I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 50 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 5

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 50.1.4.5.6 -> 5

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 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 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鼎黃耳金鉉,利貞。"
(Dǐng huáng ěr jīn xuàn, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“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 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:

5. Waiting (Nourishment) (需 Xū)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 5

Hexagram 需 (Xū) represents waiting or nourishing. It reflects a time when patience and perseverance are necessary to allow circumstances to unfold naturally. The image is of rain held in the clouds, which will eventually fall, nourishing the earth. In human terms, it advises readiness without rushing, cultivating inner strength while waiting for the right moment to act.

Hexagram 5 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚,光亨,贞吉。利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, guāng hēng, zhēn jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great water.”

This Judgment emphasizes the importance of sincerity and clarity during times of waiting. Success will come through perseverance and maintaining one's integrity. The phrase 'cross the great water' suggests a major challenge or journey that can be successfully undertaken if approached with patience and readiness.

Hexagram 5 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云上于天,需。君子以饮食宴乐。"
(Yún shàng yú tiān, xū. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǐn shí yàn lè.)
English Translation:
“Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. The superior person eats and drinks, is joyful and at ease.”

The image of clouds rising up to heaven indicates that rain is not yet falling. This represents a period of waiting before action. The superior person takes this time to enjoy life's simple pleasures—food, drink, and joy—without anxiety. It is a call to cultivate patience and inner peace while waiting for the right moment.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team