50 鼎 The Cauldron
Judgement
A bronze cauldron over a fire: the vessel in which what feeds everyone is cooked. There is great progress and success. It is an image of transformation done with care: ingredients are gathered, heat is applied and something better than before is served. Ask yourself what you are cooking in your life, and whether you have the vessel, the fire and the patience for it to turn out as you want.
Image
Wood and, above it, fire: the firewood feeds the flame that heats the cauldron. The wise person keeps every position in its place and so secures the charge received from heaven. It is an image of order: each thing in its place, each task taken on. Ask yourself what place is yours now, and which part of your charge you are holding well or neglecting.
Lines
Line 1
The cauldron is overturned with its legs in the air: an advantage in pouring out what was wrong. You are unlikely to go wrong. When everything is upside down, you can empty out the old before putting in the new. The disorder is cleaning. Ask yourself what it would help to throw out before adding something new.
Line 2
Your cauldron holds what is to be cooked. If you can say, "My rival resents me, but cannot come near me," that is a good sign. This is someone with their affairs in order and well protected. Ask yourself what you have prepared and whether you guard it with care.
Line 3
The handles of the cauldron have changed place: it cannot be moved and your advance stops. The pheasant meat, rich and good, goes uneaten. But when the rain comes, regret fades: the ending may be favorable. Something valuable is stuck on a detail. Ask yourself which handle needs fixing.
Line 4
The legs of the cauldron break and the contents, meant for the sovereign, spill. You blush with shame. That tends to end badly. This is someone who takes on more than they can hold and fails just when it matters. It is not a sentence, it is a warning. Ask yourself whether you accepted a task without enough support.
Line 5
The cauldron has yellow handles with metal rings. There is an advantage in staying firm and upright. It is balance and usefulness: it can be carried and served without difficulty. When the essentials are well set up, the rest flows. Ask yourself which handles you have set well in your work.
Line 6
The cauldron with jade rings: that is a very good sign, with advantage in whatever you undertake. It is the image of what has been polished until it is as simple as it is valuable. Nothing needs forcing now. Ask yourself what you have polished in yourself over the years, and how you could enjoy it without claiming it.
Reflection
- What are you cooking in your life, and do you have the patience to let it turn out well?
- What would it help to throw out before adding something new?
- What task have you taken on without enough support?