Hexagram 50 of 64
The Cauldron鼎
Fire above wood. The noble person stands in the right place and makes their calling firm.
- Upper
- Fire
- Lower
- Wind
- Order
- 50 / 64
元吉，亨。
Judgment: Great good fortune. Success.
木上有火，鼎；君子以正位凝命。
Image: Fire above wood. The noble person stands in the right place and makes their calling firm.
In plain words
The situation: A new order is forming, like food in a great pot.
What you can do: Choose the right people and settle things.
For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.
The six lines
- 上九鼎玉鉉，大吉，无不利。The cauldron has jade rings. Great good fortune, and nothing fails.In shortFirm yet gentle, you bring things to completion; very favorable all round.
- 六五鼎黃耳金鉉，利貞。The cauldron has yellow ears and metal rings. It helps to stay steady.In shortYou hold a steady post with good support; stay balanced and consistent.
- 九四鼎折足，覆公餗，其形渥，凶。The cauldron breaks a leg and spills the duke's stew. The body is drenched. Misfortune.In shortThe load is beyond your strength and may spill; be careful and do not overreach.
- 九三鼎耳革，其行塞，雉膏不食，方雨虧悔，終吉。The cauldron's ears are changed, and it cannot be moved. The pheasant fat goes uneaten. Rain comes and regret lessens. Good fortune in the end.In shortYou are blocked and unseen for now; be patient, it eases and ends well.
- 九二鼎有實，我仇有疾，不我能即，吉。The cauldron holds food. My rival is ill and cannot reach me. Good fortune.In shortYou have real substance; rivals cannot get at you, so keep to your work.
- 初六鼎顛趾，利出否，得妾以其子，无咎。The cauldron is tipped, feet up. It helps to clear out what is stale. A concubine is taken for the sake of her son. No fault.In shortClear out what is stale first; an unusual route is fine here.
Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.