䷑ Gu Gǔ
Core Meaning
The Gu hexagram reveals the wisdom of reform and rectification. 'Wind under the mountain,' the wind blows the grass low, revealing accumulated ills. 'Rectifying the father's ills' runs throughout the hexagram, emphasizing innovation within inheritance—not completely negating predecessors, but rectifying their shortcomings. 'Three days before Jia, three days after Jia' embodies the cyclical view of 'the end and then a new beginning, the way of Heaven.' 'Invigorating the people and cultivating virtue' is the fundamental method, eradicating accumulated ills by inspiring the populace and fostering virtues. Reform requires courage (though dangerous, the end is auspicious) and wisdom (not advisable to be persistent, a little regret).
The Judgment
Gu, primary success. It is beneficial to cross the great river. Three days before Jia, three days after Jia.
Interpretation:
The Gu hexagram symbolizes eliminating弊and rectifying chaos, which can lead to success and is beneficial for overcoming difficulties and obstacles. However, it is necessary to carefully seize the opportunity, plan three days before the event, and summarize three days after the event.
The Image
Wind under the mountain: Gu. The superior person invigorates the people and cultivates virtue.
Structure
The Gu hexagram has Xun (Wind) below and Gen (Mountain) above. Xun is wind, Gen is mountain. Wind blowing under the mountain symbolizes long-standing accumulated弊that need to be rectified. 'Hardness above and softness below, stillness after penetration' - the Yang force above can stop, and the Yin force below can be compliant, which is precisely the time to eradicate harmful practices. The original meaning of the character Gu is insects growing in a vessel, extended to corruption and弊illnesses. This hexagram emphasizes 'the end and then a new beginning', breaking the old and establishing the new, opening a new chapter by rectifying accumulated ills.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial six: Rectifying the father's弊. If there is a son, the father will have no blame. Though dangerous, the end is auspicious.
Nine in the second place: Rectifying the mother's弊. It is not advisable to be persistent.
Nine in the third place: Rectifying the father's弊. There is a little regret, but no great blame.
Six in the fourth place: Indulging the father's弊. Going forward will lead to disgrace.
Nine in the fifth place: Rectifying the father's弊. One earns praise.
Top nine: Does not serve kings and nobles, holding his affairs in high esteem.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
Career encounters accumulated ills that need rectification. 'Rectifying the father's ills' is not about overthrowing and starting anew, but about innovation based on inheritance. Initial six: 'If there is a son, the father will have no blame. Though dangerous, the end is auspicious,' meaning that difficulties will lead to success with perseverance. Nine in the second place: 'Rectifying the mother's ills, it is not advisable to be persistent,' implying flexibility in dealing with complex issues. Nine in the fifth place: 'earns praise' is the optimal state, gaining recognition through virtue. 'Three days before Jia, three days after Jia' reminds one to be fully prepared and to summarize. Avoid the procrastination of six in the fourth place: 'indulging the father's ills,' and learn from the transcendence of top nine: 'holding his affairs in high esteem.'
❤️ Relationships
Problems in relationships need to be fixed. 'Rectifying the Gu' means facing problems directly and correcting shortcomings, rather than avoiding or delaying. 'Invigorating the people and cultivating virtue' indicates that improvement should be achieved by elevating the virtues of both parties. Nine in the second place: 'not advisable to be persistent' reminds one to be flexible in handling relationship issues and not to be rigid. 'The end and then a new beginning' implies that repair will lead to a new start. However, avoid the lenient procrastination of 'indulging the father's ills,' as 'going forward will lead to disgrace' and only make things more difficult.
🎯 Decision Making
The current situation requires reform and rectification. 'Beneficial to cross the great river' indicates that although difficult, it is worth doing. The key is to grasp the rhythm of 'three days before Jia, three days after Jia'—sufficient preparation, decisive action, and thorough summary. 'Hardness above and softness below, stillness after penetration' suggests having Yang's determination and Yin's wisdom. The goal is 'the world is well-governed,' achieving a new order through rectification. 'The end and then a new beginning,' do not be afraid of ending the old, as that is the start of the new.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest risk is the procrastination and indulgence of 'indulging the father's ills.' The lenient attitude of six in the fourth place, 'going forward will lead to disgrace,' means missing opportunities will make things more difficult. 'Rectifying the Gu' requires courage, and 'a little regret' is always better than 'great blame.' Nine in the second place: 'not advisable to be persistent' warns against rigidity, requiring flexible adjustments according to the situation. Reform must be 'three days before Jia, three days after Jia,' and lack of preparation or failure to summarize will lead to failure. Top nine: 'does not serve kings and nobles' reminds one not to rectify for the sake of rectification, but to 'hold his affairs in high esteem' and maintain original intent.
Applicable Scenarios
The Gu hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
Shang Yang's reforms are a typical embodiment of the spirit of the Gu hexagram. The state of Qin had long suffered from accumulated ills, and Shang Yang, 'rectifying the father's ills,' abolished the old system. Although there was 'a little regret' and opposition from nobles, with Duke Xiao of Qin's support, 'though dangerous, the end is auspicious,' and he ultimately succeeded. He acted 'three days before Jia, three days after Jia,' fully preparing before the reforms and strictly implementing them afterward. 'Invigorating the people and cultivating virtue,' he inspired the populace through military merit awards and the implementation of the quận-county system. Ultimately, 'primary success' transformed Qin from a weak state to a strong one. This is the wisdom of the Gu hexagram: directly facing accumulated ills, decisively reforming, and 'the end and then a new beginning' to open a new chapter.
Related Hexagrams
Based on the connections between hexagrams, the following are also worth exploring:
Deepen Your Understanding
This interpretation provides a foundational understanding of the Gu hexagram. For a deeper comprehension, consider:
- • Reading commentaries from classical scholars and modern interpreters
- • Studying the hexagram's position within the overall sequence of the 64 hexagrams
- • Reflecting on how its wisdom applies to your current life situation
- • Exploring the changing lines and their resulting hexagrams in divination
Authoritative Resources
Want to explore the I Ching more deeply? These authoritative resources provide scholarly perspectives: