Bo, six at the beginningHexagram 23, line 1 · Bo (Splitting Apart) · changing to 27
The line
In plain wordsThe bed starts rotting from its feet. The right way is being destroyed from the bottom up, little by little. Misfortune.
The Image commentary on this line
剝床以足，以滅下也。
"The bed is stripped at the legs": what is below is destroyed.
The small Image commentary is the earliest explanation of the line texts. It usually explains a line from its position: where it stands, whether it holds the center, and which line answers it.
Verdict
止Hold back. This text describes a bad outcome. Carry on as you are and you will lose by it. Stop, step aside or change your approach. Do not force it.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- The trouble has started rotting from the very bottom: the foundations, the rules and the goodwill of the people at the base are being hollowed out bit by bit. Don't charge ahead now. Stop, and protect the foundation first.
- Love
- The foundation of your love life has started to give way: trust and everyday respect are slipping away little by little. Don't push forward, and don't make big promises. Stop first, and see clearly where it is going bad.
- Money
- Money is leaking from the very bottom: daily spending, small holes and bad habits are eating away at what you have. Don't put money into anything new. Stop first, and plug the leaks.
This is how to read it when this is the only changing line. With several changing lines, first see which text governs; for the hexagram as a whole, see Bo.
Line position
A yin line in a yang place: it is not in its proper place. Its partner is the fourth line, which is also yin, so there is no answer from it.
First place: the beginning of the matter. Low position, little power. Begin carefully.
When you get this line
If this is the only changing line in your cast (three inscribed sides, old yin), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Bo (Splitting Apart); when this line changes it becomes Yi (Nourishment): hexagram 23 changing to 27.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Yi (Nourishment)
The key question: what are you using to nourish yourself, and to nourish others?