Note: This is a summarised version.
For the complete version, visit aiching.app.
Or get the ebook or print edition on Amazon: Embracing Life's Journey Your Guide to Personal Growth with the I Ching.

Click here to read a full example of Hexagram 1 - The Creative that appears in the app and book editions.

What is Hexagram 23?

'Splitting Apart' in the I Ching advises trusting in non-action and observing courageously. It symbolizes separation and loss, urging the use of this time for self-strengthening and relationship building. This phase, like a challenging mountain, is not insurmountable. The hexagram encourages releasing attachments and remaining steadfast during change, recognizing that separation is part of growth, allowing new possibilities and resilience.

Consult the I Ching 23 - hexagram 23 Splitting Apart

I Ching Hexagram 23 - Splitting Apart

Trust in non-action and let things unfold naturally. Resist the impulse to act and instead observe with courage.

Summary

Hexagram 23 symbolises separation and loss. Utilise this time to strengthen oneself and one's relationships. This phase is akin to an immovable mountain, challenging but not insurmountable.

Interpretation

This hexagram encourages the release of attachments and standing firm in beliefs during times of change and growth. Understand that 'splitting apart' is a necessary part of growth, allowing for new possibilities and experiences. Stay resilient, flexible, and brave while navigating through unfamiliar terrains.

Line 1

Doubt and fear driven by ego can lead to destruction. Instead, develop acceptance of the universe's workings and trust its balance. Release your attachments to personal grievances for a more positive outcome.

Line 2

Stubbornness can lead to danger. Exercise caution and wait for the right time to act. Patience and self-control are essential for success.

Line 3

Recognise and separate from negative influences. There's no need to assign blame, only to move forward. Support those making steps towards positivity.

Line 4

Accept the past and learn from it. Rather than dwelling on misfortune, regain your inner stability to move forward and avoid further harm.

Line 5

Surrender the desire to control and allow the flow of life to guide you. Trust the power of acceptance and non-action to bring about positive change.

Line 6

Return to the correct path by persevering through doubt and fear. Starve out negative energies by accepting the way the universe works. This creates a space for good to flourish and affect positively.

Unveiling the Wisdom of Hexagram 23: A Guide to Personal Transformation

Dive into the ancient teachings of I Ching Hexagram 23, as we uncover its profound wisdom and its application to self-improvement, personal growth, enlightenment, and awakening. This exploration is not just an academic exercise but a practical guide to integrating timeless truths into our modern lives, fostering transformation and deeper understanding of our personal journeys.

Core Insights

Essence of Hexagram 23

Hexagram 23, often referred to as “Splitting Apart” or Bo, symbolises a time of decline, disintegration, or separation. It represents the fundamental principles of recognising the end of a cycle and the natural process of decay that precedes renewal. This hexagram teaches the importance of letting go of what no longer serves us and preparing for a new beginning.

Historical Wisdom

Throughout history, Hexagram 23 has been interpreted as a warning against clinging to the past or outdated ways of being. It serves as a reminder of the impermanence of all things and the necessity of facing decline with acceptance and wisdom. This hexagram has been applied in spiritual and practical contexts, emphasising the importance of discernment and detachment during times of disintegration.

Personal Growth and Self-Improvement

Reflective Questions

What aspects of my life are currently undergoing a process of splitting apart or ending?
How can I gracefully let go of what is no longer serving me to make room for new growth?
What lessons can I learn from experiences of decline or disintegration in my personal journey?

Actionable Insights

Practice mindfulness and acceptance of the natural cycles of growth and decay, recognising that endings are part of life’s journey.
Identify areas in your life that require detachment or release, and take steps to let go, whether it be relationships, beliefs, or habits.
Embrace the wisdom gained from experiences of decline and use it to foster resilience and prepare for future growth.

Path to Enlightenment

Mindfulness Practices

Engage in mindfulness techniques that focus on acceptance and letting go, such as meditations on impermanence or practices that help in releasing attachment to outcomes and material possessions.

Philosophical Reflections

Reflect on the nature of change and impermanence, considering how experiences of splitting apart can lead to deeper understanding and enlightenment. Explore the concept of non-attachment and its role in personal growth.

Awakening to Life’s Mysteries

Transformational Stories

Share stories that embody the essence of Hexagram 23. These could include personal anecdotes of growth following loss, historical examples of renewal after decline, or parables that highlight the necessity and wisdom of letting go.

By exploring the wisdom of Hexagram 23, we embark on a journey of understanding the nature of endings and the potential for transformation they hold, guiding us towards a more enlightened and resilient approach to life’s inevitable cycles of rise and fall.

More Information about the I Ching

Understanding the Structure of Hexagrams

Every hexagram in the I Ching, from the first hexagram to the 64th, is constructed using a combination of trigrams. These trigrams, the building blocks of every I Ching hexagram, represent different natural elements and concepts, such as wind, water, fire, and mountain. The upper trigram and lower trigram interact, giving birth to the unique energy of the hexagram. By delving into the trigrams that compose a hexagram, one can unearth its deeper meanings and implications.

The Timeless Nature of I Ching

The I Ching, often referred to as the Book of Changes or Yijing, has remained relevant due to its universal themes. While society has evolved, the essential human emotions and challenges we face remain. The 64 hexagrams of the I Ching address these timeless concerns, making it an untiring guide for introspection and growth. Whether you're contemplating the creative power of Hexagram 1 or the dynamic interplay in other hexagrams, the wisdom remains ceaseless.

The Philosophical Foundations of I Ching

The I Ching is deeply rooted in Taoist and Confucian philosophies. It's a reflection of the world's natural order, emphasising the dynamics of yin and yang. Studying the hexagrams provides insights into the ancient Chinese understanding of balance, change, and harmony in the universe.

How to Consult the I Ching

Traditionally, seekers would consult the I Ching using yarrow stalks or coins. The divinatory process, often seen as an interaction with the oracle, results in a specific hexagram. This hexagram, whether it be the light-giving Hexagram 1 or another, provides guidance tailored to the individual's query. Modern enthusiasts might also opt for a free I Ching reading online to understand their current situation better.

Incorporating I Ching Hexagram 23 into Daily Life

Hexagram 23, representing the theme of splitting apart, conveys lessons on the transitory nature of situations and the inevitability of change. The six lines of this hexagram underscore the importance of resilience and adaptability. In our ever-fluctuating world, Hexagram 23 guides us to accept endings, understand the cycles of life, and remain poised in the face of dissolution.

Incorporating I Ching into Self-Improvement and Personal Growth

The I Ching, with its intricate tapestry of hexagrams, serves as a profound compass for those on a journey of self-improvement and personal growth. Each hexagram offers insights into life's challenges and opportunities, guiding individuals to introspect, evolve, and align with the universe's natural rhythms.

Regularly consulting the I Ching offers a bridge to ancient wisdom, helping seekers tap into their inner strengths and potentials. The detailed interpretations of each hexagram, from the dynamics of its yang and yin lines to its overarching message, act as roadmaps for personal development. They shed light on one's strengths, highlight areas for growth, and provide direction in times of uncertainty.

For those dedicated to personal evolution, the I Ching is an invaluable guide. It aids in discerning the optimal paths in life, understanding relationship dynamics, and fostering a harmonious balance in all endeavours. Through its teachings, individuals are equipped to cultivate essential virtues like patience, resilience, and empathy. This not only empowers personal growth but also enables one to be a positive force in the broader world.

In today's rapidly changing world, the I Ching remains a pillar of timeless wisdom. It beckons individuals to journey inward, embrace continuous learning, and cherish the ever-evolving process of self-betterment.

Consult I Ching

Choose a Hexagram Number

How to use the coin method to consult the I Ching

Consult the I Ching online. Use our coin method simulation and build your own hexagram.

Number	Title	Name
1	CH'IEN	The Creative
2	K'UN	The Receptive
3	CHUN	Difficulty at the Beginning
4	MÊNG	Youthful Folly
5	HSÜ	Waiting (Nourishment)
6	SUNG	Conflict
7	SHIH	The Army
8	PI	Holding Together
9	HSIAO CH'U	The Taming Power of the Small
10	LÜ	Treading (Conduct)
11	TAI	Peace
12	P'I	Standstill (Stagnation)
13	T'UNG JÊN	Fellowship with others
14	TA YU	Possession in Great Measure
15	CH'IEN	Modesty
16	YÜ	Enthusiasm
17	SUI	Following
18	KU	Work on What Has Been Spoiled (Decay)
19	LIN	Approach
20	KUAN	Contemplation
21	SHIH HO	Biting Through
22	PI	Grace
23	PO	Splitting Apart
24	FU	Return
25	WU WANG	Innocence
26	TA CH'U	The Taming Power of the Great
27	I	Providing Nourishment
28	TA KUO	Preponderance of the Great
29	K'AN	The Abysmal (Water)
30	LI	The Clinging Fire
31	HSIEN	Influence
32	HÊNG	Duration
33	TUN	Retreat
34	TA CHUANG	The Power of the Great
35	CHIN	Progress
36	MING I	Darkening of the Light
37	CHIA JÊN	The Family
38	K'UEI	Opposition
39	CHIEN	Obstruction
40	HSIEH	Deliverance
41	SUN	Decrease
42	I	Increase
43	KUAI	Breakthrough (Resoluteness)
44	KOU	Coming to Meet
45	TS'UI	Gathering Together
46	SHÊNG	Pushing Upward
47	K'UN	Oppression (Exhaustion)
48	CHING	The Well
49	KO	Revolution
50	TING	The Cauldron
51	CHÊN	The Arousing (Shock)
52	KÊN	Keeping Still
53	CHIEN	Gradual Progress
54	KUEI MEI	The Marrying Maiden
55	FÊNG	Abundance
56	LÜ	The Wanderer
57	SUN	The Gentle
58	TUI	The Joyous, Lake
59	HUAN	Dispersion
60	CHIEH	Limitation
61	CHUNG FU	Inner Truth
62	HSIAO KUO	Preponderance of the Small
63	CHI CHI	After Completion
64	WEI CHI	Before Completion