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.
Legge
Read as
The judgment
Legge
不利有攸往。
Disintegration means that it is not advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.
The six lines
line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yin
剝床以足，蔑貞凶。
Your position is being compromised as less capable individuals are infiltrating and fostering a decline. This is a challenging time for those with integrity. Your best option is to wait patiently.
- Line 2Yin
剝床以辨，蔑貞凶。
This moment calls for extreme caution. You find yourself without support in a precarious situation. Adapt as best you can to the circumstances, and avoid taking a self-righteous stance to prevent harm.
- Line 3Yin
剝之，无咎。
You are in a scenario that requires collaboration with those of lesser ideals. However, if you manage to maintain a connection to a higher standard, you can avoid decline and spare yourself from regrettable mistakes.
- Line 4Yin
剝床以膚，凶。
You are in a vulnerable position. Danger is imminent, and you cannot prevent it. You are on the brink of failure without warning.
- Line 5Yin
貫魚，以宮人寵，无不利。
An unfavorable situation is starting to improve. Through collaboration, opposing forces can unite for mutual gain. Success in your efforts is now within reach.
- Line 6Yang
碩果不食，君子得輿，小人剝廬。
The period of decline has come to an end. Power will shift back to those with vision, who will regain the support of others. Those who are lesser will be consumed by their own negativity, as without power, their shortcomings will become self-destructive.
When this hexagram changes
These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.
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. The throw uses the odds of three coins: how a reading is cast.