✦ HEXAGRAM 18
Gǔ —
Work on What Has Been Spoiled.
Mountain above, Wind below.
JUDGMENT
Work on What Has Been Spoiled has supreme success. It furthers one to cross the great water. Before the starting point, three days. After the starting point, three days.
THE IMAGE
The wind blows low on the mountain: the image of Decay. Thus the superior man stirs up the people and strengthens their spirit.
INTERPRETATION
Wind trapped beneath a mountain stagnates and breeds decay. Something has been neglected — a relationship, a system, a part of yourself — and now requires deliberate repair.
This is not disaster but opportunity. Decay can be reversed with honest effort. Take three days to understand the root cause, then three days to implement change. The work is unglamorous but essential.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What does Hexagram 18 mean?
- Something in your life has decayed through neglect and needs repair. This is an opportunity — the situation can be restored with honest, sustained effort.
- What are the three days mentioned?
- They represent careful preparation before acting and mindful follow-through after. Don't rush repairs — understand the root cause first.