Yi Jing · Chinese tarot
Decline
Hexagram 23 of the Yi Jing · 剥 Bō
The figure
The Mountain above the Earth: a single solid line, at the top, undermined by five broken ones. The image of erosion, of what comes undone from below.
What this figure illuminates
Splitting Apart lights up the phases when what once held crumbles, when frontal resistance no longer makes sense. You don't fight winter; you take shelter and preserve the seed.
For a decision, the figure invites you to yield ground in time: “what must I let go to protect the essential, rather than lose everything by clinging?”.
The classical text
The Judgment
Splitting apart: it does not further to go anywhere. What is above is being undermined from below.
The Image
The mountain crumbles down onto the earth. Seeing this, those above secure their place by making firm what lies beneath them.
The Six Lines
- First line
The couch is undermined at its legs — decay starting from the base. Firmness is being eaten away: misfortune.
- Second line
The couch is undermined at its frame — the ruin climbs higher, and still no support. Misfortune.
- Third line
Caught among those who tear down, yet you keep yourself apart. No error.
- Fourth line
Now the ruin reaches the skin of the one who lies there — the danger is upon you. Misfortune.
- Fifth line
Like a string of fishes led in order, you bring the others into favor. The tide begins to turn — advantage in every way.
- Sixth line
One great fruit is left uneaten — the seed of return. The worthy are carried forward again, while the destroyers pull down their own roof.
Daoa's wording, written after the classical reference translations, now in the public domain: James Legge (1882) and Charles de Harlez (1889).
A question to keep
What must you let go in time to protect what matters?
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