Hexagram 50: The Cauldron

Hexagram 50, The Cauldron (Dǐng, 鼎), is formed of the upper trigram Fire (离) over the lower trigram Wind (巽). Below is the classical judgment, the six line texts, and how to read this hexagram in a reading.

The Judgment

Trigrams

The outer (upper) trigram Fire describes the situation as it meets the world; the inner (lower) trigram Wind describes its inner disposition. Together they set the theme of The Cauldron.

The Six Lines

• 初六 · Line 1 The cauldron tipped on its feet — good for emptying out the spoiled. No blame.鼎颠趾，利出否；得妾以其子，无咎。
• 九二 · Line 2 The cauldron is filled; the envious ail but cannot reach me. Good fortune.鼎有实，我仇有疾，不我能即，吉。
• 九三 · Line 3 The cauldron's handles are altered, its use blocked. Rain comes, regret fades — a good end.鼎耳革，其行塞。雉膏不食；方雨亏悔，终吉。
• 九四 · Line 4 The cauldron's leg snaps, spilling the prince's meal — disgrace and misfortune.鼎折足，覆公餗，其形渥，凶。
• 六五 · Line 5 The cauldron with yellow handles and golden rings: perseverance furthers.鼎黄耳，金铉，利贞。
• 上九 · Line 6 The cauldron with jade rings: great good fortune, nothing that does not further.鼎玉铉，大吉，无不利。

Reading Hexagram 50 for Your Question

When The Cauldron appears without changing lines, the judgment above stands as the whole answer. When you cast changing lines (a 6 or a 9), read those line texts first — they are the most specific guidance — then look to the relating hexagram they form for where the situation is heading. For love, career, or a decision, apply the theme of The Cauldron to your own circumstances rather than reading it as a fixed prediction.