I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 18 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 16

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 18.2.3.4.6 -> 16

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

18. Work on What Has Been Spoiled

Yin Yin Yang Yin Yin Yin

16. Enthusiasm

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 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 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.

Changing to:

16. Enthusiasm (豫 Yù)

Trigrams

Above
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 16

Hexagram 豫 (Yù) represents enthusiasm, excitement, and a sense of shared purpose. This hexagram speaks of a time when energy and joy fuel collective actions. Enthusiasm drives forward progress and creates harmony among people.

Hexagram 16 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"豫，利建侯行师。"
(Yù, lì jiàn hóu xíng shī.)
English Translation:
“Enthusiasm. It is beneficial to appoint helpers and set armies marching.”

This hexagram signifies a time when enthusiasm drives collective action. It is a good time to delegate tasks to others, appoint capable helpers, and move forward with large plans. Progress is made with shared energy and excitement.

Hexagram 16 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷出地奋，豫。先王以作乐崇德，殷荐之上帝，以配祖考。"
(Léi chū dì fèn, yù. Xiān wáng yǐ zuò yuè chóng dé, yīn jiàn zhī shàng dì, yǐ pèi zǔ kǎo.)
English Translation:
“Thunder comes bursting out of the earth: The image of Enthusiasm. The ancient kings made music and offered it in honor of virtue. They worshiped with reverence at the temple of their ancestors.”

The image of thunder erupting from the earth represents the energy and power of enthusiasm. The ancient kings used this energy to create harmony through music and honor their ancestors. In modern terms, this means using the joy of collective effort to build on past virtues and create a better future.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team