Hexagram 23 · 剥 · Bō
Splitting Apart
- Element:
- Mountain over Earth
- Key themes:
- decay, decline, deterioration, caution, resilience
Image
A mountain crumbling into the earth, symbolizing decay and the gradual breakdown of structures.
Overall message
Hexagram 23 represents the process of decay and decline. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of deterioration, acting with caution, and preparing for renewal. Success comes from accepting the natural cycle of decline, preserving what is valuable, and building resilience for the future.
Recognize the signs of decay and decline. Act with caution and resilience. Success comes from accepting the natural cycle of decline and preparing for renewal.
Classical text (Legge, 1882)
Judgment. Po indicates that (in the state which it symbolises) it will not be advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.
Image. (The trigrams representing) the earth, and (above it) that for a mountain, which adheres to the earth, form Po. Superiors, in accordance with this, seek to strengthen those below them, to secure the peace and stability of their own position.
From James Legge's translation of the I Ching (Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI, 1882). Public domain.
The six lines
Line 6 · Renewal After Decay
The period of decay comes to an end. Prepare for renewal and new beginnings.
Prepare for renewal. Use the lessons learned from the period of decay to build a stronger foundation.
Line 5 · Leadership in Decline
Even in decline, leadership is crucial. Guide others through the difficult times.
Provide guidance and support to others. Lead with wisdom and compassion.
Line 4 · Severe Decline
Decay reaches a critical point. It is time to retreat and regroup.
Retreat and regroup. Focus on self-preservation and prepare for renewal.
Line 3 · Resisting Decay
Efforts to resist decay may be futile. Focus on preservation.
Focus on preserving what is essential. Avoid wasting energy on lost causes.
Line 2 · Progressive Decline
Decay progresses. It is important to adapt and protect what remains.
Adapt to the changing situation. Protect and preserve what is still valuable.
Line 1 · Initial Decay
The first signs of decay appear. Be cautious and attentive.
Stay vigilant and address the early signs of decay. Prevent further deterioration.
Related hexagrams
Opposite: If every line of this hexagram were inverted (yang to yin and vice versa), you would have Hexagram 43 · 夬 · Guài. This is the hexagram's structural counterpart — the situation it could become if every dynamic flipped.
Nuclear: The hexagram hidden inside this one, built from lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5, is Hexagram 2 · 坤 · Kūn. The nuclear hexagram describes the inner pattern that produced this situation — what is going on underneath.
If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:
- Line 1 changing → Hexagram 27 · 颐 · Yí
- Line 2 changing → Hexagram 4 · 蒙 · Méng
- Line 3 changing → Hexagram 52 · 艮 · Gèn
- Line 4 changing → Hexagram 35 · 晋 · Jìn
- Line 5 changing → Hexagram 20 · 观 · Guān
- Line 6 changing → Hexagram 2 · 坤 · Kūn