I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 18 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 31
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 18.2.4.5.6 -> 31
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
"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.)
“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
"風行山上，蠱。君子以振民育德。"
(Fēng xíng shān shàng, gǔ. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèn mín yù dé.)
“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
"干母之蠱，不可贞。"
(Gàn mǔ zhī gǔ, bù kě zhēn.)
“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 4 Changing
"裕父之蠱，往见吝。"
(Yù fù zhī gǔ, wǎng jiàn lìn.)
“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 5 Changing
"干父之蠱，用誉。"
(Gàn fù zhī gǔ, yòng yù.)
“Correcting the decay caused by the father. This brings praise.”
This line describes successfully addressing past mistakes and restoring order. The person is praised for their efforts, and success follows.
Line 6 Changing
"不事王侯，高尚其事。"
(Bù shì wáng hóu, gāo shàng qí shì.)
“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:
31. Influence (Wooing) (咸 Xián)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Dui (Lake)
- Below
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 31
Hexagram 咸 (Xián) symbolizes influence, attraction, and the power of mutual response. This hexagram speaks of relationships, attraction, and how one person or force influences another. Success comes from subtle influence rather than force.
Hexagram 31 Judgment
"咸，亨，利貞。取女吉。"
(Xián, hēng, lì zhēn. Qǔ nǚ jí.)
“Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. Taking a wife brings good fortune.”
This hexagram advises subtle influence and mutual attraction. Success comes from steady, gentle influence, not force. In relationships, like marriage, mutual respect and attraction bring good fortune.
Hexagram 31 Image
"山上有澤，咸。君子以虛受人。"
(Shān shàng yǒu zé, xián. Jūn zǐ yǐ xū shòu rén.)
“Lake on the mountain: The image of Influence. The superior person is open to receiving others.”
The image of the lake on the mountain represents openness and receptivity. The superior person, like the lake, is open to receiving others and is influenced by their surroundings. This receptiveness allows for mutual influence and growth.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team