I Ching Hexagram 18 · Gu Hexagram

Hexagram Position Information

• Hexagram Sequence: Hexagram 18
• Hexagram Name: Gu
• Trigram Image: Gen Xun (Wind on the Mountain)
• Binary Representation: 100101
• Hexagram Quality: Moderately auspicious; favorable for reform and rectification, for stirring people to renewal and restoring vitality. Act in accord with the times, but grasp the proper measure with care.

• Primary Hexagram: Gu Hexagram (Hexagram 18)
• Nuclear Hexagram: The Marrying Maiden Hexagram (Hexagram 54)
• Inverse Hexagram: Following Hexagram (Hexagram 17)
• Reverse Hexagram: Following Hexagram (Hexagram 17)

The Gu Hexagram symbolizes accumulated abuses and corruption awaiting reform. With wind below the mountain, the noble person should invigorate the people and cultivate virtue, renew and examine oneself, cast off the old and establish the new, and rescue what is endangered and disordered.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Gu. Supreme success. It is favorable to cross the great river. Three days before jia, three days after jia.

The Gu Hexagram is auspicious and smoothly advancing, and it is favorable for crossing waters and rivers, but the timing must be arranged with care. It symbolizes decay in affairs or corruption in old institutions. Bold renewal, determined effort, and self-renewal with rectification can turn danger into safety.

The Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: Wind below the mountain: Gu. The noble person thereby stirs up the people and cultivates virtue.

Above is Gen, Mountain: steady and still. Below is Xun, Wind: gentle and მოძრing. Wind blowing below the mountain symbolizes casting off the old, reviving the new, and dissolving corruption. The noble person should renew and examine oneself, rectify abuses, follow nature and the trend of the times, and revitalize the people's virtue.

• Symbolism: casting off the old and establishing the new, rectifying accumulated abuses, stirring oneself to vigorous effort
• Structure: Gen above, Xun below; stillness with movement, seeking change within stability
• Keywords: renewal, self-examination, rectification, stirring the people and cultivating virtue

The Gu Hexagram emphasizes: self-renewal and self-examination, rectifying accumulated abuses, and stirring oneself to vigorous effort. When the noble person encounters difficulty, one should remove outdated habits and worn-out conventions, correct abuses, follow the trend of the times, and seek change within stability in order to achieve lasting peace.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. Initial Six: Setting right the father's corruption. If there is a son, the deceased father is without blame. Danger, but in the end good fortune.

   Inheriting the father's work, one encounters trouble, but following the proper way brings good fortune. Philosophical meaning: inherit what has been left behind, courageously correct abuses, and resolve problems with patience.

2. Nine in the Second Place: Setting right the mother's corruption. One must not be too steadfast.

   Inheriting the mother's work, the outcome is hard to predict, so one must proceed in balance and accord. Philosophical meaning: balance firmness and softness, handle problems cautiously, and avoid extremes.

3. Nine in the Third Place: Setting right the father's corruption. There will be some regret, but no great blame.

   Correcting the problems left by the previous generation brings slight regret, but in the end no great harm. Philosophical meaning: when rectifying abuses, do not be too hasty or forceful; proceed step by step.

4. Six in the Fourth Place: Tolerating the father's corruption. Going forward brings humiliation.

   Expanding the father's work is difficult to carry out; if one is overly lenient, obstacles may arise. Philosophical meaning: problems must be handled decisively; one must not hesitate in fear.

5. Six in the Fifth Place: Setting right the father's corruption brings praise.

   Saving the father's work wins praise, with firmness and softness properly balanced. Philosophical meaning: correct abuses through virtue, combining firmness and gentleness, and only then can one gain recognition.

6. Top Nine: He does not serve kings and lords, but elevates his own calling.

   He does not take part in the affairs of rulers and withdraws after success. Philosophical meaning: understand the times and step back, keep oneself upright and pure, and devote oneself to the development of one's own work.

Guidance for Real Life

Keywords and Overall Guidance:

Fortune is likely to meet with many twists and setbacks. Active renewal and careful decision-making are advisable; only then can danger be turned into safety.

Career and Finances:

Career matters may be in a period of adjustment or obstruction. One should analyze the underlying abuses, reform methods, and act boldly without recklessness; in the end, dangers can be overcome.

In finances, it is advisable to sort out old accounts and discard the stale while preserving the new. Guard against losses caused by long-standing problems; timely strategic improvements can bring steady gains.

Love and Relationships:

Romantic or marital relationships may encounter obstacles. It is best to respond with tolerance, understanding, and patience, and to avoid letting impatience create conflict.

Physical and Mental State:

Pay attention to physical conditioning, and be careful to prevent old illnesses from recurring or excessive stress from causing mental fatigue.

The above content is for everyday self-care reference only; if physical or emotional discomfort persists or worsens, please give priority to consulting a qualified medical or mental health professional.

One-Sentence Reminder

The way of the Gu Hexagram lies in self-renewal and self-examination, rectifying accumulated abuses, and stirring oneself to vigorous effort; seek change within stability, act decisively without veering to extremes, and only then can danger be turned into safety.