50. The Cauldron (鼎 Dǐng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
- Below
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
Symbolic Meaning
鼎 (Dǐng) represents a cauldron, symbolizing nourishment and transformation. This hexagram speaks of a time when one’s resources and abilities are being refined and used to nourish and support others. Success comes from utilizing what is in the cauldron and making something valuable.
Judgment
Original Chinese:
"鼎，元吉，亨。"
(Dǐng, yuán jí, hēng.)
"The Cauldron. Great good fortune. Success."
This hexagram advises a time of great transformation and nourishment. Like a cauldron cooking food, one’s resources and abilities are being refined to create something valuable. Success comes from sharing this nourishment with others.
Image
Original Chinese:
"木上有火，鼎。君子以正位凝命。"
(Mù shàng yǒu huǒ, dǐng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèng wèi níng mìng.)
"Fire over wood: The image of The Cauldron. The superior person makes their position correct and consolidates their destiny."
The image of fire over wood represents the process of cooking and transforming raw ingredients into something nourishing. The superior person, like the cauldron, uses their resources and position to create something lasting and valuable.
Line 1
Original Chinese:
"鼎顛趾，利出否，得妾以其子，无咎。"
(Dǐng diān zhǐ, lì chū pǐ, dé qiè yǐ qí zǐ, wú jiù.)
"The cauldron’s legs are upturned. It is favorable to remove what is spoiled. Gaining a servant and her child. No blame."
This line speaks of a cauldron that has been overturned, symbolizing a situation where things have gone wrong. However, it is favorable to remove what is spoiled and start fresh. Gaining a servant and her child symbolizes a new beginning with support. There is no blame.
Line 2
Original Chinese:
"鼎有實，我仇有疾，不我能即，吉。"
(Dǐng yǒu shí, wǒ chóu yǒu jí, bù wǒ néng jí, jí.)
"The cauldron is full. My enemy is sick, but they cannot approach me. Good fortune."
This line describes a cauldron full of nourishing resources. Although an enemy may be present, they are unable to harm you. The situation is secure, and good fortune follows.
Line 3
Original Chinese:
"鼎耳革，其行塞，雉膏不食，方雨虧悔，終吉。"
(Dǐng ěr gé, qí xíng sè, zhì gāo bù shí, fāng yǔ kuī huǐ, zhōng jí.)
"The cauldron’s handles are changed. Movement is blocked. The pheasant fat is not eaten. When the rain comes, regret disappears. In the end, good fortune."
This line speaks of a temporary blockage, symbolized by the cauldron’s handles being changed and movement being halted. Although there is delay (the pheasant fat is not eaten), when the rain comes (symbolizing relief), regret disappears and good fortune follows.
Line 4
Original Chinese:
"鼎折足，覆公餗，其形渥，凶。"
(Dǐng zhé zú, fù gōng sù, qí xíng wò, xiōng.)
"The cauldron’s legs are broken. The food for the prince is spilled. The form is covered with blood. Misfortune."
This line describes a serious setback, where the cauldron is broken and the valuable contents are lost. Misfortune follows, and it advises caution and care in managing resources to avoid disaster.
Line 5
Original Chinese:
"鼎黃耳金鉉，利貞。"
(Dǐng huáng ěr jīn xuàn, lì zhēn.)
"The cauldron has yellow ears and golden handles. Perseverance furthers."
This line speaks of a cauldron in excellent condition, with golden handles symbolizing strength and stability. It advises perseverance and continued effort, as the situation is stable and success is assured.
Line 6
Original Chinese:
"鼎玉鉉，大吉，无不利。"
(Dǐng yù xuàn, dà jí, wú bù lì.)
"The cauldron has jade handles. Great good fortune. Nothing is unfavorable."
This line describes a cauldron with jade handles, symbolizing great beauty and value. The situation is ideal, and great good fortune follows. Everything is favorable, and success is assured.