#18
Work on the Decayed (蠱)
Gǔ
Repair what has been neglected.
Source: Our commentary · editorial-en-v1
Lower trigram: Wind (巽 Xùn) — gentle penetration
Upper trigram: Mountain (艮 Gèn) — stillness
Judgment — our commentary
Decay asks for repair. Name what was neglected, then restore it with patient work rather than blame theater.
The six lines
Line 1
Work on the Decayed: begin quietly. Repair what has been neglected shows first as a small, careful step rather than a public claim.
Reflection: What smallest faithful step is available now?
Line 2
Work on the Decayed: gather allies or resources. Keep repair what has been neglected practical—test one move before scaling.
Reflection: What support makes the next step safer?
Line 3
Work on the Decayed: work intensifies. Stay honest about fatigue so repair what has been neglected does not tip into rash force.
Reflection: Where should you pause before pushing harder?
Line 4
Work on the Decayed: a fork appears. Choose the option that keeps integrity even if it is slower.
Reflection: Which choice can you fully own?
Line 5
Work on the Decayed: your stance influences others. Model repair what has been neglected without pressuring people to mirror you.
Reflection: How can you lead without dominating?
Line 6
Work on the Decayed: close the cycle. Soften excess, keep the lesson, and do not cling to the peak.
Reflection: What deserves a clean ending rather than a cling?