I Ching · No.18 · Ku / Work on what has been spoiled [ Decay ]

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Kû indicates great progress and success (to him who deals properly with the condition represented by it). There will be advantage in (efforts like that of) crossing the great stream. (He should weigh well, however, the events of) three days before the turning point, and those (to be done) three days after it.

Translation

Gu Hexagram. Supreme good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river, but one should set out three days before the Jia day (the Xin day) and three days after the Jia day (the Ding day). The Image says: The upper trigram is Gen, the mountain; the lower trigram is Xun, the wind. A worthy man, like a mountain dwelling above, proclaims moral teachings and applies them to those below. Thus, 'Wind at the foot of the mountain' is the image of Decay. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the wind that blows over all things, thereby rescuing the myriad people and implementing moral education.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Three worms in a vessel, things decay and go to ruin; diligent exhortation turns danger into safety. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a time of hardship and confusion, and nothing goes as wished. It is advisable to make bold innovations, strive for strength, and work hard, so as to turn danger into safety.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Make efforts to revive, and the old appearance can be changed.
• Wealth 财运: It is not advisable to accumulate goods; they should be sold immediately.
• Household 家宅: Reorganize the family custom; fear of secret affairs; childbirth is not smooth.
• Health 身体: Illness of poisoning or decay; beware of curses.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune is just arriving now. One must strive to brace up, and the old outlook can be changed.
• Business 营商: Prevent goods from accumulating and spoiling; it is advisable to transport and sell them immediately.
• Warfare 战征: Encampment should be in open space, not near mountains, to guard against false alarms of wind and cranes.
• Household 家宅: Must clean up and discipline the household, keeping in mind the warnings against licentiousness and delusion.
• Illness 疾病: Beware of witchcraft and curses, or suffering from abdominal poisoning.
• Litigation 讼事: It seems to be caused by listening to others' delusion; it is advisable to stop the lawsuit immediately.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Fear of private love affairs between man and woman.
• Lost Items 失物: The object is already ruined.
• Travel 出行: Beware of wind obstruction.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Beware of abnormal pregnancy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Gen above), and it is the inverse hexagram (Zong Gua) of the Sui Hexagram. The original meaning of Gu is affairs, extending to mean troublesome matters and chaos. Worms growing in a vessel left unused for a long time is called 'Gu', symbolizing that long-lasting peace in the world leads to routine and corruption. One must innovate and create, govern and reorganize, rescue the crisis, and revitalize the enterprise.

• Overall Image 大象: Wind blows under the mountain, confined and unable to get out, causing things to decay and breed worms; the spirit is blocked, and following old routines ruins affairs.
• Fortune 运势: All things do not go as wished, with difficulties and confusion. It is advisable to make bold innovations, otherwise internal worries and external troubles will be brought about.
• Career 事业: Fortune is in a poor state, caused either by external conditions or personal factors. The only way is to carefully analyze the causes, identify the shortcomings, be decisive and bold, and spare no risk to overcome resistance. At this time, first, keep a cool head, and second, consult wise people, and you will surely achieve success.
• Business 经商: Many disadvantages are troubling you; it is not advisable to continue on the old path. You should comprehensively analyze market trends, make prompt decisions, and find another way out.
• Seeking Fame 求名: You will encounter many difficulties and disadvantages, which should be viewed as a test for you. Strive to fight on with a hundredfold courage. At the same time, open-mindedly seek out your own shortcomings and make remedies.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Not smooth. If both parties are congenial, they should go all out to facilitate this matter, and the couple should work together to maintain the family.
• Decision 决策: Born at the wrong time, the family fortunes or career show signs of decline, and the individual falls into a troublesome period. The only way is to face reality, work diligently, be unyielding and proactive, and even spare no risk to rescue the decaying situation. If necessary, one must also wait patiently for the right opportunity.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows (a son) dealing with the troubles caused by his father. If he be an (able) son, the father will escape the blame of having erred. The position is perilous, but there will be good fortune in the end.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: Inheriting the father's legacy, if there is a filial son, indeed there is no harm; even if encountering danger, it is auspicious in the end. The Image says: 'Inheriting the father's legacy' means inheriting the father's will.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will receive protection from ancestors and their plans will go smoothly. Officials will be assigned heavy responsibilities, bringing reform and innovation.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Diligent and thrifty, the future is bright.
• Wealth 财运: Reorganize the old business, and profits can be made.
• Household 家宅: Renovate the old house; marriage is auspicious.
• Health 身体: Initially no major issues, but unfavorable if without a son.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune is just beginning to transition. Diligent and thrifty, capable of bringing glory to the ancestors' work. Auspicious.
• Business 营商: Re-establishing the old business, one will surely gain much profit.
• Household 家宅: It seems to be the ancestral house, which should be renovated and restored; great benefit.
• Warfare 战征: Like Goujian restoring Wu, or Zixu attacking Chu, revival will surely be achieved. Auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: If justice was not obtained previously, one should appeal again; no blame.
• Illness 疾病: Although dangerous, it is not fatal. If without a son, divining this is unfavorable.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Good son and good wife, auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, who will surely prosper the family. Auspicious.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Under the conditions of Tâ Khû it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. (If its subject do not seek to) enjoy his revenues in his own family (without taking service at court), there will be good fortune. It will be advantageous for him to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram of Ta Ch'u (Great Accumulation / The Taming Power of the Great). A favorable omen of perseverance. Not eating at home, but eating at the court brings good fortune. Divining this hexagram is beneficial for crossing great rivers. The Image says: The inner trigram is Qian (Heaven) and the outer trigram is Gen (Mountain); the sun shines within the mountain, and all things absorb the sunlight, rain, and dew, each fulfilling its life. This is the image of Ta Ch'u. In accordance with this, the gentleman briefs himself on the words and deeds of the ancients to nourish his virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Using Yang to accumulate Yin, restraining the desire to advance; firmly maintaining the correct path, misfortune at first followed by good fortune. A minor fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should firmly maintain the correct path, keep their feet on the ground, and act practically so as to achieve great things. Do not be proud and self-satisfied, or look down on everything.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Gen above). Qian is Heaven, strong and vigorous; Gen is Mountain, solid and sincere. 'Chu' means accumulation, so 'Ta Ch'u' means great accumulation. For this reason, one does not fear severe difficulties and dangers, striving to cultivate oneself to enrich one's moral deeds.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows (a son) dealing with the troubles caused by his mother. He should not (carry) his firm correctness (to the utmost).

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: Inheriting the mother's legacy, one cannot inquire about good or bad fortune. The Image says: 'Inheriting the mother's legacy', because Nine in the second place is in the central position of the lower trigram, showing that the person obtains the middle path.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will find things go as wished if they discard the old for the new. A woman's horoscope indicates diligence and thriftiness in managing the household; those with loyal and upright natures will have much blessing.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Go with the flow, do not act hastily.
• Wealth 财运: Old debts and accumulated abuses should be handled gently.
• Household 家宅: Maternal side usurps authority; exercise patience and coordinate; a good wife can be obtained.
• Health 身体: Adults suffer from cold syndrome; children need to replenish Qi.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently, it is important to go along and adjust smoothly; one must not act hastily.
• Business 营商: Guard against issues such as old debts and accumulated abuses; it is advisable to mediate with tolerance and patience.
• Household 家宅: Fear of conflicts initiated by maternal relatives usurping power; advisable to endure and handle it well.
• Warfare 战征: Guard against hidden danger; do not advance directly.
• Illness 疾病: For adults, beware of malaria mass or abdominal lumps; for children, it may be insufficient prenatal Qi; it is advisable to take gentle medicine.
• Travelers 行人: On the way, will return in a few days.
• Lost Items 失物: Recovered.
• Marriage 婚姻: A good wife will be obtained.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

When one's resting is like that of the back, and he loses all consciousness of self; when he walks in his courtyard, and does not see any (of the persons) in it,--there will be no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Gen Hexagram. Shedding responsibilities and retiring from office, he is no longer seen among the court ranks. Seeking him in his courtyard, he is not found. The person goes far away, so there is naturally no disaster. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: This hexagram is formed by two Gen trigrams stacked together. Gen represents the mountain; thus, the image of Gen is mountains standing one upon another, deep and stable. The superior man observes this hexagram image, takes it as a warning, does not let his thoughts go beyond his position, and preserves himself through wisdom and prudence.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Stopping and obstructing, there is no further progress; content with one's lot and not being greedy, one must not force things. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, the road ahead is blocked; it is not advisable to advance rashly, but rather to keep watch and wait for an opportunity.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking the same trigrams (Gen below and Gen above). Gen represents the mountain; two mountains stacked together symbolize stillness. It is the opposite of the Zhen (Shock/Thunder) Hexagram. After a climax, a low tide inevitably follows, entering a phase of relative stillness of things. Still as a mountain, one should stop when it is time to stop, and act when it is time to act. Acting and stopping—that is, movement and stillness—must not miss their opportunities; they should be just right, with movement and stillness properly balanced, stopping where appropriate.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows (a son) dealing with the troubles caused by his father. There may be some small occasion for repentance, but there will not be any great error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: Inheriting the father's legacy, even if there are slight mistakes, there will be no major problems. The Image says: 'Inheriting the father's legacy' means in the end one will not meet with calamity.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous. For those who obtain this line, those who make hasty advances will suffer loss; those who do not listen to slander will face no difficulty.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Bitterly reform past mistakes, and there is still a future.
• Wealth 财运: Re-establishing the old business: minor losses but great profits.
• Household 家宅: Renovate the residence.
• Health 身体: Should be able to recover.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently, one should earnestly reform past mistakes. Even if there are minor setbacks, it will be helpful in the end.
• Business 营商: Advisable to revitalize the old business and establish new regulations; though there may be minor losses, great profits will surely be obtained.
• Household 家宅: Fear that the house is old and heavily decayed by woodworms; do not spare small expenses, it should be urgently renovated.
• Warfare 战征: Advancing directly with aggressive force might lead to a minor defeat, but there will surely be no major harm.
• Lost Items 失物: Will surely be found, but beware of minor verbal disputes.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, but the baby will inevitably have minor illnesses.
• Illness 疾病: No harm.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Măng (indicates that in the case which it presupposes) there will be progress and success. I do not (go and) seek the youthful and inexperienced, but he comes and seeks me. When he shows (the sincerity that marks) the first recourse to divination, I instruct him. If he apply a second and third time, that is troublesome; and I do not instruct the troublesome. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Mêng Hexagram. Success and prosperity. It is not I who seek the ignorant youth, but the ignorant youth who seeks me. At the first divination, the spirits inform him. If he divines importunately a second and third time, it is importune; if it is importune, the spirits will not inform him. Yet it is a favorable inquiry. The Great Image says: The upper trigram is Gen, symbolizing the mountain; the lower trigram is Kan, symbolizing the spring. A spring gushing at the foot of the mountain is the image of Mêng (Youthful Folly). The gentleman, observing this image, emulates the forward-pressing mountain spring, thus cultivating his virtue through resolute and steadfast action.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Wisdom is not yet developed, ignorant and blocked; hesitant and lacking decisiveness. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their wisdom is like that of a child, unable to distinguish right from wrong and losing their direction. If they can follow the teachings of wise teachers and good friends to enlighten their intelligence, they will find success.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Gen above). Gen is the image of a mountain, symbolizing stopping; Kan is the image of water, symbolizing danger. The shape of the hexagram represents danger at the foot of the mountain, yet continuing to advance without stopping, which constitutes ignorance, hence it is called the Mêng (Youthful Folly) hexagram. However, by seizing the opportunity and acting in a timely manner, it possesses the omen of enlightenment and smooth progress.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows (a son) viewing indulgently the troubles caused by his father. If he go forward, he will find cause to regret it.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: Broadening the father's legacy, implementation meets with heavy difficulties. The Image says: 'Broadening the father's legacy', implementation is not entirely appropriate.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous. For those who obtain this line, everything brings worry; also prone to foot ailments.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Do not follow old routines, otherwise you will mislead yourself.
• Wealth 财运: Failing to eliminate abuses, it is difficult to make a profit.
• Household 家宅: The father's legacy is hard to preserve.
• Health 身体: Urgently treat internal troubles to avoid becoming incurable.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is ordinary, but blindly sticking to routines will eventually mislead oneself.
• Business 营商: Only knowing how to stick to rules without reforming abuses; in the long run, it will be hard to make a profit.
• Warfare 战征: Prestige is not respected and commands are not strict; one should not advance, advancing will surely lead to defeat.
• Household 家宅: Although the father's legacy is abundant, the decay is already deep, making it hard to maintain in the future.
• Illness 疾病: The external appearance is still good, but internal trouble is already deep. If treatment is not sought urgently, there will be no cure later.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Ting gives the intimation of great progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Ting (Cauldron) hexagram. Supreme good fortune, success. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Xun, and Xun is wood; the upper trigram is Li, and Li is fire. Thus, there is fire over wood: the image of the Cauldron. The superior man, by observing this image, emulates the three-legged stability of the cauldron, standing upright without leaning, thereby holding correct and maintaining his position, being relied upon and trusted by the sovereign, and fulfilling his mission.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Achieving success through failure, accomplishing tasks through others; all affairs proceed smoothly, rising rapidly in the world. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is currently at its peak; they can receive help from friends and achieve great accomplishments. Partnering or cooperating with others is even better.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Li above). Burning wood to cook food, transforming raw to cooked, meaning weeding out the old and bringing forth the new. The Cauldron is a precious treasure and a grand vessel, symbolizing the stability of three legs. Cooking food metaphorically represents abundant food, with no more difficulties or distress. On this basis, it is suitable to make changes and develop one's career.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows (a son) dealing with the troubles caused by his father. He obtains the praise of using (the fit instrument for his work).

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: Inheriting the father's legacy, one wins praise. The Image says: Inheriting the father's legacy and winning praise is because one inherits the excellent virtue of the father.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, there will be many celebratory events, or a new member joining the family. Officials have prospects for advancement, and their reputation will spread far and wide.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Rallying oneself, one can still make a name.
• Wealth 财运: Improving the old business, it remains profitable.
• Household 家宅: Strive to prosper the family; marrying into a family of high status.
• Health 身体: Should seek out a famous doctor.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Though the family fortune is in decline, being able to rally oneself is sufficient to establish oneself and win fame.
• Business 营商: Although the old business is not very good, renovating it this time will surely bring both reputation and profit.
• Household 家宅: The ancestral inheritance is not thick, but fortunately, being able to expand the predecessor's business will surely bring glory to the family.
• Warfare 战征: Capable of recapturing cities, military renown spreads far. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: A famous doctor should be invited to treat it.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.
• Marriage 嫁娶: Surely marrying into a prestigious and noble family.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sun intimates that (under the conditions which it denotes) there will be some little attainment and progress. There will be advantage in movement onward in whatever direction. It will be advantageous (also) to see the great man.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sun Hexagram. Small success. It is beneficial to have a destination, and beneficial to see great men. The Image says: This hexagram is formed by doubling the Sun trigram; Sun represents wind, thus the continuous wind follows, blowing incessantly. This is the image of Sun. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the incessantly blowing wind, thereby repeatedly clarifying teachings, repeatedly issuing government decrees, and instilling the great principles of social order.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Submissive and accommodating, acting with humility; gaining help from noble people, benefits lie in distant places. Small good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram experience fluctuating fortune; it is advisable to adapt to circumstances and act with humility, which will bring unexpected gains.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Sun below, Sun above). Sun is wind; two winds are superimposed, the continuous wind never ends, penetrating everywhere. Sun means submission. A humble attitude and behavior will lead to success in all endeavors.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, undivided, shows us one who does not serve either king or feudal lord, but in a lofty spirit prefers (to attend to) his own affairs.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: Not serving kings and princes, because the person values his own worth. The Image says: 'Not serving kings and princes', this aspiration can be modeled after.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to keep to the old. Those with good fortune will meet nobles and receive promotions. Officials should retreat or retire.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: To retreat in order to advance is more advantageous.
• Wealth 财运: No need to sell in a hurry; profit can be expected.
• Household 家宅: Dwelling on high ground; a good match made in heaven.
• Health 身体: The end of life is approaching; spend the remaining years in peace.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: It is advisable to retreat in order to advance.
• Business 营商: Currently, prices of goods will surely rise gradually; there is no need to sell in a hurry. Profit will be gained.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable to live near a high hill. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: The hexagram is Gui Hun, fear that the natural span of life is ending.
• Marriage 婚嫁: The woman is chaste and the man is virtuous; a match made in heaven.
• Warfare 战征: It seems to be a time of victorious return from battle.
• Travel 出行: Advisable for trading, not for seeking fame.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Shăng indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. Seeking by (the qualities implied in it) to meet with the great man, its subject need have no anxiety. Advance to the south will be fortunate.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Shêng (Pushing Upward) hexagram. Supreme success. It is beneficial to see the great man. Have no fear. Proceeding toward the south brings good fortune. The Image says: The outer trigram is Kun, Kun is Earth; the inner trigram is Xun, Xun is Wood. Wood growing within the earth is the image of Pushing Upward. Thus the superior man, in accordance with this image, conforms with virtue and duty, strengthens his cultivation, and starting from small things, step by step fosters high character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ascending and progressing upward, freely carrying out one's ambitions; emerging from darkness into light, gradually rising and advancing. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their luck is rising, all matters are developing positively upward, plans succeed, and both fame and fortune are achieved.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below, Kun above). Kun is Earth and compliance; Xun is Wood and humility. The earth grows trees, which gradually develop and grow taller day by day to become useful timber, symbolizing step-by-step career advancement and a promising future, hence the name 'Shêng' (Pushing Upward).

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.