I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 50 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 5 to Hexagram 53

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 50.2.4.5 -> 53

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 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 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.

Changing to:

53. Development (漸 Jiàn)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 53

Hexagram 漸 (Jiàn) represents gradual development or progress. This hexagram speaks of a time when slow, steady progress leads to success. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and a clear vision of long-term goals.

Hexagram 53 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"漸,女歸吉,利貞。"
(Jiàn, nǚ guī jí, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Development. The woman’s marriage brings good fortune. Perseverance furthers.”

This hexagram advises gradual, steady progress in any endeavor. Just as a marriage requires time and effort to succeed, so too do all long-term goals. Perseverance and patience lead to good fortune and lasting success.

Hexagram 53 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山上有木,漸。君子以居賢德善俗。"
(Shān shàng yǒu mù, jiàn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jū xián dé shàn sú.)
English Translation:
“Wood on the mountain: The image of Development. The superior person lives with virtue and improves customs.”

The image of wood slowly growing on a mountain symbolizes gradual progress. The superior person, like the wood, patiently builds virtue and improves the customs of society through steady effort and commitment to high ideals.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team