Above is the trigram Gen (Mountain), below is the trigram Kun (Earth). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is a Mountain standing alone on Earth, open to the influence of all elements, and over time their action will have its effect, the Mountain will begin to decay. An alternative image of this hexagram is a decaying, dilapidated house.
This hexagram indicates that there is no longer an opportunity to prepare for upcoming difficulties or problems – they are already here. The situation is only awaiting destruction, old ties will be severed, and there is no hope for successful advancement further. It is necessary to gather strength and not resist destruction, it is inevitable. However, despite the gloominess of the omen, after every destruction follows the birth of something new. Sometimes old ideas, concepts, or even physical objects need to be destroyed because they have lost their relevance, they hinder the arrival of the new, creative, and renewed. Destruction carries huge potential, as energy will be able to be freed, the old and unnecessary will disappear, and a platform for new achievements and victories will emerge. The I Ching constantly points to the cyclicality and inevitability of changes, which makes no sense to resist: so in this situation, there is hidden potential that needs to be released, calmly and easily accepting the decay or destruction of the situation.
Knowing that it is always darkest before dawn, the most appropriate strategy would be to follow the oracle’s guidance and be ready for new, positive changes. This hexagram, using the image of a wise ruler, says: “The wise ruler sees no benefit in advancement, therefore, following the movement of time, he stops in his actions”.