Hexagram 23: Splitting Apart (剝 Bō) – I Ching Meaning

Hexagram 23 of the 64 I Ching hexagrams is called Splitting Apart (剝, Bō). It is made of the lower trigram Kun (Earth) and the upper trigram Gen (Mountain). Keywords: erosion, letting go, patience. This is for reflection and entertainment, not a prediction.

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Judgment

Things are wearing away and it is not the time to push forward. Hold still, protect what is essential and let the season pass.

The Image

The mountain rests on the earth. Be generous and steady; a solid base keeps everything above it safe.

Splitting Apart hexagram meaning

General meaning

Something is wearing thin. Do not fight the process; protect the essential and wait.

Love

A connection may feel as if it is slipping. Be gentle with yourself and the other person, and avoid forcing it.

Career

Support is thin and plans may be eroding. Cut back to the essentials and conserve your resources.

Advice

Do not make big moves. Protect what matters most and be patient.

The six changing lines

  1. Line 1. The foundation is wearing at its base. Pay attention to small cracks early.
  2. Line 2. The structure is thinning further. Be careful and stay close to people you trust.
  3. Line 3. You may separate from a group, and that is fine if it is right for you. Follow your own sense.
  4. Line 4. The trouble has reached closer to home. Stay alert and protect what you value.
  5. Line 5. Order returns when you work with what you have. Steady, gracious support helps everyone.
  6. Line 6. A last fruit remains. Preserve it, because from it something new can grow.

In short

Things are wearing away; protect what matters and avoid big moves.

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