I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 18 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 43

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 18.1.4.5.6 -> 43

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

18. Correction of Decay

Yin Yang Yang Yang Yang Yang

43. Resolution

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 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.

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:
"Not serving the governing authority or the lords, one elevates the work itself."

This line moves beyond immediate structures of authority. The focus shifts to the integrity of the task itself.

By not aligning with external power for its own sake, the correction is carried out at a higher level of principle.

Changing to:

43. Resolution (夬 Guài)

Trigrams

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

The Symbolism of Hexagram 43

Hexagram 夬 (Guài) describes resolution—pressure has accumulated to a point where it must be released through decisive action.

Lake above heaven shows upward pressure exceeding containment. The system can no longer hold what has built up. A clear break or declaration becomes necessary.

Hexagram 43 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
夬，揚于王庭，孚號有厲，告自邑，不利即戎，利有攸往。
(Guài, yáng yú wáng tíng, fú hào yǒu lì, gào zì yì, bù lì jí róng, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
"Resolution. It is proclaimed in the court of the governing authority. Risk present. It is announced from one's own city. It is not favorable to engage in armed confrontation. It is favorable to move with direction."

Accumulated pressure requires explicit resolution. The issue cannot remain internal and must be declared.

However, escalation into conflict is not the correct path. The system resolves through clarity and decisive direction, not aggression.

Hexagram 43 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
澤上于天，夬。君子以施祿及下，居德則忌。
(Zé shàng yú tiān, guài. Jūn zǐ yǐ shī lù jí xià, jū dé zé jì.)
English Translation:
"The lake rises to heaven: resolution. The superior person extends benefits below and remains wary of resting on virtue alone."

When accumulation surpasses structural limits, release becomes unavoidable.

Proper resolution distributes what has built up rather than allowing rupture. Balance is restored by discharge, not suppression.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team