Hexagram 50: The Cauldron

Written by Orbitarot · Sources: James Legge, The Yi King (The I Ching), 1882 (judgment and lines); plain readings our own · Updated October 7, 2026

Hexagram 50 in plain words

Fire burns above wood. Wood feeds the flame under a cauldron, and in the vessel food is cooked and transformed. The hexagram even looks like a cauldron: legs at the bottom, a hollow belly, ears and a carrying ring at the top. Tradition calls it supreme good fortune and success, and links it to feeding wise and capable people.

The cauldron is a symbol of transformation that serves something higher. Raw material becomes nourishment; talent becomes contribution. The commentary says the wise person makes their position firm by setting their life in order, so the cauldron is also about right placement: everything in its proper role. Ask what in your life could be refined and given better form, and who could be nourished by it. Look after the vessel itself as well, the structures, habits and relationships that hold the good work. The lines warn about broken legs and spilled food, which means taking on more than your base can bear. With a sound vessel and a clear purpose, this is a time when real quality can come through.

The judgment

Ting gives the intimation of great progress and success.

Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigram representing) wood and above it that for fire form Ting. The superior man, in accordance with this, keeps his every position correct, and maintains secure the appointment (of Heaven).

From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).

In plain words: Fire burns on wood beneath the cauldron and something new is cooked. Keep your position upright and steady, and stay faithful to the task you have been given.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.

Line 1 (bottom)

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.

The cauldron is tipped upside down to empty out old residue. A clear-out is no mistake, and even an unusual route to your goal is fine if it serves a good end.

Line 2

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.

There is food in the cauldron. Others may envy you, but they cannot harm you; keep your focus and things go well.

Line 3

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.

The handles of the cauldron have been changed, so it cannot be moved, and the rich food goes uneaten. Your talent is unused for now, but rain will come and the regret will end.

Line 4

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.

The cauldron's legs break, and the prince's meal is spilled. Taking on more than you can bear leads to failure; know your limits.

Line 5

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.

The cauldron has yellow handles and golden rings. You are open to good advice and well placed; staying steady serves you.

Line 6 (top)

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.

The cauldron has rings of jade, strong and gentle at once. Great good fortune, and everything goes well.

Related hexagrams

All three relations have traditional Chinese names (cuo gua for the opposite, zong gua for the inverse, hu gua for the nuclear). Many modern readers use the opposite as the shadow side of a situation, the inverse as the same moment seen from the other side, and the nuclear hexagram as its inner core.

If one line changes

With a single changing line, hexagram 50 turns into:

Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.

Hexagram 50 in love and relationships

In love, nourish the relationship with care and quality time. Give it good structure, steady habits and real attention, and it can become something lasting.

Hexagram 50 for work and decisions

At work, this favors refining your skills, putting your talent where it fits, and building solid structures. Do not overload yourself; quality over quantity.

Questions