The Cauldron is the image of wood feeding fire, bringing success to cooking. The sage cooks in order to make offering to Shangdi, and also to nourish sages and worthies. Being yielding, one has keen ears and clear eyes. The yielding advances and rises, gains the center, and responds to the firm. Therefore there is Prime success.
象 · Xiang
Image
Wood above fire: The Cauldron. The Noble One sets the position right and consolidates mandate.
六爻 · Six Lines
Lines
Line 06
Top Nine
The cauldron has a jade carrying bar. Great Good fortune. Nothing is unfavorable.
Commentary
The jade carrying bar at the top means firm and yielding are balanced.
Line 05
Six in the Fifth
The cauldron has yellow ears and a metal carrying bar. Favorable to persevere.
Commentary
The cauldron's yellow ears mean that centeredness makes it substantial.
Line 04
Nine in the Fourth
The cauldron's legs break, overturning the duke's stew. Its form is stained. Misfortune.
Commentary
Overturning the duke's stew: what becomes of trust then?
Line 03
Nine in the Third
The cauldron's ears are changed, and its movement is blocked. The pheasant fat is not eaten. When the rain finally comes, regret fades. In the end, Good fortune.
Commentary
The cauldron's ears being changed means it loses its proper use.
Line 02
Nine in the Second
The cauldron is full. My rival is ill and cannot approach me. Good fortune.
Commentary
The cauldron being full means one must be careful where one goes. The rival's illness brings no lasting fault.
Line 01
Initial Six
The cauldron tips over on its feet. Favorable to remove what is foul. Taking a concubine because of her child. No blame.
Commentary
The cauldron tipping over on its feet is not yet contrary. It is favorable to remove what is foul because this follows what is honored.