Tinh Menh Do
Hexagram No. 18 ䷑

Work on what has been spoiled (Gu)

Symbolizes internal rot and ruin, accumulated mistakes from the past and the urgent need for reform and repair.

Line 1
Line 2
Line 3
Line 4
Line 5
Line 6

6-Line Structure

I Ching Interpretation

Symbolism & Structure

The Ancient hexagram has an Upper monster called Can (Son/Stasis), a Lower monster called Ton (Wind/Penetration). The wind goes under the mountain but cannot get out, creating rot. The word 'Co' has a picture of three worms in a bowl, implying conflicts, corruption or mistakes that have penetrated deep into the core of an organization or family. This is the hexagram of 'cleaning up the battlefield' after a long period of indulgence.

Philosophy & Virtues

Ancient hexagram philosophy teaches: 'Ancient, original, beneficial and great. The former borders three days, the latter borders three days'. If you fix your mistakes, you will be successful, even if the task is as difficult as crossing a big river, you should still do it. The advice '3 days before Giap day, 3 days after Giap day' reminds us to carefully consider past causes and prevent future consequences before embarking on reform. Don't rush, but don't delay either.

Line by Line Analysis

1st Line

Hao So Luc: 'The neck of the body is old, there is death, there is no body, the tears are good'. Fixed an error left by the father. If there is a talented child, the father is not at fault. Even though it's difficult at first, it will be good in the end.

2nd Line

Hao Cuu Nhi: 'The neck of the mother is impossible to be virgin'. Fix error left by the mother. Need to be soft and flexible, not too rigid because it easily touches deep emotions.

3rd Line

Hao Cuu Tam: 'If you have a small child, you will not regret it'. Correct your father's mistakes drastically. There are some regrets or minor bumps but no major errors. This is the need to clean the system.

4th Line

Hao Luc Tu: 'The old father's father, let's see him again'. Indulging your father's mistakes. If you see a failure and still ignore it or cover it up, you will bring shame and failure.

5th Line

Hao Luc Ngu: 'Chan fu chi gu, use the idea'. Fix your father's mistakes with tact and gain support. This is the best moat, showing that the reform is going smoothly and bringing reputation.

6th Line

Hao Thuong Cuu: 'No matter what the prince is, everything is noble'. Don't care about fame and fortune, just worry about cultivating yourself and keeping your temper. When everything has been fixed or when it can no longer be fixed, the gentleman chooses a noble way of living beyond the worldly world.

General Discussion

The Ancient Hexagram reminds: Ruin is an opportunity for rebirth. Don't be afraid of what's broken, be afraid of not admitting it.

Divination & Guidance

Work & Affairs

There are serious internal problems. Don't start a new job until the old one has not been completely resolved. Review your processes, personnel, and financial gaps.

Morning Advice

Take time to resolve the outstanding tasks that you have been avoiding for so long. Cleaning your desk or inbox is also a way to respond to the Ancient hexagram.

Love & Relationships

The relationship is in crisis due to misunderstandings or bad habits that have accumulated over time. A frank and painful dialogue is needed to 'surgery' this relationship if you want to move forward.

Dau Nam

A year of rectification. You will have to solve problems related to family, lineage or mistakes left over from the previous year.

Career & Success

Your company or department is stagnant. You may be assigned the responsibility of reform. Be brave enough to change what is no longer suitable, even if it will be painful at first.

Wealth & Business

Lost for unknown reasons. Check for hidden expenses or old debts. Avoid investing in projects that show signs of lack of transparency.

Health & Well-being

Pay attention to chronic diseases or toxins accumulating in the body. This is the best time to perform detox or general health checks.

Luu Y Dac Biet

In reform (Old hexagram), 'attitude' is more important than 'speed'. Hao 2 reminds us to use love and ingenuity to correct mistakes related to people.

Strategic Insights

Risk Analysis

The risk of the Co hexagram is conservatism (mosa 4) or too extreme reform that breaks everything (mosa 3). Correcting errors requires patience and alertness.

Strategy

If you do the opposite (Let it crumble): The rot will spread and completely destroy the foundation. The Ancient Hexagram teaches that 'laziness in correcting mistakes' is the greatest crime against one's own destiny.

Previous No. 17: Following (Sui) Next No. 19: Approach (Lin)
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