Gu
Judgment
蠱 元亨 利涉大川 先甲三日 後甲三日
It will prosper greatly. If You cross over a big river, It will be good to cross three days before the major day and three days after the major day.
Interpretation
The Gu (Decay) Hexagram consists of the upper trigram Gen (Mountain) and the lower trigram Xun (Wind). Gen represents a mountain, while Xun represents wind. The image of this hexagram is wind blowing beneath a mountain.
Since wind is blowing at the foot of the mountain, it suggests that the world is not in a state of peace and stability; rather, something is happening. "Gu" means decay or corruption.
The character for Gu (蠱) depicts a vessel with three worms inside, symbolizing an abnormal or deteriorating situation. It can also indicate food in a container that has rotted, allowing maggots to infest it.
In the hexagram statement:
"Gu" signifies decay and corruption.
Crossing the great river is beneficial, referring to the Zhou dynasty’s campaign against the Shang dynasty.
"Three days before Jia day" refers to Xin day, and "three days after Jia day" refers to Ding day, which were considered auspicious days for launching a military campaign.
This hexagram is considered greatly auspicious because King Wu of Zhou successfully inherited the legacy of his father, King Wen, and led the conquest of the Shang dynasty.
Crossing the great river is beneficial because the campaign was launched on auspicious days before and after the Jia day.
If one receives this hexagram in divination, it signifies a situation where internal decay and corruption have reached an extreme. One must thoroughly reflect on themselves and completely remove the rotting elements.
The food in the container may appear edible, but inside, it is rotten and infested with maggots. Likewise, the external world may seem intact, but internally, corruption has spread.
The government, economy, society, and education may appear functional but are deeply corrupt.
Businesses, families, relationships, and even personal health may seem fine on the surface but are deteriorating within.
Just like maggots crawling chaotically, the situation has become complicated and disorderly.
To eradicate the decay and restore order, drastic action is necessary.
One must identify the rotten elements and eliminate them decisively.
If wrongdoings are corrected swiftly, fortune will be restored sooner.
However, to completely remove the decay and disorder, one must endure pain and hardship. With great effort and determination, one will achieve great success.
Any obstacles blocking the way should be confronted head-on, and one must act on an auspicious day for the best outcome.
After complete decay, a new and fresh energy will inevitably arise—this is the law of the universe.
初六 幹父之蠱,有子考,无咎.厲,終吉
Initial Six: The father’s evil, child tested, no blame. Danger, end good fortune.
'Gan' uses the character 'Gwan' to mean 'inheritance.' 'Gyo' refers to work or duty, and 'Go' is used in reference to filial piety. 'Ye' means dangerous or risky. King Wu inherited the legacy of his father, King Wen, and went on to conquer the Yin dynasty. Although the campaign was dangerous, success was achieved. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation where they are inheriting the legacy of their father and pushing forward with a risky yet successful mission. The task may be risky, but ultimately, success will come. The matter inquired about in divination will be auspicious.
九二 幹母之蠱,不可貞
Nine Second: The mother’s evil, cannot be firm.
The character "Liver" refers to continuity, and "" means inheritance. The situation described shows that someone is inheriting what they should not, which is unfavorable. The person drawing this hexagram is currently in a situation where something they should avoid inheriting is being continued. It is better not to pursue this course of action.
九三 幹父之蠱,小有悔,无大咎
Nine Third: The father’s evil, small regret, no great blame.
The term "gan" refers to borrowing a "gwan," meaning a succession or inheritance. The hexagram suggests that with a little risk, a person can inherit the achievements of their father and accomplish great things. The person receiving this hexagram will be able to carry out their ambitions, though with some minor risks. The question will be resolved with no significant mistakes, only a slight feeling of regret.
六四 裕父之蠱,往見吝
Six Fourth: Rich father’s evil, going to see regret.
The term "Yu" means vast, and "Go" refers to a task or undertaking. The hexagram speaks of a situation where one is trying to accomplish a great task, but faces obstacles. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation where they are trying to advance their father’s legacy but are encountering difficulties. The task will be challenging.
六五 幹父之蠱,用譽
Six Fifth: The father’s evil, praised.
The individual is in a situation where they have successfully continued the legacy of a predecessor, achieving great honor. The task at hand will ultimately succeed, leading to recognition and lasting success. The endeavor will be marked by a strong sense of honor.
上九 不事王侯,高尚其事(德,兇)
Top Nine: Do not serve the king, rise with virtue, dangerous.
Bo Yi and Shu Qi refuse to serve King Wu, retreating to Mount Shouyang to live on ferns until starvation claims them, a noble yet tragic end. The task at hand requires reading the times wisely; noble resolve is admirable, but misjudging the tide brings misfortune.