18. Work on the Decayed
Gǔ — Decay / Renovation
Trigrams
The 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
Mountain above wind — wind blows at the base of the mountain, stirring things up. What has been neglected breeds corruption. The wise person stirs up the people and strengthens their spirit.
Interpretation
Something has been neglected or corrupted and must now be repaired. This may be an inherited problem — something passed down from parents, predecessors, or your own past decisions. The good news is that decay creates the conditions for renewal. Work on the problem is not only possible but supremely successful. Take three days to plan, then act, then take three days to consolidate. This is careful, deliberate reform.
Advice
Address the rot. Fix what's been neglected. If this is an inherited problem, take responsibility for repairing it even though you didn't cause it. Plan carefully, act decisively, and follow through.
Consult the I Ching for your own question
Cast the Coins