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Hexagram:
Also known as:
50. The Cauldron
Sacred Vessel, Inner Transformation, Alchemical Process, Nourishing the Spirit, Creation and Renewal, Refinement of Self, Brewing Potentials, Sacred Cooking, Purifying Forces, Containing Wisdom
Line
Drawn as
Energy
Duality
Trigram
Dynamic
Polarity
Meaning
Yang
Masculine
Yang
Masculine
Yin
Feminine
Yang
Masculine
Yang
Masculine
Trigram
3
Lower
2
1
6
Upper
5
4
Wind
Eldest Daugther
Immature Yin
Morality
Fire
Youngest Daughter
Immature Yin
Custom
Yin
Feminine
#
English Name
Chinese Name
Hanzi
Pinyin
Action
Hexagram:
卦 Guà
Hidden Influence:
互卦 Hu Guà (nuclear)
Underlying Cause:
綜卦 Zong Guà (reverse)
50. The Cauldron
鼎
dǐng / ting
Refine
43. Determination
夬
zhūn
Decide
03. Difficulty at the Beginning
屯
guài
Persevere
Expression:
I kindle transformation
Affirmation:
I transform my life with purpose and creativity, nurturing my inner potential into something extraordinary.
Image (Legge):
Fire over wood: the image of The Cauldron. Thus the superior man consolidates his fate by making his position correct.
Judgement (Legge):
The Cauldron. Supreme good fortune. Success.
Overall meaning:
The Cauldron represents transformation, spiritual nourishment, and the refinement of one’s inner essence. This hexagram symbolizes a time of inner alchemy, where life experiences and wisdom combine to cultivate personal growth and purpose. Like a cauldron, which purifies and enriches what it holds, this hexagram suggests that through dedication and self-cultivation, one can develop unique gifts and insights that nourish both oneself and others. It emphasizes the importance of honoring one’s talents and refining them with care, allowing a higher purpose to emerge from within.
The essence of Hexagram 50 lies in the balance between self-discovery and contribution, showing that personal transformation can have a profound, positive impact on the collective. It teaches that just as a cauldron transforms raw ingredients into something valuable, nurturing and refining our inner qualities can lead to wisdom, creativity, and fulfillment. This hexagram encourages a commitment to inner work and authenticity, revealing that when one’s life purpose aligns with genuine self-expression, it becomes a powerful source of guidance and inspiration for others. In this way, The Cauldron speaks to the beauty of self-mastery and the enduring value of a life dedicated to meaningful growth and contribution.
Quotes:
Upright Hexagram
Rotated 90°
counter clockwise
Change - - to 0
Change — to 1
Binary Number Created:
101110
Line 1:
Embarking / Initiating
The first line shows the cauldron overturned, with its contents spilled. This line advises careful preparation and attention to one’s foundations, as beginning hastily or carelessly can lead to wasted efforts.
Line 2:
Discovery / Inner Harmony
In this line, the cauldron has broken legs, indicating instability. Stability must be established before moving forward, suggesting the need to strengthen one’s support structure to allow for future success.
Line 3:
Gateway /
Portal
The third line depicts the cauldron with its handle detached, making it difficult to lift and use. This emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s abilities and resources with one’s goals, as disconnected elements hinder progress.
Line 4:
Showing up / Approach
Here, the cauldron is filled with nourishing food, symbolizing inner fulfillment and readiness. This line suggests that one’s potential is ripe, and by sharing this abundance, one brings benefit and good fortune to others.
Line 5:
External Focus /
Periphery
The fifth line shows a cauldron filled with fragrant foods, signifying refined and mature talents. When one’s skills and virtues are developed and shared, they attract respect, admiration, and good fortune.
Line 6:
Pinnacle / Breakthrough Awaits
The sixth line depicts a well-used and revered cauldron, symbolizing an individual who has realized their full potential and whose influence benefits many. This line speaks to the highest form of success, where one’s efforts are recognized as a lasting source of nourishment and inspiration.
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