Hexagram 23
Peeling, erosion, villains take over
Although the Bo hexagram is dangerous, it is not hopeless. It teaches us how to retreat and adapt in the face of adversity, and firmly believes that even in the deepest darkness, there is always a seed of hope, waiting for the moment of rebirth.
Trigram Structure
䷖, Gen above, Kun below
Palace：坤
Key Themes
Peeling, erosion, villains take over
Although the Bo hexagram is dangerous, it is not hopeless. It teaches us how to retreat and adapt in the face of adversity, and firmly believes that even in the deepest darkness, there is always a seed of hope, waiting for the moment of rebirth.
Peel: Unfavorable and promising.
Landslide, peeling wall paint, rotting fruit.
Rotten wood, dilapidated houses, melting icebergs.
Although the Bo hexagram is dangerous, it is not hopeless. It teaches us how to retreat and adapt in the face of adversity, and firmly believes that even in the deepest darkness, there is always a seed of hope, waiting for the moment of rebirth.
Peeling off the bed is enough to despise chastity and evil.
Guidance
The bed legs are eroded, the right path is destroyed; there is danger.
Modern Insight
This is the initial signal of crisis. Problems always start from the most inconspicuous foundational parts. Never ignore these early warnings. If you turn a blind eye to obvious signs of decay, disaster lies ahead.
Peeling off the bed to identify, despise chastity and evil.
Guidance
The bed board is eroded, the right path is destroyed; there is danger.
Modern Insight
The problem has spread from the foundation to the core structure; the crisis has intensified, and signs of defeat are revealed. The situation is more serious than the first stage. If you still persist in error and act willfully at this time, the consequences will be unimaginable.
Peel it off, no blame.
Guidance
Completely peeled away; no fault, should act in accordance with the situation.
Modern Insight
In a corrupt environment, you are in it. The wisdom of this line lies in making a break and keeping yourself clean. You realize that the surrounding environment is toxic and choose to draw a clear line with those corrupt forces, keeping yourself pure—this will bring no disaster.
Stripping the bed with skin is bad luck.
Guidance
The bed is stripped bare; disaster is imminent; great danger.
Modern Insight
The crisis is already imminent, directly threatening your survival. The disaster is no longer indirect, but direct harm. This is the most dangerous moment, with almost no room for maneuver.
Guanyu, if favored by palace people, there is no disadvantage.
Guidance
Following the current, like fish in a line; gaining the king's favor; you will succeed in all endeavors.
Modern Insight
This is the only turning point in the Bo hexagram. As the yin line leader closest to the yang line, it does not choose to launch the final fatal blow, but chooses to lead all yin lines to submit and attach to the only remaining yang line. This wisdom of turning conflict into harmony at the last moment transforms a lose-lose situation into a favorable coexistence.
If you don't eat the fruit, the gentleman will gain public support, but the villain will strip him of his hut.
Guidance
The only remaining fruit; the gentleman gains the people's support, the villain loses power.
Modern Insight
This is the end of the Bo hexagram and also the beginning of the cycle. Even when everything is destroyed, the seed of truth and goodness (the remaining fruit) will always be preserved. Gentlemen who maintain the right path will eventually welcome rebirth and gain support. Those villains who live by destruction will ultimately destroy themselves. This reveals the great way of the universe: things reverse at their extreme, life is unceasing.
