Hexagram 50
Upper · Lí (Fire) | Lower · Xùn (Wind)
Caldron · civilization · transformation's fruition · nurturing talent · new order · stable achievement
Hexagram 50, Dǐng (鼎), is about caldron, civilization, and transformation's fruition. The caldron represents a vessel placed over fire, symbolizing the nourishment of worthy individuals and the flowering of civilization.
Ting gives the intimation of great progress and success.
The caldron represents a vessel placed over fire, symbolizing the nourishment of worthy individuals and the flowering of civilization. This is a time when a new order becomes firmly established after transformation, bringing stable development and lasting benefit to all.
The caldron overturned and its feet turned up; there will be advantage in getting rid of what was bad in it.
The vessel tips to empty out accumulated impurities. What appears as disruption serves a purpose—clearing away the old makes room for what is fresh and nourishing.
The caldron with the things to be cooked in it; if its subject can say, "My enemy dislikes me, but he cannot approach me," there will be good fortune.
Substance and integrity protect you from harm. When your inner life is genuine and full, those who wish you ill find no opening to damage you.
The caldron with the places of its ears changed; the progress is thus stopped; the fat flesh of the pheasant will not be eaten, but the genial rain will come, and the grounds for repentance will disappear; there will be good fortune in the end.
Temporary obstacles may block your path, yet patience brings resolution. What seems lost returns in time; what appears blocked eventually clears when you remain steady.
The caldron with its feet broken and its contents designed for the ruler's use overturned and spilt; its subject will be made to blush for shame; there will be evil.
Taking on responsibility beyond your capacity leads to failure and shame. Honor yourself by accepting roles that match your true strength, not by grasping at positions you cannot sustain.
The caldron with yellow ears and rings of metal in them; there will be advantage through being firm and correct.
Leadership grounded in balance and cultural refinement shines brightly. When you embody both wisdom and virtue, your influence becomes a source of lasting good.
The caldron with rings of jade; there will be great good fortune, and all action taken will be in every way advantageous.
The highest wisdom and integrity open every door. When you cultivate excellence in all things, nothing you undertake will fail to prosper.
This is a season when your competence and character are recognized. Seek a role where you can fully exercise your abilities. When you accept work that matches your true capacity and perform it with excellence, you will earn lasting respect and advancement.
Your connections are deepening and maturing. Work to blend your differences harmoniously rather than insisting on sameness. A partnership that helps both of you grow—where you become better together—is the truest form of companionship.
Knowledge is accumulating and integrating within you. Look for connections between different fields of learning to forge new insight. What you master during this period becomes a valuable asset that serves you for years to come.
Your enterprise is settling into stability and beginning to expand. Strengthen your core capabilities and invest in developing talented people around you. When you refine your culture and systems now, you build the foundation for sustainable growth.
Do not accept responsibility that exceeds your genuine capacity—it will lead to failure. Focus on doing your best in your present position rather than reaching for more than you can handle. Substance and real content matter far more than outward show.
Read the line statement for each changing line above. With two or more changing lines, Zhu Xi’s rules decide which text leads the reading.
Original English translation by James Legge, 1882 (Public Domain). Editorial adaptation © Yijing.