Hexagram 18
Work on What Has Been Spoiled (Decay)
蛊 (Gǔ)
Mountain over Wind
The image is Wind blowing at the foot of a Mountain. The wind is stopped by the mountain, causing stagnation and stillness. This lack of movement leads to decay, like food spoiling in a bowl (the character 蠱 depicts worms in a vessel). It symbolizes a situation that has been spoiled by neglect, apathy, or inherited problems, and which now requires decisive work to repair.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
This hexagram points to a challenging situation but promises great rewards for tackling it. The "decay" is not a final state but an opportunity for renewal. Taking on the great challenge ("crossing the great water") will succeed if approached correctly. The "three days" before and after signifies the need for careful planning before action, and thoughtful consolidation and observation after action. Hasty work will not suffice.
The Image (象传)
The stagnant air at the base of the mountain represents apathy and indifference, which are the root causes of decay. The wise leader cannot be passive. They must act like a fresh wind, stirring people from their complacency, inspiring them with new energy, and strengthening their resolve to face the problems and work towards renewal.
Interpretation & Guidance
When you receive Hexagram 18, it is a direct call to action. You are facing a situation that has deteriorated due to neglect, past mistakes, or inherited bad habits. This is not the time to assign blame or to despair. It is a time to roll up your sleeves and do the hard work of repair. The situation will not fix itself. Your decisive and energetic intervention is required.
This "decay" can manifest in any area of life: a broken relationship, a failing business project, poor health, or a personal psychological pattern. Identify the root cause of the problem. Plan your approach carefully, act with conviction, and then reinforce the new, healthier state. The effort will be significant, but the outcome will be "supreme success" and a profound sense of renewal.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. If there is a son, the father is without blame. Danger. In the end good fortune."
You are dealing with a problem inherited from the past (symbolized by the father). Taking responsibility for this is challenging and can feel dangerous, but it is the right thing to do. By correcting the old mistakes, you not only succeed but also redeem the past.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"Setting right what has been spoiled by the mother. One must not be too persevering."
This decay stems from weakness, indulgence, or permissiveness (symbolized by the mother). To fix it, you need a gentle but firm approach. Being overly forceful or rigid will cause more harm. A delicate, considerate touch is required.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. There will be a little remorse. No great blame."
You tackle the problem with great energy, perhaps a bit too much. This zeal might lead to minor mistakes or hurt feelings along the way, causing a little regret. However, your intention is correct, so there is no significant fault. The work gets done.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"Tolerating what has been spoiled by the father. In continuing one sees humiliation."
This is a strong warning. You see the decay but are too weak or complacent to do anything about it. You tolerate the problem. If you continue on this path of inaction, you will face failure and shame. You must act.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. One meets with praise."
You take on the difficult task of repairing inherited problems with the right spirit and necessary support. You don't have all the strength yourself, but you have the wisdom to gather what is needed. This skillful handling of a difficult situation earns you honor and praise.
Nine at the Top (上九)
Top line - Yang
"He does not serve kings and princes, sets himself higher goals."
Having successfully repaired the worldly decay, you are no longer bound by it. You withdraw from conventional ambitions and turn your attention to your own inner, spiritual development. This is about transcending the problems of the world to work on the self, which is the highest goal.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This hexagram points to a relationship suffering from neglect or toxic patterns, often inherited from family upbringings. It is not a time for blame, but for both partners to actively work on fixing what is broken. This requires open communication, confronting old wounds, and establishing new, healthier ways of relating. The work is hard, but it is the only way to save the relationship and make it stronger than before.
Career & Business (事业)
You are likely facing a "turnaround" situation: a failing project, a demoralized team, or a business damaged by past mismanagement. Your task is to diagnose the root causes of the decay and take decisive action to fix them. This might involve restructuring, changing processes, or letting go of what is no longer working. Success is promised if you are willing to do the necessary hard work.
Health & Wellness (健康)
This suggests a health problem that has developed over time due to neglect or unhealthy habits. It's time to stop tolerating the issue and actively work on healing. This requires a dedicated effort to change your lifestyle, diet, or mindset. You must confront the root cause of the illness to restore your body to a healthy state.
Financial Matters (财运)
Your finances are in a state of disrepair. This could be due to debt, poor budgeting, or past mistakes. This is a call to "clean house." You need to confront the mess, create a clear plan to pay off debts, cut unnecessary expenses, and build a new, solid financial foundation. Ignoring the problem will only lead to greater trouble.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
This is the quintessential hexagram for psychological and spiritual work. It asks you to look at the "decay" within—the limiting beliefs, negative patterns, and unresolved emotional issues inherited from your past. It is time to consciously work on these spoiled parts of yourself. This is the challenging but deeply rewarding path of self-renewal and becoming your own person.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time to act is now. Do not procrastinate. The decay will only worsen with time. Your advice is to be decisive, energetic, and thorough. Plan your actions carefully before you begin, and monitor the results carefully afterward. Confront the problem head-on. The effort will be substantial, but the rewards—success and renewal—are guaranteed.
