Hexagram 23 of 64
Splitting Apart 山地剥
☶☷ Mountain over Earth
Falling away and cutting losses.
Hexagram 23 is about splitting apart: the mountain rests on the earth, and what sits above is worn away from below. It is a time when what is supported from underneath slowly erodes. The text advises against pressing forward now, protecting what is essential and keeping what is most valuable, because renewal depends on what is preserved.
Judgment
不利有攸往。
It is unfavorable to go anywhere.
Image
山附于地，剥；上以厚下安宅。
The mountain rests on the earth: splitting apart. Those above secure those below through generosity and by making their homes safe.
The six lines
Read from the bottom line (the beginning) to the top line (the outcome). Each line gives the classical text, our English translation, and a plain-language reading.
初六：剥床以足，蔑贞凶。
Stripping the bed from the legs. Ignoring perseverance brings misfortune.
When the base is eroding from below, neglecting the fundamentals leads to trouble.
六二：剥床以辨，蔑贞凶。
Stripping the bed at its frame. Ignoring perseverance brings misfortune.
The erosion is reaching the next layer. Abandoning steady principles brings trouble.
六三：剥之，无咎。
Stripping away. No blame.
When a situation is already coming apart, accepting it rather than fighting every step avoids blame.
六四：剥床以肤，凶。
Stripping the bed down to the skin. Misfortune.
The erosion is now close to the core, and further loss here is serious.
六五：贯鱼，以宫人宠，无不利。
Stringing fish in order, with favor shown to the palace attendants. Nothing unfavorable.
Keeping your affairs in order and treating those close to you fairly keeps things steady.
上九：硕果不食，君子德车，小人剥庐。
A large fruit is not eaten. The noble person receives a carriage, while the small person's hut is stripped.
Keeping the most valuable thing intact allows renewal. Those who lose their base suffer most.
In practice
Love and relationships
If a relationship is wearing thin, avoid decisions made in the heat of the moment and protect what still works. Talk about what matters most, calmly.
Work and decisions
Guard what sustains your work: your skills, your reputation, and your support network. Hold off on new commitments while the foundation is fragile.
Money
Cut back on spending and protect your emergency reserve before investing. Avoid borrowing to cover losses.
How to use this reading
Use this reading when something seems to be wearing away and you must decide whether to press on or protect what is essential. Ask: what is the most valuable thing I need to keep?
New to the method? Start with the six-line basics.
For cultural reflection only. This is not a prediction guarantee or professional advice.