I Ching Hexagram 23 · Bo

Hexagram Position Information

• Hexagram Sequence: Hexagram 23
• Hexagram Name: Splitting Apart
• Hexagram Image: Gen over Kun (Mountain Resting on the Earth)
• Hexagram Nature: a lower-status hexagram, symbolizing disintegration, decline, the ascendancy of yin and the weakening of yang; it is favorable to stop rather than advance

• Primary Hexagram: Splitting Apart (Hexagram 23)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Kun (Hexagram 2)
• Opposite Hexagram: Breakthrough (Hexagram 43)
• Complementary Hexagram: Return (Hexagram 24)

In Splitting Apart, five yin lines are below and one yang line is above. Yin has reached its extreme and strips away yang, symbolizing a time when things turn from flourishing to decline. The noble one should understand the proper moment for advancing and withdrawing, remain cautious and restrained, and wait for the time to change.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Splitting Apart. It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.

Splitting Apart signifies a time of erosion and decay. This is not a time for action; rashly pressing forward will usually bring disadvantage. It is better to follow the tendency of the time, stop, remain still, and protect oneself.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: Mountain resting on the earth: Splitting Apart. Thus those above, by giving generously to those below, secure their dwelling.

Above is Gen, Mountain; below is Kun, Earth. The mountain rests upon the earth and is worn away by erosion. Observing this image, the noble one should treat the people below with generosity and strengthen the foundation, so that the dwelling remains secure and upheaval is avoided.

• Symbolism: disintegration, decline, petty people gaining power
• Structure: five yin lines stripping away one yang line; yin flourishing, yang fading
• Keywords: stopping, պահպանation, restraint, waiting for the right moment

Splitting Apart reveals this truth: when prosperity reaches its peak, decline follows; when disintegration reaches its extreme, change begins. When outward ornament and power become excessive, the foundation is inevitably damaged. The noble one should know when to stop and remain upright, preserving vitality amid decline and storing strength for renewal.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. First Six: The bed is split apart at the legs. Constancy is destroyed. Misfortune.

   Disintegration begins at the foundation; the base is damaged. Philosophical meaning: if small troubles are not guarded against, they will eventually become great calamities.

2. Six in the Second Place: The bed is split apart at the frame. Constancy is destroyed. Misfortune.

   The supporting parts continue to be stripped away. Philosophical meaning: once support is lost, one is isolated and helpless; it is better to stop than to advance.

3. Six in the Third Place: Splitting apart. No blame.

   One separates from the crowd of yin lines and does not go along with them. Philosophical meaning: by keeping oneself intact, one can avoid disaster.

4. Six in the Fourth Place: The bed is split apart to the skin. Misfortune.

   Disaster is now pressing directly upon the self. Philosophical meaning: the old structure is collapsing, and the changing situation must be faced.

5. Six in the Fifth Place: A string of fish. Favor comes through the palace women. Nothing is unfavorable.

   Orderly management turns danger into safety. Philosophical meaning: by making good use of order and division of roles, peril can be transformed into security.

6. Top Nine: The large fruit is not eaten. The noble one gains a carriage; the petty person strips apart his hut.

   Hold firmly to the right path; when things reach an extreme, they reverse. Philosophical meaning: by yielding and not contending, one ultimately wins people's hearts, while petty people are bound to fail.

Guidance for Everyday Life

Keywords and Overall Guidance:

Fortune is low and losses are likely. It is best to stay within your proper bounds and avoid taking the initiative to attack or push forward.

Career and Finances:

The larger trend is unfavorable. Action should be paused, internal matters put in order, and strength reinforced, while avoiding association with petty people.

Financial luck is declining; guard against depletion and monetary loss, and do not speculate or expand aggressively.

Love and Relationships:

Relationships face many obstacles. Handle them with care, and make preserving family stability the priority.

Physical and Emotional State:

Both physical strength and spirit are weakened. Pay attention to underlying health problems and accidental injury.

The above content is for everyday self-care reference only; if physical or emotional discomfort persists or worsens, please consult a qualified medical or mental health professional first.

One-Sentence Reminder

The way of Splitting Apart is to recognize decline and stop, to remain upright and endure with restraint, preserving vitality amid disintegration while waiting for the time of renewal.