Hexagram 18
Work on the Decayed
蠱
Upper
Mountain · 艮
keeping still
Lower
Wind · 巽
the gentle, penetrating
Contemporary judgment
Work on what has been spoiled. Decay has set in quietly, often through long neglect. This is not a cause for despair; it is a call to begin the restoration. Face what has been avoided and begin the patient work of repair. The situation is not beyond saving.
Image
Wind beneath the mountain, carrying corruption. The superior person arouses the people and strengthens their character.
Counsel
Look honestly at what has been neglected: in your health, your relationships, your work, your inner life. Do not panic, and do not rush. Begin with the most quietly essential thing and give it real attention. Small, persistent repair now prevents much larger losses later.
The six lines
Numbered from the bottom upward; displayed here from first to sixth.
Line 1
A six at the beginning means: Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. If there is a son, no blame remains on the departed father. Danger. In the end good fortune.
Line 2
A nine in the second place means: Setting right what has been spoiled by the mother. One may not be too persevering.
Line 3
A nine in the third place means: Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. There will be a little remorse. No great blame.
Line 4
A six in the fourth place means: Tolerating what has been spoiled by the father. In going on, one sees humiliation.
Line 5
A six in the fifth place means: Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. One finds praise.
Line 6
A nine at the top means: He does not serve kings and princes. He sets himself higher goals.
Contemporary sections are original app interpretations. Line text comes from the CC0 translation in jesshewitt/i-ching.