I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 19 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 33

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 19.1.2.3.4.5.6 -> 33

Old Yin Old Yin Old Yin Old Yin Old Yang Old Yang

19. Approach

Yang Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin

33. Retreat

19. Approach (臨 Lín)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☱ Dui (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 19

Hexagram 臨 (Lín) represents approach and the movement of something toward fulfillment or completion. It signals the coming of a new season or the start of a new phase. This hexagram advises careful preparation and foresight.

Hexagram 19 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"臨，元亨，利貞。至于八月有凶。"
(Lín, yuán hēng, lì zhēn. Zhì yú bā yuè yǒu xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Approach. Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.”

This hexagram speaks of approaching success and a period of growth or renewal. However, it also warns that success must be tempered by caution. After a time of abundance (symbolized by the eighth month), challenges may arise. Preparation and foresight are key to sustaining success.

Hexagram 19 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地上有澤，臨。君子以教思無窮，容保民无疆。"
(Dì shàng yǒu zé, lín. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiào sī wú qióng, róng bǎo mín wú jiāng.)
English Translation:
“The earth above the lake: The image of Approach. The superior person teaches and supports without limit, and nurtures the people without boundaries.”

The image of the earth rising above the lake symbolizes the approach of abundance and renewal. The superior person uses this time to nurture and educate others, helping to sustain growth for the long term.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"咸臨，貞吉。"
(Xián lín, zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Enthusiastic approach. Perseverance brings good fortune.”

This line describes an enthusiastic approach to new opportunities. By embracing challenges with excitement and staying true to one's principles, good fortune follows.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"咸臨，吉，无不利。"
(Xián lín, jí, wú bù lì.)
English Translation:
“Enthusiastic approach. Good fortune. Everything is favorable.”

This line speaks of the advantages of an enthusiastic approach. By being open and optimistic, success is assured, and everything proceeds favorably.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"甘臨，无攸利，既憂之，无咎。"
(Gān lín, wú yōu lì, jì yōu zhī, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Sweet approach. No advantage. Worry about it, but there is no blame.”

This line warns against approaching situations with excessive ease or overconfidence. While there is no immediate harm, it is wise to be cautious and avoid complacency. Concern about the situation ensures no blame.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"至臨，无咎。"
(Zhì lín, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Approach in full confidence. No blame.”

This line advises confidence in one's approach. By acting with certainty and clarity of purpose, no harm or blame comes, and the way forward is smooth.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"知臨，大君之宜，吉。"
(Zhī lín, dà jūn zhī yí, jí.)
English Translation:
“Wise approach. It is fitting for a great leader. Good fortune.”

This line describes the approach of a wise leader who understands the right time to act. Such a leader brings good fortune by combining wisdom with decisive action.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"敦臨，吉，无咎。"
(Dūn lín, jí, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Generous approach. Good fortune. No blame.”

This line advises a generous and compassionate approach to others. By acting with kindness and understanding, good fortune comes, and no harm or blame follows.

When All Lines are Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"用六，元吉。"
(Yòng liù, yuán jí.)
English Translation:
“In the end, great good fortune.”

The final comment reinforces that a thoughtful, wise, and generous approach leads to great success and good fortune. By acting with care and foresight, one ensures lasting prosperity.

Changing to:

33. Retreat (遯 Dùn)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 33

Hexagram 遯 (Dùn) symbolizes strategic retreat in the face of superior forces. This hexagram speaks of the wisdom in knowing when to withdraw and conserve strength rather than continue fighting a losing battle. Success comes from prudence and waiting for better conditions.

Hexagram 33 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"遯，亨。小利貞。"
(Dùn, hēng. Xiǎo lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Retreat. Success. Perseverance brings small gain.”

This hexagram advises a strategic retreat in the face of difficulties. Success comes from knowing when to pull back, rather than pushing forward in unfavorable conditions. Perseverance brings small but important gains.

Hexagram 33 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天下有山，遯。君子以遠小人，不惡而嚴。"
(Tiān xià yǒu shān, dùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ yuǎn xiǎo rén, bù è ér yán.)
English Translation:
“The mountain stands beneath heaven: The image of Retreat. The superior person keeps distant from inferior people without hatred but maintains dignity.”

The image of the mountain under heaven suggests a time for standing firm and maintaining distance. The superior person knows when to withdraw from negative influences while remaining dignified and unresentful.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team