Hexagram 50 · 鼎

Fire stands above wood, the fuel that supports cooking. Together they suggest the cauldron in which raw ingredients become nourishment. Ding names an ancient cooking and ceremonial vessel. Its image connects transformation with sound structure, worthy contents, and care for those being served.

1. Line 1 · 初六

   鼎顛趾，利出否，得妾以其子，无咎。

   The cauldron's legs are turned upward. It is beneficial to empty out the spoiled contents. Taking a concubine for the sake of her son brings no blame.

   Six in the first place is yin beginning transformation by clearing what is unusable. The Small Image sees preparation for something worthy, like cleaning an old workspace before inviting a capable new contributor into the project.

2. Line 2 · 九二

   鼎有實，我仇有疾，不我能即，吉。

   The cauldron has substance. My counterpart has an affliction and cannot approach me. Good fortune.

   Nine in the second place is central yang holding genuine contents. The Small Image urges care about direction, like maintaining sound work without being drawn into a nearby colleague's unproductive rivalry.

3. Line 3 · 九三

   鼎耳革，其行塞，雉膏不食，方雨虧悔，終吉。

   The cauldron's handles are altered; its movement is blocked. The rich pheasant cannot be eaten. When rain comes, regret lessens. Good fortune in the end.

   Nine in the third place is yang with useful substance but obstructed access. The Small Image notes the lost function, like a well-made course waiting for a suitable way to reach its intended students.

4. Line 4 · 九四

   鼎折足，覆公餗，其形渥，凶。

   The cauldron's leg breaks. The lord's stew spills, and its form is drenched and soiled. Misfortune.

   Nine in the fourth place is yang bearing a responsibility its support cannot carry. The Small Image questions trust, like accepting a major service commitment before checking whether staff and equipment can sustain it.

5. Line 5 · 六五

   鼎黃耳金鉉，利貞。

   The cauldron has yellow handles and a metal carrying bar. Constancy is beneficial.

   Six in the fifth place is central yin receiving the firm second line's correspondence. The Small Image locates substance in its center, like a receptive director providing reliable channels through which skilled people can contribute.

6. Line 6 · 上九

   鼎玉鉉，大吉，无不利。

   The cauldron has a jade carrying bar. Great good fortune; nothing is unfavorable.

   Nine at the top is yang tempered by fitting responsiveness. The Small Image praises the balance of firm and yielding, like a mature teacher combining clear standards with sensitivity to individual learners.

Prepare both the contents and the vessel that carries them. Accept responsibility in proportion to your support, and let strength remain responsive to those you serve.

• Nuclear夬43
• Inverted革49
• Opposite屯3
• Previous革49
• Next震51