The Cauldron

The cauldron. Transformation through refinement; nourish what is worthy and give it form.

• 初六 · Line 1
  鼎顛趾，利出否，得妾以其子，无咎。
  The first SIX, 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.
  象曰：鼎顛趾，未悖也。利出否，以從貴也。
• 九二 · Line 2
  鼎有實，我仇有疾，不我能即，吉。
  The second NINE, 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.
  象曰：鼎有實，慎所之也。我仇有疾，終无尤也。
• 九三 · Line 3
  鼎耳革，其行塞，雉膏不食，方雨虧悔，終吉。
  The third NINE, 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.
  象曰：鼎耳革，失其義也。
• 九四 · Line 4
  鼎折足，覆公餗，其刑渥，凶。
  The fourth NINE, 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.
  象曰：覆公餗，信如何也。
• 六五 · Line 5
  鼎黃耳金鉉，利貞。
  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.
  象曰：鼎黃耳，中以為實也。
• 上九 · Line 6
  鼎玉鉉，大吉，无不利。
  The sixth NINE, undivided, shows the caldron with rings of jade. There will be great good fortune, and all action taken will be in every way advantageous.
  象曰：玉鉉在上，剛柔節也。