18. Work on What Has Been Spoiled (蠱 Gǔ)

Trigrams

Above

☶ Gèn (Mountain)

Below

☴ Xùn (Wind)

Symbolic Meaning

蠱 (Gǔ) symbolizes decay or corruption. This hexagram indicates a time when things have gone wrong, and one must work to repair and restore order. It speaks of correcting past mistakes and addressing harmful influences.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"蠱，元亨，利涉大川。先甲三日，後甲三日。"
(Gǔ, yuán hēng, lì shè dà chuān. Xiān jiǎ sān rì, hòu jiǎ sān rì.)

"Work on what has been spoiled. Supreme success. It is favorable to cross the great water. Before the new beginning, three days; after the new beginning, three days."

This hexagram suggests that addressing past mistakes leads to supreme success. It advises starting fresh, but careful preparation and reflection are necessary before moving forward. This process takes time but brings great reward.

Image

Original Chinese:
"風行山上，蠱。君子以振民育德。"
(Fēng xíng shān shàng, gǔ. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèn mín yù dé.)

"The wind blows across the mountain: The image of Decay. The superior person stirs the people and nourishes virtue."

The wind on the mountain represents the force of decay and the need for restoration. The superior person takes action to correct the situation, helping to revive the people and nourish their virtues. This is a time for renewal.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"干父之蠱，有子，考无咎，厉终吉。"
(Gàn fù zhī gǔ, yǒu zǐ, kǎo wú jiù, lì zhōng jí.)

"Correcting the decay caused by the father. If there is a son, no blame. Danger, but success in the end."

This line speaks of addressing mistakes inherited from the past, symbolized by the father. Although correcting these errors is difficult, success is assured with perseverance.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"干母之蠱，不可贞。"
(Gàn mǔ zhī gǔ, bù kě zhēn.)

"Correcting the decay caused by the mother. It is not favorable to persist."

This line describes addressing issues related to nurturing or care. It advises against stubbornness in correction. Flexibility and understanding are needed.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"干父之蠱，小有悔，无大咎。"
(Gàn fù zhī gǔ, xiǎo yǒu huǐ, wú dà jiù.)

"Correcting the decay caused by the father. Minor regrets, but no great blame."

This line describes minor setbacks or regrets in the process of correction. However, by continuing to address the problem, no great harm is done.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"裕父之蠱，往见吝。"
(Yù fù zhī gǔ, wǎng jiàn lìn.)

"Allowing the decay caused by the father to continue. Going forward leads to regret."

This line warns against failing to address inherited problems. Allowing issues to persist without correction leads to regret. It advises taking action to restore balance.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"干父之蠱，用誉。"
(Gàn fù zhī gǔ, yòng yù.)

"Correcting the decay caused by the father. This brings praise."

This line describes successfully addressing past mistakes and restoring order. The person is praised for their efforts, and success follows.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"不事王侯，高尚其事。"
(Bù shì wáng hóu, gāo shàng qí shì.)

"He does not serve kings and princes, but elevates his own calling."

This line speaks of transcending worldly concerns and focusing on higher values. By refusing to serve power for personal gain, the person achieves a higher purpose and success in their own right.