I Ching · No.50 · Ting / The Caldron

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Ting gives the intimation of great progress and success.

Translation

The Ting (Cauldron) hexagram. Supreme good fortune, success. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Xun, and Xun is wood; the upper trigram is Li, and Li is fire. Thus, there is fire over wood: the image of the Cauldron. The superior man, by observing this image, emulates the three-legged stability of the cauldron, standing upright without leaning, thereby holding correct and maintaining his position, being relied upon and trusted by the sovereign, and fulfilling his mission.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Achieving success through failure, accomplishing tasks through others; all affairs proceed smoothly, rising rapidly in the world. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is currently at its peak; they can receive help from friends and achieve great accomplishments. Partnering or cooperating with others is even better.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fame and official honors advance daily; nobility beyond words.
• Wealth 财运: Gaining profit naturally, obtaining wealth without effort.
• Household 家宅: Beware of fire; a proper match and helper at home.
• Health 身体: Rising liver-fire; treat by smoothing the Qi.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Wood ascends and fire blazes upward, symbolizing daily progress and rise; one can greatly achieve tasks and establish a career.
• Warfare 战征: Assuming the position of commander-in-chief and leading the three armies, having a momentum like a blazing fire; success is achieved instantly—this is the time.
• Fame & Career 功名: Nobility beyond words.
• Business 营商: Wood feeds fire, and the cauldron cooks food; obtaining natural profits, one can gain without effort.
• Household 家宅: Beware of the disaster of Zhurong (fire disaster); one should be cautious.
• Illness 疾病: It must be an illness of rising liver-fire; it should be treated by purging the liver and smoothing the Qi.
• Marriage 婚姻: The lines generate each other, and the cauldron is a precious vessel; it must be a proper match and obtain internal assistance.
• Litigation 讼事: The fire is burning bright, and the dispute will not end immediately; one should calm the mind and accept fate, and justice will naturally prevail.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Li above). Burning wood to cook food, transforming raw to cooked, meaning weeding out the old and bringing forth the new. The Cauldron is a precious treasure and a grand vessel, symbolizing the stability of three legs. Cooking food metaphorically represents abundant food, with no more difficulties or distress. On this basis, it is suitable to make changes and develop one's career.

• Overall Image 大象: Fire (Li) above wood (Xun), representing the image of cooking and boiling. The Cauldron has the meaning of removing the old to establish the new, correcting errors and turning to good.
• Fortune 运势: Fortune remains good, and career can be successful; however, affairs should not be delayed, and one must guard against the entanglement of lawsuits.
• Career 事业: Possessing all conditions to pioneer a career. Being clear of hearing and sharp of sight, keeping a cool head. One should deal with the world with an upright attitude, be strict with oneself, be cautious from start to finish, combine strength and flexibility, cooperate with talented and virtuous people, avoid reckless advancement and excess, and then everything will be favorable.
• Business 经商: After a period of struggle, one can now develop business activities relatively smoothly and overcome difficulties when they arise. If one adheres to business ethics, participates in normal competitive activities, avoids rash actions and improper thoughts, remains firm and guards oneself, the business can expand greatly; however, if one does not live within one's means and consumes without producing, the business will surely fail.
• Seeking Fame 求名: First, cultivate real virtue and accumulate knowledge, be strict with oneself, and avoid falling into enmity with others. Ascend gently and progress step by step. If appreciated and utilized by those who recognize talent, the future will be even more promising.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Personal conditions are relatively ideal and smooth, but avoid being unrealistic.
• Decision 决策: Naturally intelligent, quick-witted, and flexible of mind, possessing the ability to adapt to circumstances, times, and trends. Therefore, the future is vast; even if temporarily unappreciated or without an outlet, it does not matter, as the ambition will eventually be realized.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows the caldron overthrown and its feet turned up. (But) there will be advantage in its getting rid of what was bad in it. (Or it shows us) the concubine (whose position is improved) by means of her son. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: A cauldron is overturned, its feet turned up. It is favorable to remove bad elements. Taking a concubine because of childlessness. Getting a son through the concubine; no blame. The Image says: Overturning the cauldron is not a rebellious act. Clearing out bad elements from the court is to follow the will of the superior.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, tasks are accomplished through others, with many joyful events, such as marriage or child birth; the sorrowful find joy, and the lowly become noble. Officials will receive promotion due to merit.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Blessing in disguise; the joy of receiving honorary titles.
• Wealth 财运: Small loss brings large gain; making a home out of business.
• Household 家宅: Renovation brings good fortune; the concubine gives birth to a noble son.
• Health 身体: Purge the bowels, and recovery will follow.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: A sign of a blessing in disguise and turning defeat into success.
• Business 营商: Initial small loss followed by large profits, and a sign of establishing a household in a commercial location.
• Fame & Career 功名: The joy of receiving honorary titles.
• Household 家宅: The foundation wall of this house is damaged; repairing it brings good fortune, and it will surely produce a noble son.
• Marriage 婚姻: Taking a concubine, who will surely give birth to a noble son.
• Illness 疾病: Food accumulation in the abdomen; it is beneficial to purge it, no blame.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, suitable to be born of a concubine.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tâ Yû indicates that, (under the circumstances which it implies), there will be great progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram of Ta Yu (Possession in Great Measure). Great prosperity and smooth success. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Qian, representing Heaven, and the upper trigram is Li, representing Fire. Fire is high in heaven, illuminating all directions; this is the image of Possession in Great Measure. In accordance with this image, the superior man, taking pattern from fire, discerns good and evil, suppresses evil and promotes good, thereby conforming to the heavenly decree and praying for good fortune.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun shines bright in the mid-heaven, illuminating all things; grand and wealthy, maintaining fullness and preserving peace. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram are in the midst of good fortune. Everything is auspicious, and great harvests are reaped, but one must guard against the extreme turning back, where peak prosperity turns to decline.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Li above). The upper trigram is Li, representing Fire; the lower trigram is Qian, representing Heaven. Fire is in heaven, illuminating all things. The multitude submits, conforming to heaven and acting in accordance with the season, leading to great achievements.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows 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.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: The cauldron has food in it. One's rivals are afflicted; there is no trouble, auspicious. The Image says: The cauldron has food in it, indicating a prosperous household; one should still value one's family and be cautious in public affairs. One's rivals are afflicted; I can enjoy peace and quiet, and in the end there is no disaster.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, although there are gains, one must guard against worry. Officials who govern impartially must guard against harassment from the slanders of petty people.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fame and official honors are at their peak; beware of slander and backstabbing.
• Wealth 财运: Wealth in the pocket; one must guard against theft.
• Household 家宅: Wealthy families should guard against theft; not suitable for marrying a woman.
• Health 身体: An illness of excess heat.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is upright, keeping the wicked and devious at a distance; everything is auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: 'Fullness' means actual gain. After achieving fame, there will be many who are jealous; one should guard against them carefully.
• Business 营商: It says, 'The cauldron has food in it,' which means wealth in the purse; one should guard against theft by bandits.
• Marriage 婚姻: The second line corresponds with the fifth. If the fifth changes, the hexagram becomes Gou. Gou says, 'Do not marry a woman.' 'Rival' refers to an incompatible partner. 'They cannot approach me' means not marrying.
• Household 家宅: 'Fullness' indicates a wealthy family; guard against intruders spying to steal.
• Illness 疾病: Yang represents excess; it is an illness of excess heat. It should be treated with appropriate remedies, auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lü intimates that (in the condition which it denotes) there may be some little attainment and progress. If the stranger or traveller be firm and correct as he ought to be, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lü Hexagram. Small success. Divining on traveling is auspicious. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing fire; the lower trigram is Gen, representing mountain. Fire on the mountain, illuminating the hidden depths: this is the image of the Wanderer. The superior man, in accordance with this, is clear and cautious in administering justice and executing penalties, neither daring to abuse punishments nor delaying the cases.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The journey is destitute, drifting and unstable; small hopes can be achieved, but grand ambitions are hard to realize. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, matters undergo many changes, as if being in a foreign land. Small matters can succeed, but great matters are hard to accomplish; it is advisable to adhere strictly to routine.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Li above). This hexagram is the opposite of the Feng hexagram (Abundance), serving as its inversed hexagram. Fire burns on the mountain, burning without stopping, the flames constantly spreading forward, like a traveler on the road, hurrying on their journey. Hence it is named Lü (The Wanderer).

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows the caldron with (the places of) its ears changed. The progress (of its subject) is (thus) stopped. The fat flesh of the pheasant (which is in the caldron) 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.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: The ears of the cauldron are altered/removed. One is impeded in one's path. The fat of the pheasant is not eaten. Once rain falls, regret is spent; in the end, good fortune comes. The Image says: The ears of the cauldron are altered, meaning that one's actions have lost their proper course.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, there is difficulty at first and ease later; the elderly have much good fortune, while the young face many disappointments. Officials will meet resistance, but the final outcome will be good.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Making reckless changes will inevitably lead to regret.
• Wealth 财运: Currently goods are unsold; one must wait three years.
• Household 家宅: Guard against sudden changes; potential calling off of a wedding.
• Health 身体: Beware of losing hearing.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune is not necessarily bad, but making reckless changes causes obstacles at every turn, which leads to regret.
• Fame & Career 功名: Though good, it is currently not accepted; changing to another path instead brings more disasters and regrets.
• Business 营商: The business undergoes relocation, causing goods to stagnate; one must wait three years before recovery.
• Warfare 战征: There are changes in the troops; fear of provisions being plundered.
• Household 家宅: This house has two wings. Guard against changes or fire, which will be saved by rain.
• Marriage 婚姻: Fear of breaking off the engagement or marrying someone else, the so-called 'losing the proper course'.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Wei Ȝî intimates progress and success (in the circumstances which it implies). (We see) a young fox that has nearly crossed (the stream), when its tail gets immersed. There will be no advantage in any way.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Wei Chi (Before Completion). Success. The little fox has almost crossed the river, but gets its tail wet. There is no advantage in any direction. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing fire; the lower trigram is Kan, representing water. Fire is above water; water cannot overcome fire. This is the image of Before Completion. The superior man, observing this image, senses that water and fire are misplaced and cannot overcome each other, and thus with caution distinguishes the nature of things and examines their proper positions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Cannot assist, wait for the right time to act; grow from small to large, do not advance impetuously. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is obstructed, and things do not go as wished. It is advisable to progress from small to large, advance steadily, and patiently break through difficulties, then success will eventually be achieved.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Li above). Li represents fire, and Kan represents water. Fire is above and water is below. The fire overpowers the water, and the task of putting out the fire is not yet completed, hence it is called Wei Chi (Before Completion). The Book of Changes (I Ching) begins with the two hexagrams Qian and Kun, and ends with Chi Chi (After Completion) and Wei Chi (Before Completion), fully reflecting the philosophy of change and development.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows 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.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: The legs of the cauldron are broken, spilling the prince's delicacies, leaving a mess of liquid everywhere, showing utter disgrace. This is a sign of misfortune. The Image says: Spilling the prince's delicacies metaphorically indicates that one's virtue is thin while the position is high, and one's strength is small while the responsibility is heavy, thus ruining state affairs; what will the outcome be?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, it is a time of many disasters, or one may suffer from foot diseases. Officials have the worry of being demoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Small loss leads to heavy punishment; be extremely cautious.
• Wealth 财运: No return on investment; beware of life-threatening danger.
• Household 家宅: The danger of collapsing roofbeams; foot diseases in men and women.
• Health 身体: Sores on the feet, hard to preserve integrity of the body.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is overturned; small matters lead to losses and breakages, large matters lead to execution, which is highly fearsome.
• Warfare 战征: The disaster of losing troops and commanders.
• Fame & Career 功名: Those who have not achieved it cannot hope for it, and those who have achieved it will surely fail.
• Business 营商: Capital and assets are ruined, and there is danger to one's life.
• Marriage 婚姻: Both the man and the woman will surely have foot diseases, and it is unfavorable for the household.
• Household 家宅: The danger of collapsing roofbeams and rafters.
• Illness 疾病: It must be sores on the feet, making it hard to keep the body intact.
• Litigation 讼事: Misfortune.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter; guard against birth defects.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kû indicates great progress and success (to him who deals properly with the condition represented by it). There will be advantage in (efforts like that of) crossing the great stream. (He should weigh well, however, the events of) three days before the turning point, and those (to be done) three days after it.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Gu Hexagram. Supreme good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river, but one should set out three days before the Jia day (the Xin day) and three days after the Jia day (the Ding day). The Image says: The upper trigram is Gen, the mountain; the lower trigram is Xun, the wind. A worthy man, like a mountain dwelling above, proclaims moral teachings and applies them to those below. Thus, 'Wind at the foot of the mountain' is the image of Decay. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the wind that blows over all things, thereby rescuing the myriad people and implementing moral education.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Three worms in a vessel, things decay and go to ruin; diligent exhortation turns danger into safety. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a time of hardship and confusion, and nothing goes as wished. It is advisable to make bold innovations, strive for strength, and work hard, so as to turn danger into safety.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Gen above), and it is the inverse hexagram (Zong Gua) of the Sui Hexagram. The original meaning of Gu is affairs, extending to mean troublesome matters and chaos. Worms growing in a vessel left unused for a long time is called 'Gu', symbolizing that long-lasting peace in the world leads to routine and corruption. One must innovate and create, govern and reorganize, rescue the crisis, and revitalize the enterprise.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth six, divided, shows the caldron with yellow ears and rings of metal in them. There will be advantage through being firm and correct.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: A magnificent cauldron equipped with bronze ears and a bronze carrying bar. It is auspicious to encounter this line. The Image says: A magnificent cauldron equipped with bronze ears and a bronze carrying bar; such a vessel for food should naturally contain fine delicacies.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, fortune is good and they gain many profits. Officials have many auspicious signs and many promotions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Holding onto great nobility brings natural auspiciousness.
• Wealth 财运: Information flows smoothly, and large profits can be obtained.
• Household 家宅: A wealthy and noble family; marrying into the aristocracy.
• Health 身体: Protect the chest and ears.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is honorable; maintaining correctness brings blessings.
• Fame & Career 功名: A sign of great nobility.
• Business 营商: Information is clear, transport is convenient, and thick profits can be obtained.
• Warfare 战征: Beware of the disaster of having the chest pierced and ears skewered.
• Marriage 婚姻: 'Yellow ears' and 'golden carrying bar' are signs of nobility, indicating marriage with the aristocracy.
• Household 家宅: A wealthy and noble family.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kâu shows a female who is bold and strong. It will not be good to marry (such) a female.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kou Hexagram. Dreaming of an injured woman. In divination, encountering this hexagram is unfavorable for marrying a woman. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, which is heaven; the lower trigram is Xun, which is wind. Thus, wind blowing under heaven is the image of the Kou Hexagram. Recognizing this, the ruler emulates the wind blowing over all things to disseminate teachings throughout the world and make proclamations to the four quarters.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Yin grows and Yang declines, great fortune wanes in the middle; many obstructions, exercise caution to guard against them. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, Yin is strong and Yang is weak, and all affairs are unfavorable. One should act with caution, and pay special attention to amorous disputes.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Qian above). Qian is heaven, and Xun is wind. There is wind under heaven, blowing across the earth; Yin and Yang intermingle, and all things flourish. The Kou Hexagram is the opposite of the Guai Hexagram, forming an inversed pair. Kou means to mate or meet, where Yin and Yang encounter each other. However, with five Yang lines and one Yin line, they cannot coexist for long.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, undivided, shows the caldron with rings of jade. There will be great good fortune, and all action taken will be in every way advantageous.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: A metal cauldron paired with a jade carrying bar. Divining this line brings great good fortune, and everything is favorable. The Image says: The line of Nine at the top speaks of a jade carrying bar paired with a metal cauldron, showing the meeting of the firm and the yielding, where superiors and subordinates contentedly keep to their positions without any disorder or encroachment.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, they will be stable and prosperous, and their desires will be fulfilled. As for officials, those in idle posts will be reinstated, and those who have retired will retire with honor after completing their duties.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Treating others with kindness and harmony; everything will be favorable.
• Wealth 财运: A beautiful jade awaiting a buyer; naturally profitable.
• Household 家宅: Highly prestigious status; a marriage alliance of gold and jade.
• Health 身体: An illness of ear pain.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Gentle, harmonious, and peaceful; everything will be favorable.
• Warfare 战征: The six armies are deployed, and they advance without failing to conquer; great good fortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: Approaching the position of the cauldron's carrying bar (a high state office); great good fortune.
• Business 营商: A beautiful jade awaiting a buyer; its price will surely be excellent, and everything will be favorable.
• Marriage 婚姻: Like gold and jade; great good fortune.
• Household 家宅: The status of this house is very high; great good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: Fear that it is an illness of ear pain.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hăng indicates successful progress and no error (in what it denotes). But the advantage will come from being firm and correct; and movement in any direction whatever will be advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Heng Hexagram. Success, without error, favorable divination. It is advantageous to have a destination. The Image Commentary says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, which represents thunder; the lower trigram is Xun, which represents wind. Wind and thunder cleanse and renew, keeping the universe ever fresh; this is the image of Heng (Duration). The noble man observes this image to establish himself in the correct path and hold firm without changing.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Constancy and permanence, long-lasting without change; the noble man acts with benefit, not changing his direction. Minor Good Fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram must ground themselves in the correct path, hold firm without changing, and make persistent efforts; then they will surely achieve success. Those who lack perseverance and are fickle will not succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below, Zhen above). Zhen represents the male and thunder; Xun represents the female and wind. The firm Zhen is above, and the yielding Xun is below. With the firm above and the yielding below, the creation follows constant laws, promoting each other's growth. The yin and yang correspond to each other in accordance with normal principles, hence it is called Heng (Duration).

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.