Trigrams
☲☴ – Fire above, Wind below
Meaning
Represents the sacred vessel of transformation. The bronze cauldron cooks raw material into nourishment. It is a symbol of civilization, culture, and the refinement of the crude into the excellent. Proper nourishment of talented people and right governance create a flourishing state.
Interpretation
- Focus on transformation — refining the raw into something of true value.
- Nourish and cultivate talented people; this is the foundation of excellence.
- The right vessel and the right person in the right place creates supreme good.
Six Yao (Lines) with Classical Quotes
1st Yao (初爻)
鼎颧趾，利出否，得妃以其子，无咎。
English: The cauldron has its feet turned up — beneficial to expel what is bad, to get the concubine for the sake of her children, no blame. A fresh start, clearing out the old and bringing in fresh potential.
Luck Level: Neutral
2nd Yao (二爻)
鼎有实，我仇有疾，不我能即，吉。
English: The cauldron has its contents. My rival has illness and cannot approach me — good fortune. Having real substance while adversaries are weakened; a favorable position.
Luck Level: Good
3rd Yao (三爻)
鼎耳革，其行塞，雉膏不食，方雨俈悔，终吉。
English: The cauldron's ear is changed — its movement is blocked. The rich pheasant fat is not eaten. Rain begins and the regret lessens — ultimately good fortune. A talent temporarily unable to function, but relief eventually comes.
Luck Level: Good
4th Yao (四爻)
鼎折足，覆公馔，其形渥，凶。
English: The cauldron's leg breaks, spilling the duke's meal — its form is wet and soiled. Misfortune. Failure in a crucial role due to inadequate strength leads to serious consequences.
Luck Level: Misfortune
5th Yao (五爻)
鼎黄耳，金铉，利贞。
English: The cauldron has yellow ears and golden carrying rings — beneficial to persist. Yellow for the centered virtue, gold for the proper material — the ideal vessel perfectly equipped.
Luck Level: Neutral
6th Yao (上爻)
鼎玉铉，大吉，无不利。
English: The cauldron has jade rings — great good fortune, nothing is unfavorable. The finest refinement of the sacred vessel; supreme spiritual and material excellence combined.
Luck Level: Excellent