I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 18 with Changing Lines 4, 5 to Hexagram 44

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 18.4.5 -> 44

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 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 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"干父之蠱,用誉。"
(Gàn fù zhī gǔ, yòng yù.)
English Translation:
“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:

44. Coming to Meet (姤 Gòu)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 44

Hexagram 姤 (Gòu) represents an unexpected encounter or meeting. This hexagram speaks of sudden developments or the arrival of someone or something unexpected. Success comes from being prepared and handling the encounter with care.

Hexagram 44 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"姤,女壯,勿用取女。"
(Gòu, nǚ zhuàng, wù yòng qǔ nǚ.)
English Translation:
“Coming to Meet. The woman is strong. Do not marry such a woman.”

This hexagram advises caution when dealing with unexpected encounters, especially if the situation involves a strong or dominant force. The reference to not marrying such a woman speaks to the need for careful consideration and not rushing into commitments.

Hexagram 44 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天下有風,姤。後以施命誥四方。"
(Tiān xià yǒu fēng, gòu. Hòu yǐ shī mìng gào sìfāng.)
English Translation:
“Wind beneath heaven: The image of Coming to Meet. The superior person announces their commands to the four corners of the world.”

The image of wind beneath heaven represents a message or announcement being carried far and wide. The superior person, like the wind, spreads their influence and communicates clearly with others.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team