Hexagram 18 of 64
蠱
Work on the Decayed
Gǔ
Upper Trigram
艮
Mountain
Keeping Still, Resting
Mountain · Youngest Son
Lower Trigram
巽
Wind
Gentle, Penetrating
Wind/Wood · Eldest Daughter
The Judgment
Work on What Has Been Spoiled has supreme success. It furthers to cross the great water. Before the starting point, three days. After the starting point, three days.
What has been allowed to decay through neglect or error can be restored through diligent, courageous effort. The diagnosis must precede the cure, and care must be taken both in preparation and in aftermath.
The Image
The wind blows low on the mountain — the image of Decay. Thus the superior person stirs up the people and strengthens their spirit.
Stagnant air at the base of the mountain breeds corruption. Fresh wind — new energy, new ideas, new commitment — must be introduced to revitalize what has grown stale.
The Six Lines
Line 1
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. If there is a son, no blame rests upon the departed father. Danger. In the end, good fortune.
Inheriting a mess from the past, one must correct it without excessive blame or resentment toward those who came before.
Line 2
Setting right what has been spoiled by the mother. One must not be too persevering.
Correcting inherited problems in gentle, intimate situations requires sensitivity. Rigidity here causes harm.
Line 3
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. There will be a little remorse. No great blame.
Overcorrecting past wrongs may create new small errors. A little remorse is acceptable; the overall direction is sound.
Line 4
Tolerating what has been spoiled by the father. In continuing one sees humiliation.
Passively accepting inherited decay without taking steps to correct it leads to ongoing shame and deterioration.
Line 5
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. One meets with praise.
Courageously correcting what has been allowed to deteriorate earns genuine respect from all who witness it.
Line 6
They do not serve kings and princes, but sets themselves higher goals.
The person who has transcended the concerns of worldly power and devotes themselves to timeless values is truly free.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.