I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 18 with Changing Lines 1 to Hexagram 26

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 18.1 -> 26

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

18. Work on What Has Been Spoiled

Yang Yin Yin Yang Yang Yang

26. The Taming Power of the Great

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.

Changing to:

26. The Taming Power of the Great (大畜 Dà Chù)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 26

Hexagram 大畜 (Dà Chù) represents the power of restraint and control over great forces. This hexagram speaks of holding back powerful forces for the right time. Success comes from patience, wisdom, and self-control.

Hexagram 26 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"大畜，利貞。不家食，吉。利涉大川。"
(Dà chù, lì zhēn. Bù jiā shí, jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“The Taming Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable not to eat at home. It is favorable to cross the great water.”

This hexagram advises perseverance and restraint. It is not a time for indulgence, but rather for preparation and control. Success comes from being patient and waiting for the right moment to act.

Hexagram 26 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天在山中，大畜。君子以多識前言往行，以畜其德。"
(Tiān zài shān zhōng, dà chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ duō shí qián yán wǎng xíng, yǐ chù qí dé.)
English Translation:
“Heaven within the mountain: The image of The Taming Power of the Great. The superior person studies the words and deeds of the past to strengthen their character.”

The image of heaven within the mountain suggests that great power is being restrained and controlled. The superior person uses this time to reflect on past wisdom and experience, cultivating their inner strength.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team