I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 18 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3 to Hexagram 27

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 18.1.2.3 -> 27

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.

Changing to:

27. The Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment) (頤 Yí)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 27

Hexagram 頤 (Yí) symbolizes nourishment and the act of taking in what is necessary to sustain life. This hexagram speaks of both physical and spiritual nourishment. Success comes from being mindful of what one consumes and from nurturing others.

Hexagram 27 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"頤,貞吉。觀頤,自求口實。"
(Yí, zhēn jí. Guān yí, zì qiú kǒu shí.)
English Translation:
“Nourishment. Perseverance brings good fortune. Observe how you provide nourishment and seek your own source of sustenance.”

This hexagram advises mindfulness about how one nourishes both body and spirit. It suggests that success comes from being careful about what one consumes—whether food, thoughts, or influences—and also from nurturing others with integrity.

Hexagram 27 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山下有雷,頤。君子以慎言語,節飲食。"
(Shān xià yǒu léi, yí. Jūn zǐ yǐ shèn yán yǔ, jié yǐn shí.)
English Translation:
“Thunder beneath the mountain: The image of Nourishment. The superior person is careful in their words and moderate in eating and drinking.”

The image of thunder under the mountain represents the need for careful and moderate action. The superior person nourishes themselves by being mindful of what they say and by practicing moderation in all things.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team