The Cauldron
"Fire over wood. Everything is cooked to establish the new order."
The Judgment
The Cauldron. Supreme good fortune. Success.
Original Text
元吉，亨。
The Image
Fire over wood: The image of The Cauldron. Thus the superior man consolidates his fate by making his position correct.
Original Text
木上有火，鼎；君子以正位凝命。
The Lines
Six at the Beginning初六
"A tingly cauldron with upturned legs. Furthers removal of stagnating stuff. One takes a concubine for the sake of her son. No blame."
Cleaning out the old to make way for the new is good.
Original: 鼎颠趾，利出否，得妾以其子，无咎。
Nine at the Place 2九二
"There is food in the cauldron. My comrades are envious, but they cannot harm me. Good fortune."
You have substance. Ignore envy and focus on your work.
Original: 鼎有实，我仇有疾，不我能即，吉。
Nine at the Place 3九三
"The handle of the cauldron is altered. One is impeded in his way of life. The fat of the pheasant is not eaten. Once rain falls, remorse is spent. Good fortune comes in the end."
Capabilities are present but cannot be used yet. Patience.
Original: 鼎耳革，其行塞，雉膏不食，方雨亏悔，终吉。
Nine at the Place 4九四
"The legs of the cauldron are broken. The prince's meal is spilled and his person is soiled. Misfortune."
Weakness in a position of responsibility leads to disaster.
Original: 鼎折足，覆公餗，其形渥，凶。
Six at the Place 5六五
"The cauldron has yellow handles, golden carrying rings. Perseverance furthers."
Modesty and wisdom make you an excellent leader.
Original: 鼎黄耳金铉，利贞。
Nine at the Top上九
"The cauldron has rings of jade. Great good fortune. Nothing that would not act to further."
Wisdom and mildness bring success to everyone.
Original: 鼎玉铉，大吉，无不利。