I Ching hexagram
23. Splitting Apart
剝Bō
Mountain over Earth
Also called Disintegration, The symbol of Falling or Flaying, Peeling Off, Decay, Flaying, Stripping Away, Intrigue, Deterioration, Collapse, Fracturing, Tearing, Disintegration, Ruin, Unraveling, "Can refer to a physical parting. Making a secure foundation." -- D.F. Hook
Hexagram 23, Splitting Apart (剝 Bō) is formed by Mountain over Earth. It is also known as Disintegration, The symbol of Falling or Flaying, Peeling Off, Decay, Flaying, Stripping Away, Intrigue, Deterioration. The judgment is James Legge. The six lines are R.L. Wing — the same texts used in a reading on this site.
The judgment
James Legge
Disintegration means that it is not advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.
The six lines
R.L. Wing · line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yin
Your position is being undermined. Persons of inferior persuasions have entered the situation from below and are creating an environment for Deterioration. The time bodes evil for persons of integrity. All you can do is patiently wait.
- Line 2Yin
The time requires the utmost caution. You are without allies in a compromising situation. Adapt as best you can to the circumstances. Do not take a self-righteous position or you could be badly hurt.
- Line 3Yin
Circumstances have led you into a situation in which you must work with inferior persons or ideals. If you can, nevertheless, maintain a strong tie with a superior element, you will avoid Deterioration and free yourself of regretful errors.
- Line 4Yin
You are exposed to danger. Calamity is imminent and you are unable to hold it back. Without warning, you are on the threshold of defeat.
- Line 5Yin
An inferior situation is beginning to change for the better. Through co-operation, opposing forces can come together for mutual benefit. There is now a possibility for success in your endeavors.
- Line 6Yang
The forces of Deterioration have ended. The power will return to persons of worthwhile vision, who will again win the support of others. Inferior persons are destroyed by their own evil, for without power, negativity is self-consuming.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 23 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings.