resulting hexagram is 50 The Vessel of Nourishment. It describes change that comes about naturally, without upheaval, the way food cooks: keep the flame of enthusiasm alive and know exactly what ingredients you have. So the crossing will happen, but not by force. Let it cook. Ask for the help that's there, take stock of your resources, and allow the transformation the time it needs. Patience, not pressure, gets you across.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 64 Transition
Acting hastily or trying to force things will lead to failure. Recognizing this and leaning on those who can help you will let you get back on course.
Before crossing, setting out brings misfortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- The judgment of 64 Transition
Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.
Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing 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 trigrams
The way back
50 The Vessel of Nourishment → 64 Transitionline 3
Other transformations of Transition
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.