I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 18 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 10

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 18.1.3.4.5 -> 10

Young Yang Old Yin Old Yin Old Yang Young Yang Old Yin

18. Correction of Decay

Yang Yang Yang Yin Yang Yang

10. Treading

18. Correction of Decay (蠱 Gǔ)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain) — 山 · Stillness
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind) — 風 · Penetrating

The Symbolism of Hexagram 18

Hexagram 蠱 (Gǔ) describes a condition of accumulated disorder—something that has been left unattended and has deteriorated over time. It requires deliberate intervention to restore proper structure.

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:
"Correction of decay. Origin and smooth progress. It is favorable to undertake a major transition. Three days before, three days after."

This describes a situation requiring active correction of what has been allowed to degrade. Movement is possible, but only through deliberate effort.

The reference to time indicates preparation and follow-through. Repair is not instantaneous—it requires understanding what led to the condition and sustaining the correction beyond the initial change.

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:
"Wind moves along the mountain: correction of decay. The superior person stirs what is stagnant and cultivates what sustains."

The image shows penetration beneath stillness—movement entering what has become fixed. This reveals underlying disorder.

The response is to activate what has become dormant and rebuild what supports continuity. Correction requires both disruption and 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 what was handed down. With continuation, there is no error. Risk present. Ending in a favorable outcome."

This line addresses inherited conditions. What has been passed down contains flaws that must be corrected.

The process is demanding, but taking responsibility for repair leads to a favorable outcome.

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 what was handed down. Regret arises, but no major fault."

Efforts to repair inherited disorder may involve missteps. Not all adjustments are clean.

However, as long as the correction continues, the overall outcome remains sound.

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 inherited disorder to remain. Moving forward brings a constrained outcome."

Failure to correct the condition allows it to persist and deepen.

Continuing without intervention leads to increasing constraint and regret.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
干父之蠱，用誉。
(Gàn fù zhī gǔ, yòng yù.)
English Translation:
"Correcting what was handed down. This brings recognition."

Here, the repair is carried out effectively and visibly.

Because the correction restores proper function, it is acknowledged and affirmed.

Changing to:

10. Treading (履 Lǚ)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven) — 天 · Creative
Below
☱ Duì (Lake) — 澤 · Open

The Symbolism of Hexagram 10

Hexagram 履 (Lǚ) concerns conduct under constraint—how one moves within a situation that demands awareness, respect, and precision. It describes navigating proximity to power or danger, where correct behavior determines outcome more than strength.

Hexagram 10 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
履虎尾，不咥人，亨。
(Lǚ hǔ wěi, bù dié rén, hēng.)
English Translation:
"Stepping upon the tiger’s tail—yet it does not strike. Smooth progress."

This judgment presents a situation of real danger held in balance. The image is not symbolic exaggeration—it describes proximity to something that could cause harm, but does not, when approached correctly.

Success depends entirely on conduct. When movement is measured, aware, and properly aligned, even hazardous conditions can be navigated without injury.

Hexagram 10 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
上天下泽，履。君子以辨上下，定民志。
(Shàng tiān xià zé, lǚ. Jūn zǐ yǐ biàn shàng xià, dìng mín zhì.)
English Translation:
"The lake lies below heaven: treading. The superior person clarifies distinctions and steadies the intentions of the people."

The contrast between above and below establishes order. Proper conduct depends on recognizing position, relationship, and boundary.

Clarity of distinction stabilizes movement. When roles and levels are understood, action becomes appropriate and collective direction holds.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team