蠱
Hexagram 18 · 蠱
Upper trigram: 艮 · Lower trigram: 巽
Gu (Repairing Decay): the hexagram of neglected foundations. Examine inherited problems, correct their causes, and support lasting renewal.
The image
Mountain stands above wind, holding movement beneath a still surface. Air that cannot circulate suggests conditions allowed to deteriorate. Gu names decay and the work of putting it right. The image directs attention to inherited habits and structures that now need thoughtful repair.
Judgment
元亨。利涉大川。先甲三日，後甲三日。
Great beginning and flourishing. It is beneficial to cross the great river. Three days before the jia day, three days after the jia day.
The commentary links an ending with a fresh beginning and purposeful work. Reviewing an old procedure before changing it, then checking the result afterward, gives a practical sense to the passage's preparation and follow-through.
Great Image
山下有風，蠱；君子以振民育德。
Wind below the mountain: Repairing Decay. The exemplary person accordingly rouses the people and nourishes virtue.
Repair needs renewed participation as well as technical correction. A manager improving a neglected service can train staff and explain its purpose rather than merely issuing another checklist.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初六
幹父之蠱，有子考，无咎，厲終吉。
Setting right the father's decay. Having a son, the father is without blame. Danger, but good fortune in the end.
Six in the first place is yin beginning inherited repair. The Small Image stresses carrying forward the predecessor's intention, like improving a family business while respecting the work that originally sustained it.
Line 2 · 九二
幹母之蠱，不可貞。
Setting right the mother's decay. One must not insist rigidly.
Nine in the second place is central yang corresponding with the fifth yin. The Small Image favors the middle way, like changing a sensitive household habit through tactful discussion rather than accusation.
Line 3 · 九三
幹父之蠱，小有悔，无大咎。
Setting right the father's decay. There is a little regret, but no great blame.
Nine in the third place applies strong yang to a difficult repair. The Small Image permits eventual freedom from blame, like correcting an outdated workflow somewhat clumsily while remaining open to adjustment.
Line 4 · 六四
裕父之蠱，往見吝。
Indulging the father's decay. Going on brings humiliation.
Six in the fourth place is yielding yin that lets deterioration continue. The Small Image finds no progress, like repeatedly postponing a necessary review because an old arrangement feels familiar.
Line 5 · 六五
幹父之蠱，用譽。
Setting right the father's decay. This earns praise.
Six in the fifth place is central yin supported through correspondence with the second yang. The Small Image credits virtue in carrying the work forward, like a successor inviting capable help to renew a neglected organization.
Line 6 · 上九
不事王侯，高尚其事。
Not serving kings or lords, one honors one's own undertaking.
Nine at the top is yang choosing a purpose beyond official service. The Small Image calls its intention exemplary, like an experienced professional declining office to pursue independent teaching or careful research.
When asking about
Career
Inherited processes often need examination. Correct underlying causes and include the people who must maintain the improvement.
Love
Old patterns may deserve a fresh conversation. Address behavior specifically without assigning permanent blame.
Money
Neglected records can obscure ordinary decisions. Reconcile accounts and understand recurring commitments before adding new ones.
Home
A long-postponed task may need coordinated attention. Respect family history while changing what no longer works.
Study
Foundational gaps often benefit from deliberate repair. Review the earlier material before pressing into advanced work.
Health
Review habits that have drifted away from a manageable rhythm. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Take responsibility for repair without making blame your main occupation. Prepare carefully, make the necessary change, and check how it holds up afterward.
Related hexagrams
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Cast a hexagramReference content based on the I Ching classic, not a prediction.