1:The Creative 2:The Receptive 3:Accumulation 4:Education 5:Necessity 6:Conflict 7:Force 8:Compare 9:Small Accumulation 10:Action 11:Peace 12:Disconnection 13:Fellowship 14:Great Possession 15:Modesty 16:Preparation 17:Following 18:Inheritance 19:Approach 20:Observation 21:Biting Through 22:Beautification 23:Erosion 24:Returning 25:Truthfulness 26:Great Accumulation 27:Nourishment 28:Extraordinary 29:Expedition 30:Fire 31:Cognition 32:Endurance 33:Retreat 34:The Power of the Great 35:Promoting 36:Belief 37:Family 38:Different Opinions 39:Obstruction 40:Resolve 41:Decrease 42:Increase 43:Breakthrough 44:Coming to Meet 45:Gathering Together 46:Rising 47:Obstacles 48:The Well 49:Transformation 50:Prosperity 51:Thunder 52:Mountain 53:Gradual Progress 54:Partnership 55:Abundance 56:Journey 57:Wind 58:Speech 59:Dissolution 60:Limitation 61:Integrity 62:Small Exceeding 63:After Completion 64:Before Completion

No. 18 蛊, Inheritance, Transformation and Repair

Hexagram 18 Meaning: Fixing the Past to Build the Future — Love, Career & Personality Guide

No. 6 Stage He is not keen on fame and fortune, only keen on inheriting the family business. Let the family business continue to prosper or regain its glory. His ambition is commendable! If you have a son like this, what else can you ask for?
No. 5 Stage To inherit a family business, a son should inherit his father's business, and he should cherish, maintain and carry forward the good name and reputation of his father's generation. Inheriting and managing the family's good reputation, and passing on the good skills and good moral character of the previous generation of the family, is the best way for sons to inherit their father's business!
No. 4 Stage Don't blindly cover up the mistakes that your parents have made, and don't blindly shirk responsibility. Inheriting family property and business also includes correcting the mistakes of the parents and repaying the debts of the parents. This is auspicious!
No. 3 Stage In the process of inheriting the career, family business, and industry of your father's generation, if there are small setbacks, as long as you have justice and justice in your heart, there will be no fault in the end. It is natural for a son to inherit his father's legacy, and he will have no worries in the end!
No. 2 Stage If children want to inherit the family business and career of their mother or uncle, the success or failure depends on the situation. For example, does the mother have other related relatives and heirs, and is there any property dispute? Inheriting the family property and career of the mother or uncle must be fair and just.
No. 1 Stage Children are willing to inherit and continue their father's industry and family business, and sons inherit their father's business. The next generation is willing to take over all the business of their fathers, together with the previous debts, the business and projects left over, so that the fathers can avoid their mistakes. Problems at the beginning can be resolved in the end, and the beginning and end are auspicious! Children are ideologically willing to inherit the family business, and are willing to correct mistakes and build on the past, which is auspicious!

Case Analysis: Corporate Reform Through the Gǔ Hexagram
Background:
A family business has been passed down to the third generation. Internal management is chaotic, efficiency is low, and market share is being eroded by emerging competitors. The newly appointed CEO is determined to initiate reforms but faces numerous obstacles.

Gǔ Hexagram Analysis
Initial Nine (Line 1): Rectifying the Father’s Legacy — A Son is Honored, No Blame; Though Challenging, It Ends Well
Interpretation:
Correcting issues inherited from the previous generation (the “father”) may be difficult, but leads to a favorable outcome.

Timing: Early stage of reform — it’s crucial to confront and take responsibility for problems.

Guidance: The CEO should acknowledge existing problems, clearly define the reform direction, and seek support from family stakeholders.

Insight:

Family: Children must bravely address elders’ mistakes.

Workplace: New leaders must face challenges head-on and take responsibility.

Nine in the Second Place (Line 2): Rectifying the Mother’s Legacy — No Firmness
Interpretation:
Correcting problems from the maternal side (symbolically more emotional or nurturing aspects) requires flexibility rather than rigidity.

Timing: Mid-stage of reform — adaptability is key; avoid direct confrontations.

Guidance: The CEO should listen to diverse opinions, adjust strategies as needed, and prevent unnecessary conflicts.

Insight:

Family: Consider everyone’s feelings when resolving issues.

Workplace: Team collaboration requires respecting differences and building consensus.

Nine in the Third Place (Line 3): Correcting the Father’s Legacy — Some Regret, No Major Harm
Interpretation:
Efforts to reform may involve mistakes or regrets, but no serious damage occurs.

Timing: Mid-stage — perseverance is required to push through.

Guidance: The CEO must stay committed, make timely adjustments, and avoid giving up halfway.

Insight:

Family: Stick to your values even when the path is difficult.

Workplace: Keep your vision intact even in the face of setbacks.

Six in the Fourth Place (Line 4): Indulging the Father’s Legacy — Moving Forward Brings Regret
Interpretation:
Allowing old problems to persist will hinder progress.

Timing: Late-stage of reform — complete resolution is necessary to avoid recurring issues.

Guidance: The CEO should implement thorough reforms and establish new systems to prevent relapse.

Insight:

Family: Address problems completely, not partially.

Workplace: Reforms must result in sustainable mechanisms.

Six in the Fifth Place (Line 5): Correcting the Father’s Legacy — Earns Praise
Interpretation:
Properly addressing inherited issues wins public approval and recognition.

Timing: Reform is successful — time to consolidate and reinforce progress.

Guidance: The CEO should summarize lessons learned, enhance the company’s image, and solidify reform outcomes.

Insight:

Family: Reflect and learn after solving problems.

Workplace: Use reform success to build team unity and strengthen morale.

Top Nine (Line 6): No Longer Serving Lords — Honor in Personal Pursuits
Interpretation:
Having completed the mission, one should step back and focus on personal or higher aspirations.

Timing: Post-reform — time to step aside and shift focus to new goals.

Guidance: The CEO should develop successors, retire from the front lines, and pursue future-oriented endeavors.

Insight:

Family: After fulfilling responsibilities, set your sights on new goals.

Workplace: A successful reformer must also mentor the next generation.

Conclusion
The Gǔ Hexagram offers a blueprint for effective corporate reform. Key principles include:

Facing problems head-on

Being flexible in the face of resistance

Maintaining determination

Carrying reforms through to completion

Reflecting and consolidating success

Stepping back at the right time to empower others

These principles apply equally to family dynamics, team leadership, and social development.

✅ Core Advice:
Acknowledge the past, reform with flexibility and resolve, institutionalize change, and prepare future leaders.