Hexagram 50 · 火风鼎

The Cauldron

Fire · Li palace

Transformation and culture; nourishing a new order.

Meaning

Fire above wind: the transforming vessel. The Cauldron concerns the cultivation and transformation that turns raw material into something of value.

Decision Framework

Transform well; build the new structure properly.

Decision Guidance

The Cauldron follows Revolution, and it answers the question of what comes after. It is the hexagram of transformation: taking what exists—talents, resources, ideas—and converting it into a nourishing new order.

The classical emphasis is on the vessel and the care taken with it. Good output requires proper arrangement of the parts, patience with the process, and attention to the people doing the work rather than only to the result. This is a favourable, constructive reading, and it rewards thoroughness over speed.

Judgment — Classical Text

元吉，亨。

EN Supreme good fortune, success.

The Six Lines — Classical Text

1. 初六：鼎颠趾，利出否。

   EN Initial six: the cauldron is overturned on its legs — useful for pouring out the stale; taking a concubine for her son brings no blame.

2. 九二：鼎有实，我仇有疾，不我能即，吉。

   EN Nine in the second: the cauldron has contents; my rival is ill and cannot come near me — good fortune.

3. 九三：鼎耳革，其行塞。

   EN Nine in the third: the cauldron's ears are changed and its movement blocked — the pheasant fat is not eaten; rain falls and regret lessens; in the end good fortune.

4. 九四：鼎折足，覆公餗，其形渥，凶。

   EN Nine in the fourth: the cauldron breaks its leg, spilling the lord's food, and is stained — misfortune.

5. 六五：鼎黄耳金铉，利贞。

   EN Six in the fifth: the cauldron with yellow ears and a golden bar — perseverance furthers.

6. 上九：鼎玉铉，大吉，无不利。

   EN Topmost nine: the cauldron with a jade bar — great good fortune, nothing unfavourable.

Keywords

I Ching hexagram 50, The Cauldron hexagram, Ding hexagram meaning, hexagram for transformation