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Hexagram 23: Splitting Apart

Hexagram 23

(Bō)

Core Meaning

Stripping away, erosion, disintegration, a time to endure quietly.

Description & Commentary

Things are not the way they seem: reality appears to be a hall of mirrors, intrigues are multiplying like summer flies, and there are rumors of discontent. It is the time of illusion, disintegration, distrust, and deception.

When you find yourself trapped in a hall of mirrors, it becomes necessary to retrace your steps. Return to the familiar; take solace in what is firm and secure. There is no blame in holding back. Indeed, it is your responsibility to keep your strength intact for the period of revival that follows the period of disintegration as surely as dawn follows the night.

Discretion is the better part of valor, and good timing is critical. Learn to choose the proper moments for action, thereby avoiding futile effort. Pay close attention to changes that signal a time to retreat.

In the realm of personal relations, discovering illusion can be painful and confusing. During a period such as this, it is wise to avoid undertaking bold new moves. It is especially important not to jump to conclusions when you sense that nothing is quite as it seems.

Associated Hexagrams

King Wen Pair

#24 - Return
(Fù)
Traditional sequential partner in the King Wen sequence.

Nuclear Hexagram (Huà Guà)

#2 - The Receptive
(Kūn)
Inner nuclear kernel (Huá Guà) formed by the overlapping interior lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5.

Opposite / Complement (Páng Tōng)

#43 - Breakthrough
(Guài)
Total line complement (Páng Tōng) where every Yin line becomes Yang and vice versa.

Inverted / Reverse (Fān Guà)

#24 - Return
(Fù)
Upside-down structural flip (Fān Guà).

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