Hexagram 50 of 64
鼎
The Cauldron
Dǐng
Upper Trigram
離
Fire
Clinging, Brilliant
Fire · Middle Daughter
Lower Trigram
巽
Wind
Gentle, Penetrating
Wind/Wood · Eldest Daughter
The Judgment
The Cauldron. Supreme good fortune. Success.
The sacred cauldron transforms raw ingredients into nourishment for body and spirit. This hexagram represents the highest cultural and spiritual work — the transformation of raw nature into refined wisdom, the preparation of what nourishes the great.
The Image
Fire over wood — the image of the Cauldron. Thus the superior person consolidates their fate by making their position correct.
The cauldron's fire is fed by wood and transforms what is inside. The person of wisdom consolidates their position not through force but through the correct alignment of their inner life.
The Six Lines
Line 1
A ting with legs upturned. Furthers removal of stagnating stuff. One takes a concubine for the sake of her son. No blame.
Inverting the cauldron to clean out what has accumulated — an unconventional beginning that nevertheless serves the greater purpose.
Line 2
There is food in the ting. My comrades are envious, but they cannot harm me. Good fortune.
Genuine substance draws envy but also protects. What one has truly developed cannot be taken by resentment.
Line 3
The handle of the ting is altered. One is impeded in his way of life. The fat of the pheasant is not eaten. Once rain falls, remorse is spent. Good fortune comes in the end.
Temporary obstruction of one's most valuable resources — but when the obstruction clears, the full nourishment becomes available.
Line 4
The legs of the ting are broken. The prince's meal is spilled and his person is soiled. Misfortune.
When the vessel of responsibility is broken through incompetence, what is most precious is lost and those responsible are disgraced.
Line 5
The ting has yellow handles, golden carrying rings. Perseverance furthers.
The cauldron of supreme refinement — handled with the balance of yellow, carried with the incorruptibility of gold. This is the finest human character.
Line 6
The ting has rings of jade. Great good fortune. Nothing that would not act to further.
Jade rings — softness and luster, the ideal combination of yielding and brilliant. The vessel perfected opens all possibilities.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.