Hexagram 50

The Cauldron

火风鼎 · 鼎 · Dǐng | Fire over Wind

Fire over wood; the cauldron transforms raw into refined.

TransformationRefinementNourishmentCulture

Upper trigram

离 · Fire

Lower trigram

巽 · Wind

The Judgment

“Supreme good fortune. Success.”

The Lines

Six at the beginningThe cauldron is overturned on its legs — useful for emptying out the stale. One takes a concubine for the sake of her son. No blame.

Nine in the second placeThe cauldron is full. My rival is afflicted and cannot reach me. Good fortune.

Nine in the third placeThe cauldron's handles are altered, its progress blocked; the rich pheasant fat goes uneaten. But once the rain falls, regret is spent; in the end, good fortune.

Nine in the fourth placeThe cauldron's leg breaks; the prince's meal is spilled, his person soiled. Misfortune.

Six in the fifth placeThe cauldron has yellow handles and a metal carrying-ring. Perseverance furthers.

Nine at the topThe cauldron has rings of jade. Great good fortune. Nothing is unfavorable.

Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).

Meaning

Wood feeds fire beneath the cauldron, transforming raw ingredients into nourishment. This is refinement, culture, and the cultivation of talent.

Guidance

Transform the raw into the refined; nourish people and ideas, and honor what is worthy.

When This Hexagram Appears

Developing talent, culture, or a venture from raw potential into something nourishing and valued.

FAQ about Hexagram 50

What does Hexagram 50, The Cauldron, mean?

The Cauldron (火风鼎, hexagram 50 of the I Ching). Wood feeds fire beneath the cauldron, transforming raw ingredients into nourishment. This is refinement, culture, and the cultivation of talent.

What is the Judgment of the The Cauldron hexagram?

The Judgment reads: “Supreme good fortune. Success.” Fire over wood; the cauldron transforms raw into refined.

What guidance does Hexagram 50 offer?

Transform the raw into the refined; nourish people and ideas, and honor what is worthy.

When does the The Cauldron hexagram apply?

Developing talent, culture, or a venture from raw potential into something nourishing and valued.

Related Hexagrams

Opposite Hexagram

No. 3 · Difficulty at the Beginning

Every line changed to its opposite — the mirror situation.

Reversed Hexagram

No. 49 · Revolution

The same figure turned upside down — the view from the other side.