I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 18 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 5 to Hexagram 33
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 18.2.4.5 -> 33
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.
Changing to:
33. Retreat (遯 Dùn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 33
Hexagram 遯 (Dùn) symbolizes strategic retreat in the face of superior forces. This hexagram speaks of the wisdom in knowing when to withdraw and conserve strength rather than continue fighting a losing battle. Success comes from prudence and waiting for better conditions.
Hexagram 33 Judgment
"遯，亨。小利貞。"
(Dùn, hēng. Xiǎo lì zhēn.)
“Retreat. Success. Perseverance brings small gain.”
This hexagram advises a strategic retreat in the face of difficulties. Success comes from knowing when to pull back, rather than pushing forward in unfavorable conditions. Perseverance brings small but important gains.
Hexagram 33 Image
"天下有山，遯。君子以遠小人，不惡而嚴。"
(Tiān xià yǒu shān, dùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ yuǎn xiǎo rén, bù è ér yán.)
“The mountain stands beneath heaven: The image of Retreat. The superior person keeps distant from inferior people without hatred but maintains dignity.”
The image of the mountain under heaven suggests a time for standing firm and maintaining distance. The superior person knows when to withdraw from negative influences while remaining dignified and unresentful.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team