I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 18 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 17

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 18.1.2.3.4.5.6 -> 17

Old Yang Old Yin Old Yin Old Yang Old Yang Old Yin

18. Work on What Has Been Spoiled

Yin Yang Yang Yin Yin Yang

17. Following

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

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 18

Hexagram 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.

Hexagram 18 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
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.)
English Translation:
“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.

Hexagram 18 Image

The Image reads:
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.)
English Translation:
“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 Changing

This line reads:
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.)
English Translation:
“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 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"干母之蠱，不可贞。"
(Gàn mǔ zhī gǔ, bù kě zhēn.)
English Translation:
“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 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"干父之蠱，小有悔，无大咎。"
(Gàn fù zhī gǔ, xiǎo yǒu huǐ, wú dà jiù.)
English Translation:
“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 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"裕父之蠱，往见吝。"
(Yù fù zhī gǔ, wǎng jiàn lìn.)
English Translation:
“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 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"干父之蠱，用誉。"
(Gàn fù zhī gǔ, yòng yù.)
English Translation:
“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 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"不事王侯，高尚其事。"
(Bù shì wáng hóu, gāo shàng qí shì.)
English Translation:
“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.

When All Lines are Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"用九，元吉。"
(Yòng jiǔ, yuán jí.)
English Translation:
“In the end, great good fortune.”

The final comment reinforces that correcting past mistakes leads to lasting success and great good fortune. By addressing decay with perseverance, one ensures a bright future.

Changing to:

17. Following (隨 Suí)

Trigrams

Above
☱ Dùi (Lake)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 17

Hexagram 隨 (Suí) symbolizes following, adapting, and being flexible. This hexagram represents a time when it is wise to follow the flow of events, adapting to circumstances without trying to impose one's will. Success comes from flexibility and responsiveness.

Hexagram 17 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"隨，元亨，利貞，无咎。"
(Suí, yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Following. Supreme success. Perseverance brings good fortune. No blame.”

This hexagram advises adaptability. By following the course of events and responding to circumstances with flexibility, one achieves success. It is important to remain committed to principles while being responsive to change.

Hexagram 17 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"澤中有雷，隨。君子以嚮晦入宴息。"
(Zé zhōng yǒu léi, suí. Jūn zǐ yǐ xiàng huì rù yàn xī.)
English Translation:
“Thunder within the lake: The image of Following. The superior person withdraws when the time is not right and rests.”

The image of thunder within the lake suggests a time of reflection and withdrawal. The superior person follows the course of events, knowing when to act and when to rest. It is important to conserve energy and wait for the right moment.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team