Hexagram 18: Work on the Decayed (蠱 Gǔ) – I Ching Meaning
Hexagram 18 of the 64 I Ching hexagrams is called Work on the Decayed (蠱, Gǔ). It is made of the lower trigram Xun (Wind) and the upper trigram Gen (Mountain). Keywords: repair, renewal, responsibility. This is for reflection and entertainment, not a prediction.
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Judgment
Something inherited or neglected needs fixing. With a clear plan and a few days to prepare, you can restore it.
The Image
Wind blows at the foot of the mountain. Stir people to action and nourish their spirit by renewing what has grown stale.
Work on the Decayed hexagram meaning
General meaning
An old habit or situation needs attention. Start repairing, and be thorough rather than quick.
Love
Old patterns may have gotten stale. Talk about them gently and refresh what you share.
Career
A project or process needs cleaning up. Review what is broken and fix it step by step.
Advice
Face what has been left alone. Plan before you start, and follow through.
The six changing lines
- Line 1. You are repairing a problem you inherited. Be careful and respectful, and the work will hold.
- Line 2. Fix things gently. Too much force can make a sensitive matter worse.
- Line 3. You may overdo it a little, and that is understandable. Small regrets do no real harm.
- Line 4. Being too lenient lets the problem linger. Face it before it costs you.
- Line 5. Repair earns praise and support. Others will help if you ask.
- Line 6. Stepping away to follow your own higher aims is also valid. Not every task is yours.
In short
Something old needs repair, so fix it carefully and take responsibility.
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