18. Gǔ 蠱
DECAY, WORK ON WHAT HAS BEEN SPOILED, CORRUPTION, FERMENTATION
Key Concepts:
correction, healing, meeting with the past, correcting mistakes
The only real mistake is not correcting your past errors. Start acting differently, learn from the past, and continue your path renewed and wise.
Above is the trigram Gen (Mountain), below is the trigram Xun (Wind). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is a weak wind stopped by a mountain mass. The energy of the Wind opposes the energy of the Mountain, the Wind stops and cannot continue its movement straight. It's necessary to change the direction of force application; it makes no sense to charge at the visible obstacle head-on.
In China, it is said that the only real mistake is not correcting your past errors. There is always an opportunity to start acting differently, to draw valuable lessons from difficult experiences, and to continue your life path renewed and wise. After all, we often derive experience from our own mistakes, and the ability to make right decisions comes to us after a series of wrong ones. An alternative understanding of this hexagram is that we might be making the same mistakes as our predecessors (including our parents). Wouldn't it be better to choose your own Path and deviate from the usual patterns that have guided us until today?
Gu indicates the need to revise life strategy or action strategy in a specific situation. Perhaps, you have been moving successfully for a long time and have achieved significant results, but recently hit a 'ceiling' and see no possibility to move further. This might have happened because you got too caught up in current goals and forgot about the result. What is your guiding star in the journey to which you strive?
That is why, despite its rather gloomy name, the hexagram speaks of finding the cause of your difficulties, you will once again find inspiration and success will not be long in coming.
In China, it is said that the only real mistake is not correcting your past errors. There is always an opportunity to start acting differently, to draw valuable lessons from difficult experiences, and to continue your life path renewed and wise. After all, we often derive experience from our own mistakes, and the ability to make right decisions comes to us after a series of wrong ones. An alternative understanding of this hexagram is that we might be making the same mistakes as our predecessors (including our parents). Wouldn't it be better to choose your own Path and deviate from the usual patterns that have guided us until today?
Gu indicates the need to revise life strategy or action strategy in a specific situation. Perhaps, you have been moving successfully for a long time and have achieved significant results, but recently hit a 'ceiling' and see no possibility to move further. This might have happened because you got too caught up in current goals and forgot about the result. What is your guiding star in the journey to which you strive?
That is why, despite its rather gloomy name, the hexagram speaks of finding the cause of your difficulties, you will once again find inspiration and success will not be long in coming.
I Ching Talking
Correction of what was spoiled by the father. There is a son. No blame for the ancestors. Danger, but in the end - happiness.
Hexagram Line Descriptions
Correction of what was spoiled by the father.
There is a son. No blame for the ancestors.
Danger, but in the end - happiness.
You realize that conformism can hinder forward movement
Correction of what was spoiled by the mother.
It is not possible to be steadfast.
Passive bad habits can be as destructive as their active counterparts
Correction of what was spoiled by the father.
There will be regret in minor matters. There will not be great blame.
A return to old habits may occur, but it will be brief
Worsening of what was spoiled by the father.
If you take a stand, you will see regret.
If you want to evolve, you must give up established behavior
Correction of what was spoiled by the father. Praise is necessary.
Your decisions should be guided by clear thinking, not habit or dogma
Do not serve the king or prince, uplift and evaluate your own work.
You will achieve great accomplishments by recognizing your spiritual nature