Ding 火風鼎
A time to build a new framework
A good time to set up a new system and structure. It needs good materials and good people.
What does I Ching hexagram 50 (The Cauldron) mean?
A cooking pot that makes something new: establishing. A time to set up a new order and nurture people.
- The Cauldron in love
- A new, stable relationship is being built.
- The Cauldron at work and with money
- A lucky time to set up a new system or team.
- Advice
- Welcome capable people and make a new vessel.
The judgment and the image
Judgment · The Cauldron
Very auspicious“Supreme good fortune and success.”
The Image: Fire above wood: the cauldron. The noble person aligns his position and solidifies his mandate.
原文 · 元吉，亨。 / 木上有火，鼎；君子以正位凝命。
The six lines of hexagram 50
Lines are read from the bottom up. When you cast a reading and a line is changing, its statement becomes the key message.
Line 1 · 初六
Auspicious“The cauldron is overturned on its legs; it is fitting to clear out the old. Taking a concubine for the sake of her son: no blame.”
Turning things upside down to remove the old makes room for the new.
原文 · 鼎顛趾，利出否，得妾以其子，无咎。
Line 2 · 九二
Auspicious“The cauldron is full; my enemies are sick and cannot come near me: good fortune.”
You have real substance and no one can get at you.
原文 · 鼎有實，我仇有疾，不我能即，吉。
Line 3 · 九三
Auspicious“The cauldron’s handles are changed; its movement is blocked; the pheasant fat is not eaten. When rain comes, regret is lessened; in the end, good fortune.”
Your talent isn’t being used yet. Wait and relief comes.
原文 · 鼎耳革，其行塞，雉膏不食，方雨虧悔，終吉。
Line 4 · 九四
Misfortune“The cauldron’s leg is broken, the lord’s meal is spilled; he is punished severely: misfortune.”
You’re unfit for the job and cause a mess. Disaster.
原文 · 鼎折足，覆公餗，其刑渥，凶。
Line 5 · 六五
No blame“The cauldron has yellow handles and gold carrying-rings; it is fitting to persevere.”
A balanced, well-built, useful vessel. Keep going.
原文 · 鼎黃耳金鉉，利貞。
Line 6 · 上九
Very auspicious“The cauldron has jade carrying-rings: great good fortune; nothing is unfavorable.”
Refined, gentle strength. The most fortunate position.
原文 · 鼎玉鉉，大吉，无不利。
Related hexagrams
- Opposite hexagram (every line flipped): 3. Zhun (Difficulty at the Beginning)
- Reversed hexagram (turned upside down): 49. Ge (Revolution)
The classical text is in the public domain; the English translations and readings are our own, for reflection and entertainment.