Hexagram 18
•
蠱 (Gǔ)
•
Gǔ
Work on What Has Been Spoiled
Work on What Has Been Spoiled (蠱 (Gǔ)): Upper Mountain, Lower Wind. Supreme success. Cross the great water. Three days before inception, three days after.
Upper Trigram
Mountain
Lower Trigram
Wind
⚖ The Judgment
Supreme success. Cross the great water. Three days before inception, three days after.
✧ The Image
Wind blows at foot of mountain; the noble person stirs up people and strengthens character.
Philosophical Interpretation
In the I Ching (Book of Changes), Hexagram 18 (Work on What Has Been Spoiled / 蠱 (Gǔ)) embodies the cosmic dynamic between Mountain above and Wind below. It teaches that wisdom arises from understanding seasonal transitions and adhering to moral constancy.
The Six Changing Lines
- 1 Line 1: Beginning phase of Work on What Has Been Spoiled; observe quiet reserve.
- 2 Line 2: Inner equilibrium aligned with virtuous company.
- 3 Line 3: Transition point; rash action invites complication.
- 4 Line 4: Deep breakthrough; sincerity dissipates lingering doubts.
- 5 Line 5: Central sovereign seat; radiant integrity guides the collective.
- 6 Line 6: Culmination and apex; beware hubris as the cycle turns.