I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 23 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 6 to Hexagram 40
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 23.2.4.6 -> 40
23. Splitting Apart (剝 Bō)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
- Below
- ☷ Kūn (Earth)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 23
Hexagram 剝 (Bō) symbolizes splitting apart or decay. This hexagram represents a time when things are falling apart or being stripped away. It advises patience and waiting for better times rather than trying to resist the natural cycle of decline.
Hexagram 23 Judgment
"剝，不利有攸往。"
(Bō, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
“Splitting apart. It is not favorable to undertake anything.”
This hexagram warns against taking action during a time of decline or decay. It advises patience and acceptance of the situation. Resistance will not bring success, and it is better to wait for conditions to improve.
Hexagram 23 Image
"山附於地，剝。上以厚下，安宅。"
(Shān fù yú dì, bō. Shàng yǐ hòu xià, ān zhái.)
“The mountain rests on the earth: The image of Splitting Apart. The superior person maintains a firm foundation below and keeps peace in their dwelling.”
The image of a mountain resting on the earth suggests stability, but also decay at the edges. The superior person focuses on maintaining stability and peace within their environment, even as the outer world may be falling apart.
Line 2 Changing
"剝牀以辨，蔑貞凶。"
(Bō chuáng yǐ biàn, miè zhēn xiōng.)
“Splitting at the frame of the bed. Perseverance leads to misfortune.”
This line describes further decay, with the bed's frame splitting. Continuing to push forward in such circumstances only leads to more misfortune. It advises letting go and not trying to fix what cannot be saved.
Line 4 Changing
"剝牀以膚，凶。"
(Bō chuáng yǐ fū, xiōng.)
“Splitting at the flesh of the bed. Misfortune.”
This line suggests that the decay has reached a critical point. The situation has deteriorated to the point of no return, and misfortune is unavoidable. It advises accepting the loss and moving on.
Line 6 Changing
"碩果不食，君子得輿，小人剝廬。"
(Shuò guǒ bù shí, jūn zǐ dé yú, xiǎo rén bō lú.)
“The large fruit is not eaten. The superior person receives a carriage. The inferior person tears down their hut.”
This line describes a division between those who succeed and those who fall. The superior person is rewarded and moves forward, while the inferior person loses everything. It advises maintaining integrity and avoiding self-destruction.
Changing to:
40. Deliverance (解 Xiè)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 40
Hexagram 解 (Xiè) symbolizes release from difficulty or deliverance. This hexagram speaks of a time when tensions ease, obstacles are removed, and liberation is possible. Success comes from seizing the opportunity to move forward after a period of difficulty.
Hexagram 40 Judgment
"解，利西南。无所往，其來復吉。有攸往，夙吉。"
(Xiè, lì xī nán. Wú suǒ wǎng, qí lái fù jí. Yǒu yōu wǎng, sù jí.)
“Deliverance. It is favorable to go southwest. If there is nothing to pursue, returning brings good fortune. If there is something to pursue, setting out early brings good fortune.”
This hexagram advises taking advantage of the easing of difficulties to move forward. If there is nothing urgent to pursue, it is best to return and rest. However, if there is a goal, starting early brings success.
Hexagram 40 Image
"雷雨作，解。君子以赦過宥罪。"
(Léi yǔ zuò, xiè. Jūn zǐ yǐ shè guò yòu zuì.)
“Thunder and rain set in: The image of Deliverance. The superior person pardons mistakes and forgives offenses.”
The image of thunder and rain symbolizes the release of tension and the clearing away of obstacles. The superior person, in a time of deliverance, shows mercy and forgiveness, helping others to move forward.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team