I Ching Hexagram 18: Remedying (蠱)
Overview
The Chinese character ku represents a bowl in whose contents worms are breeding. This means decay. IT is come about because the gentle indifference in the lower trigram has come together with the rigid inertia of the upper, and the result is stagnation. Since this implies guilt, the conditions embody a demand for removal of the cause. Hence the meaning of the hexagram is not simply "what has been spoiled" but "work on what has been spoiled".
The Judgment — Wilhelm/Baynes Translation
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.
— Richard Wilhelm & Cary F. Baynes, The I Ching or Book of Changes (Princeton University Press, 1950)
The Image — Wilhelm/Baynes Translation
The wind blows low on the mountain: The image of DECAY. Thus the superior man stirs up the people And strengthens their spirit.
— Richard Wilhelm & Cary F. Baynes, The I Ching or Book of Changes (1950)
Commentary
When the wind blow s slow on the mountain, it is thrown back and spoils the vegetation. This contains a challenge to improvement. It is the same with debasing attitudes and fashions; they corrupt human society. His methods likewise must be derived from the two trigrams, but in such a way that their effects unfold in orderly sequence. The superior must first remove stagnation by stirring up public opinion, as the wind stirs up everything, and must strengthen and tranquilize the character of the people, as the mountain gives tranquillity and nourishment to all that grows in its vicinity.
The Six Lines — Complete Commentary
Each line represents a stage in the unfolding situation. A line becomes "changing" when it transforms during divination.
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Line 1
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. If there is a son, No blame rests upon the departed father. Danger. In the end good fortune.
Rigid adherence to tradition has resulted in decay. But the decay has not yet penetrated deeply and so can still be easily remedied. It is as if a son were compensated for the decay his father allowed to creep in. Then no blame attaches to the father. However, one must not overlook the danger or take the matter too lightly. Only if one is conscious of the danger connected with every reform will everything go well in the end. -
Line 2
Setting right what has been spoiled by the mother. One must not be too persevering.
This refers to mistakes that as a result of weakness have brought about decay-hence the symbol, "what has been spoiled by the mother. " In setting things right in such a case, a certain gentle consideration is called for. In order not to wound, one should not attempt to proceed too drastically. -
Line 3
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. There will be a little remorse. No great blame.
This describes a man who proceeds a little too energetically in righting the mistakes of the past. Now and then, as a result, minor discourse and annoyances will surely develop. But too much energy is better than too little. Therefore, although he may at times have slight cause for regret, he remains free of any serious blame. -
Line 4
Tolerating what has been spoiled by the father. In continuing one sees humiliation.
This shows the situation of someone too weak to take measures against decay that has its roots in the past and is just beginning to manifest itself. It is allowed to run its course. If this continues, humiliation will result. -
Line 5
Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. One meets with praise.
An individual is confronted with corruption originating from neglect in former times. He lacks the power to ward it off alone, but with able helpers he can at least bring about a thorough reform, if he cannot create a new beginning, and this also is praiseworthy. -
Line 6
He does not serve kings and princes, Sets himself higher goals.
Not every man has an obligation to mingle in the affairs of the world. There are some who are developed to such a degree that they are justified in letting the world go its own way and refusing to enter public life with a view to reforming it. But this does not imply a right to remain idle or to sit back and merely criticize. Such withdrawal is justified only when we strive to realize in ourselves the higher aims of mankind. For although the sage remains distant from the turmoil of daily life, he creates incomparable human values for the future.
♥ Hexagram 18 Remedying — Love & Relationships
Hexagram 18, Remedying (蠱, gǔ), brings a profound and timely message to love and relationships. The interplay of KEEPING STILL over THE GENTLE — MOUNTAIN resting upon WIND — creates a dynamic that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities you face in your relationships. This hexagram invites careful reflection on how its ancient wisdom applies to the most pressing questions of emotional connection.
The I Ching has been consulted for thousands of years precisely because its symbolic language, developed through centuries of careful observation of natural and human patterns, cuts through surface circumstances to reveal deeper truths. When Hexagram 18 Remedying appears in response to questions about partnership, it brings the combined wisdom of its two trigrams: the qualities of MOUNTAIN above and WIND below, interacting to create a specific and meaningful moment in the cycle of change.
★ Hexagram 18 Remedying — Career & Work
Hexagram 18, Remedying (蠱, gǔ), brings a profound and timely message to professional life and career development. The interplay of KEEPING STILL over THE GENTLE — MOUNTAIN resting upon WIND — creates a dynamic that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities you face in your work. This hexagram invites careful reflection on how its ancient wisdom applies to the most pressing questions of professional growth.
The I Ching has been consulted for thousands of years precisely because its symbolic language, developed through centuries of careful observation of natural and human patterns, cuts through surface circumstances to reveal deeper truths. When Hexagram 18 Remedying appears in response to questions about career path, it brings the combined wisdom of its two trigrams: the qualities of MOUNTAIN above and WIND below, interacting to create a specific and meaningful moment in the cycle of change.
◆ Hexagram 18 Remedying — Money & Finances
Hexagram 18, Remedying (蠱, gǔ), brings a profound and timely message to financial matters. The interplay of KEEPING STILL over THE GENTLE — MOUNTAIN resting upon WIND — creates a dynamic that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities you face in your resources. This hexagram invites careful reflection on how its ancient wisdom applies to the most pressing questions of material abundance.
The I Ching has been consulted for thousands of years precisely because its symbolic language, developed through centuries of careful observation of natural and human patterns, cuts through surface circumstances to reveal deeper truths. When Hexagram 18 Remedying appears in response to questions about financial security, it brings the combined wisdom of its two trigrams: the qualities of MOUNTAIN above and WIND below, interacting to create a specific and meaningful moment in the cycle of change.
☤ Hexagram 18 Remedying — Health & Wellbeing
Hexagram 18, Remedying (蠱, gǔ), brings a profound and timely message to health and wellbeing. The interplay of KEEPING STILL over THE GENTLE — MOUNTAIN resting upon WIND — creates a dynamic that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities you face in your body and mind. This hexagram invites careful reflection on how its ancient wisdom applies to the most pressing questions of physical vitality.
The I Ching has been consulted for thousands of years precisely because its symbolic language, developed through centuries of careful observation of natural and human patterns, cuts through surface circumstances to reveal deeper truths. When Hexagram 18 Remedying appears in response to questions about wellness journey, it brings the combined wisdom of its two trigrams: the qualities of MOUNTAIN above and WIND below, interacting to create a specific and meaningful moment in the cycle of change.
☯ Hexagram 18 Remedying — Spiritual Growth
Hexagram 18, Remedying (蠱, gǔ), brings a profound and timely message to spiritual development. The interplay of KEEPING STILL over THE GENTLE — MOUNTAIN resting upon WIND — creates a dynamic that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities you face in your inner life. This hexagram invites careful reflection on how its ancient wisdom applies to the most pressing questions of spiritual growth.
The I Ching has been consulted for thousands of years precisely because its symbolic language, developed through centuries of careful observation of natural and human patterns, cuts through surface circumstances to reveal deeper truths. When Hexagram 18 Remedying appears in response to questions about the path of wisdom, it brings the combined wisdom of its two trigrams: the qualities of MOUNTAIN above and WIND below, interacting to create a specific and meaningful moment in the cycle of change.
△ Hexagram 18 Remedying — Business & Strategy
Hexagram 18, Remedying (蠱, gǔ), brings a profound and timely message to business and commerce. The interplay of KEEPING STILL over THE GENTLE — MOUNTAIN resting upon WIND — creates a dynamic that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities you face in your enterprise. This hexagram invites careful reflection on how its ancient wisdom applies to the most pressing questions of commercial success.
The I Ching has been consulted for thousands of years precisely because its symbolic language, developed through centuries of careful observation of natural and human patterns, cuts through surface circumstances to reveal deeper truths. When Hexagram 18 Remedying appears in response to questions about business ventures, it brings the combined wisdom of its two trigrams: the qualities of MOUNTAIN above and WIND below, interacting to create a specific and meaningful moment in the cycle of change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hexagram 18 Remedying mean?
What has been spoiled through man's fault can be made good again through man's work. IT is not immutable fate, as in the time of STANDSTILL, that has caused the state of corruption, but rather the abuse of human freedom. Work toward improving conditions promises well, because it accords the possibilities of the time. We must not recoil from work and danger-symbolized by crossing of the great water-but must take hold energetically. Success depends, however, on proper deliberation. This is express
Is Hexagram 18 a yes or no?
The I Ching does not provide simple yes or no answers. Hexagram 18, Remedying, offers guidance about the quality and direction of the current moment. Consult the judgment and image texts above for specific direction relevant to your question.
What are the changing lines in Hexagram 18?
Changing lines indicate points of transformation within your reading. Each of the six lines in Hexagram 18 carries its own meaning — see the complete line commentary above for detailed guidance on each position.
Have a question about this hexagram?
Get a Personalized Remedying ReadingSources
- Wilhelm, Richard & Baynes, Cary F. The I Ching or Book of Changes. Princeton University Press, 1950.
- Legge, James. The I Ching: Book of Changes. Dover Publications, 1963.
- Huang, Alfred. The Complete I Ching. Inner Traditions, 1998.
Commentary
What has been spoiled through man's fault can be made good again through man's work. IT is not immutable fate, as in the time of STANDSTILL, that has caused the state of corruption, but rather the abuse of human freedom. Work toward improving conditions promises well, because it accords the possibilities of the time. We must not recoil from work and danger-symbolized by crossing of the great water-but must take hold energetically. Success depends, however, on proper deliberation. This is expressed by the lines, "Before the starting point, three days. After the starting point, three days." We must first know the cause of corruption before we can do away with them; hence it is necessary to be cautious during the time before the start. Then we must see to it that the new way is safely entered upon, so that a relapse may be avoided; therefore we must pay attention to the time after the start. Decisiveness and energy must take the place of inertia and indifference that have led to decay, in order that the ending may be followed by a new beginning.