The judgment
鼎：元吉，亨。
The cauldron. Supreme good fortune, success: the vessel that turns raw food into a shared meal.
Received text; plain English after the Chinese. Source: 周易經傳 (public-domain). Passage: hex50.judgment.
The image
象曰：木上有火，鼎。君子以正位凝命。
Fire on wood: the cauldron. A capable person takes the right position and settles the mandate.
Received text; plain English after the Chinese. Source: 周易經傳 (public-domain). Passage: hex50.image.
A new order needs a vessel strong enough to hold it.
The six lines
Each line is a stage, from the bottom of the hexagram to the top. Open any line to read it in plain English.
初六 鼎顛趾，利出否，得妾以其子，無咎。 The cauldron is tipped on its feet. It is useful for pouring out the spoiled; taking a concubine for the sake of a son brings no blame.
The cauldron is tipped on its feet. It is useful for pouring out the spoiled; taking a concubine for the sake of a son brings no blame.
九二 鼎有實，我仇有疾，不我能即，吉。 The cauldron is full. My rival is ill and cannot come near me: good fortune.
The cauldron is full. My rival is ill and cannot come near me: good fortune.
九三 鼎耳革，其行塞，雉膏不食，方雨虧悔，終吉。 The cauldron's handles are altered and it cannot be moved; the fat pheasant is not eaten. When the rain comes, regret lessens; in the end, good fortune.
The cauldron's handles are altered and it cannot be moved; the fat pheasant is not eaten. When the rain comes, regret lessens; in the end, good fortune.
九四 鼎折足，覆公餗，其形渥，凶。 The cauldron breaks a leg and spills the duke's food; the stain is everywhere. Misfortune: a vessel that cannot carry its responsibility.
The cauldron breaks a leg and spills the duke's food; the stain is everywhere. Misfortune: a vessel that cannot carry its responsibility.
六五 鼎黃耳金鉉，利貞。 Yellow handles and a metal carrying ring. It is favorable to stay true: the vessel is balanced and fit for use.
Yellow handles and a metal carrying ring. It is favorable to stay true: the vessel is balanced and fit for use.
上九 鼎玉鉉，大吉，無不利。 A jade carrying ring. Great good fortune; nothing unfavorable: the vessel is complete and the order holds.
A jade carrying ring. Great good fortune; nothing unfavorable: the vessel is complete and the order holds.