Hexagram 50
The Cauldron (Dǐng)
Above: Fire · Below: Wind
With three legs steady, the meal can cook
Video
The judgment
Great good fortune and success. When several parties join forces, the meal gets cooked.
The Image: Fire over wood: the cauldron. So the noble person stands in their rightful place and makes their calling firm.
From the ancient texts
Shao Yong
Success built out of failure; things achieved with the help of others. Everything goes through, and one rises with ease.
Jiao’s Forest of Changes
Virtue gathered to the full; the ruler's government is warm and mild. With Yi Yin and Lü Shang as trusted ministers, the country is rich and the people at peace.
The ruler has gathered virtue and governs gently; with wise ministers at his side, the country is rich and the people live in peace.
Takashima
- On fortune: wood rising and fire flaring upward — a sign of progress day after day; you can achieve much and build something lasting.
- On trade: wood feeds fire, and the cauldron cooks the food — you gain profit in a natural way.
Five common questions
Timing
Rising day by day; you can build a career
Health
Liver fire rising; soothe and calm it
Money
The cauldron cooks; profit comes naturally
Home
A steady stove makes a steady home
Love
A proper match, with a good partner at home
The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.
The six lines
- Six at the beginning: A cauldron with its legs turned up. It is favorable to clear out what is stale. Taking a concubine for the sake of her son — no blame.
- Nine in the second place: The cauldron holds food. My rivals are envious, but they cannot reach me. Good fortune.
- Nine in the third place: The handles of the cauldron are changed, and it cannot be moved. The fat pheasant is not eaten. When the rain comes, regret fades. Good fortune in the end.
- Nine in the fourth place: The legs of the cauldron break, and the prince's meal is spilled; his face flushes with shame. Misfortune.
- Six in the fifth place: The cauldron has yellow handles and a golden carrying rod. Steadfastness is favorable.
- Nine at the top: The cauldron has a jade carrying rod. Great good fortune; nothing that is not favorable.
Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.