Hexagram 18
Work on What Has Been Spoiled (Gǔ)
Above: Mountain · Below: Wind
When something has gone bad, roll up your sleeves and fix it
Video
The judgment
If you are willing to set right what has gone bad, there is much to be gained. Think it through before you start, and check it again when you are done.
The Image: Wind blows below the mountain: decay. So the noble person stirs the people and nurtures their character.
From the ancient texts
Shao Yong
Worms in the vessel; things have gone bad. With hard work and careful attention, danger can be turned to safety.
Jiao’s Forest of Changes
The bream is born in the Yangtze and Huai; pass it on once, and it becomes a hundred …
Bream from the rivers, traded on just once, grow a hundredfold in value. Things need to keep moving.
Takashima
- On fortune: good luck is just arriving. Make a real effort to rouse yourself, and you can change the old state of things.
- On business: guard against goods piling up and spoiling; get them moving and sold quickly.
Five common questions
Timing
Luck is arriving; rouse yourself
Health
Guard against stagnation; eat clean food
Money
Don't let goods pile up; sell soon
Home
Settle old matters; set the house in order
Love
A long-held knot; speak openly
The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.
The six lines
- Six at the beginning: Setting right what the father spoiled. With such a son, the late father is without blame. Danger, but good fortune in the end.
- Nine in the second place: Setting right what the mother spoiled. One must not be too rigid.
- Nine in the third place: Setting right what the father spoiled. A little regret, but no great blame.
- Six in the fourth place: Tolerating what the father spoiled. Going on this way brings humiliation.
- Six in the fifth place: Setting right what the father spoiled, and earning praise.
- Nine at the top: He does not serve kings and princes; he holds his own aims higher.
Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.