Hexagram 18
Upper · Gèn (Mountain) | Lower · Xùn (Wind)
Restoring order · reform · healing · correcting inherited problems · fresh start · renewal
Hexagram 18, Gǔ (蠱), is about restoring order, reform, and healing. This hexagram speaks to a time when decay and corruption must be addressed head-on.
Great progress and success; advantage in crossing the great stream.
This hexagram speaks to a time when decay and corruption must be addressed head-on. When you tackle the root causes of what has gone wrong—whether inherited troubles or accumulated neglect—genuine renewal becomes possible. The effort required is substantial, like crossing a great river, but the outcome justifies the work.
A son dealing with his father's troubles; if capable, the father escapes blame.
When you address the mistakes of those who came before, you honor them by setting things right. This is true filial respect—not blind obedience, but wise correction.
A son dealing with his mother's troubles; he should not cling to rigid correctness.
Sometimes healing requires gentleness and flexibility rather than stern enforcement. Meet the situation with compassion, not just principle.
A son dealing with his father's troubles; some small regret may arise, but no great fault.
In the process of reform, minor setbacks are natural. As long as your direction is sound, these small missteps will not derail the larger healing.
Viewing the father's troubles with indulgence; to proceed brings regret.
Overlooking decay and hoping it will resolve itself leads only to shame. Avoidance now guarantees greater pain later.
Dealing with the father's troubles, he gains praise for using the right means.
When you reform wisely and with proper judgment, you earn respect and trust. Your efforts become a model for others.
One who does not serve king or lord, but prefers to attend to his own affairs in lofty spirit.
There is also honor in standing apart from corruption, maintaining integrity without seeking worldly position.
This is the moment to challenge outdated practices and misguided approaches in your field. Embrace reform and innovation; you will be recognized for your courage. Use past mistakes as lessons, not as chains, and chart a new direction with confidence.
Unresolved tensions and old wounds are calling for honest conversation. Letting problems fester will only deepen the damage. This is your chance to clear the air, heal what has been broken, and begin anew with greater understanding.
If your learning methods are not serving you, change them now. Rebuilding a solid foundation from the ground up, though it may feel slow at first, will serve you far better than continuing on a weak base. Be brave enough to start fresh.
Structural flaws and inefficient practices in your business need attention. Clean out what is corrupt or wasteful. The short-term discomfort of reorganization will yield a far healthier, more resilient enterprise in the long run.
Knowing there is a problem and doing nothing about it is the greatest risk. Avoid being so aggressive or forceful in your reforms that you provoke unnecessary resistance. Proceed with quiet determination and compassion; firmness need not be harsh.
Read the line statement for each changing line above. With two or more changing lines, Zhu Xi’s rules decide which text leads the reading.
Original English translation by James Legge, 1882 (Public Domain). Editorial adaptation © Yijing.