I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 50: The Cauldron
Ting · 鼎
The vessel that turns the raw into consecrated nourishment. Matter placed at the service of spirit.
- consecration
- culture
- destiny
- spiritual nourishment
- Upper trigram
- Fire 離 · Clarity
- Lower trigram
- Wind 巽 · Gentleness
The Judgment
THE CAULDRON. Supreme good fortune. Success.
The Image
Fire over wood. Thus the superior man consolidates his fate by making his position correct.
Meaning
The hexagram 'The Cauldron' carries the energy of Fire (Clarity) acting upon Wind (Gentleness). This moment asks for balance between clinging outwardly and penetrating inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests warmth and dependence combined with subtle influence. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors intelligence and vision grounded in gradual growth. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Fire above Wind suggests a natural dynamic of clarity over gentleness.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.
Six in the 1st place
First position: fragility in the first steps. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Wind (Gentleness) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
Early, subtle signs of change. Watch the small details before they grow. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of The Cauldron — the matter is consecration: that is the theme this line is changing.
Early, subtle signs of change. Watch the small details before they grow. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of The Cauldron — the matter is consecration: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 2nd place
Second position: centered strength, recognized from afar. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Wind (Gentleness) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of The Cauldron — the matter is consecration: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of The Cauldron — the matter is consecration: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 3rd place
Third position: the dangerous threshold between low and high. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Wind (Gentleness) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
End of the lower trigram — a critical transition. Excess enthusiasm here breeds mistakes. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of The Cauldron — the matter is consecration: that is the theme this line is changing.
End of the lower trigram — a critical transition. Excess enthusiasm here breeds mistakes. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of The Cauldron — the matter is consecration: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 4th place
Fourth position: the minister at the ruler’s side. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of The Cauldron — the matter is consecration: that is the theme this line is changing.
Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of The Cauldron — the matter is consecration: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 5th place
Fifth position: ruling through moderation. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of The Cauldron — the matter is consecration: that is the theme this line is changing.
Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of The Cauldron — the matter is consecration: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 6th place
Sixth position: beyond the summit, the excess. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Fire (Clarity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of The Cauldron — the matter is consecration: that is the theme this line is changing.
The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of The Cauldron — the matter is consecration: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 50 mean?
The Cauldron (Ting): The hexagram 'The Cauldron' carries the energy of Fire (Clarity) acting upon Wind (Gentleness). This moment asks for balance between clinging outwardly and penetrating inwardly.
What does hexagram 50 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests warmth and dependence combined with subtle influence. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 50 say about work?
At work, the energy favors intelligence and vision grounded in gradual growth. Consolidate your base.