50. Dǐng 鼎

Above is the trigram Li (Fire), below is the trigram Sun (Wind). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is the traditional Chinese ding — a bronze cauldron adorned with sacred inscriptions. Wind is associated with the element of Wood, so this combination denotes fire blazing above a well-ventilated stack of logs. This hexagram could be associated with cooking, food preparation, culinary arts. The Yang lines correspond to the body of the vessel and its lid, while the Yin lines represent its two handles and two supports.
Although the image of a boiling cauldron with food clearly symbolizes the presence of nourishment and abundance, it also illustrates the concept of transformation. Cooking can be considered a part of alchemy, as it transforms raw components into a more complex and appealing combination. Besides food preparation, the ding was used for offering food in honor of deceased ancestors and higher spiritual forces. In this context, a humble pot for cooking transforms into a ceremonial vessel. Ding embodies the meeting of physical and metaphysical dimensions, reminding us that both aspects need attention and respect.
Inner fullness — inspiration, enlightenment, constructive thinking, spiritual maturity, firm determination — promises future success, but the ground must be prepared for it. The ground — establishing connections with people, assistants, consumers, creating a favorable environment for the realization of ideas, including a healthy regimen for one's physical state.