I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 50 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 24

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 50.1.2.3.4.6 -> 24

Old Yang Young Yin Old Yang Old Yang Old Yang Old Yin

50. The Cauldron

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin Yang

24. Return

50. The Cauldron (鼎 Dǐng)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 50

Hexagram 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.

Hexagram 50 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"鼎，元吉，亨。"
(Dǐng, yuán jí, hēng.)
English Translation:
“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.

Hexagram 50 Image

The Image reads:
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.)
English Translation:
“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 Changing

This line reads:
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.)
English Translation:
“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 Changing

This line reads:
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.)
English Translation:
“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 Changing

This line reads:
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.)
English Translation:
“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 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鼎折足，覆公餗，其形渥，凶。"
(Dǐng zhé zú, fù gōng sù, qí xíng wò, xiōng.)
English Translation:
“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 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鼎玉鉉，大吉，无不利。"
(Dǐng yù xuàn, dà jí, wú bù lì.)
English Translation:
“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.

Changing to:

24. Return (復 Fù)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 24

Hexagram 復 (Fù) symbolizes a return to balance, renewal, and the beginning of a new cycle. This hexagram represents a time of renewal after a period of decline. It is a time for returning to one's roots and starting fresh.

Hexagram 24 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"復，亨，出入无疾，朋來无咎。反復其道，七日來復，利有攸往。"
(Fù, hēng, chū rù wú jí, péng lái wú jiù. Fǎn fù qí dào, qī rì lái fù, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Return. Success. Going out and coming in without harm. Friends come without blame. On the seventh day, return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram speaks of a return to normalcy after a difficult period. It advises patience, as renewal will come naturally, like the turning of a cycle. The seventh day symbolizes completion and renewal. It is a favorable time to move forward.

Hexagram 24 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷在地中，復。先王以至日閉關，商旅不行，后不省方。"
(Léi zài dì zhōng, fù. Xiān wáng yǐ zhì rì bì guān, shāng lǚ bù xíng, hòu bù xǐng fāng.)
English Translation:
“Thunder within the earth: The image of Return. The ancient kings closed the passes at the solstice. Merchants and travelers did not move, and the ruler did not travel to the regions.”

The image of thunder within the earth suggests a time of quiet preparation for renewal. The superior person uses this time for reflection and planning, waiting for the right moment to act. It is a time of rest before moving forward.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team